The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1911-06-03
families. The Sisters School will un-
doubtedly save many of their children
to the Church"
Continued from page 81
WALKING IN DARKNESS.

Topham, who had by this time dis
mounted, came close to him. Tall as
he was, he had to look up to the priest,
and the latter's calm demeanor dis
concerted him.
Wherefore? I will tell you where
fore speedily" He drew paper from
his wallet as he spoke-it was the
warrant: I'm the Queens name I ar
rest you, Walter Franklin, sometimes
called Trevelyen, for that being a
Polish priest banished from her realm,
by the extreme display of her grace,
you did return, in defiance of her COM
mand, to exercise the functions of a
priest.
"Of which you have no proof" broke
in the priest hastily.
NAY, of that anon-I have the
knowledge of the p1ot-but it will be
before the magistrate that shall
speak of that. Will you come with me
quietly? Or must use force?"
"'Twere useless to resist, else would
I so, Master Topham. To the Queens
Grace I surrender myself, not to you
God save her Majesty!'
"Amen!" replied Topham, replacing
his cap, which he had removed at the
priests mention of the Queens name.
Silently the two men walked along the
dusty road, for Topham had not re-
mounted; his horse was tied and he
knew we'll that the priest neither could
nor would escape him. From time to
! time he stole a glace at his prisoner,
who was showing signs of fatigue, for
| he had not broken his fast for more
than twelve hours, nor slept since the
night before.
! Topham rejoiced. 1t would be much
easier to catch the priest in his words
when he was too worn to weigh them
we'll He rocked little of the stern will
that was so we'll concealed under the
priests calm demeanor, though now
and again he experienced misgiving,
and fastened his steps lest utter ex-
haustion should open a way for the
secure escape of his prisoner. Patient
ly Father Franklin plodded along the
dusty road. 1t was a warm day for
the end of April, and brought with it
the langour of spring and early sum-
mer, when the frame has not yet be-
come accustomed to the heat. Not a
complaint passed his lips. The pur-
suivant was irritated when at last they
reached the city. Father Franklin
raised his eyes then, and looked upon
the blue sky, the brown fields fresh
from the plough, the trees that were
already shrouded in misty veil of
green, on the hedges where the birds
were busily building their nests; it
would be the last time on which he
would see them all-for the end was
very sure now. Oh! if it would but
come quickly. The way had been diff
ficult and toilsome and the end would
be terrible indeed, but in the hour of
his sacrifice Walter Franklin knew
that he would not stand alone.
The formalities were quickly over
He stood committed for trial on a
charge of high treason There was no
proof that he had exercised his priest
ly functions, but the fact that he had
returned from his exile was sufficient
to condemn him before men who were
anxious for his death. The trial was
a mere pretence After his condem-
nation the Queen offered to pardon
him and to give him benefice if he
would take the oath.
"Tell her Grace" he said to the gov
ernor of the Jail, through whom the
message was conveyed to him, "that I
: thank her, but that I cannot accept
her offer. Tell her. too, that die her
: loyal subject. And now I pray that
, you will leave me alone"
, "a gallant spirit" said the gov
ernor to himself as he barred the
heavy door, leaving his prisoner in the
underground cell where the daylight
, never penetrated. eff there is aught
that / can do for him / fain would; ;
, it's pity that he cannot stoop to take
, the oath"
: Sir, there is lady without She
} will not give her name She would
/ speak with your worship"
/ admit her, NARROW" The man
/ went and returned, ushering in lady
/ in a long, dark cloak. The hood was
drawn so closely about her face and
her head was so bent that he could
i not discern her features She was at
, tended by an elderly serving man.
} What can I do for you, mistress?''
| asked the governor.
!, 81 would speak with Master Walter
Franklin"
"The priest?"
yes" her voice trembled, and an
I involuntary sob shook her frame.
, II may not, lady-the Queens Grace
: -" he began-and turned aside to
point pen-the quill was obstinate
and it was few minutes before he re-
: sumed-"the Queens Grace hath ex-
5 pressly forbidden that any man have
2 access to the priest"
t Then" answered Betty, for it was
4 she, "a lady is not barred, and, since a
lady may not go unattended, my serv.
] ant here will accompany me- Let us