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.