, as they would be condemned with the others, but that a reprieve
would be given when they were on the scaffold."

"But why should you have done this?" inquired I.

"First, because I wished people to believe that I was dead, that there
might not be so great a hue and cry after me, and the temptation of so
high a reward; next, because I knew that Fitzgerald was still in prison,
and that his wife would read the account of his execution in the
newspapers, which I hoped would break her heart, and so make him
miserable."

"Oh, Spicer, that was too cruel."

"It was, but my plan succeeded. The men gave our names, went to the
scaffold expecting a reprieve, and were hanged."

"And thus it is that your poor mother thinks even now that you were
hanged," said I.

"Even so, Jack, even so. Well, after a time I quitted my vessel and
returned to England; for I was actually tired of bloodshed, and I had
collected a great deal of money. On my arrival I inquired after
Fitzgerald. It appeared that his wife had heard the account of his
execution; and, as her bonnet was found by the side of the mill-dam, it
was supposed that she had destroyed herself. Fitzgerald returned home,
and was distracted at the intelligence. I have always thought that she
was dead; but, by what you say, Jack, I now doubt it."

"And Fitzgerald, Spicer, what became of him?"

"I really cannot tell. I heard that he had entered on board of a King's
ship, but not under his own name. How far that was true or not I cannot
say; but I have every reason to believe that such was the case."

"And how came you on board of a man-of-war?"

"Why, that's soon told, I spent my money, or lost it all in gambling,
went out again, obtained command of a vessel, and did well for some
time; but I was more tyrannical and absolute than ever. I had shot five
or six of my own men, when the crew mutinied, and put me and two others
who had always supported me in an open boat, and left us to our fate. We
were picked up by a frigate going to the East Indies when we were in the
last extremity. And now, Jack, I believe you have my whole history. I am
tired now, and must go to sleep; but, Jack, I wish you to come to-morrow
morning, for I have something to say to you of great importance.
Good-by, Jack; don't forget."

I promised Spicer that I would not fail, and quitted the hospital. When
I called again upon him, I found him very low and weak; he could not
raise himself from his pillow. "I f