Crittenden press. [volume] (Marion, Ky.) 1879-1907, 1904-02-18

from his hands against the walls and
floor as If shot out Of mortar. II was
the strangcst and most astounding
thing ever heard Of"
A little later Barlow seized a favora-
bic opportunity ana withdrew. The
conversation was not 10 his liking.
Hamilton sent for Father Beret and
had long talk with him. but the old
man looked 50 childishly inoffensive in
spirit and SO collapsed physically that
1t seemed worse than foolishness to ac-
cuse him Of the exploit over which the
entire garrison was wondering. Farms
worth sat by during the interview. lie
looked the good priest curiously and
critically over from head 10 foot, re-
membcring. but not mentioning. the
most unclorical punch in the side re-
ccived from that energetic right arm
now lying so Habbily across the old
! mans lap
When the talk ended and Father Be
/ ret humbly took his leave. Hamilton
! turned 10 Farnsworth and said.
What % You think of this AFFAIR."
| have cross questioned all the men who
took part i'm 1t, and every one OF them
| says simply priest or devil I think old
Beret is both, but plainly he couldn't
hurt chicken: YOU can see that at a
glance"
Farnswor'. smiled, rubbing his side
reminiscently. but he shook his head.
I'm sur" its puZZling. indeed"
Hamilton sat ,n thoughtful silence
for awhile then abruptly changed the
subject
Il think. captain, that you had bet
ter send ov' Lieutenant Barlow and
some Of the best woodsmcn to Kill some
game. We need f.'sh vcnison. and. by
George. I'm not going 90 depend upon
these French q. tors any longer. I |
have set my foot down. They've got TO |
do better cor take the consequences"
He paused ;org Breath. then added: |
That girl las done so much 20 escape |
scvcrtst pra'el..1. The Garrison will |
Doe domoral'a'd e mn. thing goes on |
without an "N. "'rir ot authority rig |
idly enforced ! ann resolved that there
shall be n StH-.l.r. Gud elective public |
display Of my power % punish She
shot you. NoI .''' to % glad of IL, |
but IL Wts . -..t % ''ote. She has
stabbed rar,ov o., g is enc her Sc
',or' crime. 5u. -o-s: cs all she aid
ed a spy and resisted arrest. She must
be- punished"
Farnsworth know Namiton'S nature 4
and he now N.w Lat Alice was in
dreadful danger Of death or something
even worse No sooner had he left
headquarters and given Barlow his in
strucuous touching the hunting expcdi-
ton than his m!nd began TO wander
amid visions ami schemes by no means
consistent with his military obligations.
In order 20 reflect undsturbcd he went
forth into the drcary, lanelikc streets OF
Nincennes aud walked aimlessly here
and there until he met Father Beret.
Farnsworth saluted the old man and
was passing him by when. seeing a
sword in his hand half hidden in the
folds Of his worn and faded cassock, he
turned and addressed him:
why are you armed this morning.
father he demanded very pleasantly.
"Who is TO suffer now?"
Il am not on the warpath. my son."
replied the priest 1T is but a rapier .
that | am going 20 clean Of rust spots
that are gathering on its blade"
us 1t yours, father? Let me see IT,"
He held out his hand
"No; not mine"
Father Beret seemed not 10 notice
desire to handle the .
weapon. and the young man instead OF
his words reached farther, ;
nearly grasping the scabbard. >
Il cannot let you take II, my son."
aid Father Beret. You have its mate. q
That should satisfy you" -
$40; Colonel Hamilton took IT,"
'arnsworth quickly replied. IF l I,
'ould | would gladly return II to its ;
'wncr. am not a thief, father. and I 9,
I'm ashamed of-of-what did when I :,
vas drunk"
The priest looked sharply into Farms =
vorth's eyes and read there something 7
hat reassurd him. His long expe- :,
fence had rendered him adept at tax !,
NJ a mans value at glance. He | -,
lightly lifted his face and said:
"Ah, but the poor little girl! Why do n
'u p'io'Nutt utTI cue really does n
ot deserve II. She is a noble child 9,
1--we her back TO her home and her peo- n
lc. DO not soil and spoil her sweet 9,
fe." a
Ii was the singsong voice used by n
athcr Berct in his sermons and pray 10
RS, but something went with II indie $,
'ribably touching. Farnsworth felt a n,
mp rise in his throat, and his eyes @,
ere ready TO show tears. n
Father" he said with difficulty, u,
taking his words distinct, Il would dI
Dt harm Miss Roussi!lon to save my az
WI life, and l would do anything It
e paused slightly, then added with ST
lssionate force, Il would do anything, m
D matter what, TO save her from the
rrible thing that now threatens her" dI