'I understand,' said Renzi, his high voice raising eyebrows.
'Bring in the prisoner.'
Kydd returned and stood facing the court, swaying slightly.
'This is the man,' Renzi said.
'Very well. Remove the prisoner.' When Kydd had been led out, he resumed. 'You are asking me to believe that you boarded a ship in active mutiny to interview this Kydd?'
'No, sir, I wouldn't dare Those were desperate men—'
'Quite. Then, if I may ask .. .'
'I secured the offices of his — his paramour, if you will excuse the indelicacy, sir. She it was who regularly passed between, utterly without suspicion.'
'Then it only needs the young lady to be produced to identify both parties and th' link is complete. Is she ... ?'
'She is nearby, sir. I'll ask her to attend immediately.'
Kydd entered the court for the second time. 'Kitty!'
'This's the man, so please y sir,' she said, avoiding Kydd's eye.
The prisoner was taken away.
'And this man, do you know him?'
'Yes, sir, I do indeed.'
'Then the court thanks you, m' dear, for your assistance.' The president waited for them both to leave, then sat back.
'I find the identity proved and, in the light of what we have heard, find the man Kydd exonerated of all culpability. Are there any to gainsay? Then I rule that the prisoner receive a full and general pardon. This ruling is made in camera without prejudice to the prerogatives of the court and, for the protection of the individual concerned, is entered without record. These proceedings will not be discussed outside this court now or at any future date. Bring in the prisoner.
'Thomas Paine Kydd, this court finds that, for reasons not for record, you have been exonerated of culpability in the matter of the charges brought against you, and that the gracious pardon of His Majesty be deemed to extend to you. You are hereby freed. You may go.'
Utterly confused, mind a-swim, Kydd had to be helped to the door. It opened, and there were Hulme, Fearon and the others looking up at him. 'P-pardoned,' he said hoarsely, and the manacles were struck off.
Chapter 11
‘For pity’s sake tell me!’ Kydd pleaded. Snuggled deep into Kitty's bed he was still feeling woozy after a deep sleep and the draught she had slipped into his negus.
She fussed at his coverings and replied, with a sigh, 'I've told ye before, m' dear, not until Mr Renzi comes. I promised him he'll be th' one t' tell you.' Lowering her voice she added wistfully, 'You are s' lucky, Tom, t' have such a friend as will do this f'r you.'
As consciousness returned, the past galloped back to crowd his thoughts, bringing with it all the desperate feelings of the last few weeks. He had to know why he had been spared, if only to be sure that he wouldn't in some way find himself back there again.
He dressed and looked out of the gunport window at the ships at anchor in Sheerness and further away, still where they had fled after escaping the mutineer fleet. The sight of them brought back dark memories that tugged at his sanity — but for now
Cockburnhe let the enfolding warmth of Kitty's caring soothe his soul.
