Crittenden press. [volume] (Marion, Ky.) 1879-1907, 1904-03-10

although satisfied that while resent
ment OF Harnllton's imperlousness
lasted he would doubtless remain firm
In his purpose TO aid Alice.
! He listened In silence &c Farms
wOrth's story. When 1t -me to an
end he begun 20 offer some but half
relevant suggestions in the form OF
indirect cross questions, by means Of
which he gradually drew out minute
description of Alice's prison, the best
way 10 reach II, the nature Of its door
fastenlngs where the key was kept,
and everything indeed, likely TO be
helpful 10 one contemplating Jail de
livery. Farnsworth was inwardly de-
lighted. He felt Father Beret's cum
ming approach TO the central object and
his crafty method OF gathering details.
The shades Of evening thickcned in
the stuffy cabin room while the con
versation went on. Father Beret pres
emily lifted n puncheon in one corner
OF the floor and got out a large bottle,
which bore n widowed and faded
French label, and with 1t a small iron
cup. There was Just light enough left
TO show n brownish sparkle when,
after popping out the cork, he poured
n drift In the fresh cup and in his
own.
1--WE may think more clearly, my son,
II we taste this old liquor. have kept
II n long while TO offer upon a proper
occasion. The occasion is here"
A ravishing bouquet quickly imbued
the air. 1t was itself an infoXication.
"The brothers Of St Martin distilled
this liquor" Father Beret added.
handing the cup 10 Farnsworth, mot
for common social drinking. my son,
but for times when a man needs ex-
traordinary stimulation. 1t is said to
be surprisingly good because st. Mar
tin blessed the vine"
The doughty captain felt a sudden
and imperious thirst seize his throat.
The liquor flooded his veins before his
lips touched the cup. He had been alb
staining lately: now his besetting APP
petite rushed upon him. At one gulp
he took In the fiery yet smooth and
captivating draft. Nor did he notice
that Father Beret, instead Of Joining
him In the potation, merely lifted his
cup and set II down again, smacking
his lips with gusto.
There followed silence. during
which the aromatic breath Of the bot
lie increased its dangerous fascination.
Then Father Bcret again filed Farms
worth's cup and said:
"Ah. the blessed monks little thought
that their matchless brew would ever
be slipped in n poor missionary's hut
on the Wabash! But, after all, my
son, why not here as well as In sunny
Francef Our object justlfes any i'm
propriety Of time and place"
you are right, father. | drink TO
our object Yes. say, TO our object"
In fact the drinking preceded his
speech, and his tongue already had
loop In II. The liquor stole through
him, O mist OF bewildering and en-
chanting influence. The third cup
broke his sentences into unintelliglble
fragments; the fourth made his under
jaw sag loosely; the fifth and sixth,
taken In close succession tumbled him
limp on the floor, where he slept bliss
fully all night long, snugly covered
with some of Father Beret's bed
clothes.
per casum obliquum, ct per indi-
rectum," muttered the priest when he
had returned the bottle and cup to their
hiding place. The end justifies the
means. Sleep well, my son. All, little
Alice. little Alice. your old father will
try, will tryr'
He fumbled along the wall in the
dark until he found the napier, which
he took down; then he went out and
sat for some time mohonless beside
the door. while the clouds thickened
overhead. II was late when he arose
and glided away shadowlike toward |
the fort, over which the night hung
black, chill and drearlly silent. The |
moon was still some hours high, but |
smothered by the clouds; n fog slowly |
drifted from the river
Meantime Hamilton and Helm had
spent part of the afternoon and even |
ing, as usual, at cards. Helm broke |
off the game and went to his quarters |
rather early for him, leaving the gov
ernor alone and In a bad temper, be- |
cause Farnsworth. when he had sent |
for him. could not be found. Three |
times his orderly returned In as many |
hours with the same report The cap |
tain had not been seen or heard Of. |
Naturally this sudden and complete
Immediately after the
suggested to Hamilton an
unpleasant possibility. What If Farms
worth had deserted him7
Hamilton sat for some time after
Helms departure. thinking over what
be now feared was foolish mistake.
Presently he buckled on Alice's rapier,
which he had lately been wearing as
his own, and went out into the main
area of the stockade. A sentinel was
to and fro at the gate, where
4 hazy lantern shone. The night was
GREATNESS and silent. Hamilton APP
preached the soldier on duty and asked
him IL he had seen Captain Farms
worth, and, receiving a negative reply,
turned about puzzled and thoughtful 10