Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1913-07-17
BY The 5o565 -nERRiLL CO.

ture for observation in the framework
to which he repaired upon adjusting
the fastenings. he could see approach
ing procession OF noisy fanatics.
The apprehension Of the soldier
was, however. not shared by the girl,
who, glad she had found a means 10
get away from the chilling atmosphere
OF her own world. experienced now
only sense OF freedom and relief. In
her tense mood, the din-the shouting
and 'unwonted sounds-were not cal
culated to alarm; on the contrary.
after the oppressive stiffness in the
great halls and chambers OF the sum.
nit, they seemed welcome. Her pulses
throbbed and her face still burned
with the remembrance OF the inter.
view with her father, as she eyed I'M
seeingly the approaching band. led
by censor and banner.bearers.
"Vierge notre esperance--" Caught
up as they swept along, she found her.
self without warning suddenly a part
OF that human stream. A natural de-
sire to get clear from the multitude
led her at first to struggle, but as well
contend with the Inevitable. Faces
fierce, half-crazed, encompassed her:
eyes that looked starved, spiritually
and physically. cleaned on every
side. Held as In a wise, she soon
ceased 10 resist; suddenly deposited
on a ledge, like a shell tossed up from
the sea, she next became aware she
was looking up toward q temporary
altar, garish with bright colors.
'Etends sur nous" Louder rose
the voices; more uncomfortable be-
came the demeauor 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; GREATNESS. 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
the pilgrims:
"All hot! All hot!"
"a la barque! A recaille!"
ia vie! Two drinks for liard."
VOLTA 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 sbsolution. seemed now more
mart than holy spot But those whom
the petty traders sought to entice-
peasants. or poorly clad
fishermen and their families-for the
most part listened indifferently. or
with stupid derision.
BAH" scoffed one Of them. a won.
IN dressed IN WORKOUT costume OF in
1erited holiday fnery. Where think
you we can get sous for gewgaws?"
COR full stomachs with empty
pockets?" said another. The foul
hend take your Portugals!"
s The nomadic merchants replied and
A 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
ing surface had attracted and yet
held many OF the people. Thither
they still continued TO come-in
bands; professions; little streams
that. trucking in. mingled with and
tho rabble. An encamp-
ment for the hour-until the petite"
tide should break It up, and drive II
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 II
avoiued-the chilling outlines OF pin
nacles and towers. the cold impress
Of the saint, holding close 10 the sun
1T strand and basking in its warmth.
Some. following the example OF their
sea.fariug fellows. dug half-heartedly
in the sands In the hope Of eking out
the meager evening meal with a
course. salt-havored others, abandon.
ing themselves 20 lighter employment,
made merry in heavy or riotous fash.
ion, but the effect Of these holiday
efforts was only depressing and in.
congruous.
Won't you join?" Some ones arm
abruptly seized my lady.
NO, MOI"
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
wolfish false friar who. seeing her
pass quickly near by, broke on in
threat, solicitation and appeal for sous.
to intercept her. Aren't you in a 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!"