The Pulaskian., 1920-04-01

Marie was closed as tightly as it was ever likely to be. Father Lucien took the homeward road to St. Boniface again.
 He went through the limits instead of along the shore. and was nearing the village when he encountered Lafe
 Hello. Father Lucy Where do you come from?" asked the latter
 i've just been paying a pastoral visit to Ste. Marle." said the cure de murely.
 Lafe stared at him. What d'you call that?p he demanded.
 "That is a singlestick." said Fa- ther Lucien. Tt is a good exerciser for old men like you and me. Lafe.''
 Sort of light double club" said Lafe. "What's that hair on the end, father? Say, that looks like blood, don't it?"
 "That is Simeon Duvals." the cure answered. You see. Mir. Lafe-"
 Lafe stopped short. Father Lucy, d'you mean to tell me you've knocked out Simeon?"
 Pm afraid so. Mir. Lafe. couldn't get into his soul in any other way. But I'm getting there. Next time I shall have learned some more exer- cises, and then"
 "You closed up Ste. Marie?"
 "WelI, for the present, yes" ad- mitted the cure. But next time"
 Shake, father" said Lafe, stretch ing out his hand. By George. you do get results after all when you start in. But why didn't you do that be- fore?"
 "It was your friend Monsieur As kew. who put the thought into my head" said Father Lueien. By the way, Afr. Lafe, have letter from friend in St. Joseph"
 "St. Joseph? Why, that's where Nanette Bonnat-"
 Precisely. And she has told every thing about the visit to the island, concerning which. as you are aware. Mademoiselle Rosny-"
 Lafe shook his head. Tt ain't any her and told her. She knows that yarn ain't true But she's like all them Rosnys She hates herself so much because she knows it ain't true that she hates him more. And he's going to leave St. Boniface"
 "Tut, tut" said the cure. ''Mr. Lafe,' he added seriously. i've must stop this. It is not for me to inter- fere. but at least the truth should be known. am going to see the girl Ma rio Dupont"
 I'm going that way" said Lafe. "Ill go with you. I'm Hilary Askew's friend And Pm uneasy about him. I've just been to the camp. and they tell me he's gone back to St. Boniface."
 It was growing dark. The two set out with quickened pace, but it was quite dark before they saw the cot tages of St. Boniface before them. As the wharf came into view Lafe uttered an exclamation.
 '"The sehooner's gone p he cried.
 Whose, Mr. Lafe?"
 "The captains. That other ones laid up for the season. I hope to God Hilary ain't done anything foolish and slipped the cable"
 They almost ran to the captains house. The interior was dark. save for the dull flicker from the stova. The cure flung the door open. They heard a sobbing within. Carefully Fa- ther Lacien struck match and lit the lamp, disclosing Marie Dupont kneel- ing, her face in her hands, beside the embers. She looked up with an ex- pression of utter despair.
 Where is thy father?'
 He has sailed, with Leblanc and Pierre. and Monsieur Askew is aboard. and Madeleine Rosny-"
 What" shouted the cure, pulling her to her feet. "Thou art dreaming, childr
 They planned to kill Monsieur As kew. went.to mademoiselle, and we drove to the wharf. She sprang aboard, and the ship sailed. half an hour ago. They will kill them."
 Father Lucien went white and began to tremble. Marie Dupont, swear to me-" he began. ah' mon bleu, IL IS true. swear itw
 Why didn't thou come to mel" "I was afraid" The cure translated to Lafe. "If | she speaks the truth" he began Tt is true, guess" said Lafe. Quick, father, let's get the other schooner and go after them It's our only chance. I'll go. Darn it.. if they hurt hair of Hilary's head. or-or mademoiselles I'll send the gang to hell v cried Lafe, half sobbng.
 But it Is impossble!" cried the cure. "Who will sail herr"
 Come with me. father" answered Lafe, flicker of whimsicalty appear ing on his face. as in such moments. T guess I'm in charge now. see? Let's go to the store"