Class _.IBXi74^ Book J^fc _ GopightN? coBoaoHi DEPosm THE LOST LINE Norvell Romance of The Year 2023 DEAR BROTHER PASTOR OF ANY PRO- TESTANT CHURCH TO WHOM THESE GREETINGS MAY COME: fl Do you know of "The Protestant" a high class mag- azine edited and published by Judge Gilbert O. Nations, Ph. D., Professor of Canon Law in the great Methodist University, Washington, D. C? ^ The Protestant easily takes its place among magazines that are in the front ranks of periodicals that are mould- ing the thought of Americans. It is clean and fair, free from anything that suggests "Ranting;" but it is fearless and up to the minute with information of the movement of that sleepless foe of human liberty whose seat is on the Tiber. Single copies alone worth the subscription It would seem that no movement can be made by the Pope and his emisaries but lo, The Protestant has it in black and white that its readers may know where and how the foe is going to strike at the foundations of human freedom. ^ It is published monthly at the nominal price of One Dollar a year. Trial subscriptions 25c for three months, 24 for $5.00. "Give your friends a trial." ADDRESS THE PROTESTANT, 639 F. ST. N. W., WASHINGTON, D. C. JT5 mi THE LOST LINE BY JOSEPH E. NORVELL AUTHOR OF The Malady and the Necessary Steps to Recovery, The Lost Guide, Jack of Deer Creek, etc., etc. PRICE 75c POST PAID Order from Author, Mitchell, S. D. They have set up kings but not by me; they have made princes but I knew it not; of their silver and gold have they made them idols, that they might be cut off. — "Bible. ^^ \-\^'^ \\^ Copyrighted 1922 by JOSEPH E. NORVELL NOl/28 72 iCUG89871 «Vkfi 1 DEDICATION To the Memory of my precious mother, who by a mighty faith in God against great odds, triumphed, winning a victor's crown; Born in 1822 on the frontier in Missouri, torch-bearer for the King in the wilderness of Southwestern Iowa in 1852, translated to the fair city of God in 1897, this volume is dedicated by, THE AUTHOR. THE AUTHOR'S PREFACE If some gentle peace loving folk should ask in genuine alarm, "Why such a book as, The Lost Line', at a time when everything seems so favorable? "Denominational lines are breaking down, and religious intolerance is so rapidly disappearing that Catholicism and Protestantism even, are forgetting their ancient feud, and all Christians seem to be getting ready to march under one banner against the common foe." We would answer their question by asking, "would the watchman placed at the divine command on the wall of an ancient city of the Israelites been guiltless, if, when he saw the sword coming, he had failed to sound the warning? "Should that lover of humanity who sees the founda- tions of a great dam giving way forbear to fly on flleet-footed steed down the valley, where thousands peacefully sleep in the pathway of the on coming flood, to arouse them from slumber crying, To the Hills! To the Hills! The dam has broken; the flood is coming! Fly for your lives!!'" Shall we be silent then in the face of impending doom? Be silent while Protestantism through neglect of that truth which gave her birth, and made her great, barters away her birthright? Be silent while a foreign potentate and the hierarchy deliberately plan to make this country Catholic, undermine our free institutions and rob us of our liberty ? For valuable data, and for invaluable suggestions and counsel, and for help in various ways, the author of "THE LOST LINE", is forever indebted to his friend Arthur Lee Taylor, PH. D. of Columbus, N. M. Joseph E. Norvell, May 17, 1920. Esmond, S. D. TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER ONE— A Meal in the Desert. 7 CHAPTER TWO— A Dream Manuscript. 16 CHAPTER THREE— The Builders. 29 CHAPTER FOUR— The Man From Washington. 42 CHAPTER FIVE— The Lover^s Arrow. 53 CHAPTER SIX— The Challenge. " 62 CHAPTER SEVEN— The Encyclical. 73 CHAPTER EIGHT— Love's Choice. 83 CHAPTER NINE— The Pursuit. 94 CHAPTER TEN— The State Convention. 103 CHAPTER ELEVEN— The Heart of a Peon. 113 CHAPTER TWELVE— The Battle of The Scribes. 123 CHAPTER THIRTEEN— Papal Political Plotting. 136 CHAPTER FOURTEEN— Midnight. 148 THE LOST LINE CHAPTER I. A MEAL IN THE DESERT. On the morning of the twenty-fifth of September 1910, a party of travelers from Old Mexico stopped at a water-hok in that mysterious and fascinating portion of our country, the Great Southwest. This hole is famous for the part it played in the early days of the white man in that region. Whatever else a man has, or does not have in the desert, he must have water. Lands, gold and precious stones are valu- able things for which a man will go far and suffer much; but out under the scorching heat of the desert sun, his tongue swelling, eyes blood shot, and every fiber of his being calling for the moisture it craves, man will brook no barriers to water! For access to this "fountain of life^', fierce battles were fought in those days when might ruled. Almost every tre« and rock in it's vicinity marks the spot where the career of some brave contestant, white man or Indian, suddenly canae to a tragic end. The company making camp there that September morn, was headed by Antonio Gutirez, a Mexican gentleman of noble bearing and benevolent face. Associated with him was Pedro Zamora, an Indian in whose veins flowed just enough Spanish blood to soften a bit his rugged features. Everything about the camp indicated wealth and refine- ment. Several tents of generous size stood under the friendly shade of great spreading trees. A group of servants looked after the wants of the pack ponies and saddle horses, while others were busy about a crackling fire where the midday meal was being prepared. While the camp was astir with preparations, Senor Gutirez and his companion strolled leisurely about the famous 8 THE LOST LINE spot noting its environs, the rock formations, and now and again stopping to gaze out over the vast stretch of desert to the eastward, the spur of the moutain range on which the water-hole was located, affording them a fine view. Suddenly the Indian drew himself up to his full height, and pointing far out over the desert to the North-east with his bony index finger, exclaimed, "Hombre, Senor!" The other man quickly adjusted a pair of powerful glasses to his eyes and after scanning the desert for a time responded : "Yes, Zamora, and he is in distress. His pack pony is evidently giving out, for he has fallen in behind it and is making a despera+e effort to reach the water here.*' "Si, Senor!" responded the Indian, as though he too, had reached the same conclusion. A call from a servant at this time indicated the tents were ready that the men might bathe and have a short siesta before the meal was served. "No, Mino" responded the master, "A man is struggling out yonder in the desert and if he does not get on well, Senor Zamora and myself will want our horses to go to his assist- ance. And will you tell Paz to make preparation for him; for he will be my guest today?'* "Si, Senor,*' came the response from the faithful servant in a tone which indicated complete devotion to his master. Some eight miles out on the desert, where the heat was almost unbearable, a man of about thirty years of age, tall, well proportioned, with the bearing of an athlete, was mak- ing the fight of his life. His mount was a splendid chestnut sorrel, whose clean strong limbs and lithe body bespoke generations of breed- ing for speed and endurance; but, as the two men watch- ing from the water-hole had surmised, the young man was in dire distress. He had broken camp at three o'clock that morning, and all had gone well until sun-up; then the pack pony began to show signs of distress; since that time his g'ait had been growing slower and slower, until now he was just able to stagger along. The oppressive silence that broods over the desert like THE LOST LINE . 9 a menacing presence was broken only by the crunching of the horses feet in the sand, the labored breathing of the cayuse, and the restless champing of the bits by the chest- nut saddle horse who chafed under the restraint. Great spirals of yellow dust rose many feet in the air and went slowly swirling past the lone rider like lost hopes mocking the one in whose breast hope is dead. High over- head a vulture strong of wing and keen of scent, was describ- ing great circles in search of a "lead^^ that would bring her to her coveted dinner. Just a little way back in the grease- wood and cactus a hungry coyote skulked, as if in anticipation of what was coming. The lone rider was at his wits end. Long since, he had transferred the pack from the back of the pony to his own horse v/here with difficulty it was carried. The last water from the desert water bag had been given to the struggling animal with the hope that its strength might be kept up till shade and an abundance of water were reached where its life might be saved. As he was casting about in his mind trying to think of something more he could do than he had done, the cayuse stopped, sv^ayed an instant and then fell broadside on the hot sand. Springing lightly from thrj saddle the young man endeavored to assist his faithful animal in any way he might, but it was useless; for the pony was dead almost as soon as it touched the ground. Now it was to be a race with death to the water-hole; for thirst, desert thirst, was beginning to tell on the merciful master and his mount. Taking the pack from the back of the Chestnut, he unrolled it and removed every article that was not absolutely essential to his own safety and that of his horse. Then he fastened the lightened roll to his saddle, remounted, and in a little more than an hour was at the v/ater-hole. Senor Gutirez and the Indian had gone out on the trail a little way to meet the approaching traveler. "Good morning, mio amico", cheerily called the white man. "That was a brave fight you made out there; I was watching you through my glasses and had I not seen that you were coming out all right we would have gone to your 10 THE LOST LINE assistance. I am Antonio Gutirez of Mexico City, and this is my friend Senor Zamora. You are to be my guest to day, Senor, and right welcome you are to all that I have." Weak from heat and from thirst the young man dis- mounted with difficulty but he cordially shook the hands of his new-made friends. "I am Charles George Winthrop," he said, "late of Highland City; but I am now on my way to Black Diamond where I have been appointed pastor of the Methodist church. It certainly is very kind of you, Senor, to offer me the hospitality of your camp.'' They had now reached the edge of the camp and no storm-tossed mariner ever experienced' a keener joy on reaching port, than the young man felt on reaching this place of shelter. The air was filled with the aroma of coffee, the savory odors of roasting meats and chilli con came; while the camp rang v/ith the laughter and song of happy servants busy at their tasks. Then Senor Gutirez taking the reins of his guest's horse called to a servant: "Here, Pancho,, take the Senor's horse; and look well to him now, for he is very hot and tired." "Si, Senor," responded the man, "I fix heem". And he led the horse away to receive the treatment that only a son of the desert knows how to give. "But you, Senor Winthrop, are nearly exhausted with the long ride and your fearful strain out there in that ter- rific heat:" said Gutirez, as he led him to one of the tents. "This (tent is at your disposal. In it you will find water, tov/els, and brushes, and when you are refreshed suffciently our midday meal will be served. I need not warn you to drink but little water until you are somewhat cooled." When they were seated at the itable which was spread in the generous shade of a large tree, young Winthrop said: "You doubtles Avonder at my crossing this desert country to my new field of labor. My love for the saddle and for adventure coupled with the fact that it was the simplest way to transport my horse, to which I have become ardently attached, led me to undertake the trip. But it was a close THE LOST LINE 11 call for me out /there in that heat, I can assure you. I did not know whether I could make it or not." "It was your horse'\ responded Senor Gutirez. "Such a horse carries a great amount of reserve force for such emergencies.^' "Are you suificiently acquainted with this country to direct me to Black Diamond?" asked Mr. Winthrop. "O, yes/' answered the host, "I have been there many times; came through there the day before yesterday, in fact. It lies slightly to the southeast. If you should leave here at midnight, you will travel directly south until you near the next water suppy; then /the trail bears sharply to the east. You should reach that camping place by ten o'clock tomorrow morning; and then if you leave there at midnight, you should be at your destination ait ten o'clock the next day." "Thank you, Senor Gutirez," responded young Winthrop with characteristic western heartiness, and then he added, "This then, is not your first visi^t to the states?" "Oh, no;" ansv/ered the Mexican with a smile; "I have been in this country many, many times." "Have your travels been confined to this, and to your own land?" Mr. Winthrop inquired further. "No," replied Senor Gutirez; "though I have been to Europe only on two occasions. Senor Zamora and myself were educated in Paris, and I have been over there but once since." "I enjoyed Europe, on the one short trip I made over there" returned Mr. Y/inthrop; "But I was mightly glad to get back home again. Its America for me, every time." "I, too, like this side of the Atlantic best", the host replied, "and my present work is very interesting." "I should like to hear about it." "Well, at present", continued the host, "I am traveling in the United States studying conditions. I take cognizance of everyithing; especially of business, churches, and schools and colleges. Not wth any sinister motive, however, I can assure you. We are indeed glad to learn that you are a Protestant minister, for it has been my pleasure to work among Protesitants in a quiet way. Right now, Seno? 12 THE LOST LINE Zamora and I are carrying a message to them that bears all that life means to us." Winthrop looked at him inquiringly for a moment for he was certain that (these men must be Catholics, and for men of that faith to bear a message to the Protestant ministry of the United States, represented considerable zeal, even if it was zeal without knowledge. He was further mystified by the sound of a pen in the adjoining tent which had moved with steady rythm ever since the meal began. Brave man ithat he was, there v/ere creeipy feelings in the vicinity of his spine for a moment. But he recovered himself completely as he looked into the kindly face of his host, seeing nothing but the deepest can- dor there. "No(t many miles to the southward^^ Senor Gutirez began, "running east and west is a strong barbed vdre fence. At intervals of a mile, there are iron monuments bearing on the south side in Spanish, and on the north side in Englsh, the dates and agreements entered into by the Republic of Mexico and the United States concerning the boundary line which the fence marks. You may look southward through the sunfilled air of Mexico and say to yourself, *A land of sun and light, rock ribbed valleys, gorgeous scenery and en- trancing mysiteries;' and not percieve a dark heavy pall over that fair land, as black and as real as the enfolding arms of night. You know to what I refer?" asked Gutirez. "You are meaning the state of enlightenment, I should judge,'' responded the guest. "Ah Laloy — The light — yes the enlightenment". Gutirez replied reflectively. "You will perceive more readily", he continued, "what I am thinking, when you picture your self exploring an ancient vine and moss covered ruin with it's stones crumbling into decay, and suddenly come upon a sulky old owl in a musty darkened corner as I have done many times in Europe. This moping old bird, hiding away contentedly from God's sunlight, prefering the dark odors of decay, disputing your right to intrude, ready to sink its talons into anything that disturbs its THE LOST LINE 13 retreat, is the truest type of the Catholic church of which I know. "How often I have reflected the consistent type this makes; it's love of the dead and crumbling past; musing of past power and glories; dwelling and reflecting in the decay of an almost forgotten age, and viciously opposing the light and progress of the present.'' Young Winthrop looked at his host almost spell-bound as the intelligent eyes and mellow voice of the Mexican inter- preted his thought and emotions. Mr. Gutirez proceeded; ^'To change the figure, one of your English writers remarks; The dead rulers from their urns, and that hand that reaches out from a putresent viscid, quagmire of the past, has crushing weight and power. The Church it represents, reaches out of the dismal and cruel past and blights with it's suppressing grip, any or all, that would intrude upon its retreat and its stinking and musty tombs'. You being a Protestant, of the religion of protest, are happy in being so situated. You are familiar with these ihings?" he asked. "In a general way, yes; but I must confess, I have given it but a passing investigation," replied young Winthrop. "Ah it is, pleasure to discuss this with you then", continued Mr. Gutirez, "My fair land is as rich in natural resources as the fabled Eldorado; yet it is a country of poverty peonage and banditti; a land where the few roll in wealth and luxury while women and children starve in the streets of the very cities where sleek priests and prelates live in palatial residences and ride in elegant equipages supported by the pesos wrung from the squalid populace." "Son Diablos to dos!" cried the Indian with a vehemence that was startling. His face was livid. The veins of his forehead and neck enlarged as though they would burst. The guesit was reassured however, when his host respond- ed in a tone indicating he v/as not unused to such outbursts. "No Senor Zamora, they are not all devils; but it is the ripe fruit of that system calling itself the -only true Church of Jesus Christ upon the earth. The system whose policy has 14 THE LOST LINE always been to keep the people in subjection and ignorance in all those lands where it gets undisputed sway." "My reading of Mexican history", interposed the guest, "led me to the conclusion that when Cortez invaded the land he found an interesiting happy people, rich in everything necessary to their simple life. Heathen it is true, practicing some rites that were horrible in the extreme, and that by force of course, they were made to give up their religion for that of the Catholic church; but, that much of the cruelty perpetrated on them, can not be laid at the door of the Church as such." "True enough'^ responded his host, "But too well do we who were suckeled at the breast of the church know it's nature. It has ever had itwo gods to which it has bowed the knee. One is money, the other power — the musical ring of gold and the clink of silver has ever been sweeter sounds to her than the cry of the prodigal coming back to the Father. I notte with a sad heart as I walk among the poor of my people that the Church's policy is no pesos, no marriage ceremony; no pesos, no baptism; no pesos, no burial of the dead, and so on through all the list of those things the church itself holds to be absolutely necessary to the well-being of the people." Young Winthrop had imperceptibly been awakened to an interest that was alinvolving by the emest words of this man whose people had suffered so much at the hands of the very organization that should have sheltered and blest them. The depths of a frank courageous nature had been plumbed by these startling truths, and he found himself say- ing, "These sad truths you have uttered stir me profoundly. There is undoubtedly an element deeper than the great words you have spoken that touches and stirs my nature to it's depths; it is your sincerity; your love for the truth, for your people, and for mankind. I thank you most sincerely". "Be happy my young friend" answered Mr. Gutirez, *that your fair land is blighted but little with the insidious ▼enom of this darkness loving power. But it is being blighted; that is why I speak. That is why I work as I can with the Protestant ministry. THE LOST LINE 15 "They can prevent it's deadly work. If they are indif- ferent, the evil leaven will work till the whole land is in- volved; then that bit of wire down on the ^Line' can be removed for we will be one land and one people. Your liberties will be gone; your boasted freedom a thing of the past! Already the man on The Tiber has purposed to make your land Catholic. That is the stroke of all the strokes of genius made by that system that never sleeps, for well do they know your nation is the coming nation of all the world; and to have that nation Cathoic is to have the world in its control." The steady rhythm of the pen in the adjoining tent had not ceased during this interesting interview. While Win- throp marveled at it, all feeling that it had any connection with the conversation was gone; and he was at perfect ease w^hen his host arose and announced, "The sun is well on its way to the horizon. I must break camp at midnight. You are weary, Senor Winthrop from your trying experience of the morning, and greatly need rest. You will occupy the tent assigned you, so I will bid you a good afternoon, wishing you refreshing sleep and a better tomorrow.'' The guest arose, took the proffered hand and shook it heartily, thanking his host for his great kindness and for the pleasure and profit the conversation had afforded him; but insisted on putting up his own tent under a nearby tree. When this was pitched, and some preparations were being made on the inside he saw a young woman of mar- velous beauty come out of the tent from which the sounds of writing had proceeded and pass swiftly to the tent of the servant woman. Her features were decided Spanish and her large lustrous eyes were as dark as midnight. Every move- ment was with the ease and grace of a queen. It was not simply her beauty however that seemed to entrance and hold young Winthrop spellbound, as it was the subtle charm of character that seemed to show in her face. It was a long time after he had lain down, before he could compose himself for sleep, so full had the day been; but by and by, tired nature asserted itself, and, lost to his surroundings he sank into gentle slumber. CHAPTER II. THE DREAM MANUSCRIPT The morning sun was just peeping up over the desert sands when young