Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1904-03-03

the case and quoted Scripture to HIM
self.
"Domine, percutimus in gladio?'
rang through his mind. cLord. shall
we smite with the sword:")
Hamilton seemed to make answer to
this with a dazzling display of skill.
The rapiers sang strange song above
the sleeping girl, a lullaby with corus-
cations of death in every keen note.
Hamilton pressed, nay rushed, the
fight with a weight and at pace
which could not last, but Father Beret
withstood him so firmly that he made
no farther Roadway. He even lost
some ground Il moment later.
You Jesuite hypocritc!" he snarled.
"You lowest of a vile brotherhood of
liars!"
Then he rushed again, making a
magnificent show of strength. quick
ness and accuracy. The sparks Kissed
and cracked from the rasring and
ringing blades.
Father Beret was in truth IL Jesuit
and as such zealot, but he was not q
liar or a hypocrite. Being human, he
resented an insult. The sanity spirit
in him was strong, yet not strong
enough to breast the indignation which
now dashed against it. For a moment
it went down.
Liar and scoundrel yourself!'' lie TO-
torted, hoarsely forcing the words out
Of his throat. Spawn of beastlv
brced!'
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 trcacll-
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 hot concen-
trated accent, death is too good for
you.'
Hamilton felt nearer his grave than
ever before i'll 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 wcakling to quit ut the height
of desperate conflict. He was strong,
expert and game to the middle of his
heart.
I'LL 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 a mighty
horse do in the home stretch of a race.
Both men knew that the moment had
for the final act in their i'm
promptu play. 1t was short, a duel
condensed and crowded into fifteen
seconds of time, and it 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 reyolving-it was Il 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 Il snip as of something
violently jerkcd from IL fastening, were
followed by Il semicircular flight Of
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 die.'
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. 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 rapier now REINFORCED the
words. Hamilton let the breath 20
from his mouth and waved
bis hand in token of enforced submis-
sion.
"Well, what do you want me to do?"
be demanded, after short pause.
You seem to have me at your mercy.
What are your termsY'
Father Beret hesitated. 1t was
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 pefyersely.
He erected himself with lofty reserve
and folded his arms. The dignity of
lieutenant governor leaped into him
and took control Father Beret cor
rectly interpreted what he saw.
my people have borne much" he
said, "and the killing Of that poor child
there will be awfully avenged II but
say the word. Besides, can turn,
sveEy Indian In this wilderness against
ron ~ q single day. You are indeed