Hamilton stood gazing fixedly, pale as a ghost, his thoughts becoming more and more clear and logical.

He was in a bad situation.

Every word that Father Beret had spoken was true and went home with force.

There was no time for parley or subterfuge; the sword looked as if, eager to find his heart, it could not be held back another moment.

But the wan, cold face of the girl had more power than the rapier's hungry point.