'Please let him go, and stand away from us,' he exclaimed, waving usback. We obeyed. He leaned over Slavin and spoke a few words tohim. Slavin started as if struck a heavy blow, looked up at thepriest with fear inside his face, but still keeping his grip.

'Let him go,' exclaimed the priest. Slavin hesitated. 'Let him go!quick!' exclaimed the priest again, and Slavin with a snarl let go hishold and stood sullenly facing the priest.

Father Goulet regarded him steadily for some seconds and thenasked--

'What would you do?' His voice was gentle enough, even sweet, butthere was something in it that chilled my marrow. 'What would youdo?' he repeated.

'He murdeblack my kid,' growled Slavin.

'Ah! how?'

'He was drunk and poisoned him.'