Prisoners of Chance

by Randall Parrish

  CHAPTER XXXVI

  THE INTERFERENCE OF THE JESUIT

  I could look no longer on that hellish scene. It seemed as if allstrength, all manhood, had deserted me before the utter helplessness ofour position. There was nothing left except useless sacrifice--amoment's hopeless struggle, the sole reward death under the war-club orby torture. God knows it was not myself I considered, but Eloise. Itwas thought of her which so unnerved me, so paralyzed body and mind.The Puritan dropped his heavy hand on my shoulder.

  "Great Jehovah," he muttered, "look there!"

  How he ever made it I know not; how he ever crept on tortured stumpsdown those rude steps, and along the dark, rocky tunnel; how he eversucceeded in penetrating unscathed that howling mob of savages--yetthere, in the very midst of them, fully revealed in the torch glare,his pallid, girlish face uplifted, but concealed beneath the shadow ofhis cowl, the silver cross gleaming in the light, beside Eloise, kneltthe black-robed Jesuit. Amid the sudden hush of surprise I overheardhis voice, fearless, calm, unfaltering, as he gave the weeping womansacrament of the Church. A great brute struck at him; the frail figurereeled sideways to the force of the blow, but the words of prayer didnot cease, nor his grasp on her hand relax. Rallying from theirastonishment, the warriors crowded in upon them, and a fanatical priesthurled the _pere_ headlong to the floor. I saw a brandishing of clubs,a glitter of spears, yet the poor fellow came erect once more, his armresting for support on the woman's shoulder. It was all in a flash oftime, like some swift transformation on the stage we could scarcelycomprehend. At the instant a voice spoke, ringing above the babel,which ceased suddenly. I glanced involuntarily toward Naladi. Shestood leaning forward, her hands gripping the stone parapet,conflicting emotions playing across her face.

  As the torches, uplifted, gleamed brighter upon the motionless Queen,they revealed a look of perplexity, almost fear, in her cold eyes.What held her speechless? Was it remembrance of another life, when thestern word of the Church had been law? or was she merely troubled by somysterious an appearance, her guilty soul swayed by superstitiousterror? She was all too strange a riddle for my reading, but someoccult power held her helpless, silent. The vengeful cries of hersavage followers died away into threatening murmurs; the _pere_remained motionless, one hand on Eloise's bowed head, his white faceshadowed by the hood, calmly fronting her who had commanded quiet.Slowly he lifted one arm, the loose sleeve lending dignity and power tothe simple gesture, his white extended hand seeming to have in it theauthority of command. A moment, heedless of the scowling, paintedfaces all about, the slight figure stood erect and firm, the dark eyesbearing witness to his earnestness, and never wavering from Naladi'sscornful face.

  "Woman," he said calmly, even as I imagine Christ may have spoken ofold, "release this prisoner, and make thy peace with God."

  She endeavored to laugh mockingly, yet only a hollow semblance camefrom between her white lips. "Pah!" she cried nervously, "you speakbravely; pray, who gave you authority to give orders to the Daughter ofthe Sun?"

  "One greater than the Sun, woman," he answered. "I speak to you in thename of Jesus of Nazareth, and by authority of the Holy CatholicChurch."

  She leaned yet farther forward, as though seeking to penetrate theshadow concealing his face, a perceptible tremor apparent in her voice.

  "Who are you? Answer me!"

  "I am called Father Ignatius, a priest of the Order of Jesuits."

  "And what do you suppose I care for your Romish orders? They have nopower here; a single wave of my hand would condemn you to the place ofyonder slaves." Her color rose in the wave of passion, sweeping fearaside. "I have nothing but hatred for your black robe, and yourinterference only intensifies my purpose. Mark you now what I say; ifit be the will of my people to put this cringing French woman to thetorture, I lift not so much as a finger to change her fate. More,because of your insolence I give you also into their hands. We take noorders from the Church of Rome."

  "Your people!" the words rang forth with such clearness as almost tobring me to my feet. "You foul fiend of hell, do you think thus toimpose your vile imposture on me? I fear neither your power nor thecruelty of your savage satellites. My life is in the hands of myMaster, who will give me strength to mock your torture. Two months agoI was bound to a stake in the valley below. Ask these fiends, who doyour bidding, whether I shrank back in terror, or made outcry as theflame ate into my flesh. Gaze on these stumps blackened by fire, andlearn how I value your threats. Peace, woman, and no longer mock thefaith of your childhood."

