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Crockett, S. R. (Samuel Rutherford), 1860-1914

"The Black Douglas"


"_Because they were not._"


CHAPTER LI
THE MARSHAL'S CHAMBER

There came a low voice in Laurence MacKim's ear, chill and sinister:
"You do well to look out upon the fair world. None knoweth when we may
have to leave it. Yonder is a star. Look well at it. They say God made
it. Perhaps He takes more interest in it than in the concerns of this
other world He hath made."
The son of Malise MacKim gripped himself, as it were, with both hands,
and turned a face pale as marble to look into the grim countenance
which hid the soul of the Lord of Machecoul.
Gilles de Retz appeared to peruse each feature of the boy's person as
if he read in a book. Yet even as Laurence gave back glance for
glance, and with the memory of what he had seen yet fresh upon him, a
strange courage began to glow in the heart of the young Scot. There
came a kind of contempt, too, into his breast, as though he had it in
him to be a man in despite of the devil and all his works.
The marshal continued his scrutiny, and Laurence returned his gaze
with interest.


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