"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, the charge of once having been a convict will be repeated in his ears until he is no longer able to hear it. God knows I have repented of my crime, and only ask an opportunity to commence a new life; and I heard the very man who should have shielded me, say, 'he's only a convict,' and wonders that you dare trust your lives with me."
"He don't know you, Smith," replied Fred, consolingly. "Wait until he hears of your bravery, and knows what you have done, and then you'll see how quickly he will shake you by the hand, and congratulate you."
"Do you think so?" asked Smith, musing over Fred's words.