Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1903-10-31


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
Father Beret added with a 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 weakling to quit at the height
of desperate conflict He was strong,
expert and game to the middle of his
heart.
CPL add traitor Jesuit to my list
Of dead" he painted forth, rising again
to the EXTREMIST tension of his power
AS he did this Father Beret settled
himself as you have seen q mighty
horse do in the home stretch of race.
Both men knew that the moment had
arrived for tie final act in their i'm
promptu play. 1t was short, 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 1t was done. Father Beret's sword
seemed to be revolving-it was halo
in front Of Hamilton for mere point
OF time. The old priest seemed to
crouch and then make quick motion
as If about to leap backward. A
wrench and snip. as of something
violently jerked from fastening, were
followed by semicircular fight 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 impaled him.
self had not Father Beret turned the
point OF his weapon aside as he low
cred it.
Surrender or dier'
That was a strange order for priest
to make, but there could be no mistak-
ing its authority Or the power behind
it. Hamilton regained his footing and
looked dazed, wheeling 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 napier now REINFORCED the
words. Hamilton let the breath 60
noiselessly from his mouth and waved
| his hand in token Of enforced submis
| sion.
"Well, what do you want me to dor
he demanded, after short pause
"You seem to have me at your mercy
What are your terms?"
Father Beret hesitated. 1t was
! question difficult to answer.
| Give me your word as British
| officer that you will never again try
to harm any person not an open, armec
enemy in this town"
Hamilton's gorge rose perversely
He erected himself with lofty reserve
and folded his arms The dignity of G
lieutenant governor leaped into him
and took control. Father Beret cor
rectly interpreted what he saw.
"My people have borne much" ht
| said. "and the killing of that poor chile
there will be awfully avenged If bu'
say the word Besides, l can turf
every Indian in this wilderness agains
you in a single day. You are indeed
at my mercy and will be merciful il
you will satisfy my demand"
II am willing to give you my word.
he presently said. and let me tel
you" he went on more rapidly, Il die
! not shoot at her. She was behind you
"Your word as British officer"
| Hamilton again stiffened and hest
tated, but only for the briefest space
| then said:
Eyes, my word as British officer"
Father Beret waved his hand will
impatience
{, 60 then. back to your place in thu
fort, and disturb my people no more
The soul Of this poor little girl viii
haunt you forever. Coz
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 ant
find it all a dream?
He turned away, cloud scuddet
across the moon, here and yonder il
the dim town cocks crowed with lone
some, desultory effect
Father Beret plucked up the rapie
that he had wrenched from Hamilton
hand. 1t suggested something.
"Holdw he called out. Give me tn
scabbard of this sword"
Hamilton, who was stridfng vigor
ously in the direction Of the fort
turned about as the priest fastened t
him
"Give me the scabbard of this rapier
l want it. Take it off"
The command was not gentle voiced
A hoarse half whisper winged ever
word with an imperious threat.
Hamilton obeyed. His hands wer
not firm. His fingers fumbled nervous
; ly, but he hurried, and Father Bere
soon had the rapier sheathed and 81
|, cured at his belt beside its mate.
A good and true priest is q burde
bearer. His motto Is. Alter alteriu
| nuaro portotn IRaor va ono auothor