Argosy, Vol. 111, No. 1 — page 15: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

LUCK. 5 “TI speak from the best intention, good father. Look you, now, I have seen that same red hair and those same lighted blue eyes before, and wherever I have seen them has been war and trouble and unrest. I[ have seen that same whimsical smile which stirs the heart of a woman and makes a man reach for his revolver. This boy whose mind is so clear — arm him with a single wrong thought, with a single doubt of the eternal goodness of God’s plans, and he will be a thunderbolt indeed, dear father, but not ene which even your strong hand could control.” ‘““T have heard you,” said the priest; “but you will see. He is coming now.” There was a knock at the door; then it opened and showed a modest novice in a simple gown of black serge girt at the waist with the flat encircling band. His head was downward; it was not till the blue eyes flashed inquisitively up that Father An- thony recognized Pierre. The hard voice of Jean Paul Victor pro- nounced: “‘ This is that Father Anthony of whom I have spoken.” The novice slipped to his knees and fold- ed his hands. The two priests exchanged glances, one of triumph and one of won- der, while the plump fingers of Father An- thony poised over that dark red_ hair, pressed smooth on top where the skull-cap rested, and curling somewhat at the sides. The blessing which he spoke was Latin, and Father Victor looked somewhat anx- iously toward his protégé till the latter an- swered in a diction so pure that Cicero him- self would have smiled to hear it: ‘““ Father, I thank thee, and if my mind were as old as thine I might be able to wish blessings as great as these in return.” “Stand up!” cried Father Anthony. ‘““ By Heavens, Jean Paul, it is the purest Latin I have heard this twelvemonth.” And the lad answered: “ It must be pure Latin; Father Victor has taught me.” Gabrielle Anthony stared, and to save him from too obvious confusion the other priest interrupted: “‘ I have a letter for you, my son.” And he passed the envelope to Pierre. The latter examined it with interest. “The writing sprawls like the knees of a boy of ten.. What old man has written to you, Pierre?” ‘“ No man that J know. This comes from the south. It is marked from the United States.” “So far!” exclaimed the tall priest. ‘‘ Give me the letter, lad.” But here he caught the whimsical eyes of Father Anthony, and he allowed his out- stretched hand to fall. Yet he scowled. as he said: ‘“‘ No; keep it and read it, Pierre.” ‘“T have no great wish to keep it,” an- swered Pierre, studying anxiously the dark brow of the priest. ‘It is yours. Open it and read.” The lad obeyed instantly. He shook out the folded paper and moved a little nearer the light. Then he read aloud, as if it had never entered his mind that what was addressed to him might be meant for his eyes alone. Father Anthony of some childish chorister pronouncing words beyond his understand- ing. The tears came to the eyes of the goed father. And he said in his heart: “ Alas! I have been too much in the world of men, and now a child can teach me.” The musical voice of the boy: began: ‘“ Morgantown, “R, F. D. No. 4. “Son PIERRE: “Here I lie with a chunk of lead from the ‘gun of Bob McGurk resting somewheres in the insides of me, and there ain’t no way of doubting that I’m abeut to-go out. Now, I ain’t complaining none. I’ve had my fling. I’ve eat my meat to order, well done and rare—mostly rare. Maybe some folks will be saying that I’ve got what I’ve been ask- ing for, and I know that Bob McGurk got me fair and square, shooting from the hip. That don’t help me none, lying here with a through ticket to some place that’s farther south than Texas.” ® Pierre lowered the letter and looked gravely upon Father Victor. ‘*There are blasphemies coming. ‘Shall I read on?” “cs Ves.” He began again, a little spot of red com- ing into either cheek: “Hell ain’t none too bad for me, I -know. I ain’t whining none. I just lie here and watch the world.getting dimmer -until I. begin And as he read he reminded- GOMIIGIOO < ~] (CO)