Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1903-11-27


fun honor"
was almost blowing away in the cold
wind-"that flag shall not come down
save in full honor"
His speech sounded preposterously
boastful and hollow, but he was man.
fully in earnest. Every word came
from his brave heart.
Father Beret's grim smile returned,
lighting up his strongly marked face
with the strangest expression magma
BILE.
I'VE will get all the women inside the
fort" Helm began to say.
Where the Indians will find them
ready penned up and at their mercy"
quickly interpolated the priest. THAT
will not do
''Well, then, what can be done?" Bev-
erley demanded, turning with fierce
stare upon Father Beret Don't stand
there Directing to everything, with not
suggestion of your own to offer"
Il know what is best for my people"
the old man replied softly, still smil-
ing. II have advised them to stay in
side their houses and take no part in
the military event. 1t is the only hope
of averting an indiscriminate massacre
and things worse"
The curt phrase, things worse"
went like bullet stroke through Bev-
erley's heart. 1t flashed an awful pic
ture upon his vision. Father Beret saw
his face whiten and his lips set them
selves to resist great emotion.
do not be angry with me, my son."
he said, laying hand on the young
mans arm. Il may be wrong, but
act upon long and convincing expert
ence"
Experience or no experience" Helm
exclaimed, with an oath, this fort
must be manned and defended. l am
commanding here!"
yes, l recognize your authority" re-
sponded the priest in firm yet defer
entail tone, land l heartily wish you
had a garrison. But where is your COM
mand, Captain Heinz"
"Where is my garrison, you ask! Yes,
and l can tell you. It's where you
might expect a gang Of dad blasted
jabbering French good for nothings
to be, off high gannicking around
shooting buffaloes instead of staying
here and defending their wives. chill
dren, homes and country! The few
have in the fort will sneak off, sup
pose"
THE French gave you this post on
easy terms, captain" blandly retorted
Father Beret.
Yes, and they'll hand it over to
Hamilton. you think, on the same
basis" cried Helm. but I'll show you!
I'll show you. Mr.. Priestr'
Pardon me, captain. The French are
loyal to you and to the flag yonder.
They have sworn it. Time will prove
1t. But in the present desperate diem
ma we must choose the safer horn"
Saying this Father Beret turned
about and went his way. He was
chuckling heartily as he passed out Of
the gate.
He is right" said Beverley after a
few moments of reflection, during
which he was wholly occupied with
Alice, whose terrified face In his an
ticipation appealed to him from the
midst of bowling savages, smoking
cabins and mangled victims of lust and
massacre. His Imagination painted the
scene with merciless realism that
chilled his blood. All the sweet ro-
nance fell away from Vincennes.
well. sir, right or wrong, your duty
is to obey ORDERS" said Helm with bru.
tai severity.
1--WE had better not quarrel, cap
TAIN" Beverley replied. II have not
signified any unwillingness to obey
your commands. Give them, and you
will have no cause to grumble."
Forgive ME, old fellowr' cried the
impulsive commander. ~ know you
are true as steel. s'pose I'm wound
up too tight to be polite. But the time
is coming to do something. Here we
are with but five or six men,
He was interrupted by the arrival Of
two more half breed scouts
Only three miles away was a large
iotilla Of boats and canoes with can
non, a force of Indians ON land ami