The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-04-05

Fer up1ICeQ eyes questioned ne
 'We will go aft, dear. and I will tell you the whole story" I said gently, ''for now we are homeward bound
 
 write these few closing lines a year later in the cabin of the Ocean Spray, three master, full to the matches with a cargo of tobacco, bound for London, and a market. Dorothy is on deck, eagerly watching for the first glimpse of the chalk cliffs of old England. I must join her presently, yet finger below to add these final sen tences.
 There is after all, little which needs to be said. The voyage of the Santa Marie north proved uneventful, and, after that first night of storm, the weather held pleasant and the sea fairly smooth. had some trouble with the men, but nothing serious. as Wat kins and Haines held as I did, and the pledge of Dorothy's influence brought courage. I refused to open the chest, believing our safety, and chance oH pardon, would depend largely on our 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 find quarters below, the entire crew sleeping on deck, Dorothy comfortable on the flag locker.
 It was scarcely sunrise, on the fifth day, when we dropped anchor against the current of the James, our sails furled and the red English coIors fly ing from the peak. Two hours later the entire company were in the pres ence of the governor, where I 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 so closely watched our faces. They were surely q strange, rough group as they stood thus, hats in hand, waiting to learn their fate, shaggy haired, un- shayen, largely scum of the sea, never before in such presence, shufiing un- easily before his glance, feeling to the full the peril of their position. Their eyes turned to me questioningiy.
 Opposite us, behlnd a long table, sat the governor, dfgni6ed, 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 I should have lost heart. They questioned me shrewdly, although the governor spoke but seldom, and then in a kindly tone of sympathy and un- derstanding. One by one the men were called forward, each in turn con- 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 eyer before been brought before this colony. Would you leave decision to mel"
 There was murmur 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, WILL SAlClluGu ASiuu He DdOe be seated.
 "The story is seemingly an honest 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. For gallant services rendered to the col Ony, and unselfiSh devotion to Mistress Dorothy Fairfax, I 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, gentlemenY'
 The members of the council bowed grayely, without speaking.
 "The chest of treasure recovered rom the 6unRen pirate snip, he went on soberly, twill remain unopened un. til final decision is made. As under stand, Master Carlyle, no enc among you has yet seen it's contents, or esti, mated its value2"
 ''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 Q certain percentage of such recovered treasure belongs to the crown, the remainder, its true ownership undetermined, to be fairly divided among those recovering g it."
 Yet" spoke up Dorothy quickly, 'lft must surely be possible to wave ali claim in such cases?"
 Certainly; as private property 1t can be disposed of in any way desired. Was that your thought:'
 "A Fairfax always pays his debt,' she said proudly, "and this is mine."
 There was a moments silence as