Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1895-08-10

Inc Dlttcrncss Oh that hour long past,
when he had left me for death, when he
had played with tho human longing for
life and strivcn without thought of pity
TO corrupt me by hopes and fears tho most
awful that mortnls know, was in my
voice Us spoke. Ircjoiced that vengeance
had come upon him ut last, and that
was its instrument ! saw the pallor of
great fear creep into his dark check and
read in his eyes the vicious passion Of .
wild beast trapped and felt no pity. MAS.
ter Clarence" said and laughed
laughed mockingly. You do not look
pleased to SEQ your friends, or perhaps you
do not remember me. Stand forward,
Master BERTHE! Maybe no will recognize
you
But though Master Berthe came forward
and stood by my side, gazing at him, the
villains eyes did not for an instant shift
from mine. 1T Is the man, my compan
ion said aftar n solemn pause, for the
other, breathing fast, made no answer.
"IIc was n spy in the pay Of Bishop Gard
incr when knew him. At the bishops
death heard that he passed into the serv-
ice Of tho Spanish emba ssador, the Count
dc Fcria. lie called himself at that time
Clarence. recognize him."
Tho quiet words had their effect. From
full one half OF the savage crew round us
n fierce murmur rose more terrible than
any loud outcry, yet this seemed relief
to the doomed man. He forced himself to
look away from mo and to confront tho dark
ring Of mcnncing faces which hcmmed
him In. Tho moment he did go he ap-
peared to find courage and words. "They
take mo for another MANI he cried in
hoarsc accents. II know nothing Of
tbem!' and he added fearful oath. He
knows me. Ask him!'
Hc pointed to Walter Kingston, who
was sitting modify on a tram outside the
ring, and who alone had not risen under
the excitement Of my challenge. On being
thus appealed to he looked up suddenly.
III am to choose between you," he said
bitterly, land say which is tho true man,
know which shall pick"
which, Clarence murmured.
"Whichi" This time his tone was differ
ent. In his voice was the ring Of hope.
II should give my vote for you" King
stOn replied, looking contemptuously at
him. Il know something about you, but
Of tho other gentleman 1 know nothing"
And not much Of tho person you call
Crewdson," rctorted flcrcely, "sincc you
do not know his real NAME
II know this much, the young man
answered, tapping his boot with his scab-
bard with studied carelcssness, that he
lent mo some money and seemed good
fellow and ono that hated n mass priest
That is enough for me. As for his name,
1t is his fancy perhaps. You call yourself
Carey. Well. know n good many Careys,
but do not know you, nor ever heard of
you!'
/ swung round on him with hot check
But the challenge which was upon my
tongue was anticipated by Master BERTHE,
who drew ne forcibly back. Leave this
to me. Francis" he said, land do you
watch that man. Master Kingston and
gentlemen" hc continued, turning again
to them and drawing himself to his full
height rs no addressed them, listen II
you please! You know me, IL you do not
know my friend. Tho honor of Richard
BERTHE has never been challenged until to-
night, nor ever will he with impunity.
Leave my friend out Of tho question and
put me in 1t. l, Richard BERTHE, say that
that man Is u paid spy and informcr, come
here in quest Of blood money, and lie,
Crewdson, namelcss man, says that
lilo. Choose between us, or look ut him
and judge! Look"
He was right to bid them look. As tho
savage murmur rose again and took from
the wrctchcd man his last hope, rs the
ugliness Of despair and wicked, impotent
passion distorted his face, he was indeed
the most deadly witness nsainst himself.
Tho lights which shone on trcachcrous
weapons half hidden or on the glittcrine
eyes Of cruel men whose blood was reused
fell ON nothing so dangerous rs the livid,
dcspairinR face which, unmaskcd and eyed
by all with aversion, still defed us. Trai-
tor and spy rs he was, he had the merit Of
courage ut least. lie would die game.
And even as ], with first feeling Of pity
for him, discerned this, his sword was
out, and with n curse he lungcl Mt me.
Penruddocke saved me by u buffet which
sent me Keeling against the wall, so that
the Villains thrust was spent on air Be-
fore he could repeat 1t four or five men
flung themselves upon him from behind.
For moment there was u great uproar,
while the group surrounding him swaycd
to and fro rs he dragged his captors up
and down with n strength should not
have expected. But the end was certain,
and we stood looking ON quietly. In a
minute or two they had him down, and
disarming him bound his hands.
W. INV hV rttiltu 10 lave SpCClHl Eut-
red. Curse you," he painted, Rlaring al
mo rs he lay helpless You have been
my evil angel! From the first day saw
you ,ou have thwnrtcd mo in every plan,
anu low You have brought me to this!"
Not i, but yourself" answered
My curse upon you"' he cried again,
the rage and hate in his face so terrible
that turned away shuddcring and sick a,
heart III l could have killed you" he
cried, Il would have died contentetl.'
Enough intcrposcd Pcnruddocke
briskly 1t is we'll for us that Maste,
Berthe and his friend camo here tonight
Heaven grant II he not too late! We dc
not need" he added looking round, an,
more evidence, think
The dissent was loud, and. save 70,
Kingston, who still sat sulking apart
unanimous
"Death,' said the Cornishman quietly
No ono spoke, but each man gave :
brief, stern nod
Very WELL" the leader continued
then propose
One moment" said Master Berthe In
:errupting him. "A word with you apart
with our friends permission. You can ne
peat II 10 thom afterwnrd."
He drew Sir Thomas aside. and they ne
tired into the corner by the door, whcr
they stood talking in whispers l ha,