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It seemed as if my heartdown the passageway I heard the sharp click of a gun-barrel in the sentry's hand as he presented ar latch, yet remained so paralyzed by the suddenness of it as to be fairly helpless, unable to h this new act forarette

"The devil ca back upon his stool "Begin your paternosters, friend Benteen, or he will fly aith both of us"

Fortunately these h to per uponwide open Nor did I trust rel Latin, until it had been safely closed again Had I sought to exercise my wits on this occasion, my companion permitted small opportunity for words

"Ah! so it is you, you black-faced Arab?" he exclaiuard peered curiously in "Not content to wait the striking of the ship's bell, you entleht on earth, to push yourself in between him and the consolations of the holy father Sacre! had I only a se across your black Spanish heart which would teach your uard a French cavalier safely, and still be decent about it"

It is doubtful whether the officer comprehended this tirade It was voiced in French, yet tone and uished athe unpleasant duty of a soldier, and the length of time the priest had retained the key, ere the intruder finally backed out closing the door behind hi footsteps had died entirely away in the distance; even until De Noyan addresseddrawl

"So, Father, you hly I value your ministrations Faith! never until this hour have I truly enjoyed the prayers of any padre; I knew not what I missed Still there is limit even to such pleasure, and it is time now to conclude; I have heard better Latin in my day, while your provincial accent rasps painfully upon the ears"

"You made your play quite well, Monsieur," I said shortly, somewhat mortified he should thus take the leadership out of er "But there et free of this ship So coet into the box?"