r his company to mine?" asked the captain, with
astonishment.

"We are better acquainted with him," Fred said, evasively.

"But the man has been convicted as a felon and is only at liberty now on
parole."

"He has atoned for his fault, and has shown himself a brave man," I
replied.

"But with one word I can order him to prison again, and make him serve
out his sentence."

"You would not think of doing such an unkind act, I know," rejoined
Fred, with a smile.

"I don't know but I shall have to for no other reason than to get his
company away," said the captain, smiling; "you will pardon me if I
misjudged you both on account of your dress; we have many strangers
landing at our port, and if they disguise themselves in the clothing of
workmen, they must not feel slighted if they are taken for such."

"We are but workmen," I replied, "and to prove it, I will commence now.
You have it in your power to help confer a benefit, and I mean to work
until I get your consent to the scheme."

"Pray, what is it, sir? Any thing in my power I will do willingly."

"We wish the pardon of Smith, and your lieutenant will tell you that he
richly deserves it for the gallantry and mercy which he has shown."

"Your request is one fraught with difficulty, but I will see the
lieutenant-governor, Mr. Latrobe, and lay the subject before him.
Perhaps you would like to speak to the gentleman himself on the matter."

"Perhaps it would be better if we did," replied Fred, with no expression
of astonishment on his face at the proposal.

"Then I will get you an audience to-morrow afternoon, and mind, don't be
afraid to speak to the governor when you see him."

"Have no fear on that point," I replied, with a smile.

"Then good-by until to-morrow; I'll send Murden for you when the
governor is ready."

The captain so far forgot his aristocracy that he actually extended his
hand at parting, and shook our fists with a right good will.

We joined Smith, who was standing a short distance from us, and had
listened to every word that had been uttered with a face of scarlet, but
as we turned away, I heard the captain remark,--

"Those are singular young fellows, and somehow I begin to like them."

"Well, Smith," I said, as he drove his team from the yard, "we are to
have a hearing to-morrow, and perhaps in the evening may be able to
celebrate your liberation."

"It will hardly be of use to me," he replied, bitterly. "Let a man do
ever so well