Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-10-13
CHAPTER XII.
A RAPIER THRUST.


 on the following day, and even
 then he secuted Helms sug- gestion that the young man was possi- bly, carrying out his threat to disre- gard his parole.
 ssHe would be quite Justified in do- ing it You know that very we'll" said Helm, with laugh. And he's just the man to undertake what is impossible. Of course he'll get scalped for his trouble, and that will cost you some thing I'm happy to say"
 Ut is a matter of small importance" Hamilton replied, ''but I'll wager you the next toddy that he's not at the present moment half mile from this spot. He may be a fool--I readily grant that he is s-but even fool is not going to set out alone in this kind of weather to go to where your rebel friends are probably toastfng their s1ins by the fire of green logs and half starving over yonder on the Missis- sippi.''
 Joking aside, you are doubtless right Beverley is hot headed, and if he could he'd get even with you quick enough, but he hasn't left Vincennes, think Miss Roussillon would keep him here if the place were on fire"
 Hamilton laughed dryly. He had thought just what Helm was saying Beverley's attention to Alice had not escaped his notice
 sSpeaking of that girl" he remarked after moments silence, stwhat am I to do with her? There's no place to keep her, and Farnsworth insists that she wasn't to blame" He chuckled again and added:
 Its true as gospel He's in love with her too. Seems to be glad she shot him. Says he's ashamed of him self for ever suspecting her of any thing but being genuine angel. Way, ne's got as fabby as rabbit and mum bIes like fool"
 Same as you or at his age" said Helm, taking a chew of tobacco. "She is a pretty thing. Beverley doesn't know his foot from his shoulder blade when she's anywhere near him. Boys are boys. I'm sort of boy myself" "If she'd give up that flag I'd let her go,r said Hamilton T hate to confine her. It looks brutal and makes me feel like a tyrant"
 Have you ever happened to notice the obvious fact, Governor Hamilton, that Alice Roussillon and Father Beret are not all the French in Vincennes?' P t'What do you mean?" -------AS AFS-snean that Isdon't for moment believe that either the girl or the priest knows a thing about where that flag is. They are both as truthful and honor able as people ever get to be. I know them. Somebody else got that flag from under the priests floor. You may depend upon that If Miss Roussillon knew where it is she'd say so and then dare you to make her tell where it's hidden"
 eOh, the whole town is rotten with treason! That's very clear. There's not loyal soul in it outside of my forces
 Thank you for not including me among the loyalists"
 '.Humph! [ spoke of these French people. They pretend to be true, but I believe they are all traitors
 .'You can manage them if you try, A little jolly kindness goes a long way with 'em I had no trouble while held the town
 Hamilton bit his lip and was silent. Helm was exasperatingly good tenn pered, and his jocularity was irresist- sbIe While he was yet speaking a guard came up, followed by Jean, the hunchback. and, saluting, said to Ham, 6lton:
 .sThe lad wants to see the young lady, sir"
 Hamilton gazed quizzically at Jean, who planted himself in his habitual attitude before him and stared up into his face with the grotesque expression which seems to be characteristic of hunchbacks and undedged birds-the look of an embodied and hideous joke. ..Well, sir, what will you have?" the governor demanded.
 sI want to see Alice, if you please" s'What for?''
 'tI want to give her book to. read.'' 'sAh, indeed. Where is it? Let me see it.''
 Jean took from the breast of his loose Herkin small volume, dog cared and mildewed, and handed it to Hamilton. Meantime he stood first on one foot then on the other, gnawing his thumb nail and blinking rapidly.
 ssWell, Helm, just look here!"
 ssWhat?'
 .'Hayen't you ever read it?''
 "Read what?"
 .4This novel;
 Never read a novel in my life; never expect to"
 Hamilton laughed freely at Helms expense, then turned to Jean and gave him back the book.
 It would have been quite military Lad he taken the precaution to examine between the pages for something hid Zen there, but he did not.
 @Go give 1t to her." he said, land tel Aer send by compliments, with great admiration of her taste in literature. 7 s1e moSioned the soldier to show Jear 10 Alice. Its a French story" he added, addressing Helm, enough tc make Dirafe blush That's the sort o1