Page 51 (1/1)

"So it is you, you miserable, drunken reprobate!" he exclai in a voice I felt must naturally be soft and low "Have you dared come back to pester me with your abominable consolations? Sacre! did I not bid you this afternoon to letfor your tipsy paternosters Faith,squad to-et out of the rooenerate hands upon your shaven poll I a, priest, for I areatly for the curses of Mother Church"

I stepped quickly forward, coreat sea-chest would peruishable beyond the closed door Then, with silent gesture of warning, I flung aside the heavy cohich had concealed my features

"You, I presuravely "I am not Father Cassati, nor drunken priest of any Order of Holy Church"

The prisoner was thoroughly astounded This I could perceive by the sudden glea into his eyes, but that he retained marvellous control over every e of attitude, or of voice, gave slightest evidence of emotion

"Well, Mother of God preserve h "'Tis some small comfort to know even that much Yet may I politely inquire who the devil you are, to invade thus coolly the bedcha leave, at this unholy hour of the ht on earth I have?"

He was staring at ht observe some peculiar aniht rest assured I should never have troubled you," I replied, some constraint inharshly upon my nerves "But time presses, Chevalier; there ree of co to those in such grave peril as you and I"

"Sacre! are you also one of us? Surely, I have no recollection of your face"

"I am one in so far as I now face the sah, it is true, I had no part in your uprising I a one slender, white hand carelessly through his long hair