The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1909-03-12
WILL sEABROoK's TRAVELS
(Bv w. B. Seabrook.)


(By W. B. Seabrook.)
Copyright, 1909, by ". B. Seabrook)
Special to The Herald and News.
Toulon, France-Last week l re-
counted an anecdote and legend IL
lustrating the faith Of the Provencal
peasantry in latter-day miracles. In
the same connection, I wish to relate
another story, to tell how, according
to a popular belief, one Of these same
peasants became a famous saint.
One day, in Paradise the Good God
seemed careworn and pensive, so runs
the legend. The infant Jesus asked :
''What is the matter, Father?'
:'Matter enough responded the
Bon Dieu, II am forever pestered by
one or another Of those lncor11glble
Provencals. Just take look down
there!'
"Where?" asked Jesus.
"There in the Rhone valley,
straight beyond my finger, little
village surrounded by poplars, with a
blacksmith shop in the public square,
a fine, big blacksmith-shop.'
II see, l see.'
"Well. my Son, in that shop is a
man l would have liked to save; his
name is Maitre Eloi; brave and sol
i'd gaillard, faithful observer Of my
commandments, charitable toward the
poor, honest with his clients, friend
ly with all the world, swinging his
hammer from morning to night with
out uttering a blashphemous or evil
word. .. Alas, I thought he was
worthy to become SAINT
"And what is to prevent?" asked
Jesus.
t'His pride, my child. Because he
happens to be an excellent workman.
Eloi boasts that his equal. does not
exist on earth, and presumption is
perdition.
"Seigneur Perez suggested Jesus,
"eive me leave to descend for day
or two: maybe I can convert him. -
$50 ahead and try. nv Son. re-
piled the Bon Dieu, doubtfully, very
doubtfullv. for He knew His Proven
Gals.
Next morning a little apprentice
stood, with cap in hand, upon the
threshold Of Maitre Eloi's shop. Tim
idly he advanced through the wide,
open doorway. above which hung a
sign-board bearing the inscription,
E!io. blacksmith, Master of all the
Masters.
"Good morning, master. | am IN
search of work: perhaps YOU can en-
ploy me for a day or two?'
"Not just now, little one,' re-
SpOneu Clol.
"Sadly the little apprentice went
his way. and in the public square en-
countered a group of peasants, to
whom he said, with quivering lips and
the suspicion Of tear-drop in bis
bright. boyish eyes:
"How could they have the heart to
refuse me work in such prosperous,
busy shop"
"stop a moment, my ehild,' called
one of the neighbors, "what did you
say when you entered Maitre Eioi 5
shop?"
''I said, Good morning, master .
"Oh, that was the trouble. You
should have said Master of all the
Masters See how it is written above
hi: door,
So the little apprentice retraced his
steps.
"God morning, Master Of all tie
Masters; perhaps YOU have need OF an
extra workman?'
"Enter. enter, little one, We will
try to find something for you to do,
but, once for all, understand that my
title is Master Of all the Masters.
I am not a boaster but it is neverthe-
less a fact that France does not aold
another blacksmith, who can forge a
horseshoe in two chaudes 1.-TWO heat
ines.)'
"Why IN my country we do it cas-
liz in one chaude.' - responded the ap-
prentice.
"Tn one chaude! Hush. gamin. the
thing is impossible. We do not relish
such pleasantly here. y
"Pardon, Master Of all the Masters,