"
"And what said they? Oh, be quick, aunt! Is not Le Gardeur to be
tried by martial law and condemned at once to death?"
"No, Amelie! The Count de la Galissoniere, with the advice of his
wisest counsellors, among whom is your godfather and others, the
dearest friends of both families, have resolved to send Le Gardeur
to France by the Fleur de Lys, which sails to-morrow. They do this
in order that the King may judge of his offence, as also to prevent
the conflict that may arise between the contending factions in the
Colony, should they try him here. This resolution may be wise, or
not, I do not judge; but such is the determination of the Governor
and Council, to which all must submit."
Amelie held her head between her palms for some moments. She was
violently agitated, but she tried to consider, as best she might,
the decision with regard to her brother.
"It is merciful in them," she said, "and it is just. The King will
judge what is right in the sight of God and man. Le Gardeur was but
a blind instrument of others in this murder, as blind almost as the
sword he held in his hand.
Pages:
1070
1071
1072
1073
1074
1075
1076
1077
1078
1079
1080
1081
1082
1083
1084
1085
1086
1087
1088
1089
1090
1091
1092
1093
1094