“No, your excellency.  Beyond doubt it contains the gold stolen from Roger Fairfax; and possibly the result of other robberies at sea.

“The law of England is that a certain percentage of such recovered treasure belongs to the crown, the remainder, its true ownership undetermined, to be fairly divided among those recovering it.”

“Yet,” spoke up Dorothy quickly, “it must surely be possible to waive all claim in such cases?”

“Certainly; as private property it can be disposed of in any way desired.  Was that your thought?”

“A Fairfax always pays his debt,” she said proudly, “and this is mine.”

There was a moment’s silence as though each one present hesitated to speak.  She had risen, and yet stood, but with eyes lowered to the floor.  Then they were lifted, and met mine, in all frank honesty.

“There is another debt I owe,” she said clearly, “and would pay, your Excellency.”

“What is that, fair mistress?”

She crossed to me, her hand upon my arm.

“To become the wife of Geoffry Carlyle.”