Crittenden press. [volume] (Marion, Ky.) 1879-1907, 1903-11-19

We need not wonder, then. when we
are told that Father Bcret made no
sign OF distress or disapproval upon
being Informed Of the arrival OF
boat loaded with rum. brandy or gin.
| IL was Rene de Ronville who brought
| the news, the same Rene already men
toned as having given the priest n
plate Of squirrels He was sitting on
| the doorsill Of Father Bcrets hut
when the old man reached IL after his
| visit ut the RouSsillon home and held
| in his hand letter which he appeared
proud 90 deliver.
"a batteau and seven men with a
cargo OF liquor came during the rain"
he said, rising and taking of his Gu
rlous cap, which, made OF nm animals
skin, had tail jaunuly dangling from
It's crown tip. and here IL a letter for
| you. father. The batteau IL from New
| Orleans Eight men started with II.
but one went ashore TO hunt and VS.
killed by an Indian"
Father Beret took the letter without
| apparent interest and said
THANK you. my son, sit down again;
the door log II not wctter 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 pupcheons.
They sat down side by side. Father
Bcret hsgering the letter In an absent
minded way.
"Thercll be Jolly time OF IL tonight"
! Rene lie Ronville remarked; n roaring
| time"
"Why do YOU say that, my SOM" 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 a. sand They are making
rcndy 60 enjoy themselves down at the
! river house"
All. the poor souls sighed Father
Rcret. speaking M one whose thoughts
Wcrr wandering far away.
why don't you read your letter,
| Father Rene added.
! The priest started. turned the soilcd
| square Of paper over ia his hand, then
thrust IL inside his robe
1t can walt" he said. Then chang
ing his voice: The squirrels you gave
nae wcrr excellent. my son. ~ was
good Of you 60 think OF me- hc added
lnying his hand on Renc's arm.
"Oh. I'm glad II / have pleased you.
Father Berct. FOR you are ~ kind 10
me always and to everybody When
| Killed the squirrels | said TO myself
These are young. juicy and tender;
Futhcr Rcrct must have these ~
brought them along
l. The young man rose 20 go. for he
| was somehow impressed that Father
Bcrct must wish opportunity 10 read
| his letter aud would prefer 10 be- left
alone with H. Hut the priest pulled
him down again.
stay awhile" he said. Il have not
had a talk with you for some time"
Rene looked a trihc uneasy.
You will not drink any tonight. my
/ son" Father Bcrct added. You must
not. DO you heurT'
The young mans eyes and mouth AT
/ once began 20 have sullen expires
NAfilA ~ AlfWNNN llf W ~ llNA lAt'NNfAA n llfl
felt rcbcllious but II was hard FOR him
to resist Father Bcret whom hc loved,
as did every soul In the post The
/ priests voice was sweet and gentle.
yet positive 10 a degree. Rene did not
say n word.
Promise me that you viii not taste
| liquor this night" Father Bcrct went
on. grasping the young mans arm
! firmly. Promise me. my sou. promise
me"
still Rene was silent The men did
not look al each other. but gazcd away
across the country beyond the Wabash
10 where a glory from the western sun
famed on the upper rim Of great
cloud fragment creeping along the hori-
zon.
"Eh bien. must 20" said Rene pres
emily. getting Co his feet nimbly and
cvadng Father Bcrct's hand. which
would have held him.
"Not to the river house, my SOM"
said the priest appealingly.
mo. not there. | have another letter;
one for VI sicu' Roussillon. IL came 10y
the boat too. | go 10 give IL 20 Nine.
Roussillun."
Rene de- Ronville was "A dark, weather
stained young fellow, neither tall nor
short, wearing buckskin moccasins,
trousers and tunjc. His eyes were dark
brown, keen. quick moving, set we'll
under heavy brows. A razor had prob
ably never touched his face. and his
thin. curly beard crinkled over his
strongly turned checks and chin, while
his mustachcs sprang out quite ferccly
above his full Tipped, almost sensual
mouth. lie looked wiry and active. "A
man not 10 be lightly reckoned with in
trial OF bodily strength and will
power.
Father Beret's face and voice chang
cd on the instant. He laughed dryly
and said. with sly CLEAN in his eyes:
You could spend the evening pleas
anuy with Nine. Roussillon and Jean.