the colonel, bluntly.

"But suppose the convicts should commit fresh crimes after I have
pardoned them?" asked the governor. "What would the home office say?"

"Point to the good which the men have done, and see if it does not
outweigh heavy faults," replied the colonel.

"You are right, and the petition of the young men is granted. Call
to-morrow at the office of the secretary, and obtain the documents; at
the same time let me inform you that if the home office does not concur
in my decision, the pardons are void. I do not anticipate any serious
objections, however, when I state the reasons which have governed my
conduct."

We thanked his excellency in suitable terms, and were about turning
away, when an almost imperceptible movement on the part of Colonel
Hensen claimed our attention. Slight as it was, we understood him, and
determined to strike while the iron was hot.

"We do not wish to give your excellency unnecessary trouble, but if you
would instruct your secretary to furnish the pardons this afternoon, we
know of one man who will receive it as the greatest birthday present
that can be given him."

"God bless me, is that the case?" cried the governor.

We repeated our statement that Smith's birthday would be celebrated in a
becoming manner, if his excellency was disposed to be lenient.

"Then God forbid that I should be the cause of any one's unhappiness.
Mr. Secretary, prepare the documents, and I will sign them immediately."

The governor had hardly ceased before the gentleman referred to had left
the room. While he was absent a number of questions was asked us
concerning our country, and I think a few of our replies surprised not
only Mr. Latrobe, but the staff which surrounded him.

"God bless me! it's marvellous to think of. The Americans are a great
people, there's no denying it, and I think in time will even equal the
parent country."

We did not enter into any argument with those present concerning the
relative strength of the two nations, but just as a question was
addressed to us regarding our navy, the secretary returned and handed
two papers to the governor, who, after a brief glance at their contents,
affixed his signature, and handed the documents to us.

"There, I have gratified you, young gentlemen, and now I request a
return for my kindness," said the governor, smiling.

"Any thing that your excellency may wish," stammered Fred, hardly
knowing what was coming.

"I wish both of