Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1919-10-08

kips and Haines held as l did, and the
pledge of Dor0thy's influence brought
courage I refused to open the chest,
believing our safety and chance of
pardon. would depend largely on our
handing this over In good faith 10 the
authorities. Watkins and / 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
II was scarcely sunrise, on 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. | shall never forget that
scene or how breathlessly we awaited
the decision of the great man, who so
closely watched our faces. They were
sure y strange, rough group as they
stood thus, hats in hand, waiting to
learn their fate, shaggy-haired, I'M
shaven, largely scum of the sea, never
before In such presence, shutting UNI
easily before his glance, feeling to the
full the peril of their position. Their
eyes turned TO me questioningly.
haH saI
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 I'M
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 it
hath ever before been brought before
this colony. Would you leave decision
to meY
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,
with extended hand he babe Dorothy
be seated.
1.-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 who
pleads for them is known to us all,
and to even question her word is i'm
possible. Unfortunately | 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 | possess. For
gallant services rendered to the col
ony, and unselfish devotion 10 Mistress
Dorothy Fairfax, release Geoffry
Carlyle from servitude pending adj
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.
1.-THE chest of treasure recovered
from the sunken pirate ship" he went
on soberly, twill remain unopened un-
til final decision is made. AS | under
stand. Master Carlyle. no one among
you has yet seen its contents. or esti-
mated its valueP'
"No. your excellency. Beyond doubt
II contains the gold stolen from Roger
Fairfax; and possibly the result of
other robberies at sea.
1.-THE law of England is that a certain
percentage OF such recovered treasure
belongs to the crown, the remainder,
it's true ownership undetermined, to be
fairly divided among those recovering
It."
"Yet." spoke up Dorothy quickly. sit
must surely be possible to waive all
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. land this Is mine"
There was moments silence as
though each one present heSitated TO
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 owe" she
said clearly, 'and would pay, your ex-
| cellency."
"What is that. fair mistreSs?"
She crossed to me, her hand upon
my arm.
TO become the wife Of Geoftry Car
lyle"
! THE END.