At one time, some rich men had given money to the Governor of Myra, hoping to get him to imprison three innocent men and then put them to death. When Nicholas heard about this he hurried to the place of execution. The jailer already had his sword in his hand and was about to kill the first man.
Nicholas stepped forward and told him to put his sword away. He then raised the condemned men to their feet and told the jailer to release them. Nicholas was very angry. He went to the Governor and said: “How dare you do such a wicked thing! Surely God will punish you.” The Governor fell to his knees and asked forgiveness. Seeing that he was truly sorry, Nicholas forgave him.