The Intermountain Catholic. (Salt Lake City [Utah] ;) 1899-1920, 1905-05-20

awake long before daybreak The lunch was ready
Dut his poor little heart was too full to allow him
TO eat. lie shouldered his bundle, and stole softly
out into the grey dawn. Was that Aunt Saly's
voice, with very perceptible quaver in it, calling
out
Goodbye, Ben; be man and don't disgrace
the family
The sun arose in unclouded glory, flooding earth
and sky with beauty. The birds woke the wood
lahd with their thrilling songs of JOY. But one
sorrowtul young heart was very heavy. The morn
ing deepened into the sultry noontide. Poor lit
Tie Benny was weary and footsore; but he hurried
ON to reach the next station before the night would
overtake him. At last quite exhausted, he reached
d little village
What was that cleaning in the waning light of
departing day! a oss-crowned steeple. That was
surely Catholic church. He would go in for a
lew minutes. Good Brother Anselm had often adj
monlshed him never to pass a church without max
ing at least short visit. The GOODNESS and quiet
OF the holy place was refreshing. Benny thought
he might stay to recite his rosary and, perhaps
some one might come, and he would ask about the
trains.
He began his rosary very devoutly but ere long
the tired little head with its crown of clustering
auburn hair, sank lower, and he was soon fast
asleep.
The sexton closed the windows and locked the
church, but Ben slept on unperceived He was in
dreamand and happy No doubt plying angels
brought sweet dreams to cheer the lone orphan
boy.
Suddenly he was awakened by rasping noise.
lie started up in horror to find himself alone in
the great dark church.
But was it dark! What light was that gleam-
ing IN the sanctuary! 1t was not the sanctuary
lamp-and those dark figures, what were they? Ben
held his breath with horror. Ghosts. Oh not in
Gods holy house. He saw distinctly now. There
were several men. They at the Tabernacle!
In,
Oh. they are wicked robbers and they want
to lay their wicked hands on the adorable Sacra-
ment" thought Ben
The boy started to his feet and took step for
ward He wanted to tell the robbers not to do any
thing 50 horrible. But they would not listen to
little fellow like him.
Needless of consequences, he rushed to the win
dow and smashed large pane of glass with his lit
tie lists which were bleeding. Calling out into
the night, Robbers! Robbers in the church," his !
voice was heard by some men passing
1he thieves were struck with fear. Whence that !
cry Who had witnessed their fearful crime? One |
II the number discovered the boy and rushing on /
nm. telled him to the ground with heavy blow
But the alarm had been needed and hurrving /
eet were approaching. The robbers sought safety |
n hurried flight leaving their tools behind them
When the pastor had ascertained that the ador-
iDe Sacrament was untouched, he was deeply /
thankful TO the merciful providence of God which
lad lhterposed TO prevent so horrible crime. But
Who had given the alarm! No one was to be seen.
hey proceeded to the broken window and there.
cry white and still, little Ben.
Here Is the little hero that saved us from a
treat calamity, said the priest with,emotion. Has
he child tainted or is he hurt "
His hands were bleeding and from deem cash
n his head the blood flowed freely.
Let us take him TO the rectory immediately.
nd get DR.. Connees instantly" said the kind priest
The boy was still living, but that was all. He
reathed family.
Where there's life, there's hope" said the phv-
lclan and we'll do our best to save our little
zero"
The kind doctors efforts were crowned with sue
ess
When the good priest learned the little waits
ad history he was deeply moved.
Benny, suppose you ask Aunt Sally and Uncle
Jacob to give you to me-"
Il think" said Benny, sadly "they'd give me
Q anybody; but | would love best to work for YOU,
Father"
We'll see about the working part when Won get
trong again, my boy" said the good father
Aunt Sally and Uncle Jacob were duly con
ulted, and were glad to be rid of the boy.
When Ben was able to be about again he was
cry anxious to work. but the good priest insisted
n his attending school. The boy had bright mind
nd a plous heart, and progressed rapidly.
Our Lord singled out His little champion 70
york in His own vineyard He became a zealous
riest, and led many to the love and service of tho
'edeemer for whose sake he was ready on that lone
ummer night to sacrifice his life-Vesper Bell