CHAPTER XXI.
"_Friar_ Can you forgive?
_Elmore_. As I would be forgiven."
LOVELL.
On the morning following the defeat of Maxwell and Vernon, it became
necessary to make some disposition of the prisoners, so that the
conquerors could attend to their daily duties. Their number was too
large to be left upon the island in the absence of its defenders. A
consultation between Dr. Vaudelier and the principals of the party took
place. There were so many difficulties in the way of bringing the
invaders to justice, that it was finally decided to release them all.
The burden of the evidence was against the physician's son. The doctor,
however much he deprecated the deed, was anxious to save his son from
the publicity of a trial. His friends, seeing the melancholy truth,
relieved his mind by suggesting that all of them be released, which was
accordingly done.
Vernon had entirely recovered from the effects of Hatchie's blow, and
was seated at the window of his apartment, contemplating the means of
escape. At his father's request, two men had sat by him during the
night, as much to prevent his escape as to minister to his wants.
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