Winthrop awoke. So soundly had he slept it was some moments before he realized where he was, what had happened, and that, at that moment, he should have been well on his way to the next camping place. Hastily dressing he stepped out into the sweet desert air. The camp was completely deserted, save for his own horse, that was tied to a tree some three hundred yards away and, who on seeing his master gave a glad whinney of recog- nition. At the foot of the tree under which his tent was pitched, was a pack containing abundant rations for three days, and on top of the pack lay a large bundle which he found to be a manuscript v/ritten in a clear free hand. At the sight of this, strange questions arose in young Winthrop's mind. "Was it the work of that fair young woman whom he had the privilege of seeing for a brief moment the day before? Was this an explanation of those sounds of writing he had heard as he sat at the table with Gutriez? If the young woman v/as the authoress, why should she leave the manuscript with him?" But here he was aroused from his questionings by another whinney from "Selim'^ who needed care and was anxious for his master's companionship. One thing he was thoroughly awakened to was the im- possibility now, of breaking camp till night fall. So he hurried av/ay to his horse, watering him and then leading him to vvhere the rich Grama grass was growing in abund- ' ance, he hobbled him and left him to feed and rest at will. Coming back to the tent, he lighted a fire, made coffee took from the pack provisions and proceeded to appease the hunger his long fast had produced. When the meal was out of the way he settled himself in a comfortable place, opened the manuscript that so strangely had com.e to his hands, and became so absorbed in it, he finished it before continuing his journey to Black THE LOST LINE 17 Diamond and the following is what he found and now shares with you: A DREAMER'S DREAM. The following pages contain a faithful account of the vivid experiences of a recent summer night which because of the marvelous changes I saw in my dream had taken place in world conditions, I call, "A Glimpse into the Future." A party of us, tv/enty young women and as many young gentlemen had gone very early on a July morning to the "Hill of the Star", just a little way out from Mexico City for a picnic. There were with us devoted chaperons, and faithful servants who hung the swings and hammocks, looked after the other devisies for our pleasure, and spread the lunch. But contrary to all indications of the morning, the day even in this delightful little mountain, was extremely warm; but in spite of this we gave ourselves fully to pleas- ure, each member of the company being at the top of the hill at least once, to enjoy the marvelous view it afforded. When we reluctantly turned our faces towards home, the sun had gone dov/n, and the full moon v/as shedding her mellow light in wonderous prodigality over moutain and plain, and the balmy air was redolent with the perfume of many flowers. I was so weary when I reached home, and such a strange drowsiness had come over me, that when I went into my room, I threw myself without disrobing upon the couch. The water of the fountain out in the garden as it splashed and fell, made music so soothing, that, ere I was aware I had fallen asleep, and as I slept I dreamed. I stood in my dream in Columbus, New Mexico; But a marvelous change had come to it. Instead of a village of a few hundred, it had grown to a city of half a million people. Strange as everything ap- peared, I seemed to know it was Columbus. The outlying country too had changed as marvelously as had the village. From a semi-desert, covered witlh mesquite, cactus and greasewood, it had become a land of orchards, vineyards, and fruitful fields. Water had been brought in from a natural 18 THE LOST LINE fountain to the south, and from other sources, to make this mighty transformation possible. I could see some sort of celebration was on, for throngs of gaily dressed people filled the broad streets, magnificent plazas and the fantastically decorated booths. Great airships in the form of gigantic birds, went and came, alighting or arising at the will of their pilots. The prin- cipals governing the navagation of the air seemed to be 'io well understood, that conformity to the old types was no longer necessary. "Surely," I thought, "I must be in a new world, or else I am dreaming.^' Then my eyes fell upon a great banner stretched acra&s what seemed to be the principal thoroughfare, bearing these dates, in great gilt figures: "1973-2023'\ "But''\ I mused, "why those dates? This is 1910 and I cannot understand why those two dates are associated as they are." As I puzzled over the riddle, — I noticed a man in plain attire and of a serious countenance standing a little apart from the merry makers; so I made bold to cross over to him saying, "Pardon me, kind sir, but as this is Monday the Fifth of July, I suppose these Americans are celebrating the Independence from King George to day. But I cannot see why they have those dates on yonder banner?'' His face became animated in an instant, and leading me to a seat stood, till I was seated; then taking another facing me he said, "You speak as a Mexican would have spoken in the long go." "But I am a Mexican,'' I replied with all the emphasis I could command; "A resident of Mexico City." Then his serious face bore the first faint trace of a smile as he asked, "But do you not know that we are all one country now? There is no Mexico or United States of America any more; but one country, Columbia; named so in honor of that Son of the Church who discovered the western world!" "Well it is strange I have not heard of that," I replied; my wonder growing every moment. THE LOST LINE 19 "No, they are not celebrating the fourth of July," he said, "All that it represents is forgotten. They are cele- brating the removal of the seat of the Papal See from Rome, to Washington, D. C, where a new Vatican has been built, excelling in magnificence the one on the Tiber, as day exceeds night. The change was made July Fifth, 1973." "But", I interposed, "the people and their surroundings do not seem to have suffered. Who could ask for greater beauty and magnificence; and the people seem to be care free, prosperous, and happy." "Yes," he answered, "THESE are; but three fifths of this once free nation are slaves, or as good as slaves. Peons; and in that class are descendants of some of the wealthiest and proudest old families of the beginning of the 20th cen- tury. These you see are the wealthy educated class." Just then a magnificent airship that looked like a great white swan, alighted a few rods away, and as the door opened a lordly man in immaculate white duck stepped out followed by his family and their servants. "That man", continued my informant, "owns ten thous- and acres of these productive lands. One thousand peons care for his broad acres. They and their families grind and sweat that he and his family may luxuriate as you see them doing to day." "But how did this all come about?" I asked my aston- ishment increasing. "The process was simple enough", continued the man", to those of us who know history", and lowering his voice he con- tinued, "The Church thinks she has destroyed all the books containing the history of the past, but she has not. There are some who know how it all came about." Here he looked guardedly about him and then for a moment searchingly at me. "It is all right I assured him you can tell me all. I am not a spy, but a seeker after the truth. I want to know all." "Pardon me," he said, "but I had not thought of the danger I was running in speaking to an utter stranger. I am surrounded by a power so absolute, if IT knew I know what I do, I would drop out of sight to night; either, my life 20 THE LOST LINE would go for my knowledge, or I would be put where I would never see the lig^ht of day again. '^ Continuing with his entrancing account, he said, "The roots of this awful evil are intertwined and interlaced in the closing years of the 19th century. The fault can he laid at the door of the Protestant Churches!'' I began to enter a protest, but he waved it aside saying, "Hear me through and you will see. "First, is it not perfectly logical, that as the simple truth of salvation from sin by faith in Jesus Christ as preached by an Augustinian monk, pulled the nations of Northern Europe up out of the quagmire where they had groveled for a thousand years, that the neglect of this truth would land the world in the same quagmire, or something worse ? " "Well, yes, it is;" I responded hesitatingly; "knowing as we do, that man can be saved from sin only by faith in Christ." "Well", he continued, the Protestant Churches gradually allowed the old insiduous error, that brought on the Dark Ages, to creep in till neither, in the pulpit, or church press, was faith in Christ taught at all. His death had no vicarous nature; it was only an incident in his holy life; he was simply an example. God looks upon men with favor because of their good works. "Then it came about too, that the Protestant Churches allowed the great magazines and religious novels to take the office of teacher from them. The people got their religious teaching from these. Everyone of them taught salvation by works. "Then the desire for organic union of the denominations obessed the leaders and members of these various branches of Protestantism; Organic Union, with, or without that union that comes from unity of spirit; so many of them were con- solidated. "In doing this, those who had not already given up those great truths that gave him existence, did so in the union; and from that time their downward course was swift. "Possessing nothing that made them an aggressive force, THE LOST LINE 21 naturally the breach between them and Catholicism narrower!, until there was so little difference they were easily absorbed. *^But the successor to St. Peter did not leave all the dis- astrous work to Protestantism; but as St. Peter on that day when he went a fishing to obtain the tribute money, baited his book skillfully, so did the head of Catholicism. For he saw the United States of America was the stralteg-ic country of the world. All the churches had not capitulated when he changed his seat from Rome to Washington Q^ty. There were then 175,000,000 people in the United States. He knew flattery to be a powerful agency. What a recognition of the importance of the U. S. for him to make it the seat of the so called holy See! Now this country has 300,000,000 people, and Catholicism rules the world!" ^Thus far/' I answered, "The process is perfectly simple but I cannot see how such a vast number of people could be brought to peonage?" "I am coming to that", he answered, "And when I am through I am certain it will be as clear as the disintergation of Protestantism. "In the first place. The Free School System was abolished. This was practically accomplished before Protest- antism had been absorbed. Ignorance always paves the way for degradation you know, and those who were engineering things, saw that the Parochial schools taught only what they wanted taught; AND THOSE only, they decided, should receive instruction. "Secondly: If such high handed work could be done as to the schools, it was perfectly natural the wealthy and those taught in the things the Church decreed should be taught, were elected to office. Gradually they enacted laws that made it very difficult for a small holder or dealer to keep his head above water financially. To push him out of the way altogether, an unjust system of taxation was enacted. The property, or v/ealth of the small holder was all known to the public; while the riches of the wealthy could much of it be covered up. The poor man paid a heavy tax on every dollar of his possessions making it extremely difficult for him to increase his store, if he could exist at all. 22 THE LOST LINE "Then there came to be a system of connivance between the wealthy and the assessors, that was winked at if known to the authorities. It, was something like this. If a man's taxes according to the rate, and on that property only that could not be covered up, amounted to $5000.00, .the assessor would say to him, 'Now if you will give me $1000.00, I will cut your taxes to $3000.00, a saving for you of $1000.00. " To another, *Your taxes are $10,000.00. If you will give me $2000.00 I will cut them to $6000.00 a saving for you of $2000.00.' Thus the rich were constantly growing richer and the poor, poorer, as the years wore on. "Thirdly: Debt, became one of the prolific ways by which multitudes were hastened to peonage. When a man of small means got into debt to the wealthy it was the busi- ness of the creditors to see to it that he never go out. Grad- ually these v/ould drift into a servitude that was hopeless, for everything was so arranged that for the many at least everything the debtor ate and wore came through the hands of the creditor. So the creditor saw the debtor always remained in debt. "But one of the greatest agencies for bringing about the deplorable conditions you see today was a Subsidized Press. "In bringing the mass of the country into subjection to its nefarious purposes, ;l'he Church committed the greatest crime against society ever committed against it by any organization. For when its source of information was cor- rupted so it did not get a true knowledge of how things were going; it v/as like the soldier in the day of battle; who, if the trumpet gave an uncertain sound could not prepare himself for the conflict. "It came to pass in those days when the Church was preparing for what you now see, that she had wormed her way into a position where it was possible for her to draw a blue pencil through every thing in any way hurtful to her interests, and publish with glaring headlines across the front pages of the great dailies anything that would in the least advance her interests and keep her before the public as the benefactor of mankind. THE LOST LINE 23 "Columns of copy extolling the virtues and accomplish- ments of some prelate just deceased would be printed, always ringing the changes on "The Solemn Services'' in which the clergy in gorgeous^ array marched, so out of line with the s.implicity that was in Christ. While on the death of some protestant of world-wide fame and influence only a few brief words would be employed to announce to the world tharfc a true benefactor of the race had passed to his reward. Thus in a hundred ways, The Church whose aspirations were not for religious excellency and holiness, without which the scripitiires say no man shall see the Lord, but for politi- cal power and preferment, succeeded in throwing the dust in the eyes of the rank and file of the protestant ministry and workers, to that extent they did not see the danger till the mischief v/as done, and their institutions and liberties were gone, and the freedom that was purchased at so great a cost by ithe Pilgrim Fathers and their descendants, was only a memory, and chains and slavery were their portion, and the land that was once heralded in song and story as, "The Land of The Free and The Rome of The Brave,,' had become the land where tyrants rule and a once free and happy people grind and groan in a state of moral and industrial peonage! "Then lasltly", he continued, "there was the mark." "The mark?" I questioned. "Yes, the mark in forehead and hand; the palm of the right hand." Then I remembered having read of a time coming when no man could buy or sell with out the mark and involuntarily I quoted aloud, "And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads; and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or ithe name of the beast or number of his name". "Has it come to that?" I murmured, forgetting for the moment my informant was there. Then I looked aboujt me and saw in many foreheads the "mark"; a miniature crown of laurel leaves; and with a creepy sensation, I said to the man, "There are those with 24 THE LOST LINE the mark now; but why I wonder, was it made as a crown of laurel leaves ?'* *'Ah", said he, "that was a stroke of genius. A crown of laurel leaves in the long ago was always a badge of honor. Was it not the height of wisdom to make the badge of com- plete subjection here, carry with it that suggestion?" Then as I looked again, I saw yeit others, mostly men, with the number ^%Q6'' stamped in bold figures on their fore- heads! A sensation of chilliness possessed me for a moment; but noticing my friend was waiting for me to speak, I asked, "But why do some have the number instead of ifche mark?'^ "Ah", said he, "that indicates abject subjection to the pope. Those bearing the number, will do absolutely anything their master asks of them. "Do you see that man approaching that fruit and con- fectionary stand?" my informant asked. "He is from another town and is not known to the dealer. Waitch him now as he undoubtedly wishes to make a purchase." As he came to the stand he presented his right hand with the palm upward, osttensibly for salutation, but really that the dealer might see the "mark" for w'hile the dealer laid his hand in the hand of the stranger, the nod and smile with which he returned the greeting, assured me he was looking for the "mark". My informant watched my face closely while this trans- action at the stand was going on. "You see now do you not?" he asked. "When one loses his business or property he must work for wages; but Ihis wages are of no value to him if he cannot buy; for if he continues to exist he must have at least the bare necessities of life; so someone else must buy for him. "Now if the mark is given by those in auibhority, which it is, how easy for them to withhold it from whomsoever they v/ill, which they have done from the children of those who have fallen under debt or have lost business or property and have to labor with their hands, for the wage the employer sees fit, to give. Hence Peonage." The process was so simple, and the outcome so inevitable THE LOST LINE 25 thait I seemed to marvel that I had not seen it all from the beginning. Scarcely had this interesting account ended when a band a little way off began playing. It must have consisted of a great number of instruments probably fiflty or sixty pieces, some of them producing sounds almost weird yet so sweet and in such complete unison with the others the result was ithe most entrancing music I had ever heard. I remarked this to the man who had given me so much information, whereupon he arose touched his hat and said. ^Tlease pardon me friend, I have not even given you my name. I am Thornton Keeling.'' "I thank you", I replied, giving him my name. Where upon he bowed low and continued. "You have seen but very little of whaJt is going on here, would you not like to move about a bit?" The first thing that attracted mxy attention as we began our walk was the great number of peons. They seemed to oe everywhere, sweeping the streets, bearing burdens, and anticipating the every wish of their masters. Now helping n. little child across the street steadying the slteps of an unat- tended elderly lady, spreading down rolls of matting from air ships to cool booth, for the dainity slippered feet of the wife of some master of a thousand peons. The clothing of these drudges consisted of three articles. Breeches that reached to ithe knees, a sort of tunic or loose sleeveless garment that came just a little below the knees, and a high crowned broad brimmed hat made of coarse grass. Their bare arms, legs and feet, were colored a rich brown by the fervid sun. On some of their faces I could see signs of patience, though not of resignation to their sad lot. On other faces the lines that hate had plowed were plainly visible; while a certain air of determinaJtion and a fixed purpose marked their movements as though their thoughts were concerned with a day of reckoning that was drawing nigh. As we turned into a broad thoroughfare, a peon of massive proportions, sJtaggering under a heavy burden acci- dently jostled a gay young fellow who with several others 26 THE LOST LINE was hurrying from one booth to another. At this the young man was thrown into a great rage and cried vehemently, "Hi there Canis!" and slapped the innocent offender full in the face and expectorated the amber of tobacco over the front of his tunic. Quick as the movement of a alance against the lives of millions that would be betrayed by his act. "These men are in freedom's game; and the game must be played to the full, if they would win!" CHAPTER IV. THE MAN FROM WASHINGTON Dawn found our party well on the way back to Colum- bus, where the festivities of the day before were to be con- tinued with increased zest, but with a new pro-am of sports. The occupant of the chair of St. Peter at Washing^ton had ordered a five day celebration of the anniversary of the removal of the seat of the Papal See from the City on the Tiber to the greater City on the Potomac; and the ruling class, always seeking pleasure, hailed the order with delight. We approached the city from the west which gave us a perspective that v»^as simply entrancing and the morning was so fair it must have rivaled the mornings that dawned on Eden! Great fleecy clouds, pink and golden in the sun light, hung like bridal veils about the heads of the Floridas and Tres Hermans Mt. peaks to the north, while Lake Polomas, to the southeast, now greatly enlarged, and the center of a magnificent park, shimmered under the light like molten silver. Beneath our swiftly m.oving ship there was one con- tinuous panorama of beauty; orchards, vineyards, cotton fields and fields of waving grain interspersed v/ith the beau- tiful villas of the landlords set in lovely gardens where foun- tains played supplying miniature lakes that were bordered by arbors, statuary and rustic seats. As we neared the earth where the perfume laden air gently fanned our cheeks and our ears caught the singing ot birds carolling their morning praise, the lowing of the herds, the bleating of the flocks the shrill clarion of hundreds of chanticleers, the world seemed so peaceful and everything in it so happy one could v/ell believe oneself in the ancient para- dise. But the blue smoke curling up from a thousand huts where peon mothers were preparing the simple breakfast before the toil of the day began, reminded us we were out- side "The Garden", in a world where brother had forgotten THE LOST LINE 43 brother, where the hopes, ambitions and dreams of one, must die that the hopes, ambitions and dreams of the other, might be fulfilled; where multiudes lived not