The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1917-02-03


and he's been raving nearly ever since. |
But he's not been violent ever This
is fine place he's in. He's fortunate,
Miss
Jennie looked about her. 1t was not
SO bad, compared with what she had
already seen or what her father had
witnessed when he wandered about
for two long days all over the Point,
seeking his boy.
But there were three others in the
tent; one at the foot of Johns cot,
looking even more pallid and gaunt
than her brother; and two on the OPP
posite side, who seemed to be recov-
ering-at least there were signs of in
telligence in their wasted eyes.
Mrs. Messmer had sunk on her knees
beside the bed.
John, Johnnie!" she pleaded, kiss
ing the thin, yellow hand, Don't you
know NEEDN'T you know mother?"
The boy gazed at her vacantly. His
lips were dry and black, his nostrils
pinched and quivering,. his eyes gilt
tering and restless. He looked like
worn and wasted old man.
Some one fetched a box and made
her sit down. Jennie knelt beside her;
the captain moved to the foot of the
cot. The doctor came in and spoke
in low tone to the nurse
Mrs. Messmer turned to him.
''Oh, doctor! can he not be moved?"
she asked. Cant we have him some
place by himself?"
There is no place, madam" he said
gravely. He is well situated for the
present. There are only four in this
tent altogether
Mrs. Messmer looked around her.
"All boys?" she inquired.
"All boys" was the answer. and
all worse off than your son, if you
look at it rightly; for the other
mothers can not come to theirs
"Oh, | am ungrateful!" sobbed the
| captains wife.
when will he be we'll enough to
| move, doctor?" whispered Jennie.
He looked at her compassionately.
| day through" was the slow reply.
Doctor James had gagged Miss Jen-
ME we'll She neither trembled nor
wept, but regarded him for an instant
with tightly closed lips. Then she
asked:
| "Will he be conscious again."
"He may; | cannot say replied the
doctor.
eve are Catholics. He would want
to receive the Sacramento. Is there
a priest anywhere about, doctor?" she
| inquired.
There are several at Montauk, if
one could find them. But it is so hard
to do that, they are in such demand. "
Just then Mrs. Messmer uttered a
little cry. The dying boy had stretched
forth his hand; he was smiling
"Mother!" he said, and two big tears
coursed down the gaunt, pale cheeks
| Jennie clutched the doctors arm.
rs it sign of death?" she asked
ut may be-" said the doctor.
Jennie! Jennie!" murmured faint
voice from the bed. He had seer
her. But Jennie was gone.
Up and down between the long rows
of tents she flew rather than ran, ask
ing everyone she met if he could tell
her where a priest might be found
Some Of those whom she encountered
offered to assist her, others pointed
out possible places where she might
find the object of her search; and
finally red-headed, good-natured look
ing sergeant conducted her TO one who
was just issuing from a large hospital
tent. He accompanied her at once
John was still conscious, but very
languid. To her loving greeting he
reached forth trembling hand, which
she kissed again and again. Then
she led her frightened mother away
| Until she saw the priest, the poor
woman had not realized her sons i'm
minent danger.
When the visitors left the tent
a screen was placed about the bed
and the penitent was practically alone
few moments later the priest came out
smiling.
HE is ready" he said "In fact, he
was ready before | came"
AS they stood for a moment outside
the tent, an orderly advanced with a
letter, which he gave to the captain
1T is for you, Fanny" he said
handing it to his wife.
'Oh, it is from John-from Cuba!'
she whispered in choking voice
Read it, Jennie; | cannot"
The girl opened it with unsteady
fingers. 1t was the letter written after
the battle, with which our readers are
already familiar. She read it aloud
but in a hushed tone of voice. There
was not dry eye in the group when
she had finished
Father" she said, handing the
priest the dollar bill which was in
closed in Johns letter, will you say
the Mass tomorrow? And, oh, remenl-
| Der my poor brotheri" Then she ran
away and hid herself for a few mo-
ments behind the tent; presently re-
| turning, with red eyes but a cheerful
| 10 Il