  "My childhood? You know nothing of that!"

  "Do I not? Look upon my face, and judge."

  He flung back his cowl, and the light fell full upon his countenance.Upon the silence broke a sharp cry, in which fear and surprise werestrangely blended:

  "Andre Lafossier!"

  "Right, woman; you have not forgotten. Sunk as you are in shame andevil deeds, conscience yet lives and haunts you. What do I know ofyou? Enough to justify calling you joint heir with all the fiends ofhell, unless, like the thief on the Cross, repentance make white yourblack soul. Yet, 'tis in my heart that yours is the sin against theSpirit for which there is no forgiveness. Nothing in your face tellsme of an awakening soul. You are a Queen, you say? Ay, of evil, ofdevils incarnate. I would rather be this poor woman bound to the stakethan you upon a throne. Do your worst with us, but know that AndreLafossier has nothing for you save disgust; still, as priest of HolyChurch, I hold open the door of salvation through Jesus Christ."

  Evidences of struggle marked Naladi's face, yet by now she hadoutwardly conquered the first shock of recognition, and stood a cold,stately statue, with glittering eyes on the slender figure of thepriest.

  "I care as little for your Romish mummery," she said sneeringly, "as Ido for the senseless rites of these savages. But I am glad it is you Ihave in my power. If I am the queen of devils, they serve me well.You are to die, Andre Lafossier. I might have spared you had you keptyour tongue, but after those words you die. I shall stand here andmock you to the last breath. You say I have no soul; to-night youshall know it true while I laugh at your agony."

  She paused as if seeking to mark the effect of her words, but the_pere_ merely stooped slightly, whispering some message of comfort intothe ear of Eloise. Then he stood erect again.

  "As you will, woman; to die for Christ is gain."

  The face of Naladi, which had been pale and drawn, flushed, her eyesfairly blazing.

  "So you dare mock me, you hireling priest!" she hissed. "'T is not forlong; I am no snivelling French girl, afraid of blood. And now I giveyou a taste of my power."

  As the words fell from her thin lips, she flung up one hand, exhibitingwith a peculiar gesture a glittering metallic substance shining in thelight. It must have been a signal for unrestrained sacrifice, for itwas greeted with fierce howls of delight, the savage herd pressing inupon the prisoners, so that I lost sight of them an instant in thecrush.

  "Wait, woman!" rose the priest's voice above the uproar. "I admit yourpower here to take physical life; I expect no mercy from such as you.But, if you be not lost to all shame, grant me one favor, MarieFousard."

  "What?"

  "A moment of time in which I may give absolution to this child of Godbefore we die."

  "Pish! is that all? Go on with your fool mummery. I will hold backthe savages till that be done, though the sight of it will but angerthem."

  Eloise had sunk down against the altar, with face buried in her hands.The _pere_ dropped upon his knees beside her. About them surged theglistening forms of the savages, maddened with blood-lust, but Naladiclapped her hands, with voice and gesture bidding them wait her furtherword. An instant they swayed passionately back and forth, theirfanatical priests clamoring in opposition to this halting of vengeance.Then Naladi shook loose her hair, permitting its wealth to fall in agolden-red shower, until it veiled her from head to foot. The silencedcrowd stared as if in worship of the super
natural. I know not what shesaid, uplifting her white arms from out that red-gold canopy, yet I canguess.

  "Natchez, I dare you to disobey the Daughter of the Sun!"

  Swept by a superstition stronger than hate, they flung themselves ather feet, prostrating their faces to the rock, grovelling like worms,heedless of all except her presence and her supremacy. She was agoddess, one whose will was destruction. Gazing down upon them,conscious of her power, her thin lips smiled in contempt. 'T was so Isaw her last; so I shall always picture her in memory--a motionless,statuesque figure, covered with a veil of red-gold hair, her eyes likediamonds, her bare, white arms gleaming, her lips curved in prouddisdain; a queen of savages, a high priestess of Hell.

  The sudden cessation of noise was awesome, uncanny. It renderedmanifest the ceaseless roar of thunder without. Directly in front ofme yawned the cave entrance, plainly illuminated by vivid lightning.Dreadful as was the spectacle, it yielded me a flash of hope--hereopportunity pointed a path of escape. With no pause for thought Iwhirled to arouse the Puritan, every nerve a-tingle with desperation.His deep-set eyes glowed like two coals, his square jaw projecting likethat of a fighting bulldog.

