The Intermountain Catholic. (Salt Lake City [Utah] ;) 1899-1920, 1910-03-26
ST, PATRICK's KNIGHT.

ioi +be response, in the shape OF dozen OF
tDI II bovs who came Gathering along IN sort OF
en sum- PROCESSION, each one eager to find favor
ne5 5a owes of so important and prosperous man
u L I senior partner of Custer q Sons. As they
a. l nearer, he OWNED in one quick, compre-
u':- Glance that they were not at all bad-look-
tns 1t and he began to think he might have some
nrsEto,1+y in making choice. They entered, ranged
GIros in line along the WALL with the exception
lno little fellow who stood somewhat aloof.
o. ~ Custer was about to address them when
ii onneared at the door and asked him to step
n r4 IN matter of business with new customer.
Gu W. did So he was pleased to see that the small
-. No have mentioned held the door open for him
wy ,oss He was a broad-shouldered and sturdy
,.I follow with swarthy skin and coal-black hair;
to however to which the New England mer-
Lr+ Of fifty years ago was not favorable, as 1t
Toasted the "foreign element" a burning question
at that period
The boys clothes were much worn, but clean.
u had q knot of green ribbon attached by a gilt
IIornrocl to his buttonhole; and seeing it as he
rossod the merchant slightly frowned! Well did
L recognize this significant badge of what he char
actorized as impudence and ignorance; for if he
MORO NOT both, no alien Irishman would dare flaunt
he odious green in the land of the free. But Mr.
Crser was just man, and little things had weight
with him as showing character; the action of the
how both pleased and impressed him.
When the gentleman ndO 1OnOWeO IDe cltfh IuJO
the main body of the establishment, the boy made
bis way into the group of his companions, who had
now left their places against the wall, and, the
mept of inspection deferred, began to talk to one
another.
Five minutes later when Mr.. Custer returned
he found himself in the midst of turbulent crowd
One was lying on the floor, bleeding at the nose;
Two we're brushing the dust from their coats,
they raised themselves from a revumbent posture in
which strong and angry blows had placed them;
all we're talking and gesticulating; while he of the
green ribbon stood in beigerent attitude, glaring
at the others.
whats this-what's this 2" asked the merchant,
as the boys abashed at his sudden advent, grew
silent.
q was the one that threw them down. said the
little Irishman, stepping forward. 81 ask your par
don, sir for making a disturbance in your place;
but them fellows-them fellows"
well! What did they do to you" inquired
the merchant angrily.
"0ne of them said I was q Dago with a green
ribbon on me; and when I told him | wasn't a
Dago, but Irish he began to call me Roman Cath
oio and Paddy from Cork; and three of them fell
upon me, and | floored them"
The merchant cast glance around the group,
but only one pair of eyes met his bravely-those
bright, blue and fearless, of the Knight of the
Green Ribbon.
"And are you-what they called you?" asked
the merchant, dryly, with an ominous frown that
made the hearts of the disaffected beat with hope
Thanks be to God, sir / am" replied the boy.
And I'm proud of it, too. And in this country
to stand up for the religion and the name. She
didn't tell me to fight, sr-she'd rather wouldn't;
but couldn't help it. with those fellows jeering and
laughing at me because was wearing St. Patrick's
ribbon on his own blessed birthday"
We'll, my young friend, you have considerable
pluck" said Mr. Custer. "But let me tell you that
the name of Paddy will stand in your way wherever
you go. Better change it, my boy"
He spoke more in jest than earnest partly also
to observe the effect of his words on the other boys
as well to tease the little Irishman. The oppo-
nents of our brave little Knight snickered in
chorus, wheerupon Mr. Custer frowned darby upon
them, and they subsidized into state of gloom. But
the fighter proudly lifted his head as he replied:
My name isn't Paddy sir, so | couldn't change
It if wanted to. But if it was wouldn't change
it-no not for all the gold in America Then,
tearing that in his excitement he might have failed
Of the respectful tone he had always been taught
% use toward his elders he continued more gently
Asking your pardon, sir for all this fuss that I've
Deen the means Of making, I'll be going now"
Where did you say you lived" asked the mer-
chant, as they boy approached the door.
didn't say, but live at 80 Foley's Court,
and my name is Dominic Murray" answered the
boy. And touching his cap, he was gone.
-NoW, boys, SAID Mr.. Custer, turning to the
remainder of the group, Gust write your names
ana addresses on this pad, and if l want any of you
III send for you. But have word to say before
you leave. By nature and education I lean away
from the Irish and Roman Catholics; but remem-
tper-there are good people among them Remem-
per that Finally, whatever may be your and my
personal opinions concerning them, bear in mind
mat II we always stand up for our religion and our
country as that little Irishman did just now, we
WI be model American citizens. And to conclude
i is very unmanly to attack another without prov
oeation"
, With these words the merchant turned to his
GesA and, after writing their names and addresses
I me boys took their departure One of them, at
ieas remembered the lesson; for it was he who told
me the story. The rest of it he learned from the
nero himself, whose friend he became later.
Inc next day Mr. Custer made his appearance
/ % Foley Court, where he was Hospitality greeted
the widow Murray, who was busily engaged in
You are the mother of little Dominic, sup
!oSe' Madam z" said the merchant who never failed
Al courtesy to any woman
Yes, sir, | am,' was the response
= lie applied at my office for position yester
"sS morning" continued Mr.. Custer
- and maybe lost a good chance by his hot-head