The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1875-02-28

not capable OF making deciaratioh, ho 10
dying"
These words reused Ventura. With that en-
ergy which is natural to him, be opens his eyes
and says distinctly, ASK, for l can still an
swer."
The scribe prepares his materials, and the
magistrate asks:
"What has been the cause of your death ="
81 myself" distinctly replied Ventura.
"Who shot youf"
"One whom have forgiven"
You then forgive your murderer
"Before God and man."
These were his last words
The priest presses his hand and says, Let
us recite the creed" all kneel, and the guar
dian angel embraces sister, even before
hearing the divine sentence, the parting soul
of him who died forgivipg his murderer.
CHAPTER XIV.
The women were together in Annals parlor,
and although not one of them, except Rita,
knew of the events of the night before, they
sat in oppressive silence, for even Maria was
wanting in her accustomed loquacity.
al don't know why" she said at last, " nor
what is the matter with me, but nay heart to-
day feels as though it could not stay in its
place."
at ia the same with me-" said Elvira, 81
cannot breathe freely. feel as if a stone lay
on my heart. Perhaps it is the air. Is it going
to rain, Aunt Marian
"My poor ctild," thought Anna, "the remedy
comes too late Earth is calling her body and
heaven her SOUL"
well, l feel just as usual" said Rita, who
still for uneasness.
Angela had made her a rag baby, which she
was rocking in hollow tile by way of cradle,
and the painful silence which followed these
few words was only broken by the gentle voice
of the little grl.as she sung, in the sweet and
monotonous nursery melody to which some
mothers lend such simple enchantment, and
such infinite tenderness, these words:
II hold thee in my arms.
What would become of thee my angel
If should be taken from thee,
The little angels Of heaven"
The childish song was interrupted by heavy
solemn stroke of the church bell. Its vibration
died away in the air slowly and gradually, as
if mounting to other regions.
ellis Majesty" said all, rising to their feet.
Anna prayed aloud for the one who was
hpouG W TeCelfe Ine laSt SacramenGS
For whom may it be ~ said Maria 81 do
not know of any one that is dangerously sick
in the place."
Rita looked out of the window and asked of
woman that was passing, who was the sick
| person.
al do not know" she answered. but it is
some one out of the village"
| Another woman cried, as she approached,
Mercy it is a murder, for the rna z istrate and
the surgeon have followed the priest as fast as
they could -
"God help him. they all exclaimed, with
that profound and terrible emotion which is
I excited by those awful Words a lpurder
And who can it be 7" asked Rita.
| mo one Knows" answered the woman.
Then the bell tolled for the passing soul
solemn stroke-stroke of awe-voico of the
Church, which announces to men that brother
is striving in WEAKNESS, anguish and dismay,
and is going to appear before the dread tribu.
nal-momentous voice, by which the Church
says to the restless multitude, deep in frivolous
interests which it deems important, and ir
fleeing passions which it dreams will be eter
nal Stand still moment in respect for death
in consideration of your fellow being who il
| ~ disappear from uDo earGD, as you VIII
disappear to morrow.
They remsined plunged in silence, but never
theless deeply moved, as happens sometimes
with the sea, when its surface is calm, but it
bosom heaves with those deep interior wave
which sailors call ground swell
And not they alone. The whole village wa
in CONSERVATION, for death by the hand o
violence always appalls, since the curse which
God propounced upan Cain continues, and will
continue, in undiminshed solemuity through
ont all generations.
GLOW long the time isl" said Maria, at length
ut seems as if the day stood still"
And as if the were nailed in the skv,
added Elvira. " Suspense is so painful. Per
I haps robbers have done it,"
" 1t may have been unintentional, - answere,
Maria.
Mamma Anna, who was it killed a man
and what made him do it 7" asked the littl
Angela.
who can tell" replied Anna, what is tn
cause, or whose daring hand that has antici