The Argosy — page 247: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

230 | The Old Stone Cross. Pierre signed assent. You want to know if you will die—is that it?” continued the priest. And the frightened, supplicating look in the large eyes was answer enough. The priest gravely told him—what indeed the dying man could not fail to know—that the doctor gave no hope. You will ask pardon of the Bon Dieu before you die, my son,’ the priest continued gently. ‘Non, non—vengeance,” Pierre muttered. Gaston withdrew; he thought that, alone with the good Pere, his brother’s heart would soften. He went outside, and sat on the stone near the door. Gaston gone, Pierre seemed quieter. Father Gildas drew a small crucifix from his pocket, and held it before the dying man. “The Lord Jesus died for you, my son; will you not ask Him to pardon your bad thoughts, before you go to meet Him ?” He could not let this poor, sin-stricken soul appear before its Maker without striving all in his power to win for it forgiveness. “You are sorry now, mon ami, for your murderous, wicked thoughts. JI know you are.” ‘“ Qui—zon,” Pierre broke out again. Then, closing his eyes, he turned his face to the wall. The dews of death stood on his brow. The Curé bathed his forehead with vinegar. As the cool acid revived the dying man, he once more opened his eyes. Again Pére Gildas held the crucifix before Pierre. This time he did not refuse it He held out one hand. The priest put it in his weak grasp, and the fingers closed upon it. ‘“ For the Lord Jesu’s sake, pardon him, and receive him, oh, mer- ciful God!” prayed the Curé, fervently, as he knelt with uplifted hands. Was his prayer to be answered? Had he won a soul for his Master? Was the Breton lad repentant ? The prayer of the good man was answered. The Lord God of Heaven had granted his petition. Pere Gildas distinctly caught the word twice, ‘‘ Pardon—par- don !” ‘You die in peace with all the world, my son, especially with your brother? And you hope for pardon for your own sins?” Pierre signed assent, bowing his head. The father called in Gaston. “He wishes to see you, Gaston; he is anxious to ask for your forgiveness. Come.” | Pierre lay quite still ; a softer expression on his dark, haggard face. His eyes sought his brother's ; he held out his hand. Gaston took it, and pressed it fervently. “Pardon,” was the only word he spoke. It was enough for Gas- CONIC OoOlKS (C(O)