Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1904-02-09

The level rapier now REINFORCED the
words. Hamilton let the breath 60
noiselessly from his mouth and waved
his hand In token Of enforced submis-
sion.
"Well, what do you want me to doT'
he demanded, after short pause.
"You seem to have me at your mercy.
What are your terms"
Father Beret hesitated. 1t was a
question difficult to answer.
"Give me your word as British
officer that you will never again try
to harm any person not an open, armed
enemy in this town."
Hamilton's gorge rose perversely
He erected himself with lofty reserve
and folded his arms. The dignity Of a
lieutenant governor leaped into him
and took control Father Beret cor
rectly interpreted what he saw.
"Aly people have borne much" he
said, land the killing Of that poor child
there will be awfully avenged II l but
say the word. Besides, | can turn
every Indian in this wilderness against
you in a single day. You are indeed
at my mercy. and will be merciful il
you will satisfy my demand"
II am willing to give you my word. y
he presently said And let me tell
you." he went on more rapidly, IL did
not shoot ut her She was behind you"
"Your word as British officer?'
Hamilton again stiffened and hesi-
tated, but only for the briefest space,
then said:
Eyes, my word as British officer
Father Beret waved his hand with
impatience.
"Go, then, back to your place in the
fort, and disturb my people no more.
The soul Of this poor little girl will
haunt you forever. Go"
Hamilton stood little while gazing
at the face of Alice with the horrible
wistfulness Of remorse. What would
he not have given to rub his eyes and
find it all dream?
He turned away, cloud scudded
across the moon, here and yonder in
the dim town cocks crowed with lone
some, desultory effect.
Father Beret plucked up the rapier
that he had wrenched from Hamilton's
hand. 1t suggested something.
"HOld~ he called out. Give me the
scabbard of this sword"
Hamilton, who was striding vipor-
ously in the direction Of the fort,
turned about as the priest FASTENED to
him.
"Give me the scabbard Of this rapier.
want it. Take 1t Off"
The command was not gentle voiced.
A hOarse half whisper winged every
word with IN imperious threat.
Hamilton Obeyed. His hands were
not firm. His fingers fumbled nervous
ly but he hurried, and Father Beret
soon had the rapier sheathed and Sc
cured at his belt beside its mate.
A good and true priest is Il burden
bearer. His motto is. Alter alterius
Onera portate lBear We one another's
burdcnSJ. His soul Is enriched witt.
the castoff sorrows of those whom ht
relieves. Father Beret scarcely felt
the weight Of Alice's body when he
lifted it from the ground, so heavy was
the pressure of his grief. All that het
death meant, not only to him, but tt
hp l.nnIU hnr oar info
his heart as the place of refuge con
secrated for the indwclling of pain. He
lifted her and bore her as far toward
Roussillon place as he could. but his
strength fell short just in front of the
little Bourcier cottage, and, half dead
he staggered across the veranda to the
door. where he sank exhausted.
After breathing spell he Knocked.
The household, fast asleep. did not
hear, but he persisted until the door
was opened to him and his burden.
CAPTAIN Farnsworth unclOsed his
bloOdShot eyes ut about o'clock in
the morning. quite confused as to his
place and surroundings. He looked
about drcwsily with sheepish half
knowledge Of having been very drunk.
A purring in his head and dull ache
reminded him of an abused stomach.
He yawned and stretched himself then
sat up. running hand through his
tousled hair. Father Bcret was on
his knees before the cross, still rs
statue. his clasped hands extended up
ward.
Farnsworth's face lighted with rec
ognition, and he smiled rather bitterly.
He recalled everything and felt asham-
ed. Inundated self debased. lie had
outraged even priests hospitality
with his british appetite, and he hated
himself for it.
I'm d shabby, worthless dog" he
muttered with petulant accent. "Why
don't you kick me out, father!
The priest turned collapsed and
bloodless gray face upon him, smiled
in a tired, perfunctory way, crossed
himself absently and said:
"You have rested well, my son. Hard
as the bed is, you have done 1t com
pliment in the way Of sleeping. You
young soldiers understand how to get
the most out OF things"
You are too generous, father, and
can't appreciate it. / know what de-
serve, and you know it too. Tell me
what u brute and fool am. 1t Will
do me good. Punch me solid jolt In
the ribs, like the one you gave Inc not
long ago."
"Qui sine peccato est, primus Ia
pidem mittat," said the priest. c'Lct
him who is without sin cast the first
stone.O
Just then some one knocked on the
door. Father Beret opened it to one OF
HamiltOn's aids.
your pardon, father, but, hearing
Captain Farnsworth's voice, / made
bold TO knock"
"What is it, Bobby?" Farnsworth
called out.
Nothing, only the governor has been
having you looked for in every nook
and corner of the fort and town. You'd
better report at once or he'll be having
us drag the river for your body"
"All right, lieutenant. Go back and
keep mum; that's dear boy. and I'll
shuttle into Colonel Hamilton's august
presence before many minutes"
The aid laughed and went his way
xx,h;ctIjnp n norrv fIlnp