Crittenden press. [volume] (Marion, Ky.) 1879-1907, 1904-04-14

some ground n moment later
You Jesulte hypocritev he snarled.
you lowest OF vile brotherhood OF
liarsv
Then he rushed again. making a
magnificent show OF strength. quick
ness and accuracy. The sparks Kissed
and cracked from the rasping and
ringing blades.
Father Berct was I'm truth a Jesuit
and as such a Eealot, but he was not a
liar or a hypocrite. Being human, he
resented an insult The sanity spirit
I'm him was strong. yet not strong
enough 10 breast the indignation which
now dashed against II. For a moment
II went down.
Liar and scoundrel YOURSELF" he re-
torted. hoarsely forcing the words out
OF his throat. Spawn OF beastlv
breedg'
Hamilton saw and felt n change pass
over the spirit OF the obi priests move
ments. Instantly the sword leaping
against his own seemed endowed with
subtle cunning and malignant treach-
cry Before this II had been difficult
enough 10 meet the fine play and hold
fairly even. Now he was startled and
confused. but hc rose 90 the emergency
with admirable will power and clever
ness.
Murderer OF a poor orphan girl"
Father Berct added with q hot conccn-
trhted accent, death Is too good for
you"
Hamilton felt nearer his grave than
ever before In oil his wild experience.
for somehow doom. shadowy and form
less, like the atmosphere OF an awful
dream. enmisted those words. but he
vas no weakling 60 quit at the height
OF desperate conflict. lie was strong.
expert and game 20 the middle or his
heart
I'm add n traitor Jesuit 20 my list
~ dead" he painted forth. rising again
Co the EXTREMIST tension Of his power.
As he did this Father Berct settled
himself as you have seen a mighty
horse do IN the home stretch OF a race.
both men knew that the moment had
arrived for the final act IN their i'm
promptu play. IL was short, duel
condensed and crowded into fifteen
seconds OF time, and II was rapid be-.
yond the power OF words 20 describe.
A bystandcr. had there born one. could
not have seen what was finally done or
how II was done. Father Beret's sword
seemed 10 be revolving-it was a halo
In front OF Hamilton for q mere point
OF time The old priest seemed 20
crouch and then make n quick motion
as II about 90 leap backward. A
wrench and a snip. as OF something
violently jerked from fastening. were
followed by a scmtcfrcuiar flight Of
Hamllton's napier over Father Beret's
head TO stick IN the ground ten feet
behind him The duel was over and
the whole terrible struggle had occu-
pied less than three minutes.
With his wrist strained and his I'm
gers almost broken, Hamilton stumbled
forward and would have impaled him
self had not Father Beret turned the
point Of his weapon aside as he low
cred H.
Surrender or der
That was a strange order for a priest
TO make, but there could be no mistak.
ing It's authority or the power behind
H. Hamilton regained hts footing and
looked daEed. Wheeling and putting
like a porpoise, bot he clearly under
stood what was demanded of him.
"If you call OUT, I'll run you
through" Father Berct added. seeing
him move his lips as II 20 shout for
help.
The level rapicr now REINFORCED tho
words. Hamilton let the breath go
noiselessly from his mouth and waved
his hand In token OF enforced submis
sion.
"Well, what do you want me to dor
he demanded. after a short pause.
"You seem 30 have me at your mercy.
|, What are your tIrms2"
Father Bepet hesttated II was n
question difffcuft 30 answer.
Give me your wurd as a British
officer that you will never again try
10 harm any person not an open, armed
enemy In this town
Hamiltonfs gorge rose perversely.
He erected himself with lofty reserve
and folded his arms. The dignity of n
lieutenant governor leaped into him
and took control. Father Beret cor
rectly interpreted what he saw.
MY people have borne much" he
said, and the knffng Of that poor child
there win be awfuily avenged II | bat
say the word. Best1rs. l can turn
every Indian IN this wilderness against
you in n single day You are indeed
at my mercy, and Will be mercifuli II
you will satisfY my demand"
IT am wihtngstDstse you my worn.
he presently sasd ~And let me tll
you" he wenconmnse rapidly. II did
not shoot at her. @ewas behind you. =
Your word ss,aBxftish officer"
1 Hamilton agxp sanhned and hesi-
tsted, but onlyafor' the shriefest space
then said:
Yes, my wosAaAaaIssAfasb oficerI
Father Beret wnsc0ffis hand with
impotence. \
"Go, then. bach TO ,your place In the