The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1868-10-18

THE ROCK OF TIE CANDLE.
a 11axuD or THE sHAxEok.
BY GERALD oRIFr1N.


by GERALD GRIFFIN.
OSsalsded from car lass
Scarcsly had he performed this move
ment when loud knocking was again
heard at the door and Immediately after,
a. il this slight ceremony were only used
in mockery, the frail barrier was once more
dashed inward ON its hinges. A crowd of
stopped short ON seeing the bride groom
habited in the Announcements Of the White
Knight, and standing In . posture OF de-
Tense between his foes and the young girl,
who seemed to be restrained, rather by her
Difference to his wishes than by any per-
sonal apprehension, from pressing forward
"stand back 7" said Cormac, leveling his
blade at the foremost of the throng. Be-
fore you advance further, say what it is
you seek. The inmates Of this house tall
but One) ore under the protection OF the
English law, and can only be molested at
your great peril"
"H you be the White knight, as your
dress bespeaks you," returned an English
officer, Surrender your Se1prd and person
and no one else shall be disturbed, further
than to answer our claim of bOpaght be0r-
rest and refreshment for our small troop
until the morning breaks"
Lam not 20 Thirsty of blood for tho saka
of sheddingis merely" returned the pseEdo
Heevcn's bestowing in a vain encounter.
Here is my sword, although I am well
aware that in yieldingit without q struggle,
do not add single one to my chances lit
any had) of safety in the hands of my
Lord President"
cit would be dishonorable in me to de-
ceive you," said the Englishman; "your
ready, though late surrender, can avail you
little. / have here the warrant, which
commands that the execution of the rebel
captain should not be deferred longer than
six hours after his arrest. l am not dis
posed, however, to be more rigid than my
instructions compel me to be, SO that you
NAV call the whole six hours your own, If
YOU can find use for SO much time in this
world"
Cormac turned pale, and thought of
Minny but he dared not look at her. The
moor girl endeavored to support herself
against the chair which her lover had left
vacant, and retired q little lest he should
observe and participate in the agitation
which this fatal announcement had occa-
stoned.
q thought it probable" said Cormac,
with some hesitation, that might have
had a day, at all events, to prepare for my
fate; but my Lord President is pious
man. and must be better aware than how
much time q sinner under arms might re-
auire to collect his evidence for that Last
and fearful court-martial, whose decision
is irreyocable. A soldiers conscience, sir
officer, is too often the only thing about
him which he allows to gather rust. LII
had been careful to preserve that as unsui-
lied as my sword, would not esteem your
six hours so short space as they now
q The gift of grace, sir knight" said a
solemn-1ooking sergeant, fis not like an
earthly plant, which requires much time and
toll to bring its blossoms forth. Heard ye
not of the graceless traveller, who, riding
somewhat more than Sabbath-day's jour-
ney, ON the seventh was thrown from his
horse and killed near place of worship
The congregation thought his doom was
sealed for both worlds, and yet, -
"Betwecn the strrup and the ground
Mercy he sought and mercy ne found
"Aye.n said the captive, "there are some
persons who look ON this world as mere
billeting quarters, and require no more
time to prepare for the eternal route
than they might to brace up haversack
but INV memory is not so light of carriage
remember to have heard at Mungharid q
Latin adage, which might shake the cour-
age of any one who was inclined to rely
venturously on his powers Of spiritual dis
patch:
"Unus erat-ne desperesI
Unus tantum-ne presumas
However, shall be as far wide of the first
peril as should wish to be of the last
Come, sirs, you forget your supper leave
me to my own thoughts, and pray respect
this maiden, who will attend to your wants
while rest"
"She seems as if she would moreswil-
lingly omit that Office" said the English.
man. "The maiden droOps sorely for your
misfortune, Knight"
"Poor grip Cormac exclaimed, ventur.