The Yale expositor., 1902-05-02
CHATTER n.
Tho Last Resort.

flslanS as CapuCnlan mohhstcTy'
This vehicle contained our two adj
ventnrers. Jones gave the heavy old
style knocker n few bangs that re-
sounded harshly among the lofty cor
ridOrs within.
This summons brought "A lay brother
at once 20 the door. for NO appeal can
ever DO sllghted by those whose VOWS
have made them brothers Co the poor
OF their faith.
Jones announced that ne had a
most important communication for the
reverend father which could not pos
sibly DO postponed until another day
that nc had como over land and sea
for this one purpose. and grave results
might follow further delay.
The doorkeeper's hesitation seemed
quite swept away by such logical rea-
coming. and nc asked the two gentle
men 90 enter. which they did with con-
siderable readiness.
The brother led them into an
apartment and begged them 20 be pa
tient, as tho head or the order was
engaged at the limo with other visitors
who had. strange TO say. also come
upon very important business.
When they were alone Morrlck sug-
scstod Che possibility OF the good ia
ther's other callers being those pee
sons whom they least desired TO meet
ut such critical time. and somehow
this idea gavo Jones so much uneasi-
ness that he Jumped 10 his feet.
Just as Jones gained his feet ne
heard n sneoze twice repeated. a sneeze
that seemed Go possess an individual
lily, as Is frequently the case.
The effect upon Jones was magical,
for his companion saw him give sud
den start. while his jaws came together
with n snap.
That Is the time you struck the
nail squarely upon the head. my boy.
The count is here In this building --
after all. ho has gained point on us.
since he even now talks with the holy
father. seeking TO present enough In
fiuence 60 secure possession Of the
secret dossier. You can hear the
murmur of their voices In yonder Ia
brary," was what Jones said. impress
sively. Come. my friend. We must
shy our csstors into the ring. and re-
member. Jones. he pays the freight"
Mcrrick was close upon the heels OF
che rodoubtablo Jones when the latter
pushed the door wide open and thu
unceromoniousiy entered the adjoining
apartment.
Neither Jones nor his companion
save more than passing glance at the
room. their whole attention beinl
taken up with the little party gather.
cd near tho center at the moment
when they so suddenly forced an en-.
trance.
These were three In number. th,
patriarchial good father. a tall. bronZ
ed man In the fatigue dress OF &
French infantry captain. and a yellow
bearded giant Just back OF him.
In these two Merrick recognized tht
count and his faithful Russian col
league.
Jones should have been called 90 tn,
oar, for he had all tho clever attri
butos OF a successful advocate. an,
could present SO plausible "A case tina
few men might hold out against Mi
.specious plea.
As iro advanced I'm the direction o
the trio nc raised his hand In dra
matte as wei IA suppllcatlng manner
and FIRST OF all sincerely begged par
don for disturbing tho peace and sane
tity OF so sacred a place.
Thea ne told how he had come 4
see Father knselmo upon very import
ant business, and hearing the voice o
his rival In the adjoining room. he ha
even dared profane Il with his pres
ence for which nc would always b
profoundly sorry. hoping TO have IN
good and gracious father hear his sid
Of the case before delivering up On
documents. which. sealed in a packe
ne had held long In trust, waiting 10
some one TO come bearing n messag
from Father Jean.
Good father" said the suaye An
erican. producing a paper from hi
pockcl. there "a tho claim I max
Upon your judgment I stand ready [
stalcn my all. There you win End sui
stantiai evidence 20 also prove m
identity"
And while the venerable prelato wa
readines the four men surveyed cac
other rs mortal enemies might do.
Jones calm and scornful filled with IN
keen pleasure Of coming triumph. n
others frowning.
All Father Anseimo had hnishs
reading. and looked from one 90 nj
other OF tho rival claimants ere rel
ederipg his decision.
Father. 7 have your word 10 d
liver the packet 10 me. your soiom
promisa.'' said the count. In n boar
VOICE rcading MIS- defeat In the face
tho venerable redmse. and holding DC
peraiciy 20 thls last chance. as
drowning man Will cling 90 n straw.
-ThaS Uaq given bcforo 4 had tOot,