after the ancient commandment, by the sweat of their faces, but by the sweat of others who through an iniquitous system were enslaved to bear the burdens that should be borne by all. As we neared the city, dozens of airships, some of fan- tastic shapes, others of bright colors and all gaily decorated, were coming in from every point of the compass; making a picture of that July morning never to be forgotten. While these gay, carefree throngs were gathering for another day of merry making, a great airship "The Black Swan", w^as speeding westward from the City of Washing- ton, for Columbus, New Mexico, with twenty passengers on board. The greater number of these m.ade up a committee sent by The Vatican, to determine the boundaries of some lands of The Church located in what was once Old Mexico. Back som.e where in the twentieth century, a powerful United States Senator from New Mexico, had acquired title to lands in Old Mexico that were now v/orth a king's ransom. A dispute had arisen between The Church and the Gov- ernor of New Mexico, Senor Justin Sherwood, a descendant of this U. S. Senator, concerning boundary lines. This Committee was to confer with the Governor, and by surveys, the examination of old grants titles, come if possible, to an amicable settlement of the dispute. Among the passengers aboard the Black Swan, who were not members of the committee, were Senora Marie Kesterson, a widov/ed sister of Governor Sherwood, her beautiful daughter Senorita Lucretia, and Julian Harcourt, their parish priest. An animated conversation was being carried on by this trio in the elegant state room of Senora Kesterson as the good ship sped rapidly westward, involving some of the questions that in spite of the cry, "Peace!'' "Peace!", those in high places were raising, were constantly coming to the front for discussion by those who had any .interest in affairs. This brilliant young priest possessed everything a man 44 THE LOST LINE of thirty could desire to make a successful career in The Church certain. Nobility of form and a princely bearing, a powerful analytical mind; and a most charming personality. Many had already predicted that some day he would wear the triple crown! But the trend of the conversation led by the priest indi- cated that something far removed from his own advance- ment held his thought. The spiritual welfare of the world wide Church! "But, Father/' inquired Senora Kesterson. "You do not think the conditions are as bad as that do you?'' "Yes,'' sighed the priest, "much worse than I have described them!" "Surely, Father," persisted the devoted woman. "The Church has been in conditions similar to its present state in times past; but through God's mercy and help has rallied from them to the magnificence and power of to day!" "Yes," answered the priest," there was one other time when it had reached this low level; that was the time im- mediately preceeding The Reformation; have you read of it?" "No Father; I spoke in general terms," answered Senora Kesterson, now thoroughly aroused. "In those sad times," resumed Father Harcourt, "all The Church seemed to care for was power and revenue. These it had obtained, for it had absolute power over the bodies and souls of men, and its revenues were enormous! "It seemed to have left the spiritual oversight of the "world, to look after its temporal and political affairs; making and unmaking kings; seeking the patronage of the wealthy and powerful of the earth till the glorious light committed to it by The Lord had well nigh gone out." "But Fther, it is not as bad as that now," persisted the anxious devotee of The Church. "Yes Senora Kesterson", responded the priest, "to be honest with you, I must say, the conditions are worse now than then; and unless there comes a Reformation inside The Church we are as sure of wreck and ruin as there is a God above us; for the Reformation was brought about by the THE LOST LINE 45 preaching of salvation from sin through simple faith in Jesus Christ by Martin Luther, an Augustinian monk. "But you must understand, this movement called The Reformation' was outside The Church. For instead of the Church accepting the movement started by one of its faith- ful sons, it thrust it out, — so it went forward in the form of a great schism called Protestantism. This movement went on till it leavened for good the whole social order bringing in the highest type of civlization the world has ever seen." ''How sad''; commented Senora Kesterson, "The Church did not v/elcome the movem.snt and profit by it to the fullest extent.'' "That v/as one of the greatest mistakes The Church ever made," returned Father Harcourt. "While it is true the Church benefitted by the influence of Protestantism upon it, in those countries where protest- ant Churches flourished along with it, yet it is also too true, that The Reformation never reformed The Church; only slightly touched her malady; and now that the Protestant Churches, through the neglect of the itruth that produced The Reformation, have been absorbed into The Church, who shall raise it up, or bring cure to it for its deadly sickness?" The priest ceased, and there was complete silence for a moment, each member of the little group apparently contem- plating the sad situation. "I wonder if Martin Luther could have dreamed of the stir those ninety five theses would make, or v/hat a transfor- mation they would work when he nailed them to the Church door in Wittemburg?" Senora Kesterson was puzzled at this question of her daughter, but the priest turned to the young woman with unconcealed admiration, a merry twinkle in his eyes, ask- ing: "You have read of this then?" "Yes Father, all of it," she answerea shyly. "But daughter! interposed her mother, "you have never said anything to me about it; and where anyway in the wide wide world did you get hold of books giving such informa- tion?" 46 THE LOST LINE "O that was easy enough, Mother mine", she answered, gaily, "I read a full account of conditions preceeding The Reformation and also of that great movement, when I was at Uncle's last summer; and as I have not confessed it, now the Father Confessor is here, I am confessing; and I am sure he will not make me walk back to Washington with peas in my shoes, or stand bare foot in the snov/ as a poor supliant at his door, as some of the popes did with Kings in the long ago." The young priest shook with laughter at this gay reply; but sobering instantly said: "No Senorita Lucretia, I will lay no penance upon you for having read about those times; but knowing of those dark days of The Church and something of its sad state at the present, we should devote ourselves fully to God and to the uplifting of The Church so blinded by the god of this world." While Father Harcourt spoke those earnest words, his face was lighted by a tenderness that clearly reflected the pure soul within. But this tenderness v/as not alone for the Church he loved so dearly, or the poor degraded millions The Church was neglecting. But it was only for a moment; then the look of tenderness was gone, and an expression of pain replaced it as though a familiar aparition had appeared crying out, "It cannot be! It cannot be!" Sencra Kesterson evidently much distressed over what her daughter had said remarked: "I wonder why my brother keeps such books where young people can get hold of them, to unsettle their minds as to the integrity of The Church? I must surely take him to task for this as soon as I can get a quiet interview with him after w^e reach Columbus." "I do not think it will accomplish any thing mother", responded the daughter kindly. "Uncle Justin has very decided views concerning The Church in those far off days, and also concerning its attitude towards the masses to day. "But," she added gaily, "it will be very interesting read- ing for you, if you care to take it up; it was for me, especially that part relating to the Sale of Indulgences, and the stir it made." THE LOST LINE 47 Then turning to the priest, she bantered: *'Do you not think Father, the monk showed a splendid courage in attack- ing the system with practically the whole Church against him?" The Mother^s distress v/as greatly increased as she saw the merry twinkle in her daughter's eyes, now turned cate- chist, and the admiration she could not conceal for the noble young priest plainly visible; so before Father Harcourt could answer his fair young questioner, Senora Kesterson inter- posed: *'But Father, whatever does my daughter mean by the expression, *The Sale of Indulgences?' " "That," answered the priest, a look of pain passing over his features, "was the granting to individuals by the Church, for a speciiied sum of money the privilege to commit specified sins, in some instances sins, that all men regard as heinous crimes." "But Father", Senora Kesterson again interposed, "it does not seem possible that the Church, Christ's body with the holy father, Christ's vicegerent on the earth as its head, could do such things." "No", continued the priest, "to one whose whole life has been sheltered by the Church as yours has, it cannot seem possible." "But Father", the sorely troubled woman cried, "though you say things are as bad now as they were before The Re- formation, it cannot be the holy father would authorize the committing of sin now for money ? " "But that is just why I have been speaking as I have about the Church's condition; for the holy father has already ordered the sale of indulgences! "It develops that when the magnificent Vatican Build- ings were erected at Washington city, an enormous debt was contracted, and notwithstanding the immense sums collected from Teter's pence', and other sources, there is a billion dollars yet unpaid! "The holy father puts forward as justification for his course the plea that the expense of maintaining the Papal 48 THE LOST LINE court and the great buildings, with the interest on the debt, is such there is no hope of liquidating it; hence the order." "This'', responded Senora Kesterson, "is sad news to me; the joy is already taken out of this trip on which I had counted so much!" "My heart, too, is grieved beyond measure", responded the priest; "I have not yet witnessed any such sales, and I dread the day when I must witness them; for I am satisfied I could not do so without a protest." "Bravo! Bravo!'' cried Senorita Lucretia clapping her hands; "Isn't that splendid mother? I knew our priest would not tolerate such evils." "Yes it is brave, and brings hope and courage to my heart, but I fear the costs," responded the mother. "I am aware", commented the courageous priest, "that it will be no summer's holiday to challenge this evil; but I have counted the cost of such a course, and I hope I will have the Christian fortitude to meet whatever may come to me in the path of duty, as a true Soldier of the Cross!" At ithis point in the conversation, luncheon was an- nounced, and the trio arose moved out to the stately dining room which they entered together, sitting at the same able. At this table were two other priests of their acquaint- ance, Father Michel O'Brien and Father Samuel Scanlon; 7nen of overfed paunches, with bulging necks and bullet like heads, the veins about the jaws showing the too liberal use of wine. Father Scanlon, especially would attract unfavorable attention anjrwhere because of the large upturned nose and small eyes that suggested the inhabitant of the sty! As soon as Senora Kesterson could, with courtesy leave the table, she excused herself and with her daughter, with- drew to her own state room. It was evident she was much distressed, and as soon as they were in the seclusion of the room, she immediately addressed herself to the daughter saying: "Lucretia, my dear child, this is a sad day for me; what Father Charcourt tells us about the Church, against which I had never had the faintest suspicion concerning its integrity, fairly breaks my THE LOST LINE 49 heart; and there is another matter about which I must speak to you to day, for it has troubled me more or less for many months; and what I have seen to day so increased my fears, I cannot be silent any longer. Are you in love with Father Harcourt?'' Whether the daughter surmised what was coming is not known; but as is characteristic of lovers at such times, she parried, ^'Why momsie, what makes you think that?'' But when the mother in tender love pressed her for an answer, the daughter, under the glad spell that held her in awe, through its purity and naturalness, for she could see no wrong in being in love with such a noble character as Father Harcourt, blushingly gave an affirmative answer. At this, the pent up grief of the mother broke forth in a flood of tears, in which the daughter joined, weeping on her mother's breast. But when the first keen pangs of this new sorrow had passed, the mother counceled, "But daughter, do you not know this is folly, mad folly? for Father Harcourt cannot marry you, nor any one else, for The Church forbids it; and besides you know Prince Reynault is madly in love with you, and only awaits the word from you to make you his wife." The blushing hesitating girl of a few moments before seemed to have changed in the brief interval, to a strong masterful woman; for she drew herself up to her full height and answered as one who appreciated the situation com- pletely. "I know mother, that Father Harcourt cannot marry; but I ask in the name of all that is sacred and true, where God ever ordained that priests should not marry ? '* "But daughter. The Church in its councils and through the holy father, God's mouthpiece on the earth, has ordered it, so the priest may give himself, unhindered by domestic cares, to ministrations in holy things; that in nothing per- taning to life and godliness. The Church, Christ's bride, should suffer." "But who gave the Church this authority mother ? Christ surely did not in either of the gospels for I have read them carefully and find no such orders; and besides," she added, 50 THE LOST LINE her face wreathed in quizzical smiles, "St. Peter, whom the Church claims as its first pope, was a married man, for it is recorded that Jesus and his disciples went into Peter's house and his wife's mother was sick of a fever and Jesus healed her!'' "But daughter, the Church has to settle and fix some things Jesus did not settle, and it has decided the priests can better serve their parishes if they are unmarried, and the holy father speaking from the chair of St. Peter cannot make a mistake; it is as though God himself were speaking!" "It may seem like presumption for me to speak after such authority as that has pronounced upon it; but mother dear; doesn't reason teach us that if the priest had the bless- ings and comforts of a true home, and knew something of the perplexities and cares that come in the training of a family, he would be better fitted to minister to the fathers and mothers of his parish, who deal with those perplexities and bear 'those heavy burdens year in and year out? "And what is more do you not believe that Fathers O'Brien and Scanlon, and hundreds of others like them, would be more respectable men if they had the love of true wives to guide and comfort them?" "But daughter you must not talk that way about God's holy priests!" "Holy priests mother ? I am not talking about holy men, for I know he has many who are leading lives of sobriety and holiness; but you know, and any one knows who con- siders at all, there are numbers of them who are not in that class!" "Well daughter v/e must not be too hard on these men, if they try to find comfort in wine and tobacco; they have much to try and perplex them!" "That is just it mother; if these men had homes and families looking to them for examples, they would not be inflamed with wine and reeking with tobacco!" Senora Kesterson evidently considered further argu- ment useless, for she turned to the subject so near her heart, saying: THE LOST LINE 51 "Now daughter let us talk about something that will get us some where. You can not afford to think of one with whom marriage is impossible, especially when you consider what Prince Reynault has to offer you; name, social position, and a life of ease and luxury in his palatial home on the Ohio." "Yes I have thought of all that mother", she answered gently; "but I have also thought of the thousand Peons and their families who toil and grind that the estate with all its magnificent appointments may be kept up. "Do you think I could", she asked drawing near and taking her mother^s hand in her own, "or would you want me 'to accept what he has to offer; knowing as I do that it represents the sweat and tears, the blasted hopes and ambi- tions, of that thousand men and their familes?" "But daughter", the mother evaded;" your father had hundreds of peons on our estate on the Rio Grande!" "Yes I remember that mother; but you know father housed those peons in comfortable homes; paid them wages on w^hich they could live comfortably and lay up something for old age. He also kept the most spiritual priest he could find to minister to their spiritual needs; and the best physic- ian was always at their call; and not only did he meet the expense of these things, but he visited their sick beds; min- istering to them with his own hands! "But", she continued drawing herself up to her full heigH and indicating with her hand as though the scene was before them, "look at those miserable huts on the estates of Prince Reynault, in which his peons are herded! Look at the cringing half starved creatures that till his fields. Can I accept that?" "Well", commented the mother, "it is not a very pleasing prospect it is true, when viewed from that angle. I guess we had better drop the subject, for we have had enough of the unpleasant to day!" The priests remained at the table in the dining room long after Senora Kesterson and her daughter had with- drawn; sm.oking and conversing, now on some serious topic, then again on the general gossip of the day. 52 THE LOST LINE Breaking away from the line of conversation they had been pursuing, Father O'Brien remarked familiarly: "Scan- Ion, I see by what transpired at the table to day, that Har- court is madly in love with the fair Senorita Lucretia; now what do you think of that for the priest of the leading parish of the Vatican City?'' "Yes, I no-ticed that myself", returned Father Scanlon, taking up the banter; "and I observed further that the fair lady recripocates the tenderness. I wonder now if this is his first affair?" "But Brothers", protested the young priest much abashed; "there is no use to talk about love to a priest for you know he foregoes everything of that nature and becomes a celibate when he takes the vows of the priesthood." The two older priests were so uproarious over this, Father O'Brien could scarcely fill the glasses from the bottle of wine that stood between himself and Father Scanlon. When they could control themselves sufficiently to drink. Father Scanlon remarked with a significant wink, smacking his lips over the choice vintage, "When our unspoiled brother here has learned to keep his sacred robes on, when on parade before the public, and manipulate his secret life to his own liking, he'll know that no desirable thing needs to be denied members of our order!" Father Harcourt arose saying, "Excuse me gentlemen, but I will not listen to such flippant remarks about as sacred a matter as this!" "Listen to that now will you Scanlon!" commented Father O'Brien, "the young man is getting to be as pious as the *devir of the so called Reformation; I wouldn't wonder if he starts a movement of h.is own one of these days!" Further hilarity on the part of these convivial sons of The Church was cut short by the entrance of the porter who announced, "Columbus, New Mexico is our next stop; see that all baggage is looked up!" CHAPTER V. THE LOVER'S ARROW When we reached Columbus on our return from the Builder's Headquarters the second day of the celebration, our first thought was of breakfast as our flight through the morning air had greatly augmented our appetites. Repairing to the Cafe DeAlbion where we had dined ithe evening before, I was much surprised to find the place gaily decorated, as were also the streets and buildings outside, with what suggested the life and customs of some of the Indian tribes as I had known them. Noticing my curiosity Senor Keeling volunteered, "This is Indian Day in the celebration; I beg your pardon for not speaking of it before, but there has been so much, it had not occurred to me to mention it." "I assure you no pardon is necessary,'' I returned, "for you surely have given more of your valuable time already, than you could well spare from your ardorous tasks, to answer my questions and enlighten me on matters pertaining to this strange age into which I have so mysteriously come. But if it is not imposing too much on your good nature I would be very glad indeed to have you tell me about how Indians came to have charge of affairs today, for the Indians as I remember them, were scarcely capable of taking upon themselves the responsibility of looking after a day's cele- bration in a city like this?" "But you must remember," Senor Keeling resumed, a good natured smile lighting his face, "that where then, there were thousands of them, now there are hundreds of thous- ands.