The Logan County banner. [volume] (Logan, W. Va.) 1889-1903, 1892-02-04
CHAPTER II.

THE FAITHFUL PADRE
!. 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, as well as those upon the
altar, had burned nearly to their SOCK
cts, and 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 edifice
gave forth a sound that echoed among
the dusty rafters overhead.
Slight as had been the noise it was
sufficient to awaken one who had been
sleeping upon the stone tagging with
his poueho 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
ments of the priest.
"Ah, Francisco, my son, those who
serve at 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
| and soldier, and know not what mo-
| ment you may be called upon to put
forth your whole strength in the de-
Tense of the weak and oppressed"
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 body of
men,
The priest turned his head towards
the door as If curious to learn who were
the intruders, but Francisco sprang to
his feet and laid his hand on the hilt of
! his sword. ~
| The padre saw the act and raised a
finger as he said: NAY, nay, my son.
| Pluck not forth your weapon here, for
this is holy place-but rather withs'
draw to the company of your followers
| for awhile, and leave me to encounter
those who are approaching. with arms
not made by man"
| The officer was about to demur, but
the elder waved him away, and he re-
tired by door in the rear of the chan
eel.
Scarcely had the soldier disap-
peared when some eighteen or twenty
people walked boldly into the church,
led by a. man who strobe arrogantly
down to the steps of the altar. Close
behind him came his followers, in the
midst of whom was the form of one
robed entirely in black.
AS the party joined their chief sthey
separated, and one of the number led
| the yelled figure forward.
| Padre Garcia had remained a silent
spectator OF this strange scene. but as
the group paused before him heSsaid in
| low, yet firm, voice whose senorous.
tones penetrated to the furthest re-
cesses of the little church:
What means this midnight visit to
the house of God? Have We sought the
sanctuary for spiritual aid? If so, why
| have We come with weapons by your
sidesp" AS he saw the arms which the
strangers carried ~
i As the eyes of the priest fell upon
the trembling figure in black, he con-
tinued: "Perchance We have brought
some poor creature who is in need of
| that consolation which can only be
found at the foot of the altar. If that
be the case, there is no hour in which
mankind may supplicate, and sup
plicate in vain! Speak! What seek
yep
sGood father!' returned the chief,
brusquely, I'VE have indeed come to
| solicit your assistance. Nay, not only
to solicit but to command 1T We request
your clerical aid in making this wom-
/, an my wife"
s'Why should one Of the most solemn
ceremonies of the church be performed
at such time?' asked the priest,
sternly.
Because we will ID SO. .
rs the lady willing to take upon
herself the vows of matrimony?'
THAT matters not to You. Priest, !
say"
And say it does"-and the padres
voice rang out like = clarion through
lie little edifce.
Then, as If disregardins the fierce
band who stood before him. the Chris
tian man stepped down and confronted
the yelled lady.
Daughter he said gently. sis 1t
your wish 70 become the wife Of this
man2 Speak fearlessly; you are In the