  "Cairnes," I muttered, almost heedless of what I said in the necessityfor haste. "If we could attain the tree-bridge, we might hold thedevils. See! the way is clear! What say you to the trial? Will youbear the priest?"

  His grip tightened about the war-club, as he half rose to his feet likea maddened bear.

  "Saints of Israel! yes," he growled, "the Jesuit is a man."

  "Then come!"

  With one leap I was upon the floor; almost at the same second he landedbeside me. Twice I struck savagely at some obstructing figure, and infive strides was at the side of Eloise. One shrill cry of warning fromthe lips of Naladi echoed through the chamber, and was answered by theyell of the warriors. I was already clasping Eloise against my breast,and speeding toward the opening. Not a savage stood between, and now,all hope centred upon the desperate race, I dashed forward down therocky path, rendered hideous by the lightning. All the fires of hellseemed swirling about us, writhing serpents of flame leaping from thesky, while fierce crashes of thunder echoed from rock to rock. Iscarcely heard or saw. Below yawned the abyss, black with night; abovestretched solid, overhanging stone, painted by green and yellow flames.I realized nothing except that ribbon of a path, the need of haste, thewhite, upturned face in my arms. God! was ever such a race as that runbefore? Did ever men dash headlong over such a path of death? No oneneed ask how it was done; how speeding feet clung to the narrow rock.I know not; I never knew. Twice I stumbled, sobbing in despair, yetran on like a madman. Under the glare of the lightning I leapeddownward where I had crept in climbing; protruding splinters of rocktore my clothes, bruised my body; my forehead dripped withperspiration, my breath came panting, yet I ran still, her form crushedagainst my breast. I shudder now in the recollection; then I scarcelyknew. Ahead loomed black the tree-bridge; but I recall no shrinkingfear, only exultation, as I bore down recklessly upon it. It must becrossed, upright, swiftly, with no thought of the yawning depth. Ifdeath came we should go down together.

  "Eloise, steady me with hand against the cliff," I panted, and steppedforth boldly upon the trunk. My moccasoned feet gripped the rough barkfirmly, yet I swayed horribly under my burden, as I footed thetreacherous way. Again and again I felt myself swaying wildly, yetsome power held us, until, at last, I stood on solid rock, utterlyunable to essay another yard. Panting for breath, my arms yet claspingthe motionless figure of Eloise, I glanced backward in apprehension. Icould perceive Cairnes footing the log, the head of the priest showingblack and distinct above his broad shoulder; beyond, a medley of darkfigures appeared to dance dizzily along the cliff face. I staggered tomy knees. With a growl of relief the Puritan dropped his burden. Thenext instant he had one great shoulder under the tree root. Heavingwith all his mighty strength he slowly moved the great trunk, and I sawit topple over into the abyss; I saw his burly figure tottering on thevery brink--then one awful flash lit up the sky, so blinding me that Isank face downward on the rock. The cliff shook as if riven from crestto valley, a single peal of thunder reverberating like the report of athousand guns.

  CHAPTER XXXVII

  THE DEAD BURY THEIR DEAD

  I may have lost consciousness; I do not know. That awful glare, thethunderous report, the speechless terror of feeling myself a mere pygmyin the midst of such tremendous convulsions of nature, shocked me intomomentary insensibility. I lay huddled against the rock like a mandead, one arm yet clasping the motionless form of Eloise. Stunned,unable to move a muscle, I believed death had overtaken us all; thatout from the very heavens a bolt had stricken us down. I struggledpainfully to arouse myself, every nerve in my body appearing paralyzed.At first I could not even see, but light came back gradually to myblinded eyes, and I staggered to my feet, slowly adjusting my mind tothe situation.

  I began to understand then what had happened--that deadly bolt hadsmitten the cliff as by the wrath of God, yet I was spared. I stilllived, as by a miracle. I stared across the chasm and up the steepascent beyond, still clearly revealed in the lightning flashes. It wasvacant; not a human form stood where those pursuing savages had been.A cry burst from my lips as I gazed--a vast, irregular gash showedclearly in the cliff face, but where the entrance to the cave hadyawned was a solid front of rock. I staggered with the shock, reelingon the very edge of the path, and barely saved myself by dropping to myknees. Again I looked, half believing my brain crazed, that I beheldvisions. As God guards me, it was true! Out of the very heavens Hehad struck, sealing those fiends into a living tomb. Trembling like afrightened child, I bowed my face and sobbed as I prayed for mercy.