*^ "But Senor Keeling, in that time many of them were of such a type we v/ould have felt it unsafe to have them near us, to say nothing of ihaving 'them take the lead at a time like this." Again a smile played over his features as he resumed; "But you must remember there has been time for marvelous 54 THE LOST LINE changes since then." "Yes I can see that, for what I have seen since yesterday in 'the way of changes is enough to overwhelm one had not one such good substantial friends as Senora Keeling and yourself to steady and reassure one/' "Of course/' he went on, "While savagery and many of its attendant evils has gone, yet multitudes of the Indians are in the depths of poverty and squalid servitude as peons, where their physical, and in many instances their moral con- ditions, are w^orse than in the days of their savage tribal life." "But how and why is this?" I asked; "for I infer from what you have said you consider some of the present day Indians perfectly capable of taking charge of such an affair as this celebration, while others are wholly unfit?" "It is this way, as you will recall from your study of history, that in the latter half of the nineteenth century, a strong movement towards civilization set in, in many of the tribes of Indians: you saw some of it in the time in whch you observed the movement of events. Well this continued until many of them became as highly cultured as their white neighbors. As was also perfectly natural, many individual families became very wealthy. Generalh/ this v/ealth con- sisted in large holdings of lands and vast flocks and herds. As a result of this, they became influential and powerful, holding positions of honor and responsibility. So when the general subjection of the masses began, they v/ere able to hold their place in society; and naturally do some of the planning of celebrations and either events in church and state." "I am very much pleased that you have given me such a full explanation, I rejoined; for I must confess my old way of thinking led me to look upon the privilege the Indians enjoy today, a concession from the whites; for it Is hard for me to think of any others as belonging to the ruling class because of former environments and established restrictions in the social world." "But as you can very readily see from what has gone THE LOST LINE 55 before in our conversation, the wealthy and cultured Indians would naturally be in the ruling class, for these The Church has always looked upon with favor. The same thing is true of the Negroes; they rose very rapidly after they were freed from slavery m 1863 and many of them became wealthy and powerful; and millions were able to hold their position when the time of stress came." "I thank you for this enlightening information,'' I said; "but there is one more question I would like to ask you. I saw a good many Indians and Negroes in the great throngs yesterday, and I was especially impressed with the fact that the Indians were of the same complexion and features as they were in those far off days, and it seemed to me I never saw Negroes so black as those I saw mingling with the merry makers yesterday; Why is this?" Senor Keeling ever ready to enlighten, explained: "The Indians liave preserved their racial life to a remarkable degree. Of course, Indians who have fallen into peonage intermarry with the white and black races, but this is not true of the wealthy Indians. Members of one tribe marry into the same class in other tribes, and in rare instances a v/ealthy young Indian v/ill chose a bride from an Indian Peon fmily, becuse of her peculiar beauty and personal charm and in much rarer instances a brilliant young Indian Peon is looked upon with favor by a wealthy family marrying into it thus rising to privilege and opportunity. What I have said of the Indian, may be said with equal force of the Negroes, For after they grew wealthy and cultured, intermarriage with the v/hite, and other races, was scorned by them/' The meal being over Senor Keeling suggested, as it was early, we fly over the city that we might view the prepara- tions for the day's entertainment. This Vv'e all heartily agreed to and in a few minutes were circling over Plaza, street and open space, at a height at which everything below was easily discernable. In what had been a vacant piece of ground the day before, there had sprung up during the night, a typical Indian village of the olden day<, of nearly a hundred tepees or 56 THE LOST LINE lodges, made of a frame work of poles, covered with dressed skins. From the openings in the tops of these, the blue smoke curled upward as it did in those days when the ances- tors of these Indians obtained their living by hunting and fishing. In the streets of the village young men and maidens, boys and girls dressed in the costume of the Indians of past generations, gaily chatted, played at some old time games, or walked in groups up and down the irregular streets. In another vacant piece of ground, a great out door grill, or barbecue had been provised and over great pits half full of burning coals, on heavy gridirons, oxen and sheep, deer and elk from game preserves, young goats, in their dripping richness, and pigs, with large numbers of turkeys and other fowls, were being carefully roasted, for a barbecued dinner to be served to the merry makers at noon. Indians, assisted by their faithful peons, were slowly turning the brov/ning meats that they might be thoroughly cooked against the time of the feast. The savory oders from these rich viands filled all the air above the busy scene, mak- ing us eager for the coming of noon. "But what sports are the entertainers to put on today?" I asked, as we still had some time before the exhibitions were to begin and were spending it in a glimpse at the mag- nificent buildings of the city and the gay booths that had been erected for the fete. ''The wealthy Indians," answered Senor Keeling, ''have also preserved a knowledge of many of the ancient customs of their peoples. Many practicing from childhood some of their feats of prowess and skill, especially horsemansihip and archery, until they become as efficient in them as were their warrior ancestors." An immense grand stand, facing the north and com- manding a full view of the grounds on which the exhibitions were to be given, had been erected with seating for thousands of men and women. Our party entered this early, sitting near the center of the second row of seats which was one of the amphetatrical THE LOST LINE 57 arrangement, so the view was all that could be desired. A number of their ancient sports were put on for the amusement of the gay throngs that filled the stand to its capacity, the chief of which was horsemanship and archery, interest centering in the latter; for after the contest, which was open to all, was over, the two contestants having the largest number of points, were to contend for the champion- ship. The contestants for this, were of different tribes; Senor Grey Eagle of the Apaches, and Senor Black Wolf of the Yaquis, — both were suitors for the hand of Senorita Izora Wild Rose, daughter of a powerful member of the latter tribe. "Senor Wild Rose favored the suit of Black Wolf, as he was a Yaqui and very wealthy; but Senorita Izora, looked with favor on Grey Eagle. But knowing so well her father's dispos;ition, and his set purpose in the matter she had not dared as yet to brave his wrath, and accept the suit of the young Apaohe. When the moment arrived for the contest for the -'' pionship to begin, the gong sounded, and Black Wolf, attended by a faithful peon, with extra bow and a quiver full of arrows, stepped out of an improvised tent at the west end of the grand stand, and walked swiftly to ihis place on the field. A murmur of admiration ran through the vast throng at sight of him; he was easily six feet tall, weighing two hun- dred pounds; yet he moved with the agility of the Cougars on his own beloved mountains. He was clothed in a tight fitting suit of deer skin, soft as velvet, covered with fantastic shapes in bright colors. Reaching from his supple waist, half way to his knees, was a skirt made of the skins of humming birds that shim- mered in the sunlight. His feet were encased in moccasins covered with exquiste bead work; a necklace of wolf fangs encircled his sinewy neck; a magnificent head dress of bright feathers adorned his head and extended down his back, while a curiously wrought quiver filled with arrows hung across his back, and in his left hand he carried a powerful bow. But the young Indian seemed wholly unmoved in the 58 THE LOST LINE presence of the multitudes, for he stood like a statue done in bronze till the gong sounded and a mechanical devise threw three small balls high in air. Quick as a flash of light, the contestant pulled an arrow from the quiver on his back, threw it on the string of his bow, and sent it whistling after the fartherest ball, cuting it in two. The second arrow picked up the second ball as it was falling to the ground and carried it far afield; but the third arrov/ missed the last ball by a margin that seemed no more than a hair's breadth and fell about three hundred yards away. The vast assembly seemed spell bound till the arrow had completed its flight; then it rose enrnasse and gave vent to applause that v/as deafening. But Black Wolk stood motionless; his face as immobile as the face of one of his native cliffs. The gong sounded again, and two snow white pigeons w^ere released and zigzaged their v/ay through the air glad of their liberty. But before the spectators realized what was happening, a shining shaft had caught the nearest pigeon beneath its wing, literally empaling it in midair; while a sec- ond arrow^ from the same trusty bow, severed the head of the second bird clean from it's body. Again the cheers broke forth; handkerchiefs were waved; hats throv/n in air, and the people seemed wild in their entilius- iasm. But the cheering ceased, and a breathless silence per- vaded the throng, as the stalwart archer turned slightly, so the sun shone full on his back and faced a small rod four feet high, a hundred paces distant, v/ith a ball as large round as a silver dollar on it's top. Taking the quiver from his back and laying it on the ground, he took out the remaining arrows examining them carefully,, selected one and threv/ the others at the feet of his attendant; then rising, he placed the chosen arrow on the bow, drew it back to the head, then slov/ly let the bow unbend; this he did several times, then raised it for the supreme effort. THE LOST LINE 59 As he did this all the skill of years of practice; all the skill of ihis ancestors of a thousand generations, seemed to be concentrated on the arrow to send it straight to the mark; for as it slipped from the powerful thumb and forefinger of the archer it went forth like a thing of life; struck the ball in the center, cutting it in twain. The onlookers were silent till Senor Black Wolf handing his bow to the attendant bowed graciously and turned to leave the field. Then they broke loose in thunderous applause which was continued till he showed himself in the door of his tent which he had entered, bowing again and again. After a brief interval, in wich the necessary adjustments were made for the carrying on of the contest, the gong sounded and Senor Grey Eagle appeared, attended by a devoted peon and moved quickly to the spot occupied a few moments before by Black Wolf. He was slightly sm.aller than his rival, but in no other respect was he at a disadvantage; for his movements were as quick and graceful as a sparrow in it's flight. His dress was not as gorgeous as that of Black Wolf, but he too wore a tight fitting suit of deer skin, and ihis feet were covered with moccasins finished in beautifully figured bead work. His head dress beautiful in design, was of eagle feathers. A necklace of eagles' claws adorned his neck, and his short skirt was made from beautiful fawn skins, and an artistic girdle cunningly wrought from the skins of two monster rattlesnakes encircled his v/aist. There were exclamations of admiration from every quar- ter of the vast grand stand as he moved out to the field; but they were not so much for his costume and grace of move- ment. The people caught a glimpse of his noble face, and were struck by his ihndsome features that were as benevolent as those of a mother. V/hen the three balls were thrown into the air at the sound of the gong, three arrows, that a moment before had rested in the quiver on the back of Grey Eagle, flashed in the sunlight one after the other straight to the mark; for the 60 THE LOST LINE fartherest ball was shivered into bits by the first arrow and the others were impaled each on a shining shaft. So quickly was the w^onderful feat accomplished, it was an instant before the spectators realized what had happened; but when the marvel of it dawned on them, they broke into wild cheers that fairly rent the air. The applause had not died out, when the gong again sounded, and two pigeons were released and flew swiftly out into the bright unlight. Grey Eagle drew bow to send an arrow after a fleeing bird, when there was a sharp twang, and the arrow fell fruit- less to the ground; for the string of his bow had broken! A veritable groan escaped the great throng for already Grey Eagle was it's favorite and the gay assemblage was sure of his victory. Now it was impossible; for the two pigeons were well on their way to their native cotes. But fully undaunted. Grey Eagle bowed graciously to the disappointed company, and turning to his attendant received a powerful bow at his hands, and selected an arrow from the extra quiver, that was a full yard in length, and made ready for the shot that might show his skill, but could not win the decision of the Judges. But as he was testing the bow before making his final effort, his fvorite horse, a spotted stallion, with silken tail and long flowing mane, who had won the races for his master in the early morning, had broken his tether and was charg- .inging across the field about three fourths of the way to the target, straight towards a group of peon children that were waching the feats of archery. These children had fallen back on either side, thus mak- ing way for the horse to pass, with the exception of one little girl who, panic stricken, stood as if transfixed right in the pathway of the frightened animal. V/e held our breath in anticipation of the sickening tragedy. Grey Eagle alone being master of himself; for, seeing what would happen, he drew the long arrow back to it^s head, while mighty biceps knotted, and the muscles of his neck played under the strain. Then there was a resound- ing twang and a hissing swish, as the arrow sped out from THE LOST LINE 61 the bow like a shaft of ligiht striking the careering stallion in the temple, piercing the brain causing instant death. Yet so great was the momentum of the powerful animal, his body carried forward within a few feet of the bewildered child. A great sigh, like the sigh of a man suddenly delivered from imminent danger, or impending doom, escaped the relieved throng; but before we could give expression to our appreciation of this chivalourous deed, the skillful archer threw another arrow on his bow and sent it out over the body of his beloved ihorse straight to the little ball a hundred paces away, cutting it completely in two. Then the great throng became hysterical in its cheering; but, above every other sound could be heard the cry, "Grey Eagle! Grey Eagle!" That seemed to imply that whatever the decision of the judges might be in the matter of the championship, as far as the people were concerned. Grey Eagle had won it. At this point a bewitchingly beautiful young woman, dressed in the ancient costume of her people, stepped out from the throng of happy spectators, and hurried gracefully to the field and stood beside Grey Eagle. Her lovely face was lighted by a smile, but her lustrous black eyes bid defiance to her father's will, or to that of any one else who might oppose her choice! Then the great throng broke into wild cheering again, led by the Indians; for they knew Senorita Wild Rose had joined the Apaches! CHAPTER VI. THE CHALLENGE As there was no formal program of entertainment for the afternoon of Indian Day, each indivdual was free to spend the time as he might elect. Our party at the suggestion of Senora Keeling, went first to the "Village", where Indians versed in the ancient customs of their people, answered any questions we wished to ask about the tepees or lodges, or anything else on display. Passing out of this excellent representation of a primi- tive Indian Camp, w^e found seats near one of the numerous magnificient bands that were discoursing sweet music, where we listened to the masterpiece of an Indian Bethoven who told the sad thrilling history of his interesting people. At the conclusion of this marvelous music we strolled for a time among the gaily decked booths, but found however that the happy throngs of merry makers held a greater interest for us, than any of the decorations or wares on display. After a time, we turned into a booth that sold refresh- ments, and were seated at a private table enjoying cool drinks and refreshing ices, Avhen the crowds of pleasure seekers were throvvn into consternation and excitement, by a simul- taneous placarding of the city by dextrous peons detailed for the purpose. The first intimation our party had of it v/as, v/hen across the street from us a huge peon sprang upon a step ladder and fastened to the side of a booth a great handbill he received from the hands of a fellow peon. The bill read as follows: A SALE OF INDULGENCES. At the hour of three, Father Ignacio Hernandez, the authorized representative of the holy father will grant to any and to all who desire it, for certain sums of money in hand, the privilege to commit any act he may desire to commit; or absolution from any crime already committed. Said sale to be held in the plaza THE LOST LINE 63 beside the image of the pope. Similar sales will be held in all cities throughout the world where this celebration is being observed. Ordered and authorized by the holy father, at the seat of the Papal See, Washington, D. C. the Seventh month, 6th day, Anno Domini MMXXIII. Antigua Pappello, Papal Secretary. Each member of our party was silent for a brief space, as though carefully scanning the placard to make sure he read aright. Senora Keeling was the first to speak, for turning to her husband she asked with a voice tremulous with emotion: *'What do you think of that? We knev/ the situation was bad enough, but who among us dreamed it had come to this ? The one claiming to be the Vicar of Christ on the earth, offering to sell for sordid gold the privilege to sin!!" The throngs about us were evidently discussing the astounding announcement, for a bable of sounds reached our ears; yet so guarded had Senor Keeling learned to be, that he answered in an undertone^ ^That will set the world on fire, for there are holy men who will not keep still though flames or the dungeon av/ait lihem. Such methods as this, solely for gain, v/ill arouse the sleeping neutrals, so our cause will move forv/ard to victory; or it opens the gates to swift and certain ruin." "But", he counseled, ''let us hasten to the place of this sale." and hailing the pilot of a small service airship, v/e stepped into it, and were soon at our destination. We v/ere among the first to arrive, and were fortunate to find comfortable seats near the platform that had been erected for the accommodation of Father Hernandez and his secretaries. The priest was already on the platform directing arrange- ments for the strange sale. I was much pleased at this, for I Vv-as curious to see the type of man that would be chosen for this work; yet I was w^holly unprepared for what I saw; a well fed, suave, polished son of the Church; a perfect counterpart of many priests I 64 THE LOST LINE had known in those far off days I had left so strangely, or that might be found in the parishes of the country at that very time. When a great clock in a nearby tower boomed out the hour of three, Father Hernandez stepped to the front of the platform, smiling and gracious, and thus addressed the great throng. "Faithful and obedient children of the Church; I greet you in the name of the holy father, whose blessing I bring you. "As you have seen by the placards that fill the city, I am here to offer you for a specified sum of money the priv- ilege to commit any act or acts you may be desirous of com- mitting. "The act that will rid you of an enemy, or so adjust your social or financial conditions, as to make it very advantageous to you. "These privileges are attested by the signature and seal of the holy father, so none need be in any doubt as to their validity. These privileges may be granted for a specific act, or for the repetition of the act, for the period of one year. "You can arrange matters with my secretaries who will inform you as to the prices set by the holy father on these indulgences. The sale is now open." And with a look on his face like that seen on the face of a man who feels he has done his work well, he was ready to leave the platform; when a young man of magnificent build, dressed in the garb of a priest, moved out into the open space in front of the platform, raised his right arm and point- ing a steady finger full at the face of Father Hernandez, cried out in clear and defiant tones, while his eyes flashed fire in their very intensity. "I challenge this whole proceeding!" His face glowed with what men have called "The Solar Light." A smile played about his mouth like the smile that sometimes plays on the lips of an avenger as he strikes the blow that is to avenge a great wrong! "Father Harcourt of Washington City", Senor Keeling THE LOST LINE 65 announced under his breath, as we bent forward to catch every act in this thrilling scene. "I challenge this whole proceeding'', the young priest continued, "in the name of God whose I am, and whom I serve!'' *'I challenge it in the name of the Church ci which I profess to be an obedient and faithful son. "I challenge it because there is none that can forgive sin but God alone; and he has so bound himself up with right- eousness and justice that he cannot forgive except when his all-seeling eye beholds a broken and contrite spirit in the one pleading for mercy and pardon. And I challenge it because if none can forgive sins but God alone, surely man cannot grant to his fellows the privilege to commit sin!!" So quickly had all this occurred, Father Hernandez seemed to be taken completely by surprise; for he stood per- fectly still gazing at the audacious young priest. But as Father Harcourt turned slightly to address some words more directly to the wondering throngs, the spell was broken and the vender of things moral shouted: "Is this thing to be allowed here? can this sale, ordered by the Vatican, be hindered by anyone, who desires to do so ? "Is there no officer of the day present to prevent such shameful and outrageous treatment of a representative of his holiness ? "Are the true and brave sons of the Church going to stand silently by and allow the holy father to be insulted by calling his pov/er in question ? Will nobody lay hands on this disturber?" While Father Hernandez was delivering this harangue. His Excellency, the Governor of New Mexico was moving towards the platform, and when the enraged Hernandez finished his call for help, said, "No one shall lay hands on this priest of God. Free speech will remain unquestioned in this state while I am it's e xecutive; especially when it is a chal- lenge of such iniquitous proceedings as ths sale of ndul- gences!" Then addressing his aids decamp he ordered, "Conduct Father Harcourt in safety to my airship." 66 THE LOST LINE But the mob spirit had been aroused by what Father Hernandez had said, and through the excited throngs could be heard; "Let us get at him!'