Charlevoix county herald., 1914-08-22

the lnuldnS turn against MIN.
Curran turned on his heels and
went off toward the river, anxious to
look again for any sign of Mashkau-
gan's return. He was glad to find
that n canoe was in sight.
Three men padding" he sid.
Wonder where Mashkaugan got the
others? But, no; this is long
travelling canoe. Sure enough, it
must be Father Gregoire."
"Heyw he shouted. "Here is the
old Father White Beard returning
the Manitou limo of the white men.
Burn some powder, you fellows!
Show him a welcome! Be on hand
to help him and unload his canoeW
He was very eager to show the
old priest much attention. A few
guns were DISCHARGED, and the loud
detonation of Father Gregoire's an
cent fowling-piece resounded.
Presently the good man landed,
smiling at every one, his kindly,
grizzled old face bespeaking his
pleasure.
81 will only stay until the morn
ing" he said. 81 must soon hurry
north to James Bay, where | am to
winter. Already at night the dead
waters are beginning to film over
with ice, and | don't want to be fro
zen in on the way. Are there any
children new born or Lead whose
souls are to be prayed for? Any
couples awaiting MARRIAGE"
Ameou had come from her tent
and stood near the old man.
There is one man who is dead
and whose soul needs thy praying"
she said. yellow Hair, my husband,
whom the white Teople called Lori
mer, is dead. My child, also / have
lost"
The missionary placed his hand on
her shoulder.
"Indeed, my poor daughter, | will
pray for them" he assured her.
"Also will l pray for thy comfort in
thy bereavement"
Curran then took the old man into
the post building, bidding him sit in
the best chair, and ordering food to
be prepared at once.
al have it in mind, father" he be-
gan, chat there are people across
the seas belonging to Lorimer who
would be glad to hear that prayers
have been offered for his soul.
Would you give me a little paper
telling that you have done so, which
I will send to those who will mourn
fo- him ?"
al believe his people are not of our
faith" said the priest.
"Yet, they may be glad, neverthe-
less" insisted Curran. Here is pa
per and pen and ink. If the pen is
too rusty there are plenty of good
wild-goose quilts"
prayers are prayers, by whomso-
ever offered" said the missionary.
at is true that his people may be
made happy knowing that we all had
kindly thoughts of their dead"
After much searching in the many
pockets of his coat, the old man
found his spectacles and wrote as
follows:
My friend Lorimer was a very
good man, whose kindness and
gentleness of character | had
several opportunities Of appreci-
ating in the last four years. He
had also endeared himself to the
Indians. His wife is left very
desolate, and needs consolation,
| have prayed for the soul of
Lorimer and of his little son,
whom | hear is also dead. Also
| shall pray that those he leaves
behind may be comforted now
and granted peace everlasting in
the greater life to come.
FATHER GREGOIRE.
"Send this paper to the young
mans friends" he said. ut can do
no harm, and may in some measure
serve t. alleviate their grief"
Curran folded it carefully and
locked it up ina box where he kept
a few other papers and trinkets. 1t
was a good document to have, serv-
ing at least to some extent, as proof
of the death of the man and his
child. To any but the most prying it
must BE- good corroborative evil
dence.
"The young woman is a widow"
said Curran as they sat down to eat.
"She is fine young woman and used
to better care than she can have
among her own people. | would like
to acquire the right to care for her
and look out for her old father, for
the man is old and cannot hunt
much longer, and yet has young
children. | have spoken to him, and
find that he is not averse. | want
very much to marry Ameou."
"But this is surely very soon," OBJ
jected the missionary, land | am
very certain that this young woman
is still sore distressed at her loss. Is
she, also, willing? ! must say that /
should be surprised if she WERE"
"These savages cannot be judged
altogether from the standpoint of
white people, father" said Curran
hurriedly.
"Since / was a Jung man | have
travelled much among wild people of
many countries" replied the priest
Everywhere | have found that be-
meath the surface manhood and wo-
manhood are much the same in all
races. Everywhere there are souls to
save and suffering to be relieved.
shall speak to the young woman. /
do not intend to seek to dissuade her,
as another marriage might be best
for her and her people; yet | must
learn the true state of her mind"
He was looking at Curran authori-
tstively. The agents ewes lowered