Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1858-05-06

makes every upright and honest heart heave
with indignation"
At these words, the archbishop turned tow
ards Bolivar, and gave him nod of approba-
| tiOn
DO you admit continued Bolivar, follow
ing up the interrogatory, "having penetrated
into the Chapel d'Adue Ca!ient the day the
crown disappeared 2"
Yes, general"
Z" Is it true, brigadier, as the witnesses affirm
that you sent the crown belonging to the
Madonna, to your mother, who is, they say,
poor and infrm z"
Yes, general"
Is it true that strange emotion seized
upon you at sight of her %
Yes, general"
"Have you unbounded faith in the incxhaust-
abl5 goodness of the Madonna ?"
Yes, general"
"Do yon believe that none ever solicited
her in vain ?"
Yes, general"
"Do you believe in her power p
Yes, general"
Is it true that after your invocation ad-
dressed to her. that her face became iumina-
ted as if by a ray of setting sun 2"
Did you feel that was a sign of Divine in
tervention, aud mysterious notice in your
favor 2"
Yes, general"
"ThatS not all you said, so it is reported
to me, that you thought you saw the Madonna
smile upon you and, taking the crown from
! her own head, say, holding it towards you !:
Take it | give it to you for your old mothcrl'
Dare you persist in this assertion, which would
be prodigious, but which, nevertheless, would
be nothing extraordinary nor impossible on the
part of a Madonna whose miracles are SO nu-
merous Dare you persist in this assertion ~
Yes, general"
At this unexpected affirmation, there was
moment Of hesitation in the audience Boil
vars officers whispered among themselves and
the brotherhood, moved by the same thought
attcntive'y observed the archbishop.
BY my faith" cried Bolivar, to put an end
to all uncertainty" its one miracle, that's all p
g In truth" said the Grand ' icar simply,
it is very like one"
1t is one !" exclaimed all the officers, on
sign from the general
During this time, the archbishop kept sill
ence he frowned and glanced around the audi
tory, seemingly prey to some internal combat.
At last he spoke
SO be it !" said he, with, 'tis a miracle ?"
q" lis a miracle " repeated all the brother
hood, claspng their hands and looking up to-
Heaven.
Yes" said the archbishop, slowly, as the
same time gently caressngahis chin, like man
seeking an issue ont of difficult position, yes
It's, q miracle We will found ceremony in
cOmmemoration, and the produce of the collec-
ton shall be employed to the purchase of an-
other crown for the Madonna !"
You have heard, Pedro Francisco" said
Bolivar whose couDtenance though serious,
betrayed a secret JOY, ''the tribunal to a man
acknowledges your innocence. Human justice
must bow before the will of Heaven Go in
peace and continue to merit the esteem of your
companions and the favor of Heaven, ny prov
ing as you have hitherto done, a good soldier,
good Catholic, and good son !"
The accused rose, and bowing to his judges
was about to depart. As he was passing the
threshold the archbishop, who had never
ceased caresSing his chin mechanically, called
him back
An instant, brigadier Come back here,
| have something more to say to you ~
" am at your service my lore" answered
Francisco, returning.
Listen well to what | am about to say,
and don't forget it. In your interests, believe
NE, if ever a saint no matter which, offers you
anything refuse it Saints don't like always
to be taken at their word, and it is a proof
of good taste to refuse them in such cases.
You must not impose on their generosity it
will get you into trouble another time"