The spectator., 1920-03-02

! Marie was closed as tightly as it was ever likely to be, Father Luclen took the homeward road to St. Boniface | again.
 He went through the limits instead l 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 Marie" said the cure de- murely.
 Lafe stared at him. What d'you call that?" 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?"
 I'm afraid so, Mir. Lafe. couldn't | get into his soul in any other way. But I'm getting there. Next time shall have learned some more exer- cises. and then" "You closed up Ste Marie?" "Well, for the present. yes" ad- mtted the cure. But next time" Shake, father" said I.afe. 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 Lucien. By the way. Mir Lafe, have letter from a 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, l Mademoiselle Rosny-"
 Lafe shook his head "It ain't any use, father" he said "I been to see | 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. I am going to see the girl Ma ric Dupont"
 "Fm going that way" said Lafe "I'n go with you. I'm Hilary Askew's friend. And I'm 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 1t 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 schooner's gone." he cried.
 Whose, Mir. Lafe?"
 "The captains. That other ones laid up for the season. l 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 stovn. The cure flung the door open. They heard sobbing within. Carefully Fa- ther Lucien struck a 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-"
 "Whatw shouted the cure. pulling her to her feet. ''Thou art dreaming, | child :"
 They planned to kill Monsieur As kew. l 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 Dieu, it Is true. swear | itw
 Why didn't thou come to me?" | "I was afraid"
 The cure translated to Lafe. "If she speaks the truth" he began.
 'It is true. 1 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 Hllary's head. or--or mademoiselle's, I'll send the gang to hell! v cried Lafe, half sobbing.
 But it is impossible!" cried the cure. "Who will sail her?"
 Come with me, father" answered Lafe, flicker of whimsicality appear ing on his face. as in such moments. "I guess I'm in charge now, see? Let's | go to the store."
 There were the usual loafers inside