Rafael Sabatini

“ Lionel looked at him for a long moment in silence, sitting up a little. Then he sank back again slowly against Sir John's breast.
"God has been merciful to me a sinner," he said, "since He accords me the means to make amends, tardily though it be."
Then he struggled up again, and held out his arms to Sir Oliver, and his voice came in a great pleading cry. "Noll! My brother! Forgive!"
Oliver advanced, none hindering until, with his hands still pinioned behind him he stood towering there above his brother, so tall that his turban brushed the low ceiling of the cabin. ”

“ Rosamund exhorted him from the other side, and her voice was wrung with agony.
He looked at her, and smiled faintly. "Never fear," he whispered, "I shall speak. God has spared me to that end. Take your arms from me, Killigrew. I am the... the vilest of men. It... it was I who killed Peter Godolphin."
"My God!" groaned Sir John, whilst Lord Henry drew a sharp breath of dismay and realization.
"Ah, but that is not my sin," Lionel continued. "There was no sin in that. We fought, and in self-defence I slew him—fighting fair. My sin came afterwards. When suspicion fell on Oliver, I nourished it... ”

“ And then as if thoughts of vengeance were to soothe and comfort his sinking friend's last moments, he added: "We have the villain fast."
Very slowly and with obvious effort Lionel turned his head to the right, and his dull eyes went beyond Sir John and made quest in the ranks of those that stood about him.
"Oliver?" he said in a hoarse whisper. "Where is Oliver?"
"There is not the need to distress you...." Sir John was beginning, when Lionel interrupted him.
"Wait!" he commanded in a louder tone. "Is Oliver safe?" ”