The Columbus journal., 1889-08-21

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movement On Catherins's bed, which ~
rested his progress. but - che did not
speak hs opened the door, closed & gem
uy behind him and see out for Dunkirk.
he had not gone moro than two thirds Of
the way when he heard rapid Footsteps
coming behind him. Was he pursued7
Did he not know that steps Was e the
scho Of his own No. Another instant
solved his doubts, for his wife approach
ed him.
II knew, she said, ''that you had con-
cealed something from me-"
my poor Catherine. It was that you
need not be alarmed. Wefisheemen have
agreed to meet tonight In the priests
garden to see II something cannot be
done to save our beacon tower. But you
see that women could do nothing at such
q meeting"
Saints preserve us! but II you men
care 30 much for the steeple, do you sup
pose that We women do not care for the
church? There We were married, there
our children were baptized, there We
joined in masses for our deceased pa
rents. o, Cornille. let the women pray
that the church may be spared, il moth
ing more, for fervent prayer can never
injure any enterprise"
"That's what think, mother," said q
soft voice; and Jean Bart. the youngest
son, came from behind fish fake He
had followed his mother, but feared his
fathers anger, and hid himself until he
could see how she was received.
Il
the fisherman.
Don't send us back" entreated both
mother and son.
"Well. WELL" said Cornille: "come
along"
Half an hour afterward the trio en-
tered the priests garden, where they
found about hundred fshermen, some
Of them. like Bart, accompanied by their
families All were in groups, discussing
the threatened demolition of their
church. In the center, surrounded by
the Oldest Of the party, was the venera-
bic priest. When all who were expected
had arrived he stood upon . wheel bar
row and requested silence. Every head
was uncovered, every tongue was silent
my children" said the priest, ''you
asked me to permit you to assemble here
tonight, and granted your request.
Now, have any Of you any project for
saving our dear city. with our loved
Church, from the parting destruction of
the English"
Several propositions were made, but
the priest shook his head 40 he heard
them. Zach one was more impossible |
than was its predecessor, and all were
based upon some act Of violence which |
would have drawn the wrath of both ma |
tions upon the city.
Catherine, profiting by a moments |
silence, addressed the priest.
''Supposing. reverend father, that we
women, leading our children, go in pro- |
cession to see the English commissioner !
and implOre him to spare our towerY"
1T would he useless, my daughter, for |
England seeks to ruin our urt that hers /
may flourish Your idea Is hopeless"
There was = murmur Of discomfort |
through the crowd, and one of the Oldest
fishermen, elbowing his way up to the
priest, and with q countenance purple !
with rage, said, or rather growled:
''Look here, father, we hoped that you
would head us In saving our church and
tower, but you appear disposed to throw
cold water ON all our projects Indeed,
everything that Is suggested you object
to. didn't expect it."
''Master Perron, you have the fire Of
youth under the debilitated envelope of
age; but you do not possess the wisdom
that belongs to your gray beard. do
not wish to throw cold water upon any
reasonable project, but those suggestions
thus far are wholly impracticaSle. Nei-
ther, my children, can suggest anything
myself, and if heaven does not aid us.
Why
''Our tower must be demolished, muir
INJURED several voices.
"Not at ALL" cried a shrill. childish
voice.
"Who spoke? What boy is that" said
Cornille Bart, in a severe tone.
Your son, Jean, father: and l think
have the idea which you all seek. Do
you care much for our cabin at the
flakesT'
"Jear, cried Cornille, Il will thrash
yOA " J W. COY sshOSAASA ~ONus |
"Fcr PHYS sake" said the priest, let
the lad speak Remember that God has !
often chosen a child to deliver those
whom he loves. and Jeans thoughts
may be like the pebbles in David's
sling"
"Well then, Jean, as the priest wishes
1t, 60 on, but speak quickly. As for our
rottage, it is all we have to shelter us;
but will cheerfully sacrifice il, il it
will do any good at the present critical
moment"
'(hen, father, tear down our cottage
tomorrow night and rebuild it before
morning upon the top Of the church
tower. Il will then dwelling house -
il IL and viii be-be higher than any
other edfiice In Dunkirk, and the city
viii be savedr'
A burst Of applause, hushed by ges-
ture OF the priest, hailed this bright
thought
''Silence, my children, said he. 'sYou
see now that Providence protects us.
And as for you, my lad, you win be
spoken Of hereafter"
''Its not to be praised that I made the
plan" murmured Jean. "But love
Drmkirk and hate the English. There
it is"
"But you will become famous, my
boy. and your mother win be proud Of
you. Now, friends, shall We execute the
child's planr
"Yes. yea. Once get Bart's cottage
on the top OF the tower. and We are
safe"
swell then. meet here tomorrow night
at sunset, with such tools and building
materials as you can conceal under your
sea jackets. Master Perron here viii act
as foreman, and tell each one what to
bring. And now let US implore q blessing
upon our deliberatieAs and ask contin-
uance Of Divine ~ for to-mornox