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than either of the last two.
    Sewall feels bitter at the way things are turning out. He wanted to treat the pirates as a crew; the other judges, under the influence of the governor, decided to consider them singly. Then when it suited their cause, they decided the pirates
should
be considered as a crew after all. Meanwhile they have become a crew themselves, leaving Sewall to stand all alone.
    He looks at the brave countenance of Nathaniel Saltonstall. An honest man, though perhaps inclined to drink too much (Sewall is very fond of a drink himself). He still has a kind smile on his face and shows none of the impatience of the others. ‘I concede Pound,’ Sewall says sharply.
    Winthrop nods, careful to avoid any sign of triumph, and passes round the reprieve document for signature. Then he steps out of the room in search of his man, who should be back by now after delivering the reprieves for the last two. The sermon will be over, even allowing for the fact that Mr. Mather was delivering it. The two newly reprieved men will have been released from their shackles and will be discovering their liberty again, dazed with joy. Despite his doubts, Sewall feels a moment of happiness at their happiness.
    The remaining three, Hawkins, Pound and Johnson, will be in the cart trundling along on their way to the place of execution. Mr. Winthrop’s man, on horseback, should be able to intercept them before it arrives, and pass the order for the release of Pound.
    Mr. Winthrop returns to the room. ‘There is still Hawkins’s case to be considered,’ he announces. The other judges have been fastening their cloaks, pulling on their gloves, preparing to go. There’s a collective sigh. For once Sewall feels part of this crew: he sighs too. ‘If we have let the rest of the men off—,’ Winthrop says.
    â€˜Except Johnson,’ interjects Sewall.
    â€˜â€”Except Johnson, then we need to consider whether Hawkins merits the same treatment. He has always been a decent man, a God-fearing fisherman, married to my—’
    â€˜We have established that he is the captain,’ Sewall points out, ‘and therefore must take responsibility.’
    â€˜Let us say,’ puts in Nathaniel Saltonstall, ‘that Hawkins is, so to speak, the brain or head of this crew.’
    â€˜Exactly my point,’ Sewall reminds him with returning confidence.
    â€˜Why then,’ Saltonstall continues, ‘the other men, that is to say, the crew, may be considered the body. If the body is guiltless in its acts—’
    â€˜Excepting Johnson,’ says Sewall.
    â€˜Always excepting Johnson,’ Saltonstall agrees, ‘why then the brain, or head, which is responsible for the acts of the body, must be considered guiltless also.’
    Suddenly Sewall feels overwhelmed. He has done all he can. He can feel his shoulders droop. Mr. Winthrop must observe this because he doesn’t wait for Sewall to speak but simply says, ‘It’ll be touch and go whether we can get to him before it’s too late.’ While the paper is being passed round, he rushes out of the room, but immediately returns. ‘My man is not yet back from the last errand,’ he says.
    The final insult: Sewall has to send his own man, Bastian, on horseback to the execution ground.
    The judges file out, one by one. The prayer has been forgotten. Most contrive to avoid Sewall’s gaze as they bid him farewell. Nathaniel Saltonstall, however, heartily shakes him by the hand. He still has the kindly smile. Strangely, even though he has conformed to Saltonstall’s wish, Sewall feels shame-faced when looking at that open countenance, as if he has in some complex way let him down, so that Saltonstall’s sympathy is an acknowledgement of his own weakness.
    Â 
    Boston’s place of execution is by the shore south of the harbour, and almost a mile from the Sewalls’ house. By some peculiarity of wind or water,