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“On the contrary, they were both frightened out of their wits the whole time, and both were crying and begging for mercy when they were ordered into the launch.”

“It is extremely important that you should bring this out. When you question the other Bounty witnesses, you must examine each of them upon this point. If they agree with you, that Hallet and Hayward were much alarmed, it will throw doubt upon the reliability of their testimony.”

It was late in the afternoon when Mr. Graham rose to go.

“I think we have covered everything, Mr. Byam,” he said. “Do you wish to read your defense, or would you prefer that I read it for you?”

“What do you think I should do, sir?”

“I advise you to read it, unless you think you may be too nervous.”

I told him that I had no apprehensions on that score.

“Good!” he replied. “Your story will make a deeper impression if given in your own voice. Read it clearly and slowly. You must have noticed that several members of the Court seem to be all but convinced of your guilt? It is apparent in the questions they have asked the witnesses.”