The Holly chieftain., 1902-07-25


dering his decision. 5...-.4-.s,-
Father, have your word to de-
liver the packet 70 me. your solemn
promise" !" said the count. in . hoarse
voice. reading his defeat in tie face Of
the venerable recluse, and holding des-
perately to this last chance. rs
drowning man will cling to a.straw.
That was given before had looked
upon this document bearing the sigma
ture Of one once knew well. It II my
solemn duty to deliver this trust to the
one who: has the stronger claim.
otherwise would be false to my vow.
You have ( decided then, against
me!" asked the count. between his
teeth. his eyes blasting IA when he
faced the lion upon African deserts.
Il cannot resist overwhelming force
OF circumstances,and his claim comes
first." steadily replied the aged father,
handing over the packet. -
Then there is but one resource left
us, Stromboloff. and that .is to take
by force from this rascally American
what we are refused peaceably. Draw
and stand by me. comrade," snarled
the count, as he noisily ratified his
sword from its steel scabbard and pre-
pared for war.
Evidently the big Russian attache
had been half expecting some such ap-
peal to arms. II one might Judge from
the celebrity with which he, too. whip
ped out shining blade, which he was
privileged to. carry on account Of his
connection. unworthily enough, With
the legation.
Jones. seeing what lay In the wind.
was not slow to reach back to the
pocket where he carried a seven
shooter, and Merrick followed suit
with a swing. proving that If the fra
cas- actually came to crisis he would
not be found wanting.
Eye looked into eye, and the count
saw lurking devil in the skyhlue orbs
Of the Yankee that somehow he did
not fancy-Jones was one of those Pc
culiar men who could smile exasperat-
ingly even when committing hari kari.
So the count, having mentally COM
puted his chances Of surviving an en-
counter. and finding them next 10
nil, decided to defer the reckoning
until more opportune time, when
he would be able to bring more pow
erful factors to bear.
Father Anselmo touched a bell.
Almost Immediately half q dozen
strappinEs big monks entered the
apartment. proving that this body.
guard could not have been far away
at any time.
The count had thrust his sword back
In Its sheath with an angry move
ment, and stood there with his arms
folded, looking defiance.
Before we quit these walls, rever-
end father. demand once more that
you place In my hands the packet you
solemnly promised to deliver, IL /
could prove my position. This i have
done. and you have 1t on the honor
OF name Frenchmen are At present
pleased to particularly honor"
There was no change In the old
monks demeanor: he had weighed his
chances and decided upon his plan Of
action, nor could threats or cajolsr-
les have any further influence upon
him.
II AZ positively refuse. Count Leon,
and in order that you may have no
doubts - to what my action IN H.
premises might be, have here In
your presence solemnly delivered to
the accredited agent Of NJ. Darragh the
packet that was committed to my caro-
when Father Jean passed TO immortal
ity."
Jones smiled broadly Al hfs hands
eagerly fondled the littls sealed 'pack-
ago. while the count glsred his uls
speakable rage. sss
Nov. depart from under this root.
unEodly men, and pray you come here
NO more. But for the h6aos IN wAich
all true Frenchmen hold your. name,
Count villebois, l would be tempted to
complain Of your despersta action to
those high In authority, who know
how to punish as we'll a. reward. With
the passing Of this legacy into tie
hands Of this worthy man ny intsrcst
in the matter entirely ceases"
"And mine only takes . renewed
lsase Of hfs," roarsd ths hs1lsd Afri-
caa explorer, q he turned and accom-.
panied the doorkeepsr out Of the room.
u a.lf 4 -