Courier Democrat., 1904-12-15

Ell. No. Stree. horse. l don't want
no blankety- blank pink and white
complicated nursery kid foolin' round
my graveyard. II you're goin' to
bring along a parson. why, bring him
with his eyeteeth cut and his tail
feathers on"
That Hi was deeply disappointed was
quite clear from the selection Of the
profanity With which he adorned this
lengthy address. 1t WAS never the ex-
tent Of his profanity. but the choice,
that indicated Hrs interest in any sub.
ject.
Altogether the outlook for the mis-
sionary was not encouraging. With
the single exception Of the Muirs. who
really counted for little, nobody want
ed him. To most OF the reckless young
bloods Of the Company Of the Noble
Seven his presence WAS an ofense, to
others simply nuisance, while the
Old Timer regarded his advent with
something like dismay. and now HIS
suppression Of his personal appearance
was not cheering.
My first sight OF him did not reassure
me. He was very slight, very young,
very innocent. with face that might
do for an angel, except for the touch Of
humor in it. but which seemed strange
" out Of place among the rough, hard
faces that were to be seen in the Swan
Greek country. II was not q weak face,
however. The forehead was high and
square. the mouth firm, and the eyes
were luminous, Of some dark color
violet, If there Is such color in eyes
dreamy or sparkling. according to hts
mood; eyes for which a woman might
find use, but which in misetonary's
head appeared to me ona Of those ex-
traortlinary wastes of which nature is
sometimes guilty.
He was gazing far away into space
Infinitely beyond the foothills and the
blue line Of the mountains behind them.
He turned to me as drew near with
eyes alight and face glowing.
"It is glorious!" he almost painted.
"You see this every dayy' Then, re-
calling himself, he came eagerly to-
ward me, stretching out his hand.
"You are the schoolmaster. know
Do you know. it's a great thing! 1
wanted to be one, but never could get
the boys on. They always got me tell
ing them tales. was awfully disap-
pointed. l am trying the next best
thing. You see, won't have to keep
order but | don't think l can preach
very well. l am going to visit your
school. Have you many scholars? Do
you know, l think it's splendid! l
wish could do it,"
had intended to be somewhat stiff
with him, but his evident admiration
Of me made ME quite forget this lauda-
bic intention. and as he talked on with
out waiting for all answer his enthusi-
asm. his Difference to my opinion. his
charm of manner, his beautiful face,
his luminous eyes. made him perfectly
irresistible. and before l was aware I
was listening to his plans for working
his mission with eager interest. So
eager was my interest, indeed, that be-
fore | was aware found myself ask
ing him to tea with me in my shack.
But he declined saying:
I'D like to awfully; but, do you
know, think Latour expects me-"
This consideration Of Latour's feel
ings almost upset me.
You come with me-" he added, and
went.
Latour welcomed us with his grim
old face wreathed in unusual smiles.
The Pilot has been talking to him too.
1--WE got it. Latour" he cried out as
he entered. Here you are" And he
broke into the beautiful French Cana
dian chanson "A la Claire Fontaine,"
to the old half breeds almost fearful
delight.
do you know" he went on, II heard
that first down the Mattawa," and
perience with French Canadian RATS
men. mixing up his French and Eng
lish in so charming a manner that La
tour, who in his younger days long ago
had been shantyman himself. could
hardly know whether he was standing
on his head or on his heels.
After tea proposed ride out to see
the sunset from the nearest rising
ground. Latour, with unexampled
generosity. offered his! own cayuse,
Louis.
II can't ride WELL" protested the
Pilot.
"Ah. dat's good ponce, Louis" urged
Latour. Hes quiet lax wan leetle
he's ride lak-what you call?
wan horse on de rock" Under
which persuasion the pony was ac-
cepted.
That evening saw the Swan Greek
country with new eyes-through the
luminous eyes OF the Pilot. We rode
up the trail by the side of the Swan
till we came to the coulee mouth. dark
and full Of mystery.
"Come on" said, I'VE must get to
the top for the sunset
He looked lingeringly into the deep
shadows and asked. Anything live
l0wn there?"
Coyotes and wolves and Ghosts."
''Ghost7? he asked delightedly. "D0
you know. was sure there were. and
I'm quite sure ahall 20 them."