The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1919-10-02

rounded the cape uuu S"ihc INTO the
Cbesapeake. No attempt was made
"a find quarters below, the entire crew
slaening on deck, Dorothy comfortable
on the flag locker.
II was scarcely sunrise, on the fifth
div. when we dropped anchor against
the current of the james, our sails
furled and the red English colors fly.
ing from the peak. Two hours later
the entire company were In the pres
ence of the governor, where l told my
story. gravely listened TO, supplement.
ed by the earnest plea Of the young
woman. shall never forget tina.
scene or how breathlessly we awaited
the decision OF the great man, who So
closely watched our faces. They were
surely strange, rough group as they
stood thus, hats In hand, waiting to
learn their fate, shaggy-haired, Gn.
shaven, largely scum Of the sea, never
before in such presence, shutting I'M
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
shaver; 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
oh oil h,
governor spoke but seldom. and then
In a kindly tone OF sympathy and un.
Outstanding. One by one the men
were called forward. each in turn com.
PEELED 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 II
hath ever before been brought before
this colony. Would you leave decision
TO me?'
There was a murmur Of assent, az
though they were thus gladly relieved /
of responsibility In so serious a mat.
ter. The governor smiled, his kindly
eyes surveying us once more; then,
with extended hand he babe Dorothy
be seated
"The story Is seemingly an honea
one" he said slowly, "and these sea
men have done a 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 l 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. Fol-
gallant services rendered to the col
ony, and unselflsh devotion to Mistress
Dorothy Fairfax, release Geoffry
Carlyle from servitude pending ad.
vices from England; l also grant pa
role to these seamen, on condition
they remain within our Jurisdiction
until this judgment can be confirmed
and full pardons Issued Is this judg'
ment satisfactory, gentlemen"
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 I'M
I'll final decision Is made. AS under.
stand, Master Carlyle, no one among
you has yet seen it's contents. or estf
mated its value?"
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 treasure
belongs to the crown, the remainder
Its true ownership undetermined, to be
tairly divided among those recovering
! It."
Yet spoke up Dorothy quickly. III
must surely be possible to waive oil
claim in such casesY
Certainly; as private property II
can be disposed of in any way desired
was that your thought?'
"A Fairfax always pays his debt,
she SAID proudly, land this Is mine"
mere was moments silence ~
'"ough each one present hesitated "
speak. She had risen, and yet stood
put with eyes lowered to the floor
ihen they were lifted and met minis
In all frank honesty.
lhere Is another debt / owe" sh'
sa,u clearly, "and would pay, your eS
cellency."
what Is that. fair mistressT
one crossed to me, her hand upof
my arm.
10 become the wife of Geoffry Car