"'After this ruffian DeNortier has murdered my people and sacked my ships for five long years, then thou dost ask me to spare the life of his stanchest captain, who personally murdered one of my bravest gentlemen, Sir Samuel Morton, and who led these expeditions of blood and crime? Shame upon thee! He shall hang, though he were of royal blood! Get ye back to him, and say that on the day after to-morrow, he shall hang by the neck until he is dead. To-morrow is his to make his peace with God. Get thee out of my presence,' and I hurried away as fast I could, for in truth she is too much like her royal father, for it to be pleasant to be around when she is angry," and he groaned. "It is but what I expected," I answered. "But I thank thee for the effort that thou hast made for me--from the bottom of my heart I thank thee." And I arose and gave him my hand. He caught it and wrung it with both of his own. "I would that I could have saved thee," he said hoarsely, "and I wish thee to know that I now believe that thy tale is true. It seems strange, incredible, but thou art a gentleman, and I believe thee. 'The truth is often stranger than fiction.'" I was pleased at this sign of his trust in me. "I thank thee, Sir William," I said, "and say again that I spoke only the truth. Should we not meet each other again upon this earth, I hope we shall meet in another sphere." "God grant it, Sir Thomas!" he cried. "It is but a few more short years for me now, and the time is still shorter with thee. Somewhere beyond this world we will meet again, that I feel sure of--until then, farewell!" and the old soldier opened the door and passed out, locking it behind him. Throwing myself upon the bed, I closed my eyes, and only awoke when the gray light of the morning was streaming into the rough cell. A man brought my breakfast, coarse though bountiful, and after eating, I walked to the window and looked out. Only the narrow court-yard met my view. I could see nothing beyond it. To-morrow morning at this time I would be standing upon the scaffold, preparing to make the last long journey into the beyond. A little more and the journey would be over. The door opened again. "A gentleman to see thee, sir," said the man who waited upon me. I turned eagerly, perhaps it was Bobby Vane, or--no, only the crafty features of my brother Richard met my view as he limped into the cell. "Get out!" I cried angrily. "Quick! Or I will dash thee against the wall. Art deaf?" and I moved toward him. The jailer had already locked the door and left us. "Listen, Thomas," he answered. "I have come to save thee, if thou wilt but listen to me a moment." "Dost thou expect me to believe that?" I said. "Out with thee! Wouldst thou come in to annoy a dying man, and to distract his thoughts from his devotions? This is my last day--wouldst thou spoil it for me?" "I would save thee," he replied, "if thou wilt but listen to me."