The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1890-07-18
CHAPTER v.
DOCTOR AND PRIEST.

CHAPTERV.
DOCTOR AND PRIEST.
While Captain Brand and Don Ignacio
Sanchez walked pleasantly along the peb-
bly, shore of the clear blue inlet TO the
Tigers Trap, let us. too, saunter amidst the
habitations which sheltered the pirate 8
lnunt. Apart from the natty sheds of the
shelly cove of the basin, where the Cent?
pede and Panchita were anchored, there
was nest Of red-tiled buildings, which
served the crew Of the former vessel for n
dwelling when in port. II was pleasantly
stones throw Of the water, and shaded by o
cluster of palm trees; while in the rear was
jungle of canes and bushes, through
which led numerous paths to u small lagoon
beyond. The buildings were of one story.
constructed Of loose stones, the holes plas-
tered whit yellow clay, with broad, project
ing caves extending over roughly-built
,,iazzas. Seated ut table ina room in one
oft!ese buildings We have described, were
two men. One, the shorter of tho Two,
was dressed in long, loose bombazine
cassock, girded about his waist by u white
rope, which fell in knotted ends over his
knees. Around his open neck WAS hung
string of black ebony beads, hooked on to
a heavy gold cross which rested on his
capacious breast, and which the wearer was
continually feeling and occasionally prcss-
ing 10 his lips. Hin face was dark and SEN
large black cvcs-- while glossy fringe of
raven hair went like thick curtain nil
around his head, My leaving blush.
white, round patch on the shaved crown.
This individual was the Padre Ricardo,
who. for some good reasons best known to
himself, had left his clerical duties in his
native city of Vera Cruz and taken service
with Captain Brand. One of the reasons
for leaving--and rather abruptly, too-was
for thrustng cuchillo into the heart of his
own father, who had reported him to his
superior for his RIGHTEOUSNESS. Tho padre
however, always declared that he was actu-
atcd entirely by filial duty in killing his
old parent, to save him the pain and dis
grace which would have followed the cx-
posure of his son! He still chung to the
priestly calling, and prided himself upon
his fasts and vigils, and never omitted the
smallest forms or penances; and said mass
from Ave Maria in the early morning to
Angelus at vesper time in the evening For
Captain Brand he was always ready to
shrivea dying pirate-and pretty busy he
was, too, ut times-or hear the confession
of ono with q troubled conscience in sound
health; which, ii important to the safety or
well-being Of the fraternity, hetook quiet
opportunity of imparting to his superior in
command In these pursuits he not only
made himself useful to Captain Brand, but
he became more or less his confidant and
adviser, and seemed to maintain his in
iuence by ghostly advice over the super
stitious feelings Of the men. The padre,
however, utterly detested the SEQ, and never
trusted his soft feet in the wstor If he could
by any possibility avoid it, but since be had
plenty to eat and drink ON the island, and
no end of prayers for his amusement when
In charge Of the haunt-as he was-to look
out for the people who were left when the
Centipede sailed on cruise. he thus passed
the time in delightfully."- agreeable man
ner.
The companion who sat opposite to the
evidently of French extraction, with some.
thing kind and human about his face; but
yet the physiognomy expressed the utmost
determination Of character-such o heurt
and eye as could perform delicate surgi-
cal operation without futter of nerve or
eyelid, and who would stand before level.
led pistol looking calmly down the barrel
as the hammer fell. His face was intellect
ual, and he never smiled. His whole APP
pearance portrayed thorough seaman
Where he came from no one knew; nor did
he ever open his lips, even to tho captain,
with u reason for taking service among his
band. All known was. that he landed from
slaver at st Jago, and was engaged by
Don lgnacio to serve professionally with
Brand to assist the patriots en- the Spanish
main. When. however, he reached the
rendezvous of the pirates, and discovered
that they were altogether different sort of
patriots than he had bargained for, he
nevertheless made no objections to remain,
and took the onth of allegiance; only stipu-
lating that he should not be called upon,
to take IN active part in their proceedings.
Here, then, he remained for nearly three
years, attending to the sick or wounded,
taking no interest in tho accounts of the ex-
ploits Of the freebooters around him; rare
ly, indeed, holding speech with any one
save his room mate, the padre. or OCCASION
ally dinner or u walk with Captain Brand.
On tho last expedition, however of the Gem
tipcde, he had been induced to go on board,
SO that he might become check and guard
over the brutal rufiian who had been placed
temporarily in command; but, rs we have
already seen, his influence had been Of lit.
tie avail.
There was yet another occupant Of the
room inhabited by the doctor and Padre
Ricardo; and ~ low moaning cry caused the
former 10 rise quietly from his chair and
approach the low iron bedstead ON his side
of the lodging. There, beneath light
gauze mosquito-net, lay our poor little
Henri-his once round. rosy, innocent face
now pale and thin, with red spot on each
closed eyes. Uneasily he moved in his fit
full slumber; and putting mis- little hands to-
gether asif Ill prayer, he murmured, oh!
mamma, mammal" Beside the bed stood
an unglassed jar of lemonade, together with
a phial and spoon. The doctor drew nigh.
and, gently pushing aside the curtain, stood
looking ut the child for some minutes, Pre-
sently the little sick boy feebly stretched
out his delicate, thin limbs and Enclosed
his eyes. Oh! how dim, and sad, and
touching was that look, as he gave timid,
half-wild stare. and then, closing the lids
together, the hot drops dubbed out and
coursed slowly down his tender cheeks.
The doctor, withthe gentleness of n wom-
al; bent over him, and taking up his poor,
limp little hand, he relnained feeling the
tluttering pulse aud catching the hot breath
on his dark cheeks. As il communing with
himself, MS glow Of compassion lighted up
his care worn visage, he muttered, "By the
great and good God who hears me, if save
this child will restore him to his heart
broken mother!" He sank down on his
knees by the bedside Us he made his vow,
| and, letting the little hand rest on the bed he
buried his face in his large bony hands
What thoughts passed through that man 4
, m ind me but the Almighty knows; but
when he arose his stern features had re.
, sumed their wonted expression. and pouring
little lemonade in glass he held it to the
/! sleeper's lips. Then moving noiselessly
. back to the table, he said, in a low tone
, Padre, the boy will live. His fever il
leaving him, and he will get WE'LL"
! ave Maria Santissima!" calculated the
! Padre, crossing himself and kissing his
| cross, pray for him! You must give him
! to me. Doctor, will make him little priest
and he shall swing the censor and chant the
. AIisericordia, when Iget the new chape
built"
"Iime enough to think Of that, mi Padre
, when he gets strong again. But just now
, all the prayers you can shy for him will dt
him no good, aud SO hope you won't pu
, yourself to the trouble"
, Cleric, amigo, Doctor, but don't sneel
at the pn.yers Of the Church. They dc
! good; they ease the soul and soothe the
pangs of purgatory."
"Ah! and how long doyou expect to ster
purgatosy?"