For three days the judges deliberated over their verdict.
“It’s a wonder to me,” Mr. Lee said, on his porch after the trial was over and before the verdict had been given, “that there haven’t been more of these terrible affairs. Nearly five thousand natives now have guns hidden in their homes and there’s no telling when the lust to kill will come to some of them. As I watched this murderer’s face during his trial, I could see no signs of penitence. He seemed to be proud of his exploit. If they would hang this fiery young warrior publicly it would make me think more kindly of the count and his government.”
The midshipmen readily agreed to the sentiment.
“But,” Phil objected, “the count is trying to gain popularity with all the natives, and if they hang this man for only killing a black slave, the natives will consider they have been treated unjustly. I doubt whether the man will be punished.”
“If he is not,” Mr. Lee exclaimed, “it will be a blot upon our civilization, and I, as American consul, will strongly condemn the morals of this unrighteous government that permits a murderer to move among us unpunished; in fact, worshiped by the others as a hero.”
Mary Hamilton paid the consul and his family a long visit. Her husband was one of the five judges who were still considering what to do and she was eager to learn what the American “Alii” thought, in order that she could go back and give good advice to her lord and master.
“It is very difficult,” she said in remarkably good English; “if they find the man guilty and order his death all our people will cry out upon the judges for hanging a brave warrior who has done nothing wrong fa’a Kapua. To kill a ‘black’ man is all the same as shooting a pig. And,” she added, “if they say what they would like to say and set the man free, the count and Missi Klinger will be very angry, and after we belong to their country will punish the judges severely.”
Mr. Lee laughed, despite the seriousness in Mary’s voice.
“It’s their duty, Mary,” he replied, “to find according to the facts. If this man killed another deliberately and without provocation they should condemn him to be hung. If the man were a white man and I were the judge that is what I should be bound to do.”
Mary looked puzzled.