“‘CITIZENS OF NEW YORK, BEWARE! Captain William Kidd, famous for his knowledge of the haunts and practices of the buccaneers, will soon arrive in New York to lay in stores and take commissions for the South Seas. He sails under cover of a patent, granted by the Earl of Bellamont, Governor of His Majesty’s province of New York, granting him power to cruise against the buccaneers. This alleged purpose is a trick to deceive the people. Captain Kidd’s real purpose is to cooperate with the pirates, to evade the laws of the province, and to enrich the pocket of the governor. Beware how you countenance this betrayal of your laws.’” Then the Earl added: “How inimical the sentiment expressed herein is to the interests and procedure of our royal master is forthwith apparent. Gentlemen, examine the document for yourselves.”
He handed it to Mr. Livingstone, who in turn passed it on to Mr. Pinhorne. The paper traveled slowly down the table. Suddenly one of the councillors exclaimed, “By my soul! This is Van Volkenberg’s hand.”
“And what if it is?” the patroon cried out, at the same time bringing his fist down on the table with an angry blow.
There was the silence of amazement at this sudden explosion.
“Do not deliberate hastily,” said the Earl, with a smile. “Let me make clear the manner in which this paper came into my hands.” He rang a bell for a servant. “Fetch Monsieur Le Bourse.”
I shall never forget the blank expression on the patroon’s face at the moment I stepped into the room in obedience to the Earl’s command; nor shall I forget the thrill of joy I experienced when I saw that the patroon knew who had driven him to bay. I related in as few words as possible what had happened during the night, dwelling on the damning evidence which my story furnished of the truth of the rumors that Van Volkenberg had secret dealings with the buccaneers. When I had finished my tale, Mr. Livingstone rose and claimed the floor.
“Your Excellency,” he said, “this is worse than I could have imagined. It is enough to justify expulsion from the council.”
“I shall not remain to embarrass your consideration,” said the patroon.
He got upon his feet, ashy pale, and trembling with suppressed rage, but with a noble dignity in his disgrace withal.
“I acknowledge your accusation,” continued the patroon. “If your clemency (bowing to the governor), which is well known to all of us, will permit a fallen man to resign the honor of a seat at your council board before he is deprived of it by force, I shall be everlastingly in your debt.”