Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1892-04-20
cHApTCn II.
rsyu rNxSNfyS. pAnuu

Az gAiAUsLb rhbNE'
The midplsbt bells upon the little
sanctuary which stood by the sep had
ohimed forth tho hour, and still the
good Padre Garois remained deeply en-
crossed with his studies.
The candle by whose light he was
reading, as wen o. those upon the
altar, had burned nearly to their SOCK
cts. and the priest rose to renew them.
As he did so no Inadvertently pushed
the table by which he hid been
sitting. This, Actin the empty edifiee
the dusty rafters overhead.
Slight as had been the noise IL was
sufficient to awaken one who had been
sleeping upon the stone tagging with
his poucho for pillow.
What, good padre, not retired YETI
Truly, you maiptajp your vigiis till an
untimely hour" remafked the man as
he sat upright sp9 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, fog you are young
and a 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 be
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 II curious 10 learn who were
the intruders, but Francisco sprapg "a
bis feet and laid his hand on the hilt OF
his sword.
The padre saw the act and raised q
finger as he ssid: NAY, nay, my son.
Pluck not forth your weapon here, fol-
this is Q holy plaee-but rather with.
draw to the oomb hny Of your followers
Tor awhile, and leave me to epsoupteI
those who are approaching, with arms
not made by man"
The oncer 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 man who strobe arrogaptly
down to the steps of the altar. Close
behind him Game his followers, In the
midst of whom was the form Of one
robed entirely IN black.
As the party joined their chief they
separated, and one of the number led
the yelled figure forward.
Padre Garcia had remained silent
spectator Of this strange scene, but as
the group paused before him he said In
a low, yet firm, voice whose sonorous
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 aid9 II so, why
have We come with weapons by your
sides2" As he saw the arms which the
strangers carried.
AS the eyes of the priest fell upor
the trembling figure in black, he con
tinued: "Perchance We have brought
some poor creature who Is In need Of
that consol alton which can only b,
found at the foot of the altar. II tina.
be the case, there is no hour In whio}
mankind may supplicate, and sup
plicate In vain! Speakl What sen
YEP"
Good father" returned the chief
brusquely, I'VE have indeed come
solicit your assistance. Nay, not onl,
to solicit but to command IL We requeS
your clerical aid in making this won
an my WIFE"
"Why should one of the most solemy
ceremonies of the church be performer
at such fime?" asked the priest
sternly.
Because we will II So"
"Is the lady willing TO take upoI
herself the vows Of matrimony?"
THAT matters not to you. Priest,
say"
"And say IL does'-and the PADRE
voice rang out like clarion through
the little edifice.
Then, as II disregarding the ferc'
band who stood before him, the Cbrie-
tian man stepped down and confronted
the yelled lady.
Daughter" he said, gently, 'is
your wish to become the wife Of thj
msnY Speak fearlessly; you are In tn