Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1904-01-06

lead to a revolt and coalition against
hiM--a very dangerous possibility. In
deed, at least one OF the great In
dian chieftains had already frankly in
formed him that he and his tribe were
loyal to the Americans. Here was a
dilemma requiring consummate d.
plomacy. Hamilton saw it, but he was
not of diplomatic temper or charac-
ter. With the Indians he used a de-
system of bribery, while
toward the whites he was too often
gruff, imperious, repellant. Helm un-
derstood the whole situation and was
quick to take advantage of it. His per-
sonal relations with Hamilton were
easy and familiar, SO that he did not
hesitate to give advice upon all occa-
sions. Here his jovial disposition helped
him.
YOU'D better let Vigo return to st.
Louis" he said. They had a bowl of
something hot steaming between them.
Il know him. He's harmless if you
don't rub him too hard the wrong way.
He'll go back If you treat him we'll and
tell Clark how strong you are here and
how foolish it would be to think of at
lacking you. Clark has but a handful
Of men, poorly 9 supplied and tired with
bong, hard marches. II you'll think a
moment you can't fail to understand
that you'd better be friends with this
man Vigo. He and Father Gibault and
this old priest here, Beret, carry these
Frenchmcn In their pockets. I'm not
on your side, understandable an
American, and I'd blow the whole of
you to kingdom come in a minute IL 1
could-but common sense is common
sense all the same. There's no good
to you and no harm to Clark in mis-
treating or even holding this prisoner.
What harm can he do you by going
back to Clark and telling him the whole
truth? Clark knew everything long
before Vigo reached here. Old Jazon,
my best scout, left here the day you
took possession, and you may bet he
got to Kaskaskia in short order. He
never fails. But he'll tell Clark to stay
where he is. and Vigo can do no more"
What effect Helms bold and appar-
emily artless talk had upon Hamilton's
mind is not recorded, but the meager
historical facts at command show that
vigo was released and permitted tc .e-
turn under promise that he would give.
no information to the enemy Oh his
way to Kaskaskia.
Doubtless this bit of careless diplo-
macy On the governors part did have a
somewhat soothing effect upon large
class of F>renchmen at Vincennes, but
Farnsworth quickly neutralized it to
serious extent by foolish act while
slightly under the influence of liquor.
He met Father Befet pear Rousstllon
place, and, feeling his ribs sauirm at
sight Of the priest. he accosted him in
D0lently, demanding information us to
the whereabouts Of the missing flag.
A priest may be good and true
Father Beret certainly was-and yet
have the strongest characteristics of
a worldly man. This thing of being
bullied day after day, as had recently
been the rule, generated nothing to aid
In removing refractory desire from
the priests heart-the worldly desire
to repeat with great increment Of force
the punch against Farnsworth's lower
ribs.
II order you, sir, to produce that
rebel flag" said Farnsworth ''You will
obey forthwith or take the conse-
quences. am no longer in the humor
to be trifled with. Do you under.
standY'
Il might be forced to obey you if |
could" said the priest, drawing his
robe about him; but, as have often
told you, my son, do not know where
the flag is OF, who took it. I do not
even suspect any person of taking it.
All that I know about it is the simple
tact that it is gone"
"You canting old fool!' cried Farms
worth. Don't lie to me any longer! l
won't have it. Don't stand there grin.
ming at me. Get that flag or I'll make
you."
What is impossible, my son, is pos
stble to God alone. Apud homines hoe
impossible est, apud Deum autem
onnia possibilia sunt"
None Of your Jesuit Latin or logic
to me. am not here to argue, but to
command. Get that flag. Be in a
hurry about 1t. sir"
He whipped out his sword, and in his
half drunken eyes there gathered the
dull film Of murderous passion.
"Put up your weapon, captain. You
will not attack an una rmed priest. You
are soldier and will not dare strike
old, defenseless man,
but l will strike a black robed and
black hearted French rebel. Get that
nag. you grinning fool!'
strike. If you must" he said very
gently, very firmly. II never yet have
seen the man that could make me
afraid" His speech was slightly sing
song In tone, as it would have been
during a prayer or blessing.
Get the flag, then!" ragged Farms.
worth, in whose veins the heat Of liquor
was aided by an unreasoning choler.
II cannot" said Father Beret.
'"Then take the conseQuencesr'
Farnsworth lifted his sword, not to
thrust, but to strike with it's fat side
and down It flashed with noisy
whack. Father Beret flung out an arm
and deity turned the blow aside. II
was done o easily that Farnsworth
sprang back glazing and surprised.
"You old fool?' he cried, }eveling his
weapon for a direct lunge. "You dew.
ilish IMPORTER
1t was then that Father Beret turned
deadly pale and swiftly crossed him.
self. His face looked as If he saw