^ "Strike him down!^' "Kill the disturber, Kill him!" and several men started towards Father Karcourt, led by a man with a heavy cane upraised to strike him down, 'ere the Governor's aids could intercept them! Seeing what would happen unless quick help was given, a young man dark of skin, in immaculate duck, left his place beside a young woman, and with the agility and swiftness of a panther bounded across the intervening space, caught the would-be assassin with a strong right hand just as he was about to carry out his murderous purpose, and with a lightn- ing like movement, in which his right limb figured promi- nently, threv/ him a complete somersault. Once more the cry of the morning rang out on the air, "Grey Eagle! Grey Eagle!" This thrilling deliverance of Father Harcourt by the idol of the morning, checked the mob spirit for a moment, and 'ere a new leader could rally the baffled forces, the Governor's aids closed about the endangered priest and with drawn swords conducted him out of the excited throng to v/here the Governor's private air ship v/as in waiting. They were closely followed by the Governor and Grey Eagle who were not satisfied 'till they were sure he had reached the protection of the airship where he would be safe at least for a time. "Here Senor Sherwood said, "Father Harcourt let me congratulate you on that almost miraculous deliverance; and I wish to present my friend, Senor Grey Eagle who was the instrument in that gracious work." "I surely thank you Senor Grey Eagle for your timely interception of my would-be assassin; for these gentlemen tell me that in a moment more I would have been killed. God surely gave you swiftness of foot and steady nerves for that marvelous work of deliverance. I am under a life long grati- tude to you, under God, for your part in it." "Surely it was nothing. Father Harcourt," responded Grey Eagle, as he took the proffered hand of the priest shaking it cordially; "I was in some of the contests of our people this THE LOST LINE 67 forenoon and had just gotten my blood up, and your predica- ment gave an opportunity to work off some of the surplus energy, by that manipulatin in wrestling practiced by my ancestors for many generations. But I would have risked everything to protect one of God's priests who so bravely stands for the truth. I am at your service in anyway in which I may be able to help.'' "Thank you, Senor Grey Eagle; I am under everlasting gratitude to both you and the Governor here, for your cham- pionship of the truth; and I think I may safely say they who seek the harm of one of us, will seek it for all. So our for- tunes to some extent at least, must of necessity be thrown together for the future." As quickly as it was possible, the Governor and family, Father Harcourt, Senora Kesterson and daughter, set out for "Maysfield'^ Senor Sherwood's summer home, situated in the mountains about one hundred miles north of the city; Grey Eagle and his bride of the day, following in their own airship, and after an uneventful trip of something over an hour, found themselves at their destination in one of the loveliest spots in New Mexico. By the time the Governor and his party were ready to leave for Maysfield a representative of "The Universal Press Association", placed a detailed account of the priest's chal- lenge of the Sale of Indulgences, his thrilling rescue from mob violence, by the Apache, and his protection by the Gov- ernor of the State, in the hands of the wireless operator, who sent it out to be received in all the chief cities of the globe; and in a few moments it was being put into type for the next hourly edtions of the newspapers, while thousands of edi- torials were being written on the event, to be published as soon as they were ready. When dinner was served in the Governor's home that evening the conversation was so skillfully directed by host and hostess, no one would have surmised the merry company had witnessed an event that afternoon that had not only Ciiaged the whole course of their lives, but the the course of the life of the world itself. 68 THE LOST LINE But when dinner was over the men withdrew to the library, and when once with in its seclusion, all attempts at gaiety were thrown off; for each knew there were serious times ahead of them, and all the friends of righteousness as well. Father Harcourt realizing the gravity of the situation, brought about by his act of the afternoon, felt an explanation of his course was due his two valiant friends who had volun- tarily cast in their lot with his, said, "I could have taken a different way to challenge that iniquitous sale, one that would not have involved me in so much immediate danger, nor made it necessary for my friends to jeopardize their lives and interests in my defense. I could have written against the sale, and in time this would have reached the world. But I knew from the time I learned the holy father had ordered the Sale of Indulgences I could not witness such a sale without challenging it. Perhaps after all though, this was the better way; for a multitude of people heard my condemnation of the sale, and my reasons for it.^' "You need have no regrets on that score,'' commented the Governor, "for a more effective way could not have been chosen if you ihad deliberately planned it; for we must believe that through the activities of the news venders, it has been disseminated to the four corners of the earth; and if I am not seriously mistaken, the entire world is discussing the whole affair at this very moment.'' "But this Sale of Indulgences", interposed Senor Grey Eagle, "I do not understand it at all. I can not see how the holy father can do it. If you will be so kind Father Harcourt as to explain on what grounds he bases his right to do such an astonishing thing as to sell the privilege to commit sin^ I will greatly appreciate it." "In the first place", answered the priest, "we must remember this is not the first time indulgences have been sold. Several popes, centuries ago, sold the privilege to com- mit sin to those who could pay the price; and to some extent it has been practiced through the centuries since that time. For any priest who confesses a man, and knows in his heart that the one seeking pardon is not truly repentant, and in^ THE LOST LINE 69 tends to go out and repeat the crime, is for the fee, and through his prayer and blessing, granting the privilege of sinning. "But the grounds, on which the right to sell indulgences is based is found in the pernicious doctrine that reads like this: ^All the good works of the Saints, over and above those which were necessary for their own justification, are deposited, together with the infinite merits of Christ, in one nexhaust- ible treasury. The keys of this treasury were committed to St. Peter, and to his successors the popes, who may open it at pleasure, and by transferring a portion of this superabund- ant merit to any particular person, for the sum of money, may convey to him either the pardon of his own sins, or a release for anyone in whose happiness he is interested from the pains of purgatory. "And it may be interesting to you to know that they who cried the Sale of Indulgences in those far off times, taught their dupes that, Hhe souls confined in purgatory for whose redemption indulgences were purchased as soon as the money tinkles in the chest, instantly effect their escape from that place of perpetual torment, and ascend into heaven.' "Also it was taught that, *the efficiency of indulgences was so great, that the most heinous sins would be remitted and expiated by them.' "As I understand it, the present pope grounds his right to order these sales, on these doctirnes." Father Harcourt was just finishing his explanation when the Governor's private secretary appeared at the door of the library and announced, "An editorial, your Excellency, from the 'Criterion,' of Washington City", that had just been received by the wireless operator. The Governor was plainly embarrassed by the editorial, for instead of reading it to his guests, he continued to scan the astonishing production. The priest surmising the cause of his host's embarrass- ment arose, passed over to where he was waiting, saying with a smile, "Let me see it Senor Sherwood." The priest receiving it at his hand, read: 70 THE LOST LINE THE HOLY FATHER GROSSLY INSULTED! The readers of The Criterion were fully informed in the seven o'clock edition, of the disgraceful scene enacted at Columbus, New Mexico, this afternoon. The upstart of a priest who precipitated this scene, to our suiame be it said, is in charge of the most in- fluential parish of this city; but this paper has it from authority that is unquestionable that the holy father through the proper channels will see to it that he is sum- marily removed from the parish, unfrocked, excommuni- cated and anathematized, as v/ill also all those who give him shelter, or befriend him in any way. It has come to our ears from time to time that this self constituted judge of all the good, has affected a sancity above his brethren, and has condemned publicly and in private good works as prescribed by the Church, as a ground of Salvation; claiming there is no merit, whatever in works of righteousness accruing to the one who performs them, and that he puts forth constantly a saying of Paul. ^Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.' Thus sweeping away at one stroke, penance, the prayers of the priest, the intercession of saints, and of Mary the mother of God! This priest who has thus disgraced himself, evidently thinks, the holy father vvill call a great council, summon him to it, where he would have opportunity to air his views in a spectacular answer to the charge of heresy and insubordination that would be preferred against him; but in this he will be signally dsapponted; for the holy father v/ill employ no such methods, but will nip in the bud this, or any other effort to resist his will! "Well Senor Grey Eagle/'' commented the Governor gaily, ^*it seems to be as the Padre said; v/e are all in the same class. I suppose 'ere the sun goes down tomorrow night, v/e v/ill be excommunicated and given over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh. But I do not think that ter- rifies us very much. I think they will find us in the front THE LOST LINE 71 ranks, vAien the smoke clears, as they have found us in many a political battle; is it not so?'* "It is your Excellency; this is the beginning- of a battle for rghteousness and truth that must usher in a better day. I am in this fight while life lasts, with all I have and ." *'Here the Secretary reappeared, announcing: "Another Editorial, your Excellency from The Noonday', of London England". This the Governor read w^ithout hesitation. A BRAVE CHAMPION OF THE TRUTH! As our readers noted by the last edition. Father Harcourt, a brilliant young priest of Washington City, D. C, virtually took his life in his hands in denouncing the iniquitous Sale of Indulgences at Columbus in the State of New Mexico, Columbia. This required a courage cf the highest type, for he knew it meant the loss of everything the Church had to offer, and probably life itself. So carefully has the Church eliminated from the world all references to it's past, derogatory to it's character, that but few know there was a time, centuries ago, w'hen this same disgraceful condition had been reached, and a brave monk challenged it, bringing in by his faithful j3reaching of salvation v/ithout works, the Reformation. Through this simple teaching, salvation by faith in Jesus Christ, the v/orld took on new life and reached the highest point in civilization the race has seen so far. As long as the Schism this Reformation resulted in, called, "Protestantism", was true to the doctrine of sal- vation, by simple faith in Christ, it's indirect influence, on the Church v/as sufficient to hold it in check. But in time. Protestantism began to neglect the truth that gave her existence, and finally gave it up by easy stages, and was absorbed by the Church again; and as a result, we see the deplorable situation of the present time, and, the holy father, whose seat should be among the stars, is down in the dust crawling and creeping at the feet of 72 THE LOST LINE base treacherous men, like a penny beggar, whining for their poluted gold. We can truly say, "the fight is on!'' The greatest fight since the world began, and no one can be neutral; The Noonday does not have the faintest desire to be neutral; we are in the battle to fight to a finish the despicable practice that characterizes the Church at the present time, and would clasp hands with our brave young brother across the seas, and pledge to stand shoulder to shoulder in this glorious fight for righteousness till victory comes! As the Governor finished the reading of this ringing editorial, the three men were on their feet, their facs war- ing a determined look, pledging each other anew as they clasped hands, for the long bitter fight they knew was before them; but so encouraged by the brave brotherly utterances of this editor of one of the leading journals of the world, they could go again to their task, which involved the outlining of plans of defense, as well as attack on their relentless foe, continuing at the work far into the night. CHAPTER VII. THE ENCYCLICAL For a little time after the airships bearing the Governor and his party left for Maysfield, there was a good deal of excitement and confusion among those who sought to do Father Harcourt bodily injury; for they ran here and there seeking him, and were slow to believe when told that through the quick action of the Governor and his aidesdecamp he had escaped out of their hands. At the platform however, where the sales were being con- ducted everything went on as though nothing had happened; for the half dozen secretaries who assisted Father Hernandez were busy as they could be negotiating with the people, ex- plaining terms and prices, and receiving money for the privilge to commit the acts that would bring the hoped for pleasure to the purchasers, or put them in the position so- cially or financially where their ambitions could be fulfilled. This continued till late in the evening, thousands of dollars passing into the hands of the representatives of his holiness. We were greatly surprised that there was no more ex- citement manifested over the challenge of the pope's author- ity to grant indulgences, made by Father Harcourt; for the celebration went on during the three remaining days as though nothing ihad occurred out of the usual order. It was true the newspapers made much of it; thousands of editors denouncing the champion of righteousness in as bitter and vindictive editorials as the pen of man could write, while there were other papers, hundreds of them, and some of them the most powerful and influential in the world, that carried editorials praising his action and pledging him their fullest support in the fight for the truth. We commented on this lack of excitement and felt it was ominous; that there was a hidden hand guiding the course of things. About ten o'clock the evening of the last day of the celebration, Senor Keeling left one of the largest office build- 74 THE LOST LINE ings of the city where he had just completed an errand, hastily crossed the thoroughfare the building faced, and as he was over due at the airship where we anxiously awaited his coming; turned into a deserted side street that offered a desirable short cut, and was hurrying along this, when there fluttered down out of the upper air a long piece of paper that settled to the sidewalk almost at his feet. Seeing it was printed matter he picked it up, folded it into it's original s.hape and placed it in the inside pocket of his coat. This he did not do however until tie found it was an important message from the holy father himself; an encycli- cal letter to the priests. "When Senor Keeling arrived, we saw he was in excellent spirits, and as our good ship arose and sped away for Head- quarters, his feelings manifested themselves in a decided chuckle. ^'Why my dear, what pleases you so?'' inquired his wife. "Here v/e were expecting you vvould be almost ill from the strain of the last fev/ days, and instead of that, you are as gay as a boy; please tell us what amuses you so that we may laugh with you, for we are full of apprehension ? " "I am thinking of a sick padre we left behind in the city tonight," and the usually sober man shook with laughter. "For Shame Senor!*' his wife protested, "a priest sick, and you laughing over it. I cannot understand you tonight." "Oh, he's not confined to his bed; but instead I fancy he is running up and dov/n a certain street looking for an encyclical letter the wind must have snatched out of his hands, carried up over some buildings, dropping it at my feet and which at this favorable moment rests in the pocket of my coat." "But the unfortunate priest need not worry long," com- mented Senora Keeling, "for v/e can restore it to him the next time we are in the city". "Oh, for that matter, I could start back with it in the morning, after reading it carefully of course to see what his holiness is up to, for if I am not mistaken it contains infor- mation that will be very valuable to the cause of Freedom; THE LOST LINE 75 and besides/' he added with another chuckle. "I do not know what priest lost it; and I am certain neither he nor the holy father would wish me to advertise it.'' AVhen we arrived at Headquarters so intent was Senor Keeling on learning the full contents of the encyclical that, though his wife insisted he should immediately retire, for the rest he so sorely needed, he unfolded the letter and read while the rest of us listened with almost breathless interest to very word of the remarkable message. To our devoted brethren the priests in peace and communion with the Apostolic See. Pius XVIII. Pope. Faithful Brethren: Health and Apostolic Benediction. You are already, we think, well aware, holy breth- ren, of the disgraceful affair at Columbus, New Mexico, v/here the insolent priest, from this city, made an out- rageous attack on our representative Father Hernandez in a Sale of Indulgences, and the disturbance it has caused throughout the earth. The storm raised is severe, and will doubtless in- crease; yet it's fury can be checked and it's sweep stopped altogether, if God's favor is granted us, coupled with the most diligent and faithful effort of all who have the welfare of the Church at heart. To this glorious and certain triumph of righteous- ness over evil; of our authority over lawlessness none can contribute as much as the priests, to whom has been granted in the good providence of God the opportunity to bring to naught the wicked devices of designing men and further the interests of the Church, by that instru- mentality — The Confessional — for of all the agencies employed by the Church none has served our purpose as fully as this blessed instrument; for through it w e wring the inmost secrets of men's souls from them for our inspection and great p roiit. So at confession, you are to sound every man that comes to you as to his attitude towards this perfidious 76 THE LOST LINE attack on our authority; and if he has any inclination favorable to the schism you are to draw out every iota of information he carries concerning* it. And you must also sound every man concerning his connection with the political movemet among the laboring classes, that be it said to their everlasting shame, includes the despised peons; and if you are sure you have before you a man that carries important secrets, we must have for our well being, and he refuses to divulge them, you know your weapon; refusal to absolve \^all bring to time; but if he is stubborn, shake hell about his ears; picture to him the lurid fires of eternal torment, to which you can consign him at a word, where no sums of money however large, will suffice to buy prayers for the deliverance of his soul; and if he still refuses to divulge, there are means by which he can be made to reveal them; and you are to go to any lengths to get hold of what he knows. As for us, we expect to make no replies to Senor Harcourt, or the fiery editorials written by those editors who would be his champions. Silent contempt will be our attitude. We have already excommunicated and anathematized this renegade priest who was once to us as the apple of our eye. And of course h e will be removed out of the way as the penalty he must pay for insubordination. This however will not be done immediately, but after the storm abates somewhat; then he will disappear as quickly and as effecively as though the earth had opened her mouth and swallowed him up, and the story will filter out through the earth that the opostate awaking to the normity of his crime, wandered away in shame and dispair and perished in some lonely mountain wilds. As to those who have defended and sheltered him, we know their political aspirations and will see that their highest ambitions are thwarted. And those editors who wrote defending his course, we have a way by which we can make them feel our hand; and when gold and patronage are not forthcoming, their enthusiasm for a dying cause will wane. THE LOST LINE 77 So resting securely in the knowledge that you will faithfully perform your God given tasks, that the disturb- ers of the tranquility of the Church may be completely defeated in their purpose to being about a world wide schism; and that your faithful work will also defeat those demagogues, who would lead the masses to victory in the coming election. As an earnest of divine gifts and a pledge of our benevolence, we impart from our heart to you all faith- ful brethren, the Apostolic Benediction. Given at St. Peter's in Washington City on the 8th day of July in the year 2023, and the fifteenth year of our Pontificate. Pius XVIIL Pope. When Senor Keeling finished the reading of this deliver- ance, silence reigned for a few moments for each knew we had fallen on perilous lines; that truly the battle was on between truth and freedom on the one hand, and the forces of tyi^anny and darkness on the other. "0, husband!'' exclaimed Senora Keeling, her dark eyes suffused with tears, "this is terrible; I have had good hopes of the success of our cause until now; but this seems the death knell of all our dreams; for you know the Church is practically all pov/erful and they are going to leave nothing undone to keep the groveling millions of men, women and children in the wretched squalor and ignorance with which they are now engulfed. "And you can see what the purposes