The rustler., 1891-12-11


The midnight bells upon the little
sanctuary which stood by the sea had
chimed forth the hour, and still the
good Padre Garcia remained deeply en-
crossed with his studies
The candle by whose light he was
reading, rs well rs those upon the
altar, had burned nearly to their SOCK
cts. aud the priest rose to renew them.
As he did so he inadvertently pushed
the table by which he had been
sitting. This act in the empty edttice
gave forth a sound that echoed among
the dusty raftcrs overhead.
Slight as had been the noise 1t was
sufficient 10 awaken one who had been
sleeping upon the stone Tagging with
his poucho for pillow.
"What, good padre, not retired yet?
Truly, you maintain your vigils till an
untimely hour" remarked the man as
he sat upright and watched the move
mcnts OF the priest
"Ah, Francisco, my son, those who
serve Mt the altar and wish to become
master of the Divine truths must think
little Of temporal comfort, and spend
many hours, which worldlings devote
to sleep, in prayer and communion
with the saints. But, let me not dis
turb your slumbers, for you are young
land a soldier, and know not what mo-
mcnt you may be called upon to put
forth your whole strength in the de.
Tense of the weak and oppressed" 3"
AS the padre finished speaking he
completed his task of relighting the
candles, and was about to seat himself
again at the table when footsteps were
heard approaching the church.
They were heavy and regular in tread
as though coming from u body OF
men.
The priest turned his head towards
the door as il curious to learn who we're
the iutruders but Francisco sprang e
his feet and laid his hand ON the hilt o.
his sword.
The ladre saw the act and raised {
finger % he said NAY, nay, my son
Pluck not forth your weapon here, foi
this Is holy place-but rather with
draw to the company of your follower
for awhile. and leave me to encounter
those who are approaching, with arm
not made by man"
The officer was about TO demur, bu
the elder waved him away, and he re
tired by door in the rear of the chan
eel.
Scarcely had the soldier disap
reared when some eighteen or twentl
people walked boldly into the church
led by man who strobe arrogantl1
down to the steps of the altar. Clos
behind him came his followers, in tn
midst of whom was the form of on
robed entirely in black.
AS the party Joined their chief the.
separated, and one of the number Lee
the veiled figure forward.
, Padre Garcia had remained a silen
} spectator OF this strange scene, but a
} the grouo paused before him he said il
D u low, yet firm, voice whose sonorou
5 tones penetrated to the furthest re
1 cesses of the little church:
"what means this midnight visit L
A the house of God? Have ye sought tn
sanctuary for spiritual aid? II so, VIII
5 have We come with weapons by you
: sides?" As he saw the arms which tn
: strangers carried.
Y AS the eyes of the priest fell upo
e the trembling figure in black, he cor
0 tinued: "Perchance ye have brough
J. some poor creature who is in need O
Q that consolation which can only b
found at the foot OF the altar II tha
: be the case. there is no hour in whic
y mankind may supplicate, and SUI
{ plicate in vain! Speak What see
u yep"
Q "Good father!" returned the chic
r brusquely, 1--WE have indeed come
G solicit your assistance. Nay, not onl
G to solicit but to command it We requei
d your clerical aid in making this won
an my wife"
|. "Why should one of the most solem
= ceremonies Of the church be performe
o at such time?" asked the prizes
Il sternly.
b aBccauso we will it So"