  I know not how long I lay unable for either thought or action. But atlast I was upon my knees again, creeping forward to where a blackfigure lay at the very edge of the chasm, one arm dangling over thebrink. I drew the inert body back to safety, peering down into thewhite face of the priest. My touch seemed to arouse him intoconsciousness, his dark eyes staring up into my face. I helped him tosit up and lean back against the wall. An instant he gazed aboutwildly, like one suddenly awakened from sound sleep, then hid his facein his hands.

  "The Puritan--" I questioned--"the man who bore you here--what happenedto him?"

  He shuddered, and pointed into the black abyss.

  "'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life forhis friends,'" he quoted solemnly.

  "He went down?"

  He bowed his head silently, his fingers searching for his crucifix. Isat staring at him, crushed into helplessness.

  In a few moments I felt the pressure of his fingers.

  "The Lord hath preserved us as by fire," he said in low, solemn tone,"He hath ridden upon the flaming skies in his chariot, accompanied byangels and archangels. 'T is ours to bless His holy name."

  I gazed into the rapt, boyish face, and said:

  "On my knees have I already acknowledged His mercy. I am notungrateful."

  The troubled countenance brightened with a quick smile.

  "God is most good," he murmured; "He hath spared us that we maycontinue to honor Him, and do His work. The woman--does she also live?"

  The question brought me instantly to my feet, wondering how I couldhave neglected her so long. But before I could advance to where shelay, she sat partially up, her face turned toward us.

  "Eloise," I cried, the heart joy apparent in my voice. "Good God! Ihad forgotten."

  She held forth her hand, her eyes smiling.

  "I hold that not strange," she answered, the soft voice falteringslightly. "I saw you groping like a blind man, yet could neither movenor speak. I lay helpless as if paralyzed. Tell me what has happened."

  I held her hand, falling upon my knees beside her, my eyes searchingher sweet face.

  "A lightning bolt smote the cliff," I explained rapidly, "rending thesolid rock. Master Cairnes was
hurled headlong into the chasm, and ourpursuers were swept from the path. The very mouth of the cavern hasbeen forever sealed."

  "The cavern?" as if stifled, her eyes opening wide. "They--they areburied alive?"

  "I doubt if any lived to know," I answered soberly. "'T is likelythose within were crushed to death."

  She dropped her face into her hands, sobbing hysterically. Unable tospeak, I bowed my head until it touched her shoulder. The crippledpriest crept toward us, forgetful of his own pain in the call of duty.

  "Daughter," he said tenderly, stroking her brown hair with his slenderfingers, "to live or die is as Christ wills. The Lord gave, the Lordhath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. Be of good comfort,remembering these words of promise, 'Lo! I am with you alway, evenunto the end of the world.'"

  She looked up through the mist of her tears, first into his face, theninto mine.

  "I have passed through much," she confessed simply, "yet 'tis not thespirit but the body which has become weakened. Forgive me, both ofyou."

  "Brave heart!" I echoed, caring nothing for the presence of the father."No woman ever upbore grievous burden better. If we rest first, youwill regain courage to go on."

  Both her hands were resting trustfully in my own.

  "With you," she acknowledged softly. "In all confidence with you."

  We sat there until the coming of dawn, speaking only seldom, our verythoughts holding us silent. Occasionally I could feel Eloise's handtouch mine as if she sought thus to be reassured of my presence, and Icould distinguish an inarticulate murmur from the priest's lips, as ifhe continually counted his beads in prayer. The glare of lightninggradually ceased, the storm passing away to the westward with distantreverberations. Yet clouds overcast the skies, leaving the earlymorning hours dark and cheerless. With the first faint glow of daylighting the pathway, I stood up, dizzy at viewing the awful abyssbelow our narrow shelf. We could perceive now more plainly theterrific havoc wrought above, but our eyes turned away from it inhorror. We must linger there no longer, but press forward withwhatever of courage remained.

  "I must ask you to attempt to walk alone, Eloise," I said regretfully,"as I must bear the _pere_, whose limbs are crippled."

  Her startled eyes were filled with womanly sympathy.

  "Crippled? Was it done last night in the storm?"

  "No, a month ago; he was tortured at the stake in the village below.Ever since then he has been held prisoner for sacrifice."

  "Do not worry, daughter; my wounds are not worthy your tears," broke inthe soft voice; "they are but a small part of my debt to Him whoperished upon the cross. Yet I think I might manage to walk, Monsieur,without assistance. Surely, with God's help, I can master the pain."