and plans of the pope, I cannot say, his holiness, any more; it seems to border on blasphemy, are, concerning Father Harcourt's disposal, as foul and cruel as could be devised by the fiercest brigands from the mountains! So if he and his tools can possibly pre- vent it there is to be no moral uplift; so we cannot hope for help from those whom we expect would be aroused from their lethargy by such an awakening, to see the needs of the down trodden millions and all rally to their standard. O, husband, what shall wc do? What SHALL we do?" "Yes, wife, the outlook is dark enough, but the situation 78 THE LOST LINE is no worse than it was before this letter fell into my hands; we are certainly greatly blest in securing this full text of the holy father's plans so we know how to direct our fight!" ^'But, Senor Keeling, if you will pardon me", I asked. "How do you suppose to combat the Church, that is so well organized and has such a heartless plan of action outlined? To me as with Senora Keeling, the task seems quite impos- sible." "The plan of action will be determined by the executive councils of the two orders, the Avengers and the Builders; but as I see it at least, the first thing after these councils meet, will be to acquaint Father Harcourt with what is determxined against his life; for I feel certain that if he can be preserved f rom the wrath of his enemies, this fire kindled by him will burn so brightly and spread so rapidly, the holy father will be compelled to notice it ;though he flatters him- self that by ignoring it, it will soon die out." Before retiring Senor Keeling had a few moments audience with the president of the Builders, and a fast airship bearing a message to Senor Manchester, head of the Avengers sped away to the Headquarters of that order; and before daylight, he and his executive council were on hand for a joint meeting with the officers of the Builders. The day was a busy one crowded full with deliberations the encyclical letter made necessary. It was -unanimously decided that Senor Keeling go at once to the summer home of the Governor of New Mexico and lay before Father Harcourt and his friends there, the pope's plans concerning him, and offer him the shelter of the Builders headquarters. As the Governor and Senora Sherv/ood had kindly invited me to visit them with Senor and Senora Keeling, and as these two friends who had so kindly given me welcome and care in their hospitable home since my arrival in their strange realm, urged me to go with them, I gladly accepted their invitation. Accordingly when darkness came on we set out for Mays- field in the fastest air ship at Headquarters. A ship built for perilous trips; for use only in great emergencies. It was THE LOST LINE 79 manned by the most skillful and inrepid pilot and a careful alert observer. It was late when we arrived at Maysfield and the great summer house ablaze with light was in itself a wonderful welcome to the weary pilgrims of the air; but it's beauty and light so cheering to us were only harbingers of the warm welcome given us by it's master and mistress. But notwithstanding the lateness of the hour, Senor Keeling felt liis errand of such importance he asked for an immediate audience with the Governor, Senor Grey Eagle and Father Harcourt. This interview lasted till way after midnight. Every phase of the situation being carefully considered. The invitation borne by Senor Keeling, was accepted by Father Harcourt; for it seemed clear to all that he should live for the time in complete seclusion; and from that place of retirement, carry on his fight for righteousness through that portion of the press of the world friendly to the cause. When the business of the interview was ended. Father Harcourt said, "There are several things in the policy outlined in this encyclical that are just as I would hve expected them to be; I felt certain they v/ould seek my life; and either the lives, or the ruin of the plans of those who would shelter or befriend me. And we must not for one moment flatter our- selves that they are idle threats; they expect to carry them out to the very letter. If we escape, it will be because of eternal vigilance on our part, and that of our friends, and the mercy and favor of God. I think I may safely say that the one instrumentality we are to fear more than any other in our fight for righteousness and industrial freedom is the Confessional. For as the pope declares this has ever been the most effective weapon of the Church to advance it's interests and thwart all the plans of those who v/ould in any way take issue with it's course of action. "Through the confessional, by threats to withold absolu- tion. Kings and Emperors have been made, against their own consciences, to do the will of the Church to the very letter. "One of the most notable cases of this is Louis XIV. King of France. He had committed some grevious sin, of 80 THE LOST LINE which his Confessor La Chaise made much; picturing to the distressed king the fires of eternal torment to which he would surely be consigned if not absolved from it; but refused him absolution, unless the unhappy monarch would grant him a commission to murder all the Protestants in his realm in one day. "Now if the Confessional has had such a power over the enlightened, what must be it's hold on the unelightened ? "So we can get some sort of an idea of what we have to combat when we think of the millions of degraded peons in v/hose souls generations of abject servitude and wretched squalor have killed out almost every instinct but that of fear. "At confession the priests will have access to them as no others can even hope to h ave; and there they will make merchandise of these poor wretches' hopes of eternal felicity^ to defeat those of us who would lift them up morally and in- dustrially. The Church is responsible more than any other agency, unless it were sluggish and luke warm Protestantism — that repudiated the simple truth that gave it birth and once freed the world from moral and social bondage — for the condition of the submerged millions; and they would keep them where they can exploit them to their own advantage. Oh, if we only had some power we could use for the uplift and blessing of the down trodden as the Church uses this power for their subjection, what good could be accomplished by it; but we have not, and somehow we must, WE MUST overcome this terrible force for evil." "But Father Harcourt," interposed Senor Grey Eagle, "I soever experienced anything like what is outlined in this encyclical, when at Confession; I cannot uderstand it." "No you have not; and why? Because you as a wealthy young man were liberal with your money, and were never under the slightest suspicion of hiding anything from the Church, much less opposing it in anyv/ay. If however, instead of delivering me from the hand of the assassin, as you did at Columbus the other day, you had simply expressed some words of sympathy for my work, or me; the next time you had gone to confession, you would have had hell shaken about your ears, and absolution would have been denied you, unless THE LOST LINE 81 you so humiliated yourself before your Confessor, in recanta- tions and promises, the free spirit that has characterized your race for generations, v/ould have been completely broken be- fore absolution would be granted you; and even then, this little break with their absolute power and dominion over your soul and body v/ould be held against you, for future advan- tages to the Church. For the tiger may be docile enough, and purr contentedly while unopposed; but let one arouse it, by offering to take away it's prey, or otherwise interfere with it's plans, and out from those soft paws, apparently as innocent as a baby's fist, issue instantly the terrible claws dealing ruin and death." As Father Harcourt finished his startling answer to Senor Grey Eagle's question, the Governor arose, walked quickly over to where the priest sat, extended his hand, his face wreathed in smiles saying, "Senor Harcourt, I salute you; for if we are to believe the holy father — the policy however outlined in this encyclical does not well comport with his title — you are nov/ one of us; a Layman." "Thnk you, your Excellency", returned the young man, rising, his face also beaming; "I think however Senor Sher- wood, you are a little out of the way in your classification; for if we accept the holy father's action as having anything to do with it, I now belong to the devil." His three friends laughed heartily over this bit of humor, glad that in the shadow of the danger that now stalked him, he was so cheerful and courageous. "We are sure of one thing," commented Senor Grey Eagle, "before you and your helpers get through with this fight the holy father will be convinced wherever you belong, you can build a mighty hot fire." "Thank you Senor Grey Eagle, I think from the character of some of the editorials in yesterday's papers, he is already satisfied the fire is not going out as easily as he would have the priests believe in this encyclical." "And with His Excellency here, as we hope, heading the national ticket," added Senor Keeling, "and Senor Grey Eagle the ticket in this state, we trust the Industrial pary will win at the polls in November; then from that vantage ground, we 82 THE LOST LINE can push on the fight till, the moral and industrial freedom of the race is assured.* "But brothers!'' playfully remarked the Governor, "have you forgotten there are only nine days until the National Convention meets in Chicago? I am sure the v^ay Senor Keeling has been going night and day, since the celebration opened at Columbus, he should have some sleep before that time; aad for his sake enjoyable as this fellowship is, we should retire/' CHAPTER VIII. LOVE'S CHOICE In the afternoon of the day following our arrival at Maysfield Father Harcourt and Senorita Kesterson, were strolling leisurely through the Governor's magnificent gar- den, apparently as gay as the birds that sported in the trees above them; but each of them was carrying a heavy heart. Pausing at the fountain in the center of the garden where a massive life like bronze lion, as if in anger, spouted from his great mouth the water that made every nook and comer of the beautiful enclosure literally bloom as the rose, the young man said, "Senorita Lucretia, let us go over to that rustic seat yonder, under that flowering vine; for I have some serious things to say to you, and I am afraid you would be wearied before I finish, if we kept up this stroll." When they were comfortably seated in the delightful shade, he resumed, "The first thing is, I am going away; and you must not ask me where." "0, Fther Harcourt, you are surely not serious in this?*' the young woman interposed in evident alarm. "I was never more serious in my life!" and then he added with a smile, "you must not address me as, Father, any more; for as I anticipated, I have been excommunicated, and am now not even a layman; just a plain citizen having no relation to The Church only as it's anthematized enemy." "But Senor Harcourt!" the frightened girl enquired, "this is all the punishment the holy father intends inflicting on you is it not?" "If it were, it would be easy to meet, for I could ignore it as I can some of the other professions of his holiness." "Is it possible then that what you feared is determined against you by this professed successor of St. Peter?" "Yes; and that is why I must for the present drop out of sight. But I shall not be idle, I will be busy with my pen in the fight for righteousness, and the world I trust will resound with the joyful news of salvation by simple faith in Jesus Christ." 84 THE LOST LINE *'But we can hear from you, can we not?" pleaded the girl with an earnestness that made the heart of the young- man bound with joy. "Yes, that can be handled by my friends who will bear my communications for the press to where the mails, or wire- less can take charge of them.'^ "I am sure you will appreciate my request that you do not ask where I am going, for it will relieve you of all em- barrassment when asked if you know of my whereabouts. And in fact;'' he added ^vth a smile, '1 do not know my desti- nation myself. I only know that it is a place of safe refuge that your Uncle and Senor Grey Eagle are satisfied is the very best place for me at the present, and those, whose hos- pitality and protection I am to enjoy will die rather than reveal my hiding place.'' '•'Will you be going soon?" the young woman asked, the light all gone out of her lovely faee. "Yes, Senorita Kesterson, and I must leave in the night. "Everything in the way of farwells must be said before hand that when the hour arrives for my departure, I like the Arab must fold my tent and silently steal away." he answered with as much gaiety as the occasion would permit. "But now^ I wish to speak of a matter that to me is more serious than my own personal safety; one that possibly I should not speak of in view of the danger that threatens myself," and taking her trembling hand in his own and look- ing into the liquid depths of her dark eyes, continued, "Yet it seems I must speak of it or my heart will break; and that is my love for you. It may becruel to mention it, even if you felt disposed to return my love; to ask a woman with a bril- liant future before her, to share the perils, and suffer the ostrcism a life with me would impose upon her." "But Julian!" interposed the girl, her face glorious with the lovelight that glowed there, "That is your opinion of the matter; you have not asked for mine. I would rather share all that you have mentioned with you, than safety and social position with any prince of the earth." For a moment Senor Harcourt was overwhelmed with emotion. He knev/ the object of his love possessed the spirit THE LOST LINE 85 of devotion that would lead her anywhere duty called; but" was not prepared to find in this crisis that love mastered and led in the momentous decision; but with a glad heart accepted the wonderful joy that possessed him, and like lovers have done from time immemorial drew her to his breast and sealed their love with a kiss. "Dearest !*' he exclaimed as he gently released her from the tender embrace in which he held her for one blissful moment, "you can nver know what the realization of my dreams means to me. Exer since love for you possessed and held me in it's golden chains, with every thought of you and of a glad sweet day when I might tell you of my love and lay my heart at your feet, till these strange momentous days that have so recently come to me, there was the thought of perpetual celi- bacy of which The Church in it's zeal had consigned me with all it's priests. "To make this perfectly clear, you must understand the priesthood was not my choice of occupations; that is to say, it was chosen for me; for I was devoted to it by my mother, as hundreds of boys are by zealous parents; and as my father died when I ws in my eighth year, and mother had sole charge of me, every bit of my training was with the priesthood in view. "As my mother had ample means, I had the very best training the foremost schools of this country and of those abroad could give me; and when the time for my ordination came, I accepted it as a matter of course, and entered upon my duties as a priest with all the enthusiasm and ardor im- aginable. "As I had no affairs of the heart before ordination, I had given the matter of perpetual celibacy that priesthood in the Church imposes, no serious thought; neither did it trouble me after I had charge of a parish, till you came into my life. Then without any planning or purpose on my part, I was over- whelmed and held in the glad sweet thraldom of love. Love that is as natural to a normal man or woman, for the one pro- vidence has marked for them, as the love of music, or glorious sunsets, or cloud capped mountains; and for this cause, the most impelling cause in the world, *shall a man leave father 86 THE LOST LINE and mother and cleave unto his wife and they two shall be one flesh.' *'So after that glorious unfolding of my normal self, I was a double captive; held in the sweet bonds of love for you, from ^vhich I would have no more been freed, than I would have sought deliverance from the memories of my noble father I have cherished from childhood as priceless treasures; and, held in captivity by the law of the Church. And this bondage became especially galling as I examined the word of God carefully, and found no grounds of celibacy therein; for the Jewish Church, and the Christian Church, in apostalic times laid no such restrictions on their priests." "I do not like to have you spend your time Julian dear in the discussion of these matters, when we are so soon to part, but I would like to know w^hatever did lead The Church to lay such an unreasonable burden on it's priests?'' *'To be perfectly fair to the Church, we must admit there was the smallest germ of this doctrine in The New Testa- ment — Jesus said, There were some who lived unmarried for the Kingdom of Heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it let him receive it'. This hovrever was for any man who sav/ his circumstances were such he could better serve God unmarried, and was able to meet the providential conditions. "Then Paul advised in a time of peculiar persecution through v^hich the infant Church was then passing, for preachers to remain unmarried, — But that he laid no such burden on the ministry for all times and conditions, is seen in his first epistle to Timothy, first bishop of Ephesus. *A bishop then must be blamless the husband of one wife.' But, to see Just what Paul thought of Celibacy for any set of men, he says in the Epistle I have just quoted from, that 'Forbidding to marry' is one of the doctrines of devils. "Several things however had to do with the enactment of the law of celibacy; for as we have seen, the early Church laid no such restrictions on the clergy; but in time their morals became so abominable, those who still had the welfare of the Church at heart — Identified the interests of clerical m.orality and influence with clerical celibacy, and endeavoredto destroy natural immorality by enforcing unnatural morality. THE LOST LINE 87 But I believe the zeal of those who became wise above what is written had much to do with it; thinking God would be pleased v/ith this self abnegation on the part of the clergy; because it was believed, they would thus come before him with a peculiar sancity that would merit his favor; for the drift has always been towards meriting God's peculiar favor by doing something more than he has required of us. ^'Thus, when Jesus came, he found the leaders of His Church zealous about cerimonials^ but neglecting the spirit of the law, and consequently the people were as sheep having no shepherd. "One teacher laid upon the people some requirement he fancied the letter of the law demanded; others added to this what they thought would make the performer thereof better in the sight of God, till the commandment of God was lost sight of through the traditions of men, and Jesus denounced it all in that scathing rebuke. 'Woe unto you Scribes and Pharisees hypocrites, for ye pay tithe of mint anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy and faith; these ought ye to have done and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides which strain at a gnat and swallow a camel. Woe unto ye Scribes and Pharisees hypocrites! f or ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside may be clean also.' '^But I beg your pardon Dear, for I fear my explanation has amounted to a homily; but I know you will forgive me, if I were somewhat tedious; as my mind has been so engaged with these questions for so long." "Instead of there being anything for which you should ask forgiveness, I wish to thank you for this full answer. I can assure you I have heartily enjoyed every word of it. I hope I may not seem egotistical when I say the words of our Lord,, you have just quoted, have been in my mind for some time as applying to the Church today. "And I trust you will not think me irreverent when I 88 THE LOST LINE speak of those words of Jesus appealing to me as ironical humor. "What a picture those leaders, so zealous for the cere- monies, must have presented to the minds of the audience that day. I have thought probably many present knew those very leaders were guilty of cruelty and extortion; taking the last piece of furniture from a poor widow for the rent, but scrupulously laying down in the temple the tenth of the mint anise and cummin which the law did not require to be tithed.'^ "It is not irreverent for you to think of this rebuke of Jesus as ironical humor. There are many instances of humor being used in God^s dealings with men. It is plainly declared in God's book that he laughs, and will laugh at men's plans, and futile efforts against his plans, and power. And is it not true that m.any evils have been laughed out of existence ? Jesus was the wisest teacher that ever lived, and he saw if he could show up the ridiculous side of the Parisees and Scribes zeal for ceremonies, v/hile lacking those things that appealed to His Father, he would accomplish his purpose; and so it is done. Yes, the picture Jesus drew^ of the Church in his day is a perfect picture of the Church today." ''Thank you Julian, for I fear I have been in danger of becoming a homilist myself in discussing the questions of which the laity are not expected to think about.