Montana oil and mining journal. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1931-1953, 1936-10-24


Hes got some fixed idea of an OLE
feud with some dead and gone feIlow
hummer OF his which can't have
anything TO do with the case. We al
refuse to see him. except the doctor
who did see him; and the doctor
says he's mad"
yes" said Father Brown. pursuing
his lips thoughtfully. Il should say
he's mad. But Of course there cant
be any doubt that he's right"
~Right2" cried Carver sharply
Right about what2"
about this being connected with
the old theatrically company" said
I Father Brown. do you know the
first thing that stumped me about
! this Btory1 It was that notion that
because he insulted their village.
They misunderstood the meaning
OF those few last words poor Mall
travers was heard TO say. He wasn't
telling the villagers that the village
was only q hamlet. He was talking
TO an actor: they we're going to put
on a performance in which Fitxger-
aid was to be Fontinbras, the un-
known Hawking to be Polonfus, and
Maltravers. no doubt, the prince Of
Denmark. Perhaps somebody else
wanted the part; and Maltravers
said angrily, You'd be q miserable
little Hamlet; that's all"
DR.. Marlborough was staring; but
he seemed to be digesting the sug-
geStion slowly but without difficulty.
At last be said, before the others
could speak:
And what do you suggest that
we should do now?S
-
ly; but spoke civilly enough 'sIf these
gentlemen win excuse for the moment.
I propose that you and I, doctor,
should go round at once to the Hor-
ners; know the parson and his son
viii both be there just now. And
what want you TO do, doctor, is
this Nobody in the village knows yet
I think, about your autopsy and its
result. want you simply to tell both
the clergyman and his son, while
they are there together, the exact
fact Of the case; that Maltravers died
Of poison and not by a blow"
DR.. Marlborough had reason to re-
consider his incredulity when told
that it was an extraordinary village
The scene which ensued when he
actually carried out the priests pro- |
gram was certainly of the sort in |
which man, as the saying is, can 1
hardly believe his eyes. The Rev.
Samuel Horner was standing in his 4
black cassock, which threw up the !
silver Of his venerable head; hts
hand rested at the moment on the /
lectern at which he often stood to
study the Scriptures, now possibly
by accident only; but It gave him g
greater look OF authority. And OBJ
poSite to him his mutinous son was
sitting asprawl in q chair, smoking
a cheap cigaret with an exception
ally heavy scowI; 8 lively picture Of
youthful tnpiety. The old man c0ur-
teousiy waved Father Brown to a seat;
which he took and sat there silent,
staring bIandly at the ceiling. But
something xnade Marlborough feel
that he could deliver his important
news more inpressively standing UP.
Il feel" he said. stnat you ought TO
spiritual father OF this community,
hat the one terrible tragedy In its
'ecord has taken on a new signifi- !
lance; possibly even more terrible. You {
viii recall the sad business Of the |
ieafh Of Maltravers; who was adjudged
o have been killed with the blow Of
! stick, probably welded by some rus I
ic enemy"
The Clergyman made gesture with
! wavering hand. God forbid" he (
aid, that should say anything that
night seem to palliate murderous vio-
ence In any case. But when an actor {
rings his wickedness into this inno-
ent village. he is challenging the judg-
nent Of God"
Perhaps" said the doctor gravely; I
but anyhow 1t was not so that the =
Judgment fell. I have Just been COM
1issioned TO conduct a post-mOrtem ON
be body; and / can assure you, first
hat the blow on the head could not
onceivabIy have caused death; and,
scond, that the body was fun OF pol
Young Hurrei HOrner sent his Gig
ret flying and was on his feet with
1e Iightness and swiftness Of g cat.
lis leap landed him within yard or
} Of the reading desk.
aAre you certain of this2" he gaSped.
Are you absolutely certain that blow
ould not cause death?"
Absolutely certain" said the doctor.
well" said Hurrel, Il almost wish
lis one could"
In q flash, before anyone could
lOve q finger, he had struck the
arson stunning crack on the mouth,
ashing him backward like disjointed
ack doll against the door.
what are YOU dcfug2" cried Null
1rough, shaken from head TO feet
It'll the shock and mere sound Of the
ow. Father Brown, what Is this
admnn doing2"
But Father Brown had not stirred;
1t was still staring serenely at the
fling.
Il was waiting for him to do thai"
Sd the priest placidly. Il rather
onder he hasn't done It before"
Good God" cried the doctor. i
aow we thought he was wrOnged Ia
me ways: but 10 strike his father;
strike a clergyman"
Tie has not struck his father; and
} has not struck q clergyman, said
ather Brown Tie has struck black
a1ling BLACKBOARD Of an actor dressed
, as q clergyman, who has lived on
10 like q leech for years Now he
lowB he is free Of the blackmaal, he
Is lily; and can't say blame him
UGH More especially as I have very
rong suspicious that the blackmailer
poasoner as well / think, Mul-
rough. you had better ring UP the