Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1901-01-22
CHAPTER XyIr.

dark, there being barely sufficient hgnt
10 read by at MONDAY. It was about
month after his confinement that Clar-
ence was informed that priest wished
70 see him. 1t was in the afternoon, and
the day had been very bright and clear.
What does he want?" the prisoner
asked.
1T is one of our good priests who
knows of your heresy, and who would
save your soul" replied the jailer.
Clarence babe the jailer TO let the
priest come in. In a few minutes after
wards the keeper returned, and Cath
olic priest followed him in. The former
simply nodded an introduction, AID then
withdrew.
well, my son. commenced Father
Rondo-it was Gonzales-''how does your
confinement agree with youg'
As well as the same would agree with
any man who preferred his liberty" an
swered the youth.
But l suppose you find some consola-
zion in your loneliness"
''Yes, senor," returned Clarence. Il
am consoled by the belief that the arms
Of my counI-ymen will ere long open my
prison DOOR
rs there not something unmentioned
that occupies your thoughts at times?
asked the priest.
'Senorr' spoke the youth, starting to
his feet, you may speak plainly.
Il will. Would you like to hear from
Irene st. Marc?"
More than from any other living
soulg' answered Clarence, quickly and
eagerly.
Welt have a. message from her TO
you. / have had it in keeping for a
month, and this is the first opportunity
! have had to see you. | told her you
had been put in prison. She would have
come TO you then if l would have permit
ted No consideration OF self could deter
her; but when | made her understand
that you would suffer equally with her
If she fell into her fathers hands again,
she consented to be governed by my adj
vice. You have seen the DID woman,
Calygsor'
Yes, senor," the youth replied, anx-
iously.
We'll, the maiden went away with
her. | promised t..at ! would SIC you,
and tell you all. Donna Irene loves you
almost too we'll At all events, her whole
undivided heart is yours; and not until |
had promised Eer that l would see you,
would she consent to leave the vicinity of
This city
"On' cried Clarence, clasping his hands
and raising his eyes to heaven, heaven
bless and protect her. But have you
heard from her since?"
.'Yes-this very morning. She was in
the city of Mexico a week ago, and was
going from there to NalladolId.'
And was she well?'
'Yes-perfectly so"
20, | bless you. good senior, for this.
Henceforth my bondage will be light in
comparison with the past month. OF
course, | shall know where shesis when
I am free?"
Yes. You shall see me. If l DO not
6nd sou, you must seek me. But may
see you now occasionally. IL you viii
help NE make the officers of the prison
think am your confessor l can gain ac-
cess here often
i will. O, III confess a thousand sins
gor one word from Irene. But you viii
come as often as you hear from her!
If | can, of course; for l only hear for
YOU. She needs no word for me alone,
save the warm friendship she feels for
all who have been kind 70 her
Awhile longer they c0mpuned upon the
subject Of Irene and her father, and then
rhe good priest took his leave.
From that time forth Father Rondo
visited the prison as often as convenient.
In another month he brought further
word from Irene. She was in NalladoIid,
and there she meant To stop through the
winter. Is She had found comfortable
home and was safe from danger.
Thus the months wore away and Clar-
ence began 10 wonder if he should ever
be free. 4 strong hope had thus far sus-
tanned him. but he began now to falter.
He often asked his jailers how the war
was progressing but they lied TO him.
He knew this from the statements of the
priest March came, with its winds and
storms. and yet the prison doors were not
opened, But in few days from that
time the officers VINO sometimes visited
the cells wore strange expressions upon
their countenances. Clarence kept cal
eudar upon the wall of his dungeon with
an old nail which he had begged of His
janer for that purpose One morning
after eating his breakfast he went TO the
wall to make his mark for that day. 1t
was the ninth mark for March.
Hark," uttered Peter, as his master
turned from the WALL What is that?'
Perhaps the troops are turning out
for dill, answered Clarence.
mo, no. Do you not hear that distant
sound? That hum, as though vast con-
course .of people were shouting?"
"Ay-I DO" said the captain, bowling
his head and listening.
and did you not notice how pale and
agitateg the soldier looked who brought
IN our breakfast?"
II did not lock ut him"
But l did-and l noticed that he was
much moved, too"
After this the two prisoners listened
atteutively. and while they were thus
listening Gonzales Rondo was admitted
10 their cell.
Have you heard anything?" the priest
asked.
Yes. good father; and we were listen,
ing as you came in. What Is it%'
u large army % United States troops
is landing opposite the city, aud heavy
fleet of warShips is moored here"
sHo." cried the youth. leapiRg up and
Clasping his hands. My deliverance is
nigh at hand
DO not found too much hose upon
that my son, returned the priest with d
dubious shake OF the head. When peace
- declared. then you may come forth
from Your prison, but fancy this invest
1aeut will not bring such an event about
unless after defeat here the Americans
choose to capitulate."
Who commands the American
forces -
Gen. Winfield Scott. so have heard
Then your city is gone" pronounced
Clarence, in a calm, positive tone. y
know Vera Cruz is strong place. but i
cannot withstand the power of your enc
my. Mark me- know this"
Il cannot agree with you. Seaor." tn,
priest replied, full as confidently. WHY
even this castle is invulnerahle 70 SUcl
force. Ne, no-your hope lies not il
that direction"
VERY well" returned Clarence. witt
s smile, I'VE will not dispute this poin
now. Only let me Say-and l say il witt
n full kneula,},-,, NJ al eha ,,s~e, - ,, -.