Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1919-04-16

"We will go aft, dear, and l will tell
you the whole story" l said gently,
''for now we are homeward bound"
write these few closing lines 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. / must join her presently,
| yet linger below to add these final SEN
| fences.
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 / did, and the
pledge of Dorothy'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 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.
1t 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. l shall never forget that
scene, or now breathlessly we awaited
the decision of the great man, who so
closely watched our faces. They were
surely strange, rough group as they
stood thus, hats in hand, waiting to
learn their fate, shaggy-haired, IN
shaver, 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 Guestioningly.
Opposite us, behind q 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 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 me?'
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
"The story is seemingly an honest
One," he said slowly, land 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 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 / 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 our Jurisdiction
until this judgment can be confirmed
and full pardons issued. Is this judg-
ment satisfactory, gentlemenT
The members of the council bowed
gravely, without speaking.
'sThe chest of treasure recovered
from the sunken pirate Ship" he went
on soberly, twill remain unopened I'M
til final decision is made. AS / under
stand, Master Carlyle. no one among
you has yet seen it's contents, or esti-
mated it's value?"
mo, your excellency Beyond doubt
it contains the gold stolen from Roger
Fairfax; and possibly the resLt OF
! other robberieS at sea. :,
"The law of England is that a csri
percentage of such recovered treasur,
belongs to the crown, the remainder.
its true ownership undetermined to be
fairly divided among those recovering
| it,"
Yet" spoke up Dorothy quickly. sft
must surely be possible to walve ALI
claim in such cases?"
"CortainlV. aS nrivato proy,o,+~. -