eight
o'clock
Once more the prisoner addressed the Governor in the same clear firm voice in which he had opened his appeal . `` Colonel de Haldimar , I have no connection with any living soul without the fort ; and again I repeat , I am no traitor , but a true and loyal British soldier , as my services in this war , and my comrades , can well attest . Still , I seek not to shun that death which I have braved a dozen times at least in the -- regiment . All that I ask is , that I may not be tried -- that I may not have the shame of hearing sentence pronounced against me YET ; but if nothing should occur before eight o'clock to vindicate my character from this disgrace , I will offer up no further prayer for mercy . In the name of that life , therefore , which I once preserved to Captain de Haldimar , at the price of my own blood , I entreat a respite from trial until then . '' `` In the name of God and all his angels , let mercy reach your soul , and grant his prayer ! '' Every ear was startled -- every heart touched by the plaintive , melancholy , silver tones of the voice that faintly pronounced the last appeal , and all recognised it for that of the young , interesting , and attached wife of the prisoner .