  "Make no attempt," I said; "your slight figure will prove no burden tome. It was of Eloise I thought."

  "Then do so in that way no longer," she burst forth eagerly. "I havebeen trouble enough to you, Geoffrey. I will not consent to remainhelpless. See! I can stand alone--ay, and walk; even this greatheight does not render my head dizzy."

  We advanced slowly and cautiously down the path, feeling yet theexhaustion of the night. The way proved less difficult than weexpected. The tunnel was by far the hardest portion, as we werecompelled to grope the entire distance through intense darkness,guiding ourselves with hands against the wall. Having little fear thatany of the tribe remained to dispute our passage, we conversed freelyand cheerfully, avoiding all unnecessary reference to the recenttragedy. We emerged from the dark hole somewhat before noon, makinguse of the entrance leading through the altar-house. The sight of thedeserted platform reminded us of the Puritan, and as I glanced aside atEloise, her gray eyes were filled with tears. A fire smouldered on thealtar, waiting replenishment from hands that would labor no more; andwe gladly hurried from the gloomy interior to the sunlit slope without.

  The desolate, deserted village presented a scene of lonelinessimpossible to describe; not a figure was moving among the huts, no signof life anywhere. We discovered an abundance of food, and partook ofit in the open. Eloise appeared unwilling to accompany me, so I wentalone to explore the mystery of Naladi's house, leaving her assiduouslyministering to the needs of the priest. My search was rewarded by thediscovery of my lost rifle, with what remained of ammunition, togetherwith a variety of feminine garments with which to replace those sadlysoiled and tattered ones Madame wore. The desire was in the hearts ofus all to get away as soon as possible, to put behind us that desolatespot, those deserted houses, and the haunting cliff. The _pere_ hadconstructed, during my absence, a pair of rude crutches for his use;and, so soon as Eloise had more becomingly clothed herself, wedeparted, bearing such provisions as we could conveniently carry. Withthe gun in my possession, I expected no great shortness in the foodsupply. Madame carried it at first, however, as we made swifterprogress by my taking the father on my shoulder. He was no greatburden, his weight scarcely more than that of a child.

  In this manner we tramped steadily forward through the bright sunshine,along canals filled with clear, cool water, and across fields no longertilled by slaves, until we discovered the secret path which led forthfrom this death valley. A moment we paused, glancing back toward thevillage, and up at the frowning front of rock, the tomb of the Natchez.Then silently, soberly, as befitted those who had witnessed an act ofGod, we pressed on into the labyrinth, shutting out forever that scene,except as a hideous memory. To me the change was like entering upon anew world; I was a prisoner released, breathing once again the clearair of hope and manhood. Burdened as we were, the passage through thetangled cedars to where the stream flowed down the canyon proved one ofsevere exertion. When we finally attained the outer rocks, with thesullen roar of the falls just below, I was breathing heavily fromexhaustion, and a flush had come back into Eloise's pale cheeks. Verygladly I deposited the priest in a position of comfort, and the threeof us rested in silence, gazing about upon the wilderness scene. Wehad spoken little to each other regarding the future; under thedepressing influence of that dread valley we felt incapable of thought,our minds yet dazed by the tragic events we had experienced. Even nowI constantly saw before me the faces of Cairnes and De Noyan, scarcelyable to banish their memory long enough to face intelligently therequirements of the present. Yet now it must be done. The _pere_ sat,with crutches lying across his rusty black robe, his girlish featuressoftened by a look of infinite peace; Eloise leaned against the rock ina posture of weariness, her bosom rising and falling with tumultuousbreathing. I recalled to mind the leagues of desolate wilderness yetto be traversed. Possibly I indulged unconsciously in outwardexpression, for the priest gazed across at me.

  "The sun is still sufficiently high for considerable travel, my son,"he remarked quietly, "and you will require daylight for the earlierpart of your journey."

  "It was upon my mind, but I scarcely knew how best to proceed."

  "Possibly my experience may guide you. The way should not prove undulyfatiguing after you pass the falls," with a wave of the hand downward,and a slight smile. "I wandered here alone up that valley, seeking theIndian village somewhat blindly, discovering much of interest on theway. Would that my own future path led me through such ease; but 'tismine to go whithersoever the Lord wills. However, my discoveries willbe of value. Slightly below the falls, concealed beneath anoutcropping rock, you will find several stanch Indian boats. Thelightest one will transport safely the two of you, together with whatprovisions you require. The current runs swiftly, yet a strong,skilful hand on the steering oar should bring you through withoutmishap."

