She had
already suffered these things, and now that she could no longer
have any protection, what was to become of her? He did not attempt
to overstate the case; but presented it with a blunt sincerity
which made a powerfully realistic impression.
Father Beret, like most men of strong feeling who have been
subjected to long years of trial, hardship, multitudinous dangers
and all sorts of temptation, and who have learned the lessons of
self-control, had an iron will, and also an abiding distrust of
weak men. He saw Farnsworth's sincerity; but he had no faith in
his constancy, although satisfied that while resentment of
Hamilton's imperiousness lasted, he would doubtless remain firm in
his purpose to aid Alice. Let that wear off, as in a short time it
would, and then what? The old man studied his companion with eyes
that slowly resumed their expression of smouldering and almost
timid geniality. His priestly experience with desperate men was
demanding of him a proper regard for that subtlety of procedure
which had so often compassed most difficult ends.
He listened in silence to Farnsworth's story. When it came to an
end he began to offer some but half relevant suggestions in the
form of indirect cross-questions, by means of which he gradually
drew out a minute description of Alice's prison, the best way to
reach it, the nature of its door-fastenings, where the key was
kept, and everything, indeed, likely to be helpful to one
contemplating a jail delivery.
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