The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1913-08-30

whisper words OF consolation to one
of the quiet occupants, and the lieu
tenant noticed that he always raised
his hand in the same mysterious way,
as though he commanded some invisi-
BILE enemy to be gone. The darkness
fell, plotting out the fountain and the
orange-trees, but, the perfume of the
white blossoms was heavy on the
night air. For long the lieutenant
lay awake, and over and over again
when occasion demanded it he sWore
under his breath, and every time he
swore Tim sighed softly. That sigh
irritated him after while and he be-
gan to connect it with his own pro-
family. He could scarcely realize
that one of his men, and his own ser
want at that, would dare so to express
disapproval of his words. He swore
again more loudly this time, to test
the truth of his surmise.
Easy now, lieutenant" whispered
Tim, softly; try to sleep. You're
getting yourself all wore out acting
that way"
What way, man?"
Swearing lieutenant! an now
I've said it. But I'll be dead in the
morning, and you can't be angry with
a dyin' man, now, can you?" coaxed
Tim.
The lieutenant was nonplussed He
knew that Tim spoke truly, and that
in all probability the morning would
find him dead. Angry well not
exactly-he wasn't angry, but it was
MT the thing for a man to speak to
his officer like this. But of what use
to argue with the poor boy? Tim had
closed his eyes; he could see that
much, for the moon had risen now
and flooded their side of the patio
with her soft light Lieutenant Tut
tie lay and looked at the handsome
face beside him, and his heart was
filed with pity for the youth thus
early cut off. Tim opened his eyes
again and smiled:
you aren't angry with me?" he
whispered.
No, no, my lad! Don't think of
it. You did me good turn; saved
me from wasting my breath, maybe. .
That's it." returned the boy, eag-
erly, that's it. Wasting your breath
When you want to swear say a prayer
instead; it helps a lot better"
"A prayer!" the lieutenant smiled,
a little sadly. "Blest if know a
prayer, Tim! my memory's not good
for such things
God help you, sir" was the un-
expected response.
God help mel" echoed the officer.
"But that's a queer prayer, Tim
Maybe not so queer as you think,
sir. Twas but a thought that came
to me-"
Their voices had attracted the
Padres attention, and he stole sill.
emily to Tins side. So quietly did
he come that they did not hear his
footsteps. He paused for a moment
with a half smile to listen to Tins
last words; then, because the others
about must not be disturbed, he came
forward and motioned for silence
but when he saw the look in Tins
eyes and the peace of his face, he fell
upon his knees beside the cot, ques
tioning him.
/ And the pain is all gone, Padre,
concluded Tim. Il think l could
sleep now
i "You are quite willing to die?" in
lquired the priest, anxiously.
'Yes, Father, / know what i
means when the pain goesa few
hours, that's all"
The priest sighed gently, but ht
raised his hand once more before ht
turned from Tins side. He felt {
light touch on his sleeve as he passed
close to the lieutenant's cot. and turn
ed to him at once.
What is it? Can do anything fol
you, sir? Anything at all?"
Il don't know, Padre, but it seems
to me that you might do the same TO-
me as you did for Tim there. Nv,
watched you all day, and when yol
have made certain sign the mel
have seemed the better for it-easie
J and quieter. I can't explain it..
\ Padre Joachim smiled. Il did moth
, ing sir; only blessed them in God
, name, unless it may be that l hear,
some poor fellows tale of sin an
folly, and he was the happier to know
} himself again the friend of God"
Yes, yes, Padre That is all RICH
for Catholics. Of course. don't be
/ lieve all that, but I think I shout
: like that blessing you spoke of.
couldn't do me any HARM" he added
/ whimsically.
mo; it couldn't do you any harm
and it might do you good, for tn
: blessings of God works wonders TO
: those who receive it right returne
the priest. But you must go to slee
now. | will give you the blessin
) you ask for. May God make
) fruitful to eternal life,' he added, so
: EMMY, and Lieutenant Tuttle la
) back very still and full Of though
) until he, too, fell asleep.
The morning sunshine woke hin
/ and his first impression was of tn
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