I saw a smile of satisfaction beam on the face of the colonel, and I knew that our course met his approval.

“God bless me, what do they want?” asked the governor, in an agony of irresolution, appealing to the colonel.

“They ask for no more than what your excellency should grant,” replied 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 you to stop and dine with me to-day, and if you refuse, never ask me for another pardon.”