Crittenden press. [volume] (Marion, Ky.) 1879-1907, 1904-01-21

puncheons II was not mere. The
only thing visible was little bali OF
paper fragments not larger than an
egg.
BarpsAuouth heard her utter low
cry of'surpriso. or dismay, and was on
the point Of going in when Father
Beret, coming around the corner Of the
cabin. confronted him. The meeting
was 50 sudden and unexpected that
both men recoiled slightly, and then,
with a mutual start, saluted.
Il came with young lady TO get the
flag said Farnsworth. "She Is in
side. hope there is no serious In
trusion. Sho says the flag is hidden
under your floor"
Father Beret said nothing, but frown-
ing as If much annoyed, stepped
through the doorway TO AIice's side,
and STOPPING where she knelt, laid
hand on her shoulder as she glanced
up and recognized him.
What are you doing. my caildT
ooh, father, where is the fag1" II
was all that she could say. "Where is
the flaGY
why, isn't 1t there?"
NO, you see IT isn't there! Where
is itT'
The priest stood as IL dumfounded,
gazing into the vacant space uncovered
by the puncheon.
rs 1t gone? Has some one taken II
away"
They turned up all the floor 20 no
avail. La banniere RAlice Roussillon
had disappeared and Captain Farms
worth went forthwith to report the
fact TO his commander. When he
reached the shed at the angle OF the
fort he found Governor Hamilton sit
ting stupid and dazed on the ground.
One jaw was infahed and swollen
and an eye was half closed and blood
shot. He turned his head with a pain
full, Irregular motion and his chin
sagged.
Farnsworth sprang TO him and lifted
him 10 his feet, but he could scarcely
stand. lie licked his lips clumsily.
What is the matter? What hurts
your
The governor rubbed his forehead
trying 20 recollect
He struck me-" he presently said
with difficulty. He hit me with his
fist. Where-where Is her"
Who"
That big French idiot--that Rous-
sillon. Go after him, take him. shoot
him-quick! | have been stunned. |
don't know how hong he's been gone.
Give the alarm-do somethingw
Hamilton. as he gathered his wits
together, bcgan'to foam with rage and
his passion gave his bruised and swoll-
en- face a terrible look.
The story was short and may be
quickly told. NJ. Roussillon had taken
advantage Of the first moment when
he and Hamilton we've left alone. One
herculcan buffet, a swinging smash OF
his enornbous fist ON the point OF the
governors Jaw. and then he walked out
Of thegfort mchalbenged, doubtless on
account.of hts lordty and masterful air.
"Zin!7 he exclaimed. shaking himself
and lifting his shoulders when he had
passed beyond hearing Of the sentinel
at the gate. "Zif! l can punch a
good stiff stroke yet. NJ. le GOuverneur.
All. ziff'" and heblew IKE a porpotse
Every effort Vsas promptly made to
recapture NJ Rousslbon, bot his dis
appearance was absolute. Even the
reward offered for his scalp by Ham
ilton only gave the Indians great trou-
bic; they could not find the man.
Such a beginning Of his administra-
ton Of affairs at vincenses did not put
Hamilton into good humor. He was
overbearing and irascible at best, and
under the irritation OF small but ex-
ceedingly unpleasant experiences he
made life well nigh uncomfortable TO
those upon whom his dislike CHANGED to
fall Beverley quickly felt that 1t was
going 10 be very difficult for him and
Hamilton TO get along agreeably. With
Helm IT was quite different: smoking.
drinking, playing cards, telling good
stories-in a word, rude and not infre-
quently boisterous conviviality drew
him and the commandant together.
Under Captain Farnsworth's imme-
date supervision the fort was soon In
excellent repair and a large bAockhouse
and comfortable quarters for the men
were built. Every day added 70 the
strength Of the works and to the Inn
portance Of the post as a strategic po-
sition for the advance guard OF the
British army.
Hamilton was ambitious TO prove
himself conspicuously valuable TO his
country. He was dreaming vast dreams
and laying large plans. The Indians
were soon anxious To gain his favor,
and TO bind them securely 10 him he
offered liberal pay in rum and fire
arms, blankets, trinkets and ammuni-
ton for the scalpS OF rebels He kept
this as secret as possible from his prs
oners, but Beverley soon suspected that
traffic i'm hair" rs the terrible bust
ness had been nlm,d. was going on.
Savagos came in from far away with
scalpS yet scarccl" dry dangling at
their bolts. II EHG' the yoGlg Nir-