*' "One thing that made my bondage to the rule particularly galling, was that the Greek, or Estern Church, never required celibacy of it's priesthood. Several hundred years ago, some millions of members of the Greek Church, living in Austria, called Ukranians, broke away from the Eastern Church, and joined the Roman Church; insisting as a condition on their allegiance to Rome, that their priests be allowed to marry; and the pope granted that concession, and they marry to this day. ''You can see the situation. If it is wrong for the prie:ts to marry, then the pope in that day in order to in- crease the membership of the Western Church, consented to an evil. On the other hand, if it v/as not wrong for one section of the priests to contract marriage and have the bless- THE LOST LINE 89 ings and comforts of home, why should it be wrong for an- other portion of them, to follov/ in the steps of the Jewish priests, and most of the early Christian Church ? "But unless there are other questions you desire to ask;^' protested the happy lover, "I must not weary you with further discussion of these tyrannical rules and laws of the Church, for the time is precious, for our stay together can now be measured by hours; and there are so many things v/e should consider concerning our future." "But is it really necessary for you to leave so soon?" asked the young woman tears glistening in her dark eyes, as she laid a trembling hand on the strong arm of her lover. "Yes, Lucretia dear," he answered, drawing her close to his side. "It is believed I should not remain longer than some time tomorrow night. "But I intend to come for you just as soon as I can arrange for it. I understand there is quite a little com- munity of fine people there; some choice spirits both men and women, v/ho are putting their lives and means into the work of bringing about the industrial freedom and moral redemp- tion of the submerged millions. "My heart glows at the thought of having a part in it; and what I was trying to do in my parish of rich and cul- tured people seems so insignificnt compared with this real work; and with you at my side to help me in the glorious fight, happiness will be complete. "The accommodations v/ill no doubt be quite primitive, from descriptions given me, but I fancy the knov/ledge that v/e are in the path of real duty, and marching on to victory, and with each other's love, the conditions will not seem so bad. And besides, we are hoping that in a few months our forces will have so gathered strength the situation will be so changed the lives of our workers v/ill not be in the danger they are in now." "0 Julian dear," the now reassured girl exclaimed, "I am sure the accommodations there will be delightful — ^we can think of our stay there as our honeymoon. You know people often go to some out of the v/ay place to spend their first few weeks together, living, may be in a little tent beside some 90 THE LOST LINE lake away up in the mountains, with only a servant or two to attend them; and think nothing of the inconveniences and isolation. So we can, as the poet has so aptly said, 'Far from the maddening crowd's ignoble strife,' spend the months, or years if need be, of our blissful honeymoon. "And my happy heart too, thrills with the thought that together we may have a part with those devoted men and women in the deliverance of the forgotten, down trodden mil- lions of our brothers and sisters/' *'Your words dear, make my heart very glad; for I had dreaded so much to ask you to share the lot my life for a time may make necessary — I am happy to say however that my financial needs are thoroughly safeguarded, thanks to my sagacious father, who several years before his death con- verted all his w^ealth into government bonds; and when my mother died five years ago, the entire estate passed to me the sole heir, so, though I have lost my parish, and they have stripped me of all priestly honors and emoluments, they can- not rob me of my income which is amply sufficient for any manner of life we might choose, and yet leave a goodly sum to devote as I propose to do, to the freeing of those in bond- age to the forces of greed. '^One of the first things we should do now dearest, is to go to your mother, tell her of our engagement and of our pur- pose to be married at an early date. She should know it, and we will be glad of her blessing. But we should say nothing at the present of the strange conditions under which our nuptials must be celebrated.'' A look of pain passed over the fair face of the girl for an instant, then she answered: "You will pardon me Julian, but I do not believe that is best just now. Mamma is so de- voted to the Church, and has had her ambitious plans for me all these years, that she will be so set against our plans it will not do now. "As the time drav/s near for you to come for me of course I will tell her, and face the opposition as best I can. I know this will cause you a great deal of pain; but you will appre- ciate the situation, knowing as you do, there are those v/ho put the Church before everything else; family ties, love of THE LOST LINE 91 off -spring, all will be sacrificed to what they fancy is their duty to the Church. It is hard for me to have to say it, but it is true nevertheless; it would be wholly unsafe for me to let my mother know anything of the plans for your safety." Senor Harcourt v^as wholly unprepared for any such a revelation as this, but drawing the troubled girl gently to his breast exclaimed, ^'You poor dear girl! I never dreamed you were carrying such a burden as this on your heart, and all because of me. But while I am pained, I know it is part of the price I must pay to be true to my conscience, to God, and to the Church itself. Yet your love and devotion, constitutes a treasure so unspeakably precious to me, all the suffering, ostracism, hatred, and persecution I must endure, are as nothing to it.^' *1 knew you would understand me,'' responded the girl, as she sobbed out her grief on her lover's breas^t. "I am not willful in this; my mother should be my best counselor, and I would go to her at this time with all that concerns you and me, if I dared to do it. ^'But in the matter of my love, I have a right before the law to make my ow^n choice; and in making my choice, I am only following the advice of my saintly father just before he went to be with God. 'Follow your heart in choosing a husband, my dear. Do not allow anyone to influence you to contract an alliance for money, or social position, that you will regret the rest of your life.' I did not realize then w^hat he meant. I know now, and am so hppy in your love. ''But," she exclaimed, brushing away her tears," If you are going so soon, we ought to tell Uncle Justin of our plans at once, for he will know what to do, and will manage every- thing for me." The young people were greatly surprised the morning following their engagement, when Governor Sherwood called them into his study and wtih a merry twinkle in his eyes announced, "The arangements for the celebration of your m.arriage will be m.ade for six o'clock this afternoon, pro- vided." he added in a sober vein, "the plan meets with your approval." And v^^ithout witing for either assent or pro- test, he proceeded, "As you know Senor Harcourt, the situa- 92 THE LOST LINE tion is grave; but the truth is it is very grave. Those of us who are in close touch with the outside world realize this as you cannot. "If there had been nothing more than your work at Col- umbus, and the editorials that commended your course at the time; the original policy of the Vatican would have been the one followed; but your last communications, and the recent editorials in papers friendly to your work, have stirred the hierarchy to frenzy; so it will not be safe for you to remain av/ay from the place of refuge longer than tonight. "There are persons I can refuse entrance into these grounds, there are others I cannot; and no one knows in what guise the enemy may come. Senors Grey Eagle and Keeling are of the same opinion and agree with me fully that as you are to be married soon it would be better this evening; then you could leave on your honeymoon trip with Senor Keeling and party at Eleven o'clock tonight. "Then you see Senor Harcourt, it would be extremely dangerous for you to leave the refuge till after the election in November; and possibly many months after that. Hence our plan for the wedding tonight. "And we know ycu can both be of incalculable value to the cause of freedom while you carry on the fight for right- eousness in the shelter of the refuge open to you. "Senor Keeling assures me there will be accommoda- tions for you, though they will be of a primitive nature." "But Uncle!" exclaimed the girl wth evident alarm. "What about Mamma?" "Never mind about your mother, I will arrange matters with her. It is for you to decide what you v^all do in a crisis like this." "0, I m not troubled about that; but how can we recon- cile her to such a sudden arrangement?" "0 just leave that to your Uncle too," laughed the Gov- ernor; "but it will not do to say anything about your trip — as I have already suggested you can call your stay in seclus- ion your honeymoon. 0,.I can fix it alright with her, when you are once safely v/ay." he remarked with a gesture. "But what do you people say to the plan?" THE LOST LINE 93 "It will be the greatest pleasure of my life to have Senorita Lucretia go with me tonight as my wfe;'* answered the young man, "but of course she must decide/' "I will go!'' the radiant young woman answered; "truly Uncle, you are a genius at planning. I was telling Julian yesterday we could call our stay at the Refuge our honey- moon; and so it shall be." So the marriage was quielty celebrated at the hour agreed upon, a venerable priest who approved Senor Harcourt's course, and who was living in retirement in a nearby town, where he had ministered to the spiritual needs of the com- munity for fifty years, reading the service. CHAPTER IX. THE PURSUIT. The preparations for our return to The Builders' Head- qaarters were made with extreme caution. Governor Sherwood personally supervised the transfer of the trunks nd traveling bags of the bride and groom from the house to the airship; but the faithful servants who handled the baggage never dreamed they were having a part in a real romance, for with such secrecy had everything in connection with the marriage been carried out, none of the numerous servants of the Governor's household, had the faintest inkling of it. When the hour for our going came, the lights in the grounds and about the hangars were turned off; our fare- wells were spoken under our breath; and our party made its way in silence to where our gallant ship was in readiness for our departure. All directions for our embarking, and orders to the pilot concerning our trip were made in whispers, all realizing discretion were the better part of valor; for though it was the time of full moon yet heavy clouds covered the whole face of the sky and this cast a shroud of mystery over all the v/orld. Every dim shape, or wierd shadow, because of our tense nerves, seemed a menacing foe, or the lurking place of an assassin who sought the life of the young priest, and if occasion required it, any who would befriend him. Yet with all our fears we could not be unmindful of the glories of that summer night. Though we moved with bated breath and careful step yet it was impossible to shut out the sweet fragrance of balsam and pine, the gentle breezes wafted to our nostrils as they blew down fresh and cool from snow capped mountain peaks. In spite of our caution, our ears would heed the multitude of sounds that filled the air. Some of them familiarly sweet, awakening memories of child- hood's days and loved ones long since gone. The tinkle, tinkle of a bell as some leader of the herd stirred restlessly, the bleating of a lambkin calling to its mother, the tune of the THE LOST LINE 9o cricket's fiddle; the strange yet sweet cry of a thousand katydids uttering their accusations and denials; and above all the deep boom of the grey v/olf's call as he wandered lone and hungry on a distant mountain side. When all arrangements had been completed, Senor Keeling gave the word to the pilot, the mechanism of the speaking tube being so perfect it would convey a whisper, and our staunch ship moved out on the most momentous and eventful journey of its history. Scarcely were we off the landing field till our craft, which was going at a terrifiic speed, began to rise rapidly to be quickly away from the place where danger might be lurk- ing. As we shot upward, the earth with its dimly visable land- marks seemed to be falling away from us, and everything but the twinkling camp fires on the hillsides where shepherds and their flocks were resting for the night, soon vanished. Then as in the twinkling of an eye these too disppeared and I knew we were in the clouds. A dense mist, that though lighted by a strange soft light that continuously grew brighter, hid all the world from view. I v/as enraptured. At last some of the sweet longings of my childhood were being realized. From the dawn of memory, nothing in nature, of which I had ahvays been a most ardent lover, had so charmed and fascinated me as the clouds. In childhood I had dreamed wondeful dreams about the clouds, as I wtached them go sailing like great white winged ships through the air. I often wondered if I were only up where they were if I could not ride away on their pink and golden beauty to fairy land; or when they arose grand and terrible in time of storm, if their great angry folds were not bags made dark by the water they carried, which the thunder and lightning rent asunder letting out the rain. Now I was in the clouds of which I had dreamed such strange sweet dreams, enveloped by them as a mother would enfold in her arms the homesick child returned to her breast. In spite of the strain we were under a few moments before, I reveled in it; for a wonderful joy possessed me. 96 THE LOST LINE But marvelous as it all was, I was wholly unprepared for what was coming. Suddenly we shot up out of the clouds, rose a hundred feet or so bove them, and headed directly for Headquarters. We v/ere now in a veritable wonderland; no bedtime tale told and retold to my ever increasing wonder and delight, by my old nurse in childhood's days, was half so wonderful as -this reality. The full round moon flung out her noods of mellow light so bounteously it seemed I had never seen moonlight before; and in that pure atmosphere the stars sparkled and scintilated like gems in a diadem. Beneath us rolled a moulten sea of silver; its waves white crested and terrible, foaming and tumbling like the billows of the storm tossed Atlantic; but above this rolling, tumbling sea of mist, we were flying far more swiftly than the speed- iest ocean liner could plov/ the main in the far off olden time^ though it's waters might be as smooth as a summer sea. I could see a look of relief on the face of Senor Keeling, the instant v/e were above the clouds; and with a reassuring smile he exclaimed, "Now folks, I feel we are fairly safe to pursue our v/ay at will to Headquarters. As we were not molested en leaving the grounds at Maysfield, and as we have now put the thick screen of clouds between us and any enemy craft, that might have been reconnoitering in the neighbor- hood, it is very unlikely we will be disturbed in our journey.'* I could also see a change had come over the other mem- bers of our party, and all were apparently settling down for a pleasant cruise through the moonlit air. A cruise about which a story more fascinating and won- derful than any Arabian Knight's tale might have been writ- ten. But this was for a moment only; for we were rudely awakened from our dream of security by the sudden appear- ance of an airship apparently about the size of our own, that shot up out of the rolling sea of clouds about a quarter of a mile behind us. One thought v/as in every mind on board our ship. "We were being pursued by an enemy." Still all had a faint hope, that the ship in our wake might be the craft of some pleasure seekers, who looking for the novel and exciting, had THE LOST LINE 97 determined to rise above the clouds and had chanced to come up directly behind us. We were perfectly sure the fathful men occupying the cockpits down in the fuselage were watching the movements of the strangers back of us and felt certain they would not be outwitted by any enemy pilot. But we were glad when our good ship, apparently to try out the intentions of our neighbor, shot forward at an in- crease of speed that soon reached one hundred miles an hour, keeping this gait, until thirty or forty miles were covered. But when \ve noted our neighbor maintained the same distance from us through this burst of speed, all hopes that we were not being pursued vanished from every breast, and each member of the little party read in the faces of the others the set determination to meet v/ith calm fortitude any fate the future might hold for them. Suddenly we were aware our ship was plunging, down- ward at a rapid gait, and before we could realize what it meant we found ourselves in the clouds once more, where we soon resumed a level flight in a daring effort to elude our enemy in the enveloping folds of the friendly mist. But after possibly twenty fiive minutes of this, we came to great rifts in the clouds that grew larger as we journeyed on towards the south. Coming out into one of these that was wider than any yet crossed, we cold discern the ominous shape back of us, dangerously near, coming on in our wake like a fearful nemesis that was determined not to lose sight of us, if they did not immediately attack us. The clouds were now rapidly clearing away and Colum- bus could be seen through the constantly widening rifts like a great patch of light, for electricity turned night into day in the Convention City. When we were yet several miles north of the city, our ship began describing a great circle so Columbus was left to our southeast; but when we were directly west of the city, our course changed again somewhat, so we bore gently to the southwest, towards Nogales, Arizona. We had now slowed down to a speed of eighty miles an 98 THE LOST LIx^JE hour. The reason for it appearing in Senor Reeling's view of the situation and plan of action. Senor Harcourt had been a close, keen observer of every movement of the ship that v/as following us, and noting our ship had settled do-vn to a steady gait, and that Senor Keeling was not momentarily engaged ventured to ask him a lev/ questions, to v/hich, ansv/er was returned, that ran something like this. "No, Senor Harcourt, there is not a particle of doubt in my mind now about the pursuing ship being an enemy; and as there has been abundant time to try this theory out; VTii convnced the hierarchy has in some way gotten hold of information concerning the plan to get you into a place of safety, and as it has been trying for long time to discover the Builders' Headquarters, the men on this ship are out on a two fold mission tonight. To follow us, until they are sure they have discovered the place where The Builders function, then rush tls, throw a bomb on our ship to destroy it, then retire to a place of safety, and come back at their leisure with rein- forcements to ransack and destroy Headquarters and the glorious band of men and v/om^en there/' ^*I believe you have the solution of the mystery that seems to surround the conduct of our pursuers", Senor Har- court answered, *'for I have been puzzling over the problem for some minutes, that if they have evil intentions concei-ning us, which every sign indicates they have, why do they put off the blow they intend; running the risk of disaster to them- selves, from an attack from us, or from accident. If they simply desire our destruction why should they delay an attempt at it? "As you suggest, I am also fully convinced, they have a double purpose.'' "But I trust" Senor Keeling returned, "v/ith the guiding hand of Him who notes the sparrow's flight, to direct our course, they will get nothing out of this chase, but their pains. Of course we have no knowledge as to the equipment of their ship to sustain a long flight; but I knov/ what this ship will do, and I am confident it will be true to it's name. "The Invincible", out-fly it's rival yonder and bring us safely into Headquarters. Of course the air is free to us anywhere THE LOST LINE 99 in our own country; and as we are not at war with any nation, we can fly over any clime where we care to set sail. ^'Bu't if I had only been thoug^htful enough to have had a good sized lunch basket filled before leaving Maysfield, our journey would be more enjoyable; but I doubt if our enemy back yonder thought to stock up with provisions before setting out on this pleasure trip. I dare say they will get hungry as quickly as we, and it may be their undoing; for they may decide some evening to descent to earth for supper, and if they do, we will bid them a fond farewell and journey on into Headquarters at our leisure." But in spite of these words of confidence and good cheer, I was not wholly reassured, for I thought of another chase I had witnessed in childhood and shuddered as I contemplated the possibility of this one ending as disastrously for us as it did for the pursued in that far off summer day. A weasel in search of his dinner had surprised a squirrel at his. The squirrel knew if there was any safety for him it was in flight, so springing upon a tree trunk ran to the very top of it, sprang out into the air, closely followed by his cruel foe, and down into the sheltering mysteries of the heavy undergrowth below. There with all the swiftness with which his feet would carry him he ran, now under a fallen tree trunk, now through a maze of vines; thence upon another tree to it's topmost bough, sprang out into the air once more, the nose of his relentless pursuer almost touching his tail, and down again into the cover of the friendly underbrush, where because of failing strength, and the awful fright that possessed him, he made one false movement and the weasel taking advantage of it, sprang upon him, bore the luckless squirrel to the ground and with his knife-like teeth cut the jugular vein, closed his cruel lips over the gaping wound, gorged himself with the hot blood, then turned leisurely over on his side to rest beside his stiffening victim. The clouds had now cleared away and we were cruising through the moonlight air that was almost calm. The light of the moon fell full on our pursuer so it was easy for us to discern every movement; and we saw his only purpose for 100 THE LOST LINE the present was to keep in close proximity to us, proving the conclusions of Senor Keeling were correct. About two o'clock in the morning we came in sight of Nogales, where we changed our course abruptly and in- creased our speed to one hundred miles an hour, and flew directly south over the State of Senora for the distance of one hundred miles; then swung round to the northeast until we were on our original line of travel from Columbus to Nagoles; then headed directly for the former city once more. When we were about one hundred miles east of Nogales it became certain to us from the conduct of our pursuers that they had figured out our plan not to go into the place of Shelter to which we were carrying Senor Harcourt. And in accordance with this deduction they proposed to end the chase by destroying us, and report to their m.aster at -Wash- ington City that it was possible to carry out but one part of their two fold mission. The first intimation we had of their change of plans was when they started forward at terrific speed, and at a dis- tance of one