accepting help from almost
any source. Then, as regards the men themselves. It is undoubtedly
true that they have committed crimes which place them quite outside the
pale of human mercy, _if justice alone_ is to be considered. But for my
own part I believe that they have repented of their past misdeeds--at
any rate they _say_ so, and we have no reason to doubt the truth of
their assertion. They ask for an opportunity to reform; they desire a
chance of making amends, as far as possible, for the past evil of their
lives; and I have an idea, gentlemen, that though, in giving them such a
chance, we might not be acting in accordance with _man's_ idea of strict
justice, we should be following pretty closely upon God's idea of it.
He breaks not the bruised reed nor quenches the smoking flax; and if He
thus declares his readiness to give even the most doubtful and
unpromising of His creatures another trial, I really do not see that we
are called upon to be more strict than He is. My proposal, therefore,
is that we should accept these men's proffered assistance; that we
should do what we may be able to do for them in the way of giving them
the opportunity they desire; and if justice _is_ to overtake them--if
punishment _is_ to follow their past misdeeds, let it be due to some
other agencies than ours. If God intends them to suffer punishment at
the hands of their fellow-creatures, He will provide the instruments,
never fear. But I think it far more likely He will give them another
chance."

"I, too, believe He will," said Lance. "You take a view of the matter
which I confess with shame had not presented itself to me, and I am
convinced. These men have committed crimes of exceptional enormity, it
is true; but it is not for us to draw the line--to say to whom mercy
shall be granted and from whom it shall be withheld; therefore let us
accept their offer, and leave the matter of their punishment in God's
hands."

Thus, then, it was decided; and Bob--as the least likely to excite
suspicion if seen in conversation with any of the pirates--was deputed
to inform Dickinson that his offer and that of his mates' had been
accepted, and to request him to call--without exciting observation, if
possible--at the cottage that evening.

When the gentlemen returned home at the close of the day's work, they
found Blanche and Violet in a state of considerable nervous excitement,
owing, they asserted, to their having been frightened that