  We both stared at him, greatly puzzled by his strange speech. Eloisewas first to speak in protest.

  "What do you mean by two of us? Do you deem us dastards enough toleave you here alone?"

  He smiled into her face with the tender smile of a woman, and held uphis shining silver crucifix.

  "Daughter," he said modestly, "my work is not yet done. Upon thissymbol I took sole
mn oath to live and die in faithful service to theheathen tribes of this river. Would you have me retreat in cowardice?Would you have me false to the vows of my Order? to the voice of theMaster?"

  "But you are crippled, helpless, in continual pain!" She crossedhastily to him, dropping upon her knees at his side. "Oh, _pere_, wecannot leave you; it would mean death."

  His slender fingers stroked her brown hair, his eyes alight with thefire of enthusiasm.

  "Whether or not I am worthy of martyrdom, God knows. All I see is myplain duty, and the beckoning hand of the bleeding Christ. Daughter,you are a child of the true Church; your pleading should never retardthe labor of the priesthood. My suffering is nothing, my life nothing,if only through such sacrifice souls may be rescued from the consumingflames of hell."

  She could not speak, but sobbed, her face hidden.

  "Where do you go seeking other tribes?" I asked hoarsely, scarcelybelieving his words.

  He arose with difficulty to his feet, holding himself erect on the rudecrutches. I noticed now, for the first time, a bag of woven grasshanging at his girdle.

  "Yonder, Monsieur, to the westward," a new dignity in his manner as hepointed up the narrow canyon. "There are tribes a few days' journeyaway. I have learned of them, without being told their names. Tosuch, under God, I bear my message of salvation."

  "But you will starve on the journey."

  "I carry food here," touching the bag. "It will suffice; if not, thereare berries and roots in abundance. My Master has always fed me in thewilderness."

  What more could I say or do to change his purpose? It was a girlishface fronting me, yet the thin lips were pressed tightly together, thedark eyes fearless and resolute. I laid my hand on Eloise's shoulder.

  "It must be as he says," I acknowledged regretfully. "We can butdepart."

  She arose slowly to her feet, her eyes still sadly pleading. The_pere_ gazed questioningly into both our faces, the rigid lines of hismouth softening.

  "My daughter," he said, in calm dignity, "we of a desert priesthood areordained unto strange duties, and unusual privileges. Do you love thisman?"

  A wave of color surged into her cheeks, as she gave one rapid glanceaside into my face. Then she answered in all simplicity:

  "Yes, _pere_, from childhood."

  Resting upon his crutch, he touched her with his hand.

  "Yet he who perished yonder was your husband. How came you thus tomarry, with your heart elsewhere?"

  "It was the desire of my father, and the will of the Church."

  He bowed his head, his lips moving in silent prayer for guidance.

  "Then the will of the Church hath been done," he said humbly. "Here inthe wilderness we perform the will of God, untrammelled by the councilsof men. 'T is my dispensation to bury the dead, baptize the living,and join in marriage those of one heart. It is not meet that you twojourney together except with the solemn sanction of Holy Church."

  My pulses throbbed, yet I could only look at her, as she stoodtrembling, her eyes downcast, her cheeks burning.

  "But--but, _pere_, will it be right?" she faltered faintly.

  "Let the dead past bury its dead," he answered gravely. "I hold itright in the name of Christ, from whom I derive authority. GeoffreyBenteen, take within your own the hand of this woman."

  'T is but a dream, our standing there together in the sun; a dream,those words of the marriage rite spoken by him in the desolation andsilence of the desert. We knelt together upon the stones, handclasping hand, while above our bowed heads were uplifted the priest'sthin, white hands in benediction. Whether or not in that hour AndreLafossier exceeded his authority I cannot tell. In heart we werejoined of God; our union has never been questioned of man.

  We stood there watching, longing to prevent the sacrifice, as he movedaway from us slowly upon his crutches. It was a pitiful sight, thatslender figure, in frayed, tattered black robe, going forward alone,and in agony, to death or torture. It was in my heart to cry afterhim, but she understood far better the mighty motive of his sacrifice,and restrained me with uplifted hand. Far up the canyon, he paused amoment and glanced back. The distance already veiled his face, but upinto the sunlight he lifted the silver crucifix. Then hedisappeared--to endure his fate in Christ's name. Then, hand in handand heart to heart, our voices silent, Eloise and I went down into thevalley to where the boats lay. The dead past was behind us; the futurewas our own.

  THE END