The daily Alaskan., 1919-06-10

learn their fate, shaggy-haired, un- shaven, largely scum of the sea, never before in such presence, shuffling un- easily before his glance, feeling to the full the peril of their position. Their eyes turned to me questioningly.
 Opposite us. behind long table, sat the governor, dignified, austere, his hair powdered and face smoothly shaven; while on either side of him were those of his council, many of the faces stern and unforgiving. But for their gracious reception of Dorothy and their careful attention to her words should have lost heart. They questioned me shrewdly, although the governor spoke but seldom, and then in kindly tone of sympathy and un- derstanding. One by one the men were called forward. each In turn com pelled to tell briefly the story of his life; and when all was done the eyes of the governor sought those of the council.
 "YOu have all alike heard the tale, gentlemen" he said. "Nothing like it hath ever before been brought before this colony. Would you leave decision to meT
 There was a murmuP of assent, as though they were thus gladly relieved of responsibility In so serious mat ter. The governor smiled, his kindly eyes surveying us once more; then, with, extended hand he bade Dorothy be seated.
 "The story Is seemingly an honest one," he said slowly, land these sea men have done great service to the colony. They deserve reward rather than punishment. The fair lady who pleads for them is known to us all, and to even question her word is i'm possible. Unfortunately I have not the power of pardon in cases of piracy, nor authority to free bond slaves, with out the approval of the home govern ment; yet will exercise in this case whatsoever of. power I possess. For gallant services rendered to the col Ony. and unselflsh devotion to Mistress Dorothy Fairfar, I release Geoffry Carlyle from serYltude pending ad- vices from England; I also grant pa role to these seamen, on conditionI they remain within our jurisdiction until this judgment can be confirmed and full pardons issued. Is this judg- ment satisfactory, gentlemenT
 The members of the council bowed graVely, without speaking.
 "The chest of treasure recovered from the sunken pirate ship" he went on soberly, twill remain unopened un- til final decision Is made. As I under stand, Master Carlyle, no one amOng you has yet seen its contents, or esti- mated it's Valuef"
 "No, your excellency. Beyond doubt 1t contains the gold stolen from Roger Fairfax; and possibly the result of other robberies at sea.
 'The law of England Is that certain percentage of such recovered treaSurel belongs to the crown, the remainder, Its true ownership undetermined, to bel fairly divided among those recovering It." Yet" spoke up Dorothy quickly, 'ft must surely be possible to wave all claim in such cases"
 Certainly; as private property itl can be disposed of in any way desired. Was that your thought?"
 "A Fairfax always pays his debt, "I she said proudly. and this is mine."
 There was moments silence as' though each one present hesitated tOI speak. She had risen, and yet stood, l but with eyes lowered to the floor. Then they were lifted and met mine in all frank honesty.
 "There Is another debt owe" Shel said clearly, land would pay, your ex- cellency."
 "What is that, fair mistress"
 She crossed to me, her hand upon my arm.
 "To become the wife of Geoffry Gar lyle"
 THE END.