Year: 1871

Once upon time, as the legends say, there
lived in good old Spain poor workman, to
whom destiny had given twelve children, and
nothing for them to live upon. Now his wife
was expecting thirteenth, and perhaps with it
would appear fourteenth also, TO run about
loved, but uuclothed and unfed the others
had before them. The bread was almost gone,
work not to be had, and the poor man, to hide
his sighs and his misery from the patient part
ner of his misfortunes, wandered far from home
and into the woods calling upon Providence to
assist him, until he came to the ill-reputed cav
ern and strong hold of the bandits.


He almost fell over their captain, and came
very near receiving saber thrust for his pains
but his extreme misery made him no object for a
robbery, so he was simply catechised as to his
condition.


He told his story, which moved even the brig
and's heart to pity, and was invited to supper
bag of gold and fine horse were given him,
and he was sent home with the assurance that,
be the new conner boy or girl, the robber chief
would stand as godfather. The poor man, in
ectasy at such good fortune, flew, rather than
rode to his wel-6lled dwelling, and arrived
there just in time to welcome number thirteen. |


a boy He gave his wife the money and
caress, and, although the night was far ad-
vanced, mounted his charger and galloped back
to the cave. The brigand was astonished at his
speedy return, but true to his word, appeared
within the neghboring church in the disguise of
rich old gossip, made every requisite promise
for the new born babe, and disappeared leaving
bag of golden crowns and another purse of
gold.


The angels however, claimed the baby, and
the brigands god-child flew to paradise on
golden wings, and in the splendid swaddling
clothes that his charity had provided for it,
ST Peter, porter at the gates celestial, stirred
himself to welcome the little fellow to heaven
but no he would not enter unless accompanied
by his godfather.


" And who may he be ?" asked st. Peter.


"WhoY responded the god-child "The
Chief of the Brigands"


| "My poor little innocent" said the Saint
| "you know not what you ask come in your
self but heaven was not made for such as he.


The child sat down by the door, resolved not
to enter, and planning in his little head all sorts
of schemes to accomplish his purpose, when the
Blessed Mary passed that way.
! "Why do you not enter, my angel ?' she said


"l would be ungrateiul," he answered, 'to
partake of heavenly joys if my good godfather
did not share them with me-"


st. Peter nterposed, and appealed to the Holy
Mother, saying


elf he had only been a wax-carrier, but this
man, Satan's own emissary- impossible An
incarnate demon a robber, healthy and robust
who has taken every opportunity to do mischief.
Holy Mother, could such thing be thought
off,"


But the god-child insisted, bent his pretty
blonde head joined his little hands, fell on his
knees prayed and wept. The Virgin had COM
passion on him. and bringing golden chalice
from the heavenly inclosure, said


" Take this go and seek your godfather
tell him that he may come with you to heaven,
but he must first fill this cup with repentant
tears"


Just then, by the clear moonlight, reposing on
a rock and fully armed lay the brigand. In his
dream his dagger trembled in his hand. As he
awoke he saw near his couch a beautiful winged
infant. With no fear of the savage man, it APP
preached and presented the golden chalice. He
rubbed his eyes, and thought he still dreamed
but the infant angel reassured him, saying:


"No, its not fancy. | have come to invite
thee to 60 with me. Leave this earth am
thy god child, and will conduct thy steps"


Then the little fellow related his marvellous
story his arrival at Heavens gate, st. Peters
refusal and how the blessed mother, ever merci-
full had come to his assistance and granted bis
request. The bandit listened and breathed with
difficulty, while bewldered, he gazed on the an
gelic figure, and held out his hand for the golden
chalice.


Suddenly his heart seemed to burst two
fountains of tears gushed from his eyes The
cup was filled and the radiant infant mounted
with him to the skies.


Into heaven the little one entered carrying the
well-hed cup to st. Peter, who was astonished
to see who followed him, and proceeded to offer
it at the feet of the beautiful Queen. She smiled
on the sinner, who, through compassion, had
been saved, while he threw himself in reverence
at her feet God himself had acquitted the
child Of the debt. Besides we know that to the
repentant there is always grace, and the infant
had declared it would not enter alone.