Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1904-07-28
CHAPTER XVI.
FATHER BERET's OLD BATTLE.

FATHER BERET's OLD BATTLE.
"HE room I'm which Alice was
now imprisoned formed part
of the upper story of build
ing erected by Hamilton in
one OF the four angles Of the stockade.
1t had no windows and but two oblong
portfolios made to accommodate a small
swivel which stood darkly scowling
near the middle of the floor Day after
day her loneliness and helplessness be-
came more agonizing. Farnsworth, it
is true, did all he could to relieve the
strain Of her situation, but Hamilton
had an eye upon what passed and soon
interfered. He administered a bitter
reprimand, under which his subordi-
nate writhed in speechless anger and
resentment
Finally, Captain Farnsworth," he
said in conclusion, '.you will distinctly
understand that this girl Is my prison
er, not yours; that /. not you, will di-
rect how she is to be held and treated.
and that hereafter I will suffer no in
reference on your part. / hope you
fully understand me, sir, and will gov
ern yourself accordingly"
Smarting, or, rather, smothering. I'M
der the outrageous insult Of these re-
marks, Farnsworth at first determined
10 fling his resignation at the govern
or's feet and then do whatever desper-
ate thing seemed most to his mood. But
a soldiers training is apt to call halt
before the worst befalls I'm such case.
Moreover, in the present temptation
Farnsworth had a special check and
hindrance. He had had a conference
with Father Beret, In which the good
priest had played the part of wisdom
in slippers and Of gentleness more
dovelike than the doves. A very subtle
impression, illuminated with the "hope
that withers hope" had come Of that
interview, and now Farnsworth felt its
restraint. He therefore saluted Hamil-
ton formally and walked away.
Father Beret's paternal love for Al
ice-we cannot characterize 1t more
nicely than to call 1t paternal-was his
justification for a certain mild sort of
corruption insinuated by him into the
heart OF Farnsworth He was a crafty
priest, but his craft was always used
for good end. Unqucstionabl Jesuitic
tas his mode of circumventing the
foung mans military scruples by Of
fering him puff OF fair weather with
which to sail toward what appeared to
be the shore Of delight. lie saw at q
glance that Farnsworth's love for Alice
was consuming passion in a very
ardent yet decidedly weak heart. Here
was the worldly lever with which Fa-
ther Berct hoped to rae Allcc's prison
and free her from the terrible doom
with which she was threatened.
The first interview was at Father
Beret's cabin, to which, as will be re-
membcred the priest and Farnsworth
went after their meeting In the street.
1t actually came to nothing, save an
indirect understanding but half sug-
gcstcd by Father Beret and never OPEN
iy sanctioned by Captain Farnsworth.
The talk was iDsinuatirg on the part
of the former, while the latter slipped
evasiyely from every proposition, as IL
not able TO consider IL on account Of q
curious obtuseness Of perception. Still,
when they separated they shook hands
and exchanged searching look per
fcctly satisfactory to both.
The memory Of that interview with
the priest was In Farnsworth's mind
when, boiling with rage. be left Ham