Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1890-08-09
PADRE VERDUGU'S CATS.

Padre Mateo Verdugo WIS the vener-
able priest in charge of al Indian mis-
sion near the coast of California. The
mission is now a majestic ruin; but 60
years ago Padre Mateo was a busy man.
Oae morning, while the sacristan
slept, Padre Mateo sat outside his door
with big book on his knees
The padre had almost fallen asleep,
when, hearing the patter of bare feet,
he looked up to see dark skinned boys
carrying litter of kittens toward the
creek.
"Que. Que!" cried the padre, rubbing
his eyes. "Would you destroy the poor
kittens?"
Isl, padre, replied one little Indian.
Para que?" que ,tioned the priest.
They are too many, padre, answered
the little Indian, poking his great toe in
the dust.
But wait! The pretty things! They
have not yet beheld the light of day. Give
them to mel" cried the benignant priest.
"They shall not perish, for l will care for
them mysef. Are they not pre- ", my
worthy Guadaloupe? Open thine eyes
for one instant.
Had the sacristan foreseen the conse-
Juences he would have made remon-
STRANGE before the PADRES passion
strengthened; but being sleepy and sell
fish, Guadaioupe settled himself for an
other nap.
At the end of the second year Padre Ma
sco's cats were the bune of the sacristan's
!ife
Must l." thought he, with rising
spleen, Il, who am ~ years old and have
/ stitch in my ba, must l, besides
ustng the altar an ringing four heavy
rells and tending the PADRES house
must | do obedience to yowling cats?
rs vergonzoso, indie Y"
Had he not feared the padres maledic-
ton he would have murdered the Great
ures without conjunction. The cats
Hourished and the padre's fondness in
'reased, and Guadaloupe was scolded
more frequently than ever. Heart of
one!" the priest would exclaim, would
you let them starve? am sure you gave
10 milk to Carminr', new kittens this
lay! and well you know she has not
nourishment enough for them all! You
shall do penance for your iniquities!'
But, your exccf.ncy," the sacristan
would demonstrate with great humility,
Il had no milk left after supplying the
sick babe of the squaw who died last
week. Surely the kittens can wait"
"Wait:" stormcd the padre. Are
thev not waiing from hunger even now?
Their erie, pierce my heart. How can l
iaave them to your charge, and go
way for eight long days-and go
mlst.'
At these words hope sprang up anew
in Guadaloupe's pcrlidious heart.
Art thou going away, reverend
padre?" he ask | IN ckly. Am l, in
deed, to be left alone for eight days 2"
ut Is true, replied the priest sadly.
Il must 90. am summoned to report
20 my superior at San Luis Rey; and the
journey will require eight days. But
how can l go? The Indians can get
along we'll enough, to be sure, but what,
| ask you, heart of wood, what will be-
come of my cats!'
Next day, as Padre Mateo trudged
slowly down the road, sardonic smile
came upon the countenance of the wicked
sacristan.
1t was nearing midday. Already 1g-
natius, the oldest and leanest and hun
griest of the cats, had appeared, shifting,
to learn if dinner was being cooked.
II will teach thee-villain!" muttered
Jhe sacristan, tiercely, as he busted him.
self building fire. II will teach thee
20 sit and glover at me while l work till
my body shakes with weariness!"
When the meal was ready Guadalupe
went to the door. Come, Carlotta, dear
EST! Come, my Pedro! Come, Carlos!"
he called tenderly. Hasten within, for
thy dinner waits! Be quick, then; all of
your
When the cats were seated Guadalupe,
after tightly closing the doors, hurried to
che chapel. From tine altar he selected