The Nezperce herald. (Nezperce, Idaho) 1900-1957, 1909-02-18

Standing In the upper hallway, sne
heard what passed between Breen ana
the planter at the front door. Why did
not Uncle Joey demand extenuating cir
cnmstanees2 She was sure that Rreen
would have dropped some hine at least.
OF Constahle's part in the mysterious al
lance. had il nor been for the harbed
iron of the others words. Iara's palms
aehed from the pressure Of her nails.
She did not so downstairs to luncheon.
but often crossed the hall. entering Con
stables room to lock at the mountain and
cityward along the smoky highway. In
one of these watches she saw the little
black carriage OF Father Damien ap-
preaching. He would have driven by. but
she ran below and called to him from the
veranda
Come in and rest minute. father. Is
there any good to tell?r
"Very little, Lara. The gray curse is
on Saint Pierre. indeed. | have grown
afraid for my people, and am warning
them 70 seek refuge in Fort de France.
Your guest suggested this step, and has
helped nobly with money to care for the
people fleeing to the capital"
She drew from him an account Of his
meeting with Constable ON the highway
in the morning. He told her. too. how the
young man had sent sick native mothers
and their children out to the ship for
refuge from the heat and sulphur fumes.
and Of the large sums Of money he had
volunteered for the care Of the favored
few who fed to Fort de France. Lara
bent her head forward toward the priest.
And what do you think Of this man.
father she questioned suddenly
The old mans mild gaze fell before tn.
glowing eyes Of the girl. Il did not
think when l first met him that he was
gifted with such ZEAL he answered
weakly
Where is be now. Father Damien7"
That I cannot tell dear. We have
not seen him since morning. Some say
that he has gone to Morne Rouge; others
that he has assembled to the craters OF
Pelee"
She sprang up, bnt repressed the en-
elamation upon her lips. Her mother had
Good morning. Father Damien. Mrs.
Stansbury said pleasantly. rs Lara re-
learsing private theatricals for your
The priest made haste to depart. sayins
hat he was on the way to Fort de France
With the money Constable had given. to
make the refugees there as comfortable
IS possible The ladies followed him TO
he door II happened thar the old man
aced Lara as he said
Il hope It may be a false runor that
our friend has sought the crafers OF
'elee Such services as his we cannot
ford to do without. There IS power in
he man.
Il think l have felt it, father the
irl answered quietly.
what does this mean. this talk OF
riend in connection with the confrere Of
thiefgv Mrs. Stansbury asked.
Il did not quibble In the use OF the
ord
DO you count as a friend one who
ould try to put you aboard a ship which
ears the reputation Of the Madame de
Iael?-one who would bring to our house
lie notorious Nicholas Stembridges~
you were also invited to go, remem-
r."
my dear child. you are oyerwrought.
cannot believe that you are appealed to
this sudden interest OF his in your wei.
re; nor that yea dreamed Of accepting
rms that would have frightened our
0mremy saint who braTed wars
II do not like your talk of terms. moth
There were no terms. Mr.. Constable
ked me to board his ship. that I might
safe. His care for my welfare is not
portant in this talk "
''Do you think you would be safe to 20 NJ
fh himT' III
safe as the sea-safe as the black ,
men and their babies now crowded up-
the terrible de Staell I do not care
talk further. You have followed your
linafions regarding Mr.. Constable. and
ii now I have allowed your inclinations
be mine. l am guilty as you are Of !
raging the sensibilities Of a man who Thi
erves at least the consideration Of a thu
ltlewoman. shall learn the truth
'ut these reports, and If they are as
se in substance as I believe. 7 shall n
ke up for my incivilities."
frs. Stansbury felt that here was a
stance no less formidable than sudden.
must be crushed. Of course. but the
sent moment was not propitious. She
shed gently.
Ito be eontIuued.1