Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-10-23
ALICE ef OLD VINCENNES
By MAURICE THOMPSON
Copyright ueOo by the BowEr-nERRnL COMPANY

torted, hoarsely forcing the words out of his throat. Spawn of "a beastly breedy'
 Hamilton saw and felt change pass over the spirit of the old priests move ments Instantly the sword leaping against his own seemed endowed with subtle cunning and malignant treach- cry. Before this it had been difficult enough to meet the fine play and hold fairly even. Now he was startled and confused, but he rose to the emergency with admirable will power and clever ness.
 Murderer of poor orphan girl, 5 Father Beret added with hot concen- trated accent, "death is too good for you.'
 Hamilton felt nearer his grave than ever before in all his wild experience, for somehow doom. shadowy and form less, like the atmosphere of an awful dream, enmisted those words, but he was no weakhng to quit at the height of desperate conflict He was strong, expert and game to the middle of his heart
 .T'll add traitor Jesuit to my list of dead, "she panted forth, rising again to the extremest tension of his power.
 As he did this Father Beret settled himself as you have seen a mighty horse do in the home stretch of a race. Both men knew that the moment had arrived for the final act in their inn promptu play. It was short a duel condensed and crowded into fifteen seconds of time, and 1t was rapid be- yond the power of words to describe. A bystander, had there been one, could not have seen what was finally done or how it was done. Father Beret's sword seemed to be revolving 1t was a halo in front of Hamilton for mere point of time. The old priest seemed to crouch and then make a quick motion as if about to leap backward A wrench and a snip, as of something violently jerked from fastening, were followed by a semicircular flight of Hamilton's rapier over Father Beret's head to stick in the ground ten feet behind him. The duel was over, and the whole terrible struggle had occu- pied less than three minutes.
 With his wrist strained and. his fin- gers almost broken, Hamilton stumbled forward and would have imbaled him. self had not Father Beret turned the point of his weapon aside as he low cred it.
 Surrender or diep'
 That was strange order for priest to make, but there could be no mistak- ing it's authority or the power behind 1t. Hamilton regained his footing and looked dazed, wheezing and putting like porpoise, but he clearly under stood what was demanded of him.
 If you call out, I'll run you through" Father Beret added, seeing him move his lips as if to shout for help.
 The level rapfer now re-enforced the words Hamilton let the breath go noiselessly from his mouth and waved his hand in token of enforced submis- sion
 Well. what do you want me to do?' he demanded, after short pause. You seem<to have me at your mercy. What are your terms ?''
 Father Beret hesitated. It was a question difficult to answer.
 Give me your word as a British officer that you will never again try to harm any person not an open, armed enemy in this toWn.''
 Hamilton's gorge rose perversely. He erected himself with lofty reserve and folded his arms. The dignity of a lieutenant governor ieaped into him and took control Father Beret cor rectly interpreted what he saw [ My people have borne much" he said, land the killing of that poor child there. will be awfuIly avenged if I but say the word. Besides, can turn every Indian in this wilderness against you in a single day. You are indeed at my mercy, and I will be mercifuI if you will satisfy my demand"
 T am willingsto give you my word. :" he presently said. stAnd let me tell you,' he went on more rapidly, .sI did not shoot at her. She was. behind you"
 Your word as British oficerT
 Hamilton again stiffened and hesi- tated, but only for the briefest space, then said:
 "Yes, my word as British officer
 Father Beret waved his hand with impatience.
 .'Go, then. back to your place in the fort, and disturb my people no more. The soul of this poor little girl will haunt you foreveE Gop'
 Hamilton stood little while gazing at the face of Alice with the horrible wistfulness of remorse. What would he not have given to rub his eyes and find it all dream?
 He turned away, cloud scudded across the moon, here and yonder in the dim town cocks crowed with lone some, desultory effect
 Father Beret plucked up the rapier that he had wrenched from Hamiltons hand. It suggested something.
 "Hold" he called out. "Give me the scabbard of this sword"
 Hamilton, who was striding vigor. ously in the direction of the fort, turned about as the priest hastened to him.
 Give me the scabbard of this rapiar. | want if Take if off 's