The Lamar register., 1919-06-11

woman. / shall never forget thar
scene, or how breathlessiy we awaited
the decision of the great man. who so
closely watched our faces. They were
surely a strange, rough group ms 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. shutting I'M
easily before his glance. feeling to the
fun the peril of their position. Their
eyes turned to me questloningly.
Opposite us, behind long table, snt
the governor, dignified. austere, his
hair powdered and face smoothly
shaven; while on either side of him
We're those of his council, many OF the
faces stern and unforgivlng. 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 II kindly tone of sympathy and un-
derstanding. 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 ike Il
hath ever before been brought before
this colony. Would you leave decision
TO mcTr
There was a murmur 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. 'and these sea
men have done great service to the
colony. They deserve reward rather
than punishment. The fair lady wlia
pleads for them is known 10 us all.
and TO even question her word is inn
possible. Unfortunately / have not
the power of pardon In eases OF piracy.
nor authority to free bond slaves. with
out the approval of the home govern.
ment; yet will exercise In this casr
gallant services rendered to the col
ony. and unselfish devotion to Mistrcss
Dorothy Fairfax, release Geoffry
Carlyle from seryltude pending nd
vices from England: | 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. gentlemenT"
The members OF the council bowed
grayely. without speaking.
The chest OF treasure recovered
from the sunken pirate ship" he went
on soberly. twill remain unopened un-
I'll final decision is made. As under
stand, Master Carlyle, no one among
you has yet seen its contents. or esti-
mated its valueT
'No. your excellency. Beyond doubt
II 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
fairly divided among those recovering
it
Yet" spoke up Dorothy quickly, at
must surely be possible to waive all
claim in such casesf'
Certainly; as private property II
can be disposed of in any way desired
Was that your thoughtf'
"A Fairfax always pays his debit
she said proudly. "and this is mine"
There was a moments silence as
though each one present hesitnted to
speak. She had risen. and yet stood
but with eyes lowered to the floor
Then they were lifted and met mint
in all frank honesty.
There is another debt owe" sh,
said clearly. "and would pay. your ex
cellency."
What is that. fair mistressfn
She crossed to me. her hand upon
my arm.
"To become the wife of Geofrry Car
lyle"