Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1903-11-05
Copyright. 1900. by the BowEN.MERRlLL COMPANY
By MAURICE THOMPSON

wholly occupied with their trading.
trapping and missionary work. were
late finding out that war existed be-
tween England and her colonies. Nor
did it really matter much With them.
one way or another. They felt secure
in their lonely situation, and so went
on selling their trinkets. weapons. do
nestle implements. blankets and in
toxicating liquors to the Indians. whom
they held bound to them with power
never possessed by any other white
dwellers in the wilderness. Father
Beret was probably subordinate to
Father Gibault. At all events the lat
ter appears to have had nominal charge
Of Vincennes, and it can scarcely be
doubted that lie left Father Beret ON
the Wabash while he went to live and
labor for time at Kaskaskia. beyond
the plains of Illinois.
It is a curious fact that religion and
the power Of rum and brandy worked
together successfully for a long time
In giving the French posts almost alb
solute influence over the wild and saw.
age men by whom they were always
surrounded. The good priests depre
Gated the traffic in liquors and tried
hard to control it, but soldiers Of for
tune and reckless traders were in the
majority, their interests taking proceed
ence Of all spiritual demands and car
rying everything along. What could
Tvs test npioe IL 101v
very best of a perilous situation?
But If the effect Of rum as bev-
erage had strong allurement for the
white man, it made an absolute slave
Of the Indian, who never hesitated for
a moment to undertake any task, no
matter how hard, bear any privation.
even the most terrible, or brave any
danger, although it might demand
reckless desperation, If in the end a
we'll filed bottle or jug appeared as
his reward.
OF course the traders did not over
look such a source Of power. Alcoholic
liquor became their implement of al
most magical work in controlling the
lives, labors and resources Of the In
dams. The priests, with their captivat-
ing story of the cross, had large in
duence in softening savage natures
and averting many an awful danger.
but, when everything else failed. rum
always came to the rescue of threat
ened French post.
We need not wonder, then, when we
are told that Father Beret made no
sign of distress or disapproval upon
being Informed Of the arrival of a
boat loaded with rum, brandy or gin.
1t was Rene de Ronville who brought
the news, the same Rene already nell
toned as having given the priest a
plate of squirrels. He was sitting on
the doorsill of Father Beret's hut
when the old man reached it after his
visit at the Roussillon home and held
in his hand a letter which he appeared
proud to deliver.
"a batteau and seven men with
cargo of liquor came during the rain"
he said, rising and taking off his Gu
rious cap, which, made of an animals
skin, had a tail jauntily dangling from
ASC NAoWu up 0uO ACIc As u 1cllCI xOI
you, father. The batteau is from New
Orleans. Eight men started with it.
but one went ashore to hunt and was
killed by an Indian"
Father Beret took the letter without
apparent interest and said:
''Thank you, my son, sit down again;
the door log is not wetter than the
stools inside; will sit by you.'
The wind had driven a food Of rain
into the cabin through the open door,
and water twinkled in puddles here
and there on the floors puncheons.
They sat down side by side, Father
Beret lingering the letter in an absent
minded way.
"There'll be jolly time Of it tonight"
Rene de Ronville Remarked; "a roaring
time.''
"W'hy do you say that. my son:' the
priest demanded.
'The wine and the liquor" was the
reply. much drinking will be done.
The men have all been dry here for
some time, you know, and are as
thirsty as sand. They are making
ready to enjoy themselves down at the
river house."
"Ah, the poor souls" sighed Father
Beret, speaking as one whose thoughts
were wandering far away.
"Why don't you read your letter,
Father" Rene added.
The priest started, turned the soiled
square of paper over in his hand, then
thrust it inside his robe.
ut can watt" he said. Then, chang
Ing his voice: ''The squirrels you eve
me were excellent, my son. 1t was
good of you to think of me-" he added,
laying his hand on Rene's arm.
"Oh, I'm glad if have pleased you,
Father Beret, for you are so kind to
me always, and to everybody. When
killed the squirrels said to myself:
These are young, juicy and tender;
Father Beret must have these SO I
brought them along"
The young man rose to go, for he
was somehow impressed that Father
Beret must wish opportunity to read
bis letter and would prefer to be left
alone with it. But the priest pulled
him down again.