The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1876-01-15

passed through the hamlet, ascending a wind
| ing path which conducted him to the little
shut, which was a sign that the chief was di
ming and did not wish to be disturbed. The
lew windows that looked on the road were
ever. secured by large iron bars and the
lowest of them were more than ten feet from
the ground. A profound silence reigned with
In. and traveller might have believed the
mansion deserted, but for the appearance of
fonr animals, two alive and two dead, in front
OF the castle. Two large .vultures, with their
wings expanded, were nailed each at the posts
length on the benches on either side, were
keeping guard until their master should have
finished his repast. The father stopped, as if
on said one, ':we do not make the capuohins
walt here; we are the friends of the convent /;
have been within it's walls when the air ON
for me; it was well the fathera did not refuse
me admittance." So eayipg, he gave three
strokes with the knocker I: at the sound, the
bowjs of mastiffs were heard from within and
Ia few moments there appeared an aged do
mestic. On seeing the father, he bowed re-
verently, quieted the animals with his voice,
introduced the guest into o narrow court, and
closed the gate. Then escorting him into o
SALOON, and regarding him with On sstonisbed
and respectful look, said, s.Is not this-the
Father Christopher Of Pescarenicoi"
"And hereW
"As you see, good man."
1T must be to do good" continued he, mur-
muripg between his teeth good can be done
everywhere" He then guided him through
two or three dark halls and led tho way to the
banqueting room here was heard q confused
cordant voices. Whilst Father Christopher
was urgiag the domestic TO suffer him co re-
main in some other apartment until the dinner
should be finished, the door opened certain
Count Attilio, cousin of the noble host, (of
whom we have already spoken, without giving
his name was seated opposite when he saw
the bald head and habit of the father. and per-
ceived his motion to withdraw, "Ho! father"
cried he you sha'n't escape us; reverend
father, forward, forward" Don Roderick
seconded somew hat un willingly this boisterous
object of his visit. "Come, father, come in"
said he. Seeing there was no retreatipg
Father Christopher advanced, ssluting the
noblemen and his guests
An honest man is generally fearless and I'M
daunted In presence of the wicked neverthe-
less, the father, with the testimony of o good
conscience and q firm conviction of the justice
OF his cause. with q mixture Of horror and com
passion for Don Roderiok, felt degree of en-
bafraesnent in approaching him. He was
seated at table, surrounded by guests; on his
right was Count Attiiio, his colleague in
Iibertinism, who had come to Milan to visit
him. To the left was seated, with respectful
"Reminiscences, tempered, however, with con-
eoious seourity, the psdesta of the place-he
whose duty it was, according to the proclara-
ton, to cause Justice to be done to Repzo
Tramagiino, and to infiot the allotted penalty
on Don Roderick. Nearly opposite to the
podesta sat orr learned Doctor Assecca Garbuali
with his black cap and HE red nose and over
against him two obscure guests, of whom our
story says nothing beyond q general mention
OF their toad eating qualities.
"Give seat TO the father" said Don
Roderiok. A. servant presented a chair, and
the good father apologized for having come
at 80 inopportune an hour. ST would sneak with
you alone an affair of Importance" added
he, in q low Tone to Don Roderick.
Every well, father, it shall be So" replied
he; but In the meanwhile bring the father
something to drink"
Father Christopher would have refused, but
Don Roderick. raising his voice above the
tnnulS of the table, cried, mo, by Bacchus,
you shall not Go me- this wrong; capuchin
shall never leave this house without having
tasted my wine, nor an insolent creditor with
out having tasted the wood of my forest"
These words produced q universal laugh, and
interrupted for moment the question which
was hotly agitated between the guests. A
servant brought the wine, of which Father
Christopher partook, feeling the necessity of
propitiDting the host.
After this, Don Roderick led the way into an
adjoining room.
CHAPTER vi.
In what can l serve your said Don
Roderck, as soon as they entered the room.
Such were his words, but his manner said
plainly, Remember before whom thoR
standes6, weigh we'll thy words, and be ex-
peduious"
There were no means mere certain to impert
courage TO Father Christopher than arrogance
or pride. He had stood for q moment in some
embarrassment, passing through his dugers
the beads Of the rosary that hung suspended
from his girdle; but he coon " Presumed new
courage, and revived" at the haugEty air of
Don Roderick. He had, however, sufficient
command over himself to reply with caution
and humility. 81 come TO supplicute you to
perform an act of Justice: come wicked per-
sens have, in the name of your lordship,
frightened q poor curate, and have endeavored
to prevent his fulfilling his duty towards an
innocent and unoffending couple. You can by
word confou nd their mac nj nations and i'm part
consolation "a the afflicted. You cap-and
-"
Speak to me of conscience, when ask your
advice on the subject; and as to my honor,
know that l only am the guardian of it, and
that whoever dares to meddle with it is . rash
man"
Friar Christopher. warned by these words
that the intention of Don Roderick WAS to turn
the conversation into dispute, to win
him from his original purpose, determined to
bear whatever insult might be offered him, and
meekIy replied, 1T was cert ainly not my inten-
ton To ANYTHING To dianlaaaa vOn