As the day drew near when, as Tournier learned, the colonel would again be out on parole, he felt a strong desire to make his confession to the bishop. There might be but a step between him and death. Besides, he was not easy in his mind. He was not quite sure he was doing right in thus seeking the life of his enemy.
So he sought and, as always, found a ready hearer in the chaplain. But when he came to
tell him what he contemplated doing, the good man looked pained and surprised.
“And do you really think, my son, that the minister of God can forgive a sin before it is committed? and that sin wilful murder?”
“Murder?”
“Yes, murder!”
“How can that be, when each has an equal chance?”
“Of committing murder!”
“There are many who fight duels.”
“There are many who do wrong, my son.”