Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1913-06-18
ILLUSTRATIONS By 734I WATERS


her right to do so remained unques-
toned; but, as he closed the heavy
door, he shook his head. Think Of the
riski Who knew what might happen
in the event Of her identity being re-
vealed to certain Of those In that
heterogeneous concourse without?
Even at the moment through an aper-
ture for observation in the framework
to which he repaired upon adjusting
the fastenings, he could see approach
ing a procession of noisy fanatics.
The apprehension of the soldier
was, however. not shared by the girl,
who, glad she had found a means to
Of her own world experienced now
only a 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
wltd the remembrance of the inter-
view with her father. as she eyed uD-
seeingly the approaching band. led
by censor and bannerbearers.
Verge 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 ~ first to struggle, but as well
contend with the inevitable. Faces
fierce, ha.f-crazed. encompassed her;
eyes that looked starved. spiritually
and physically, cleaned on every
side Held as in a wise, she soon
ceased to resist; suddenly deposited
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.
"Etends 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 extrlcate
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
the pilgrims.
IAN hotl All hotl"
"a la barque! A lecaille!"
la vie! Two drinks for a iiard!"
VOLTA lie plaisir des dames!"
The Mount. in olden times glori-
GUS and sacred place for royal pilgrim
ages, where kings came 10 pray and
seek absolution, seemed now more
mart than holy spot But those whom
the petty traders sought to entice-
sullenloohing peasants. or poorly clad
fishermen and their families--for the
most part listened indifferently. or
with stupid derision.
"Bahl" scoffed one of them. a wom-
an dressed In WORKOUT costume of in
herited holiday finery. Where think
you we can get sous for gewgaws?"
"Or full stomachs with empty
poekets?" said another THE foul
iend 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 of the people, Thither
they still continued TO come-in
bands; professions: little streams
that, trickling in. mingled with and
augmented me rabble An encamp-
ment for tho hour--until the petite"
tide should break II up, and drive II
piecemeal to the shore or up the
sides of the Mount-it sprsad out and
almost around the foundations OF the
great rock. Only the shadows IL
avoided-the 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
sea.faring fellows, dug half,heartedly
| in the sands in the hope of eking out
the meager evening meal with a
course. salt-navored; 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 ioin?" Some ones arm
abruptly seized my lady.
NO, NOT"
unceremoniousSy he still would have
drawn her into the ring, hut with a
sudden swift movement. she escaped
from his grasp,