The Clio messenger., 1913-06-20
PrREhT 1900 ~ THE 6oBR3 -S1ERR,lL 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 to
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 un
seeingly the approaching band, led
by censor and hanner-bearers.
Vierge notre esperance-" Caught
up as they swept along, she found her
self without warning suddenly 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 I'm wise. she soon
ceased to resist; suddenly deposited
on ledge. like shell tossed up from
the sea, she next became aware she
was looking UP toward a temporary
altar, garish with bright colors.
"Etends sur nous" Louder rose
came the demeanor OF the people. and
quickly. before the unveiling 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 pletistic. ele-
ment held sway; where. instead Of
shrines and altars. had been erected
booths and stands before which ven
dors of nondescript vlands or poor
trumpery vented their loquacity on
the pilgrims:
"All hot! All hot!"
"a Ia barqne! A Pscaille!"
la vie! Two drinks for Hard"
"Voila le plaisir des dames!"
The Mount, in olden times a glori-
GUS 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.
BAH" scoffed one of them, 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
fiend take your Portugals!"
The nomadic merchants replied and
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 or the people. Thither
they still continued to come-in
bands; professions; little streams
that. trickling in. mingled with and
augmented the rabble. An encamp.
ment for the hour-until the petite"
tide should break 1t up. and drive 1t
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
avoided-the chilling outlines OF pin
nacles and towers; the cold impress
of the saint, holding close to the, sun
1T strand and basking in its warmth.
Some. following the example of their
sea-faring fellows. dug half-heartedly
in the sands in the hope of eking out
the meager evening meal with a
course. salt.6avored 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
congruous.
Wont you john" 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
wolflsh false friar who, seeing her
pass quickly near by. broke off in
threat. solicitation and appeal for sous,
to intercept her. Aren't you In hur-
ry, my childw
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 your His expression.
ingratiating before. had darkened, and
from his mean eyes shot q malignant
look; she met 1t with fearless dis
dain.
"1'baf vou oako rr.taw, - tas.