The Lamar register., 1912-11-06

on ledge, like a shell tossed up from
the sea, she next became aware she
was looking up toward a temporary
altar. garish with bright colors.
Extends sur nous. Louder rose
the voices; more uncomfortable be,
came the demeanor of the people, and
quickly. before the unwilling Of the
sacred relics had completely mad
dened them, she managed to extricate
herself from the kneeling or pros
trate throng; breathless, she fed the
vicinity.
Down, down! Into the heart Of the
village; through tortuous footpaths.
where the pandering. not pietistic. ele-
ment held sway; where, instead of
shrines and affairs, had been erected
booths and stands before which ven
doris of nondescript viands or poor
trumpery vented their loquacity on
he pilgrims:
"All hot! All hot!"
"A la barque! A Pecaille!"
ia vie! Two drinks for a liard!"
''Voila lie plaisir des dames!"
The Mount, in olden times a glori-
ous and sacred place for royal pilgrim
ages, where kings came to pray and
seek absolution, seemed now more
mart than holy spot. But those whom
the petty traders sought to entice-
sullen-looking peasants. or poorly clad
fishermen and their families-for the
most part listened indifferently. or
with stupid derision.
BAIL" scoffed one of them. a wom-
an dressed in worn-out costume Of in
herited holiday finery. Where think
you we can get sous for gewgaws?
"Or full stomachs with empty
pockets?" said another. "The foul
Hend take your Portugals!"
The nomadic merchants replied and
4 rough alteration seemed impend
ing, when. pushing through the crowd.
the girl hurried on.
Down, down, she continued; to the
base of the rock where the sands shin
held many Of the people. Thither
they still continued to come-in
bands; professions; little streams
that, trickling in. mingled with and
augmented the rabble. An encamp-
nent for the hour-until the petite"
tide should break 1t up. and drive it
piecemeal to the shore or up the
sides of the Mount-it spread out and
almost around the foundations Of the
great rock. Only the shadows it
chilling outlines Of pin
nacles and towers; the cold impress
Of the saint. holding close to the sun
lit strand and basking in its warmth.
Some. following the example Of their |
fellows. dug half-heartedly |
In the sands In the hope Of eking out
the meager, evening meal with a
course. salt-fiavored; others. abandon
ing themselves to lighter employment.
made merry in heavy or riotous fash
ion, but the effect of these holiday
efforts was only depressing and in
Wont you join?" Some ones arm
abruptly seized my lady.
mo, mol"
Unceremoniously he still would have
drawn her into the ring. but with a
sudden swift movement, she escaped
from his grasp.
MY child" The voice was that Of
4 wolfish false friar who. seeing her
pass quickly near by. broke of in
threat, solicitation and appeal for sous,
10 intercept her. Aren't you in hur-
ry, my child?'
1T may be-" she answered steadily.
with no effort to conceal her aversion
at sight of the cleaning eyes and
teeth. Too much SO. to speak with
you. who are no friar!"
What mean you" His expression,
lngratiating before. had darkened. and
from his mean eyes shot a malignant
look; she met 1t with fearless dis
lain
That you make pretext Of this
holy day to rob the people-as If
they are not poor enough"
Ban you with bell. book and can
lie! Your tongue is too sharp. my
grill" he snarled. but did not linger
long, finding the flashing glance, the
contemptuous mien, or the truth Of
her words, little to his liking. That
he profited not by the last. however.
was soon evident, as with amulets and
talismans for a bargain. again he
moved among the crowd, conjuring by
a full calendar Of saints, real and
imaginary, and protesting to excom-
municate. in an execrable confusion
Of monkish gibberish, where the peo-
pie could not, or would not comply
with his demands.