The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1914-03-14

nothing more, though there in that
little court was to be settled that day
for their loved priest and for their
loved young chief, life-or, it may be,
death.
The prisoners were brought from
the cell, and stood in the dock between
armed troopers. Father Tom laid his
hand protectingly on MacMahon's
shoulder; and he stood up like SOL
der, looking straight in front of him at
two magistrates on the bench.
/ After formalities, the clerk read out
the long charge and the young officer
entered the box Before he could be
sworn there was a hustle at the door,
and Squire Stodart, looking hot and
GREATNESS, entered, and sat on the
bench.
The young officer gave formal evil
dence of the arrest. Neither prisoner
asked him any question. There was a
lull, and the prosecutor looked anxious
! There were whisperings amongst his
underlings, and shakes of the head,
and rustlings of papers
Call the next witness!" said Squire
Stodart in his clear, strong voice.
william Monro," cried the clerk
No answer Again he called, and
again-Silence.
The sergeant hustled to- the door,
and beloved over the heads of the
soldiers William Monroe" but from
that crowd, praying from their hearts,
there came no sign.
Up jumped the prosecutor, "Your
worships, must ask for an adjourn
ment. Through some extraordinary
reason, my most important witness,
Mr.-er-Monro, is absent"
Does your case depend on-er-
Mr.. Monroe" said Squire Stodart.
eyes, your worship; he can prove
the charges up to the hilt.''
do you mean William Monro the
sneaking rascal who has been going
about the country for the last year
hunting down peaceful men, and holy
men, like dogs?"
well, if your worship likes to put
it that way, that is the man I mean
"Then," said the Squire, II can tell
you that William Monro will never
again prove anything up to the hilt
this side of doom. With my own eyes
saw him lying dead of broken
neck in the last half hour. By some
means he got into the loft above one
, of my stables. Disturbed by the ar
, rival of my groom, he jumped from
the loft, fell on his head and, as
said, broke his neck No doubt the
coroner will inquire fully into the mat
; ter and my groom and myself will
have great pleasure in giving evidence
Have you any other witness? No!
Then 1 see nothing to detain us here. >
A hurried whisper followed amongst
the three magistrates, and then the
senior announced
The prisoners are discharged"
MacMahon never moved muscle
but Father Tom raised his hands and
muttered prayer. Maybe that good
man included Pater and Ave for the
wretch who was gone. Who knows?
Down from the bench came Squire
Stodart, and wrung Father Toms
hand. He did not make any sign Of
recognition to MacMahon Come
!, Father Tom," he said, "the carriage is
| waiting. You and your friend are
coming to lunch with me-" The ser
: geant stepped forward, and touched
; MacMahon on the shoulder.
"You must remain" he said, "as g
suspected person"
suspected be hanged" shouted the
Squirrel beg your pardon, Father
Tom!-this gentleman is in my Gus
tody and there he remains"
The three walked out into the sun
shine. For a moment there was &
l hush; and then-such an Irish cheer
rang, such a yell of triumph and JOY
and courage and hope, as has beer
ard-aye-hundreds of times al
over the world, from the threats Of
Ireland's sons when the fierce gladness
of battle has reused them.
No horses drew the carriage thai
: day to the Squire's door. Men anC
: women, and even the little ones, LEM
willing arms In front rode the
l Squire, on his black hunter, the proud
> est man in Clare At the door Mar
jorie was waiting, and her eyes were
!. shining. MacMahon bowed low ovel
her hand, and she did not shrink wher
he kissed it, Father Tom laid his
hand on her head, and she smiled
bravely at him. THANK God! Father
Tom," said she, thank Cod"
"Thank God, my child" said he; but
his voice was broken; and in his eyes
there was a troubled look.
!, When they entered he faced his
host Squire Stodart," said he, plac
ing both his hand on the Others
shoulders and looking him square in
the face, Squire, did that man die by
accident, Or
81 don't know" said the Squire;
! TASK Tim Lynch. He was there. But
this l do know that it is not by acct
dent you would die on the gallows OIL
Ennis town if that fiend had reached
Dunbeg Courthouse this day-not tc
mention your friend"
Father Tom fell on his knees. He
bowed his head in his hands.
: 1t was not a merry meal. It could
not be; but the two needed refresh
ment and cheer after what they haC
gone through; and both they got.