"You tell the truth," continued Alvarez, "but he is dangerous, too, as you
told me, a strong, wily fellow, and I shall not take any chances on his
escape. See, I am providing against it."
A soldier entered, bearing balls and chain, and Alvarez pointed to Henry.
The youth sprang to his feet. He knew that this was intended as an
indignity, and his mind rebelled.
"Put them on him," said Alvarez, and the soldiers approached. Henry hurled
the first back and then the second, but the others were about to fling
themselves upon him in a heap, when a voice from the door cried:
"Stop!"
It was not a loud voice, but one full of dignity and command, and the
soldiers instantly fell back.
A tall man, robed in black, and with a thin face, smoothly shaven and
austere, stood in the doorway. The eyes, usually benevolent and kindly,
sparkled with indignation, and one hand was uplifted in rebuke.
"Father Montigny!" said Henry, under his breath.
"Who says 'stop!' here, where I command?" Alvarez exclaimed, and then he
paled at sight of the priest. The Spaniard was a bold man, but he wished
no conflict with Holy Church.
"I said 'stop,'" replied the priest with calm dignity, advancing into the
room. "Francisco Alvarez, you were about to perform a deed unworthy of
yourself, one that you would have cause to regret.
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