"It is quite true, that finding your absence occasioning serious remark, while your attorney-general took advantage of your absence to annoy me in a most cowardly fashion, with the kind help of Professor Griswold, I did all in my power to thwart your enemies, and to show the people of South Carolina that you were not a man to evade the responsibilities of your office. As to the details of these matters I prefer, father, to speak to you in private."
"Professor Griswold?" repeated Governor Osborne haughtily. "I believe I have not the honor of the gentleman's acquaintance;" whereupon, to ease the situation, Ardmore presented his old friend.
"Governor Osborne, allow me to present Professor Henry Maine Griswold, associate professor of admiralty in the University of Virginia, and the author of—"
"Griswold?" The anger slowly left Governor Osborne's face. "Do I understand that you belong to the Virginia tide-water family of that name? Then, sir, without hesitation I offer you my hand."
"Osborne," cried Governor Dangerfield, "we have every reason to be proud of our daughters. They have done their best for us; and they seem to have acted wisely in accepting aid from these gentlemen; and now, what is to be done with Bill Appleweight."
"We have with us that requisition you left on your desk," exclaimed Barbara, turning to her father.
"I'm afraid that won't help," laughed Governor Osborne, "that requisition, Barbara, is purely Pickwickian in character."
"The disposition of Appleweight," said Cooke, "is a matter of delicacy for both of you gentlemen, and you will pardon me for thrusting myself forward, but that this affair may end happily for all, neither North nor South Carolina should bear the burden of prosecuting a man to whom—we may say it as between friends here—the governors of both states are under some trifling obligations."
The governor of North Carolina exchanged a glance and a nod with the governor of South Carolina.
"Therefore," resumed Cooke, "we must hit upon a plan of action that will eliminate both states from the controversy. I will, with your permission, turn Appleweight over to the United States revenue officers who are even now in this neighborhood looking for him."