The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1907-01-24

cry of fright almost passed his lips as
figure glided out of the shadows.
II go with you" said Hildegrade l
knew that you would come this way to-
night
"Come, then" said Hubert ungrac-
iously, after the manner of brothers, but
Hildegarde knew that deep down in his
heart" he was glad that she had come.
SO they tramped together along the road
to st. Rheims. At dawn they reached
the town. The streets were filled with
children, all excited, all happy, all wear
ing the little white cross. On the front
of tho Town Hall was huge placard:
THE Childrens' Armie leaves Sainte
Rheims at ten of the clocke this day.
All We VINO wishe to marche with them
will assemble by this halle at nine.''
''Signed, STEPHEN
Five hundred boys and girls came
With them were their parents, reluctant
to part with them. Soon Stephen APP
peared, in military garb, and was greeted
by a lusty cheer.
"Fall in line, he directed.
a Babel of farewells ensued. They
seemed sad at the thought of leaving
home, but exalted by the spirit of the
their enterprise. AS one person the
little army began to move. With their
hands clasped upon their breasts, their
voices raised in song, he hapless child
rem passed the city gates, followed by
prayers and tears. At every town the
army was Joined by scores. AT night
they camped by the roadside. Hubert
and Hildegarde had brought the money
which their mother had bequeathed to
them and so they were able to produce
all the food that they needed Others,
not so fortunate, depended on the bounty
OF the peasants. At first they Jared
well, but as the army increased provi-
sions grew scarce. Hungry and weary,
the little pilgrims were almost ready to
abandon their march when the glad news
was heard that Marssil!es was only five
miles away. Youthful buoyancy as
serted itself. Laughter and Jokes were
heard. The twins were gayest of the
gay.
Tagging steps revived and the army
descended the hill and entered the city
with voices raised in triumphal chant:
behold His victorious army cometh,
Glory to Thee, King Jesus, great King
and strong Commander
Now only the blue Mediterranean lay
between the m and the Holy Land. Step
hen had told them how they would cross
the sea.
when the children of Israel were
leaving Egypt, God caused the waters tc
part and they walked safely to the op-
posite shore. Likewise will he provide
a path for this, His army
The children implicitly believed hin
and now, as they stood at the waters
edge all eyes looked for the miracle
Stephen, kneeling, began to pray, asking
that way be made by which the army
should pass dry-shod through the sea
after the prayer the concourse of meI
and women gathered on the shore stood
silent, waiting, watching, listening
Still the bright water stretched ripping
away to the horizon ami no sound was
heard but the gurgling of the wharves
For hours they waited, then the people
i Struggling their shoulders, returned to
their homes, after advising Stephen &c
wait no longer for the impossible. Two
nights and days the army spent on the
shore, then they went back into the
city, miserable little band, homesicR
and disheartened. In vain Stephen
pleaded. By the morning of the third
day four-fifths Of the army had started
on their hoheWard journey. Among the
few who remained loyal to their leader
were Hubert and Hildegrrde. AS they
stood disconsolate in the market place
a man approached Stephen and began tc
talk with him. He was Clovis, merch.
ant of Marseilles, who carried on very
profitable trade with Syria. His crafty
face and small sharp eyes, his whole APP.
pearance was that of sly, scheming
swindler. No deed was too base to be
done by him if in any way he could in
crease his fortune. Great then was the
surprise among the citizens when Clovis
offered to take the little Crusaders to
! the Holy land in his ships, and asked nc
reward.
"By Our Lady," said the pious ones,
crossing themselves devoutly, "how we
have misjudged this good mani" And
the children Of the army praised Clovis