The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-05-15

the table
Beaten out by a monkl" cried Nor
gan. after long pause, filed with Bit
ter memories and gloomy forebodings.
"Yep. But say!" Ashby replied.
with a burst Of genuine admiration:
"ain't e darlin'? Say, amt e got a
nerve9 Amt e de real stuff? Say,
wot crook ed mnke'"
What do you think he'll do?"
"Jes' wot 'e's a-doin' of now. Keep
watch till mornin'."
We'll, we might as well retire TO our
downy couches and sleep the sweet
sleep of innocence, / suppose" said
Morgan. bitterly.
Some sudden, reminiscent fash OF
former days was struck from Ashby's
flinty soul by the harsh words, and 10
his own surprise as much as his COM
panion's, his strained nerves gave way.
wish T. God could!" he cried aloud;
and then he dropped his head upon his
arms and sobbed like child.
"The Prior has invited you TO take
coffee of the morning with him. 1t
is a large honor" cried the little cou-
rier, as he hustled next morning into
the guest chamber.
The two travellers shot quick glance
at each other. Then they sprang to
their feet with well-assumed willing
ness. Their handbags were neatly
packed and locked for the journey, ms
they had been every morning of weeks
horseback tour in the interior, and they
were ready for what fate might bring.
Again they went along the fateful
passage by the belfry. A number OF
the monks were about their usual tasks,
and the curious looks they cast upon
thestrangers seemed 10 burn and pierce.
Morgan caught himself wondering how
much each of these sturdy-gowned men
knew of the adventures of the night,
and what the end of il all might be.
Ashby. whose photograph had been in
dozen rogues' galleries for as many
years. ploughed along with his hands
in his pockets and his head down as
IL in deep thought.
Another maze of passages took them
quite out of the building at the back,
but no sooner had they left IL than
they entered again by another door.
The sun was shining so brightly that
for moment after entering the low
cell of the Prior they could see moth
ing: little by little they distinguished
its bare outlines. The only evidence
Of luxury which IL contained was
meagre wood fire, where the Prior sat,
not now the majestic and commanding
figure that at midnight he had been,
but an aging and feeble man-to love
and venerate-worn by the vigus OF
the night.
There was no hint of what had passed
in the hearty charm OF the Prior's greet
ing. He bade his guests 10 be seated.
and again came the inevitable bowl OF
sweetmeats. the single spoon, the three
tiny cups of coffee. AS they slipped the
exquisite drink, the Prior talked on
with broken old mans garrulity about
the high taxes i'm Greece, and told how
the monks were no longer able TO buy
such good coffee as in the old days. He
explained how they were able to pro-
duce such exquisite coffee from the
cheapest and most despised grades OF
berries. Again he talked with lively
interest about America, the two men in
their anxiety returning almost random
answers TO his queries. Finally he be-
gan long statement upon another
topic.
"Yes, yes" said the courier, at last,
II understand" and he turned TO trans
late: This Prior is very glad to have
men from America as his guests, and
very glad a man of such important busi-
ness interests"--a bow in Ashby's di-
rection-"because he would ask some
practical advices. One time two theifs
did come hS'e-"
Morgan could not repress little
start.
"Tipote!" said the courier. at was
nothing, Be reassured, my sir! The
thiefs did secure nothing, because the
Lord permitted not the Prior TO sleep
that night, and he did prevent. But
since. he have thought much. Many
have told him these treasures are of
much worth, and that they should be
lhOit EtCuiths it ~ give AhN
Prior pain, because for athousand years
these doors have been open TO rich and
poor and TO men from every place; and
they have come and gone, and neither
they, or any monks, have ever thought
Of these beautiful things as earthly
treasures o. all. But the two thiefs
make him think the times are different
now. He have confde in the librarian
alone. No other knew OF the coming
Of the thiefs, and I am promise not TO
say of IL, and you also. gentlemans. II
is not well TO talk of evil deeds, and |
think the Prior would wish you not 20
speak the two thcfs. but he Is too po-
lite TO say that. What he wish 10 know
Is how rich men in the great world
how the American millionaire of whom
he has read-protect their treasures
"a time locks de hardes' go beat. An
dat's right, see?" responded the man OF
business.
II agree that more adequate protcc-