the oppressive silence, the mystery
of what awaited me below, rested heavily upon the nerves, binding me to
the spar, intently gazing and listening for either sight or sound. It
was recollection of that last, trustful look within the dark eyes of
Eloise which finally aroused me to action. Muttering an imprecation
upon my faint-heartedness, I instantly swung off on to the dangling
rope, slipping silently downward through the shadows to meet whatsoever
fate might lurk below.

It was a confused tangle of ropes I was compelled to traverse, yet none
greatly interfered with my progress, except to render it slower, and
the consequent strain harder upon the arms. The huge foremast, close
against which I swung, grew bulkier as I descended. Suddenly my feet
touched the solid deck. I discovered myself between the foremast and
the rail, so dropping upon hands and knees I crept silently around,
hoping thus to gain clearer view forward. As I circled the vast butt
of the mast I came suddenly face to face with the friar, sitting upon
the deck and blinking at me with drunken gravity.

CHAPTER VI

THE ROLE OF PERE CASSATI

I have no knowledge as to what the surprised priest thought regarding
the astounding apparition thus bursting upon him. Perchance he mistook
me for the ghost of some ancient Father Superior visiting him in
warning of his sins. However, I permitted him small space for any
reflection. I have ever been swift in action; was awake then with the
excitement of my venture, and little accustomed to hesitancy at such a
time. Moreover, I despised the fellow, and was not loath to be the
instrument of punishment to him, and I never struck any man a deadlier
blow with the bare fist than that I put in just back of his ear. My
posture was not the best for such exercise; nevertheless it permitted
me to do the work, and he went over without word or groan, even as I
have seen a buck fall to the rifle when the ball sang straight to the
heart.

Indeed, so limp did he drop upon his side, with not a sigh to relieve
the sickening impression, I feared at first I had killed him--for it is
a wicked blow, such as has caused death more than once. I was
reassured, however, by listening intently at his heart, and, not
knowing how soon he might revive in the cool night air, took
precautions to keep him dumb before venturing to leave him huddled
against the butt of the great mast, and proceed forth on my own mission.

To low