"Will you tell me what object the criminal could have in stealing the gold vessels from the cathedral ?" he added, turning to the Abbe.
"They were gold!" "And for taking the cross from the door of the church in Chaudiere ?" "It was sacred, and he was an infidel, and hated it." "I do not see the logic of the argument.

He stole the vessels because they were valuable, and the iron cross because he was an infidel! Now how do you know that the suspected criminal was an infidel, Monsieur ?" "It is well known." "Has he ever said so ?" "He does not deny it." "If you were charged with being an opium-eater, does it follow that you are one because you do not deny it?
There was a Man who was said to blaspheme, to have all 'the crafts and assaults of the devil'-- was it His duty to deny it?
Suppose you were accused of being a highwayman, would you be less a highwayman if you denied it?
Or would you be less guilty if you denied it ?" "That is beside the case," said the priest with acerbity.
"Faith, I think it is the case itself," said the Seigneur with a satisfied pull of his nose.
"But do you seriously suggest that only infidels rob churches ?" Charley persisted.
"I am not here to be cross-examined," answered the Abbe harshly.
"You are charged with robbing the cathedral and trying to blow up the Governor's residence.

Arrest him!" he added, turning to the constables.
"Stand where you are, men," sharply threatened the Seigneur.

"There are no lettres de cachet nowadays, Francois," he added tartly to his brother.
"If it is the exclusive temptation of an infidel to rob a church, has infidelity also an inherent penchant for arson?
Is it a patent?
Why did the infidel blow up the Governor's residence ?" continued Charley.
"He did not blow it up, he only tried," interposed the Cure softly.
"I was not aware," said Charley.

"Well, did the man who stole the patens from the altar--" "They were chalices," again interrupted the Cure, with a faint smile.
"Ah, I was not aware!" again rejoined Charley.