It was an affectionate letter of pardon, dated a month back from the Court of Saint Germains, written throughout and signed by the hand of King James himself.
"Thank you, my lord.

When his Majesty writes thus, it is not for his subjects to bear rancour.

Will you kindly state your immediate business ?" "It concerns the young man Tristram Salt.

You desire that he should be restored to you ?" "My lord," said Captain Barker, "that young man is more to me than many sons." "You are indignant at the recollection of this afternoon ?" "What has that to do with it ?" "Much.

But let me continue.