The state herald., 1919-11-14

handing this over In good faith to the
authorities. Watkins and I guarded
It night and day until the schooner
rounded the cape and came into the
Chesapeake. No attempt was made
to fnd quarters below. the entire crew
sleeping on deck. Dorothy comfortable
on the nag locker.
II was scarcely sunrise, on the nth
day, 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 told my
story. gravely listened to, supplement-
ed BY the earnest plea of the young
woman. l shall never forget that
scene, or how breathlessly We awaited
the decision Of the great man, who 20
closely watched our faces. They were
surely strange. rough group a. they
stood thus. hats In hand. waiting to
learn their fate. shaggy-haired. un-
shaven. largely scum Of the sea, never
before In such presence, shufYilng 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 nm.
derstanding. One by one the men
were called forward. each In turn com
PEELED to tell briefly the story Of hii
life: and when all was done the eyes
Of the governor sought those Of the
council.
"You have all alike heard the tals
gentlemen" he said. Nothing like II
hath ever before been brought before
this colony. Would you leave decisios
to me?"
There was q murmur Of assent, q
though they were thus gladly relieved
Of responsibility In so serious q mat.
ter. The governor smiled, bis kindly
eyes surveying us once more; then
with extended hand he bade Dorothy
be seated. I.
The story II seemingly an hone6
one" he said slowly. "and these 80.
men have done . great service to ths
colony. They deserve reward ratihss
than punishment. The fair lady whs
pleads for them IL known to " III
and to even question her word IL IN
possible. Unfortunately have nol
the power Of pardon In cases Of piraey,
nor authority to free bond slaves, with
out the approval Of the home govern
ment; yet will exercise in this cas-
whatsoever Of power l possess. Fos
gallant services rendered to the col.
ony. and unselfish devotion to Mistress
Dorothy Fairfax. l release GeofffJ
Carlyle from servitude pending i'd
vices from England: 1 also grant d,
role to these seamen, on condItios
they remain within our jurlsdicttoe
until this judgment can be confirmed
and full pardons issued. II this jude
ment satisfactory. gentlemenr"
The members OF the council bowed
gravely. without speaking.
The chest of treasure recovered
from the sunken pirate ship" he went
on soberly. "will remain unopened IN
III Anal decision 10 made. AZ l under
stand. Mister Carlyle. no one smoaa
you has yet seen its contents. or ed
mated Its valuef''
mo. your excellency. Beyond douht
It contains the gold stolen from Rogss
Fairfax; and possibly the result u
other robberies at sea.
''rhe law Of England In that certain
percentaas Of such recovered treasure
belongs to the crown. the remaindss.
Its true ownership undetermined. to b
fairly divided among those recoverina
IT,"
"Yet," spoke up Dorothy quickly. III
must surely be possible to waive al
claim In such casesf'
Certainly: as private property n
can be disposed Of In any way desired
Was that your ihoughtf"
"A Fairfax always pays his debt
she snid proudly. "and this In mine"
There was . moments silence q
though each one present hesitnted to
speak. She hnd risen. and yet stood.
but with eyes lowered to the fioor.
Then they were lifted and met mine
In NIL frnnk honesty.
There IL nnother debt I owe" ahs
said clearly. "and would pay. your q.
ccllrncy."
"Hhnt II thnt. fair mistressf"
ahc crossed to me. her hand upos
my arm.
TO become the wife Of GcoiYry Car.
lyle"
THE END.