Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1904-01-26

Moreover. in the present temptation
Farnsworth had q special check and
hindrance. He had had q conference
with Father Beret. in which the good
priest had played the part Of wisdom
in slippers and of gcntleness more
hov"like than the doves. 4 very subtle
imp ession. illuminated with the hope
that withcrS 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 it more
nicely than to call it paternal-was his
justification for certain mild sort OF
corruption insinuated by him into the
heart Of Farnsworth. He was crafty
priest. but his craft was always used
for good end. UnquestiOnably Jesuitit
was his mode Of circumventing the
young mans military scruples by Of
fering him q puff of fair weather with
which to sail toward what appeared TO
be the shore of delight He saw at a
glance that Farnsworth'S love for lice
was consuming passion liz very
ardent yet decidedly weak heart. Here
was the worldly lever with which Fa-
ther Bcret hoped to raze Alice'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-
mcmbered. the priest and FarnswOrth
went after their meeting in the street.
1t actually came to nothing, save an
indirect understanding but half sug-
gested by Father Beret and never OPEN
ly sanctioned by Captain Farnsworth.
The talk was insinuating on the part
evasively from every proposition, as if
not able to consider il on account Of a
curious obtuseness of perception. Still,
when they separated they shook hands
and exchanged searching look per
fectly satisfactory to both.
The memory Of that interview with
the priest was in Farnsworth's mind
when, boiling with rage. he left uo",-
iIton's presence and went forth into
the chill February air. He passed out
through the postern and along the
sodden and queachy edge of the prairie
involuntariy making his way to
Father Beret's cabin. His indignation
was so great that he tremblcd from
head to foot at every step. The door
of the place was open and Father
Beret was eating frugal meal OF
scones and sour wine (of his own make.
he said, which he Hospitality begged to
share with his visitor. a fire smol-
dered on the hearth, and fiat stone
showed, by the grease smoking over its
hot surface, where the cakes had been
baked.
"Come in, my son." said the priest,
"and try the fare of poor old man.
1t is plain, very plain, but good" He
smacked his lips sincerely and fingered
another sconc. Take some, take
some"
Farnsworth was not tempted. The
acid bouquet of the wine filled the
room with smack Of vinegar, ana
the smoke from rank scorching fat and
wheat meal did not suggest an agreea-
BILE feast.
well, well, if you are not hungry,
my son, sit down on the stool there
and tell me the news"
Farnsworth took the low seat with
out a word, letting his eyes wander
over the walls. Alice's rapier the
mate to that now worn by Hamilton,
hung in its curiously engraved scab-
bard near one corner. The sight Of 1t
infamed Farnsworth.
"It's an outragew he broke forth.
Governor Hamilton sent man to
Roussilon place with orders to bring
him the scab5ard of Miss Roussillon's
swCrd, and he now wears the beautiful
weapon as if he had come by it hon
estly. Curse him."
MY dear, dear son, you must not
soil your lips with such language!
Father Berct let fall the half of well
bitten cake and held up both hands.
II beg your pardon, father | know
| ought to be more careful in your
presence, but-but-the beastly scoun.
drel'-
BAH Doucement, mon fills, douce-
ment." The old man shook his head
and his finger while speaking. Easy,
my son, easy. You would be a fine
target for bullets were your words to
reach Hamilton's ears You are not
permitted to revile your commander"
"Yes, | know; but how can man
restrain himself under such abomina-
BILE conditions?"
Father Beret shrewdly guessed that
Hamilton had been giving the captain
fresh reasons for bitter resentment.
Moreover, he was sure that the moving
cause had been Alice. So, in order to
draw out what he wished to hear, he
said very gently:
''How is the little prisoner getting
along?"
Farnsworth ground his teeth and
swore, but Father Beret appeared not
to hear. He bit deep into scone, took
a liberal sip of the muddy red wine
and added:
HAS she comfortable place? Do
YOU think Governor Hamilton would
let me visit herr"
at is horriblew Farnsworth blurted.
"She's penned up as if she were dan
gerous beast. the poor girl. And that
ID scoundreP'-
"SOn, sonp'
ooh, it's no use to try. can't help
1t, father The whelp"-
1--WE can converse more safely and
intelligently IL we avoid profanity and
undue emotion, my son. Now, If you
will quit swearing, will, and If you
will be calm, so will l."
Farnsworth felt the sly irony of this
absurdly vicarious proposition. Father
Beret smiled with kindly twinkle In
his deep set eyes.