The Grenada sentinel. [volume] (Grenada, Miss.) 1868-1955, 1919-08-08

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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 find quarters below, the entire crew
sleeping on deck, Dorothy comfortable
on the flag locker.
1t was scarcely sunrise, ca the fifth
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 eve forget that
scene, or how breathlessly we awaited
the decision of the great man, who so
closely watched our faces. They were
surely a strange. rough group as 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
full the peril Of their position. Their
eyes turned to me questionfngly.
Opposite us, behind a 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 l should have lost heart. They
questioned ME shrewdly, although the
governor spoke but seldom, and then
in a kindly tone of sympathy and I'M
Outstanding. One by one the men
were called forward, each lin turn COM
PEELED to tell briefly the story of his
life; and when all was done the eyes
council.
"YOu have all alike heard the tale.
gentlemen" he said. Nothing like IL
hath ever before been brought before
this colony. Would you leave decision
to meY"
There was a fnurmur of assent, as
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 honest
one" he said slowly, land 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 10 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 rEe approval of the home govern
ment; yet NM exercise in this ease
'whatsoeyU Of power L possess. For
gallant services rendered to the col
ony, and unselfish devotion to Mistress
Dorothy Fairfax, / release Geoffry
Carlyle from servitude pending adj
vices from England; / also grant pa
role to these seamen, on condition
they remain within u 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, will remain unopened IN
til final decision is made. AS l under !
stand, Master Carlyle, no one among
you has yet seen its contents, or esti- |
mated its value?"
mo. your excellency. Beyond doubt
it contains the gold stolen from Roger |
Fairfax; and possibly the result Of
other robberies at sea. 4
"The law of England Is that a certain |
Of such recovered treasure
belongs to the crown, the. remainder, !
it's true ownership undetermined, to be-
fairly divided among those recovering |
It, j
yet" spoke up Dorothy quickly. lit
must surely be possible to waive all,
claim in such casesY"
Certainly; as private property it
can be disposed Of in any way desired. |
Was that your thoIghtY
"A Fairfax always pays his debt,"l
she said proudly, land this is mine"
There was a moments silence as
each M present hesitated tOl
speak. She had risen, and yet STOOD
but with eyes lowered to the floor
Then they were lifted and met mine,
in all frank honesty. .
There is another debt 1 owe," she
said clearly, "and would pay, your ex-'
cellency.i /
What is that, fair m~istress?" Il
She crossed to me. her hand upon !
my arm. ~
ITO become the wife of GcotfYy Oar |
! /
ERE END.