led with indignation, and one hand was uplifted in rebuke.

"Father Montigny!" said Henry, under his breath.

"Who says 'stop!' here, where I command?" Alvarez exclaimed, and then he
paled at sight of the priest. The Spaniard was a bold man, but he wished
no conflict with Holy Church.

"I said 'stop,'" replied the priest with calm dignity, advancing into the
room. "Francisco Alvarez, you were about to perform a deed unworthy of
yourself, one that you would have cause to regret. There is no war between
Louisiana and Kaintock. What right have you to put this youth in chains?"

He took a step further, and the rebuking hand was still uplifted. The
soldiers shrank back and more than one crossed himself. Yet they were
relieved, as Father Montigny had interfered with a task that they did not
like.

"I have the utmost respect for Holy Church," replied Alvarez, though it
cost him an effort to utter the words, "but I am in command here and all
military affairs fall under my jurisdiction. This young man is a dangerous
spy and plotter from Kaintock, one who has used force against us. He and
his comrades seized one of our boats and that was an act of war."

"He is a good youth," said Father Montigny. "He and his comrades did me a
great service. I know that his motives are good, and I will not see him
treated in such barbarous fashion."

The face of Alvarez darkened. This was more than he could stand.

"I am the judge in these matters," he replied, "and I tell you, Father
Montigny, that you must not interfere. Your order, the Capuchins, are in
power now at New Orleans, as I know, but the Jesuits may come back. I
should favor their returning."

"It is not a question of Capuchin or Jesuit," replied Father Montigny
sternly, "and you, Francisco Alvarez, should know it. It is a question of
you and what you are doing here. You need not make any threats against me.
I care for none of them, but Bernardo Galvez, the Governor General at New
Orleans, shall know of what is passing at Beaulieu."

The face of Alvarez contracted into a terrible frown. Nevertheless he
feared the unarmed priest. He was helpless against him and he feared,
too, that if he persisted Father Montigny would quickly learn of other and
deeper matters. He broke into a short and by no means hearty laugh.

"Perhaps I was going rather far," he said, "but this youth has provoked me
beyond endurance. Take away those things, Gaspar."

The Spaniard whom he indicated took