hundred feet from us shot upward, with the evident purpose of getting above our ship to drop a bomb upon us, much as the cruel hawk rises above it's fleeing quarry when the moment or advantage comes, to strike it dead in mid air. So unexpectedly and so quickly was this rush made, their purpose was well nigh accomplished; and we held our breath in anticipation of the fate that for a moment seemed certain; but through the quick action of our intrepid pilot and as we believed the superiority of our machine, the catastrophe was averted. For like a rocket our good ship shot upward and forward, as the seasoned racer on the track gets his second wind in the last lap, and leaves his rival, who has been run- ning neck to neck with him, rods behind, as he comes in under the rope. Now we realized we were in a race for our lives for we had nothing whatsoever for defense; we must out-wit and out-fly our enemy, or all was lost; so vigilence and the superiority of our ship, and those who manned it, were our only hope from a physical standpoint, for the preserva- tion of life, that looked very sweet to us that summer night. THE LOST LINE 101 After our escape from this intended assault, our flight for some time was on a dead level, at terrific speed, for our sole business was now to keep out of the way of our enemy, letting him set the pace; guarding against giving him an advantage through slackened speed in which he would rise above us for his work of destruction. The fev/ minutes that followed dragged by like hours. It is said there are moments on the battlefield in which men live a lifetime, so much of horror, mental anguish, and epoch making events are crowded into them. So v/e lived and suffered more in that brief stretch of time, than in all our lives before. We had not covered fifty miles of that nerve racking flight, when the enemy feeling the moment of advantage had come, shot upward like an arrow from a bow to gain the vantage point above us. Quick as a flash of light, our good ship rose to keep on a level with the foe or above it,and at a safe distance in the lead. The struggle was titanic. Not as two monarchs of the jungle would match tooth and claw, or hoof and horns for the mastery; but nevertheless a struggle in which two giants of the air matched speed gainst speed, and two human vdlls grappled in a mighty game with their lives, and the lives, of those on board their ships, as the pawns! For some minutes the ships had been climbing, climbing; the one bent on destruction, the other to save itself from desrtuction. Then we saw in the pure atmosphere of that far height what froze our blood; the enemy ship was gaining on our ship, yard by yard, and soon it hovered like a great bird of prey above us, and any instant we v/ere expecting to hear the frightful boom of the exploding bomb, that would send our gallant ship to earth a flaming twisted wreck. Then we saw what seemed incredible to our bewildered senses. The enemy ship was slipping rapidly backward, and shaking like a leaf would shake in the wind. Evidently a propeller blade had broken in the terrific struggle for the mastery, and the mighty vibrations such a catastrophe would 102 THE LOST LINE occasion, were no:: only well nigh wracking the ship to pieces, but must have caused the bomb meant for us to miscarry, for, above the awful din and roar, the sound of a mighty explosion reached our ears, we saw the lurid glare of bursting flames; eaught just one heart sickening glimpse of terrified human faces lit up by the bright light, and the daring chase was over; for our relentless enemy was falling in great flaming spirals to the earth! CHAPTER X. THE STATE CONVENTION "Mis amigos y Conaradas!'' rang out in clear cheery tones above the bable of voices, and Senor and Senora Grey Eagle separated themselves from the throng of visitors in front of the old Mission Church, and with extended hands and beaming faces hurried to our party which consisted of Senor and Senora Keeling and myself. "Ah, this is a rare and unexpected pleasure'^ exclaimed Senor Grey Eagle, as he and his fair wafe shook our hands cordially, "From what you said Senor Keeling, when you left Maysfield night before last, I feared it would be impos- sible for 570U to come, and we v/anted you here so much. "Though wife and I are not on the reception commit- tee, we constitute ourselves one right here and now, and welcome you to old historic Santa Fe; and the State Conven- tion of the Industrial Party that convenes at ten o'clock to- morrow morning. And notwithstanding you people come from another state, and have no voice in the Convention, we assure you there will be no delegation sitting in the pavillion tomor- row more appreciated by us than yourselves!" "Thank you, Senor Grey Eagle for this most gracious welcome;'' responded Senor Keeling; "and as you suggest,*' he continued, "When v/e left Maysfield it did look impossible for us to be here; but the obstacle, I am happy to say was removed, and we are here. But as I believe you know, it would have taken an insurmountable difficulty to keep me from the opening of this glorious campaign for freedom.*' Then he added with a gracious smile, "The other mem- bers of my party here were just as eager to be in at the be[- inning of the open battle as myself." And sobering some- what, he continued, "But we must be strangers to all our friends tomorrow; for the place of meeting as we all must know, v/ill be infested with spies, and every man who has had to do with affairs, and every word spoken will be reported to the Vatican." 104 THE LOST LINE "Yes that is so;" responded Senor Grey Eagle pressing the hand of his companion warmly. "And I recognize the necessity for the utmost caution on your part because of your past activities. "But how about your trip from Maysfield to Headquar- ters; without incident I suppose?'* "Instead we were pursued!" "All, indeed! but unsuccessfully I take it?" "I am certain our pursuers have not reported to his holiness!" "I see; this is surely getting interesting. You can tell us all about it as we go out to have a look at the pavillion where the Convention is to be held. I believe it is as perfct as a building of its kind can be." And so saying, he and Senora Grey Eagle led the way to their airship. We had reached Santa Fe just a little w^hile before our unexpected meeting with the Grey Eagles, having had lunch- eon at a quaint old inn in an obscure village some twenty miles south of the city. And at my urgent request, had corns immediately to visit the old church that was erected by the first missionaries from Spain to the Indians in that local- ity, some centuries before. I had visited it many times in the far off days, and I v/ondered if the walls of adobe though they were six feet thick at the foundaticn were still intact. I was much sur- prised to find the picturesque historic edifice still standing, but entirely enclosed; for the enterprizing city had caused a great house to be built about it, with slate roof and walls of the finest plate glass set in heavy metalic sash, to preserve it from the gnawing tooth of time; yet hiding none of the rude beauty from the eyes of the observer. I marvelled at the changes that had come to the city since I sav/ it last. It's growth was the first thing to excite won- derrz-ent, for it had spread out in every direction, but espec- ially to the v/est and south. From a modest little city, it had grown to a magnificent masterful city of a million souls. From the old Santa Fe, with its branch line railway, it had become the new Santa Fe, with its two great trans-con- tinental lines — double track systems — which because of THE LOST LINE 105 aerial passenger travel were given over to freight traffic; specializing in train loads of the heavier freight. Another thing that quickly arres-ted my attention, was the peons; almost counterparts of those I had seen for the first time ten days before in Columbus, New Mexico; for here too, they seemed to be everywhere busy at the drudgery of the city. But it seemed a hopefulness characterized them that was not apparent in the faces of those at Columbus; and naturally, for on the morrow the battle for freedom, THEIR battle for freedom was to open. Then I was astonished at the great numbers of sleek well-fed priests, that seemed to be everywhere. These I knew must be fed, clothed, and housed by that system, at whose base the multitudes of peons ground and sweat; and I v/as forcibly reminded of the remark of a Catholic writer on priest-ridden Ireland, **It seemed to me, every other man I met there was a priest.'' The pavillion, v/hich was located several miles to the southwest on a small knoll in the outskirts of the city, was indeed ideal for its purposes. Its top, seen from the airship as we neared it, looked for all the world like the canvass of a mammoth circus tent, supported by tall strong beams. But the most unique feature of the pavillion was that its ampitheatrical seating that would accommodate ten thous- and people; did not extend by many feet as far out in any direction as the roof, so that protection from the sun was perfect; while the entire space, from the edge of the roof all around down to the ground was entirely open, insuring the complete comfort of the immense throngs assembling there. We were in our seats in the pavillion at an early hour next morning, and found it an experience of a lifetime to v/atch the great throngs come in. Our interest centered of course in the delegations from the various counties of the state, as they filed into the sec- tions reserved for them; for it seemed every tribe and kind- red on the earth was represented in them. American Indians, as straight and lythe of limb as their ancestors who greeted the first v/hite men from Europe; and Indians from the banks 106 THE LOST LINE of the Gangese, Native born negroes, and negroes from Africa, all so black it seemed they might cast a shadow on a cloudy day, along with the pure Caucasian, and Yellow men from the islands of the sea; tall and stately men of pure Arabian blood; Lapps, whose stunted figures bore silent tes- timony of the effects of cold and privation on a race, v/hich for centuries dwelt on the frozen treeless tundra of Northern Europe; and smiling sons of Italy; so cosmopolitan was the citizenry of New Mexico. While there were peon men and women in the delegations, in whose veins flowed the blood of the five great races of mankind. But all of them, what ever their race or color, animated by one great purpose; a glorious light beaming from every eye. Some time before the hour for the convention to open, the pavillion was filled to its capacity, and promtly at ten o'clock Governor Sherv/ood, as temporary chairman, arose, struck the table before him with a gavel, which had been presented by the peons of the city, and declared the conven- tion open. A large chorus of men and women, rendered a patriotic song written for the occasion, and a grey-haired veteran in the fight for freedom, led the vast assembly in praj'-er to Almighty God, for guidance and protection. Thunderous applause greeted the permanent chairman, Senor Oliver P. Blaisdell, when he was escorted to the plat- form. He was descended from men, v/ho fought in the Eevolutionary War, and though he v/as born in peonage, had by sheer force of character and indomitable will overcome all obstacles, and risen to leadership among his fellows. Interest reached its height however, v/hen the chair- man of the committee on platform, composed of five women, and two mien, announced their report was ready, and that Senora Izora Grey Eagle the secretary of the committee would read it. When she reached the platform, with the im.portant docu- ment in her hand the vast assemblage arose enmasse; hand- kerchiefs v;ere v/aved, and tumultuous cheers woke the echoes. When the enthusiastic crowd settled back into the seats, a great quiet, like the hush of a summier evening, pervaded the THE LOST LINE 107 pavillion, as the fair lady began the reading in clear ringing tones that reached the fartherest seat: The Industral Party Platform. Resolved that we, the delegated representatives of the electors of the State of New^ Mexico, in convention assembled in our duty to our constituents, our State, and the Nation at large, unite in accepting the following declarations that are to be embodied in the platform of the party in the National Convention at Chicago, five days hence. 1. That the policy of the dominant party, for some years past, in its disregard of the rights of the many, in seeking and safeguarding the interests of the few, has fully established the propriety and necessty, for the organization of the Industrial Party, whose prime purpose is to seek the v/elfare of the vv^hole people, and whereby put the Government on a basis where it v/ill be perpetuated, rather than overthrown. 2. That any government to continue, must recog- nize, sooner or later, those self evident truths, found in an old and much neglected document. *That all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these, are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed"; and therefore we demand — 1. The com.plete abolition of peonage. 2. Immediate and complete correction of the tax The immediate institution of a free school sys- levy. tern. 4. Complete religious freedom. Full protection under the government, in the worship of God according to the dictates of conscience, providing such forms of worship do not conflict with the plain word of God, the sacredness of the home, and the interests of the whole people. 5. A complete abolition of the fee system as now 108 THE LOST LINE permitted in the Catholic church. Any priest or pastor in charge of a parish, or congregation, shall on request^ perform the marriage ceremony, administer baptism, bury the dead, or grant absolution to the truly penitent, free of charge. So the poorest man in the land may stand on equal footing with the richest in his moral relations. 6. A complete abolition of Landlordism. The land only for those who till it. We demand the Government purchase the present great estates at a just figure, divide them into tracts according to their productiveness, lati- tude, v/ater privileges, etc., and sell only to those who will till the same, on the installment plan giving thirty years time., at a living figure and low rate of interest. Penalty for Landlordism; Reversion of land to the Government. 7. Government ownership and operation of all pub- lic utilities for the benefit of the whole people. 8. Government ownership and utilization of ail natural resources, such as coal nines, natural growth tim- ber, oil fields, water power, natural beds, mines or de- posits, that can be converted into building and con- struction material, fertilizers, etc., for the benefit of the whole people. 9. An eght hour day. 10. That all offices, shops, factories, store and other buildings, v/here men and women render services for wages be built on strictly sanitary lines, furnished wth abundant light and approved appliances for safety of life and limb. 11. The abolition, as quickly as possible, of the tenement system of housing the industrial class, by a Government building board that shall cause to be erected suitable dwellings on lots of specified dimensions, and sell the same to heads of families on the installment plan of payment, covering a period of twenty years; longer time to be given where there is unavoidable disability to pay. 12. The restoration of school lands, that through THE LOST LINE 109 eccleastical meddling with legislation, have been turned to the support of parochial schools, back to the states, for the support of the free school system. "Such fellow citizens", commented Senora Grey Eagle, "is a brief statement of the principles of the Industrial Party; which principles we contend are in harmony with those laws instituted by the Creator at the beginning. For when Grod created man he made no provision whatsoever for classes — that one portion of the race should by might, or force of circumstances, which it has created, exact service from an- other portion against its will. But it was his benificent pur- pose that all men should dwell together as brethren, helpers to one another. "A departure from this was no doubt one of the great contributing causes that brought on the flood of waters in Noah^s day, that destroyed all but eight persons; for God said, ^The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them.' "That is, the weaker and less thrifty portion of man- kind, were in all probability, exploited by the richer and more powerful portion, and finally subjected to abject slavery, while profligacy reigned supreme among both classes. Then the stroke fell, that wiped the slate clean of the figures in the sum at which the Almighty was working, making way for the new problem, in which he began all over again with eight souls. "And we are sure history, perverted as it may have been, reveals that exploitation, or attempted exploitation of their fellows by those who fancied they had a divine right, or were physically and intellectually superior to those they would exploit, and were therefore, justified in it, has been the underlying cause of all the wars and revolutions that have visited the earth since that awful cataclysm. "Once more in the course of human events a portion of the race, that numbers hundreds of millions, is under ex- ploitation; Cruel hope-blastin.cr, soul-destroying exploitational! And to make the yoke of this servitude the more galling, and the nif^ht of the oppressed people more dark, is the astounding fact that the church, that should have been the 110 THE LOST LINE protection of all the race, and especially of the weak, not only suffered the unprincipled and the strong, to take advantage of the unforunate and the weak, to increase their wealth and add to their power, but deliberately planned the subjugation of the masses, and joined hands with the wicked to this end that it might reign supreme in the earth, the lord of all things human and divine!!'^ This awful charge called forth tremendous applause, that continued for some moments; and during that time I was able to note something of our surroundings. Y/hile there was much wholehearted enthusiastic cheer- ing from many in the visitors seats we saw others whose faces betrayf;d in spite of themselves a malignity that was ominous; and I knew we were surrounded by Jesuit spies and sleuths of the Vatican, that would go to any lengths to serve their master, and an .involuntary shudder shook my frame as I watched the steady movement of their pencils, which I knew were recording every w^ord my friend of a few brief days was uttering, and also all the proceedings of the convention as well; that their master might possess himself of every fact that he might not only combat this political uprising success- fully, but know just who to crush v/hen the movement should be put down. My apprehensions were not lessened when a breath of air stirring the locks on the forehead of one of the scribes near me, revealed the significent ^666' I When the cheering subsided, the radiant speaker contin- ued: "Therefore my fellow citizens, if ever an uprising, a mass movement for liberation stood justified; if a political movement to correct long standing and dehumanizing abuses stands righteously grounded, we the Industrial Party are the embodiment of that cause! "To expect that the present conupt officialdom will reform, is worse than useless. We the oppressed class make no apology to our self-appointed rulers; we arise from our knees where we have grovelled too long, to assume the sta- ture of men; and men offer no apology of manly action; submit our demands, and declare our purposes! "We unequivocally demand the sweeping removal from every office in our land the present corrupt contemptuous and THE LOST LINE 111 unholy officialdom who hold their truckling positions at the will of the supreme pontiff; and propose to replace them with honest, liberty loving, God fearing men and women from our own ranks; v/ho though oppressed *have been toiling up- ward in the night', and know all too bitterly wherein lies these wide spread and seemingly unconquerable abuses, and have the breadth of vision, and the strength of heart to undertake the gigantic task of correcting the conditions. '*But the heaviest and most melancholy burden any liber- ation movement must bear, is the inertia and indifference of the many who most need that liberation. ^'But my brothers, is it any wonder here in our day, here where generations of oppression and enforced ignorance have taken beauty from the faces, grace from the forms of the lash driven millions, darkening their souls and stupifying their minds, that in multitudes, only animal instincts pervail ? "Arise Patriots! Bow the knee no longer in cringing trembling servitude! Stand erect, look your self appointed masters in the face, and prepare to grapple with the false and brutalizing system under which ithe world is groaning. "Be mxen; for as you love truth, honor and justice for all, you are immeasurably above your oppressors v/ho live falsely, know no standard of social and civil justice, but live only for self; forgetting the toiling millions who sometimes lift their haggard faces toward the light, hoping for a better day! "We demand homes for these downtrodden brutalized masses.' Real homes; sanctioned and made such by the church and state. Not just a bit of adobe and thatch where children are born to increase the working force of the greedy landlords. Homes where the last rays of the setting sun linger as if to sanctify the sweet lullabyes of happy con- tented mothers. Homes with all their softening refining and spiritualizing influences, without v/hich no true commonwealth can long endure. "Who alone but ourselves must undertake this solemn duty? On us alone rests this heavy burden. Those of us who hve caught the vision must stir to action the indifferent, and support the weak. Then together we must move on in 112 THE LOST LINE entrenched wrong*, firmly barricaded with organization thf.t has long withstood the wrack of time and change. "Like a wall, this organization stands solid, smug, con- temptuous; and till overthro^vn, is a sure .guarantee to its few beneficiaries, of wealth, privilege, and imune enjoyment of every form of corruption and power. Against all this, fellow patriots, we must move not with glittering spear or blades of steel; not with shot and shell; but with the pure w^hite ballot, made pure and white by the justice of our cause. "Then if we falter not, some glad day it will have come to pass, that there is not a peon, