Crittenden press. [volume] (Marion, Ky.) 1879-1907, 1904-01-28

Drop that siCoTdr'
lions between the garrison and the
| French Inhabitants when the roar Of
Alice's big mouthed pistol startled
them. Helm was slyly beating about
| TO make Hamilton lose sight OF the
| danger from Clark's direction To do
this he artfully magnhed the insidious
| work that might be done by the French
and their Indian friends should they
be driven 10 desperation by oppressive
or exasperating action on the part Of
the English.
Hamilton felt the dangerous uncer-
tain.y upon which the situation rested,
but. Ike many another vigorously self
reliant man, he could not subordinate
| his passions 10 the dictates Of policy.
When Alice was conducted into his
presence he instantly swelled with
| anger. IL was her father who had
struck him and escaped; II was she
who had carried of the rebel nag at
the moment OF victory.
Well miss, to what do | owe the
honor OF this visitT' he demanded.
with a supercilious air. bending a card
between his thumb and finger on the
rude table.
Il have come, monsieur, 10 tell you
that | have hurt Captain Farnsworth
He was about TO kin Father Berct. and
I shot him. He Is in our house and
wen cared for. l don't think his wound
is bad. AnP"-here she hesitated at
last and let her gaze fall-"so here /
am" Then she lifted her eyes again
| and made an inimitable French gesture
with her shoulders and arms "You
will do as you please, monsieur. l am
at your mercy"
Hamilton was astounded. Helm sat
staring phlegmatically. Meantime Bev-
erley entered the room and stopped. hat
In hand. behind Alice. He was flushed
and evidently excited. In fact he had
! heard OF the trouble with Farnsworth.
and, seeing Alice enter the door OF
IIamilton's quarters, he followed her
In. his heart stirred by no slight emo
ton. He met the governors glare and
parted IL with one Of equal haughti-
ness The veins on his forehead swelled
and turned dark. He was in mood 10
do whatever desperate act should sug-
gest itself.
When Hamilton fairly comprchonded
the message so graphically presented by
Alice he rose from his seat by the fire.
What's this you tell mei' he blurt-
ell. You say you've shot Captain
FarnsworthT"
"Oui. monsieur"
lie stared a moment then his fea.
lures beamed with hate.
And III have you shot for II, miss.
as sure as you stand there in your silly
impudcnce ogling me so brazenly"
He leaned toward her as he spoke
and sent with the words a shock OF
coarse, passionate energy from which
she recoilcd as IL expecting a blow to
follow Il.
An Irresistible impulse swept BeTer-
ley TO Alice's side, and his attitude
was that of a protector. Helm sprang
up.
A lieutenant came in and respectful
ly. with evident overhaste, reported
that Captain Farnsworth had been shot
and was at Roussillon place in care Of
the surgeon.
Take this girl into custody. Con
fine her and put a strong guard over
her"
In giving the order Hamilton jerked
his thumb contemptuously toward
Alice and at the same time gave Bev-
erley a look of supreme defiance and
hatred. When Helm began to speak
he turned ficrceH upon him and
stopped him with:
None of your advice, sir. have
had all l want of it, Keep your place
or I'll make you"
Then TO Beverley:
Retire, sir. When wish to see you
III send for you. At present you are
not needed here"
The English lieutenant saluted his
commander, bowed respectfully TO
Alice and said:
"Come with me, miss. please"
Helm and Beverley exchanged look
OF helpless and inqulring rage. 1t was
M IL they had said: "WhGt can we
do1 Must we bear it," Certainly they
could do nothing. Any Interference on
their part would be sure TO increase
Ailce's danger and at the same time
add to the weight of their own humila-
ton.
Alice silently followed the officer out
OF the room. She did not even glance
toward Beverley, who moved ms if to
interfere and was promptly motioned
back by the guard. His better judg-
ment returning, held him from rash
and futile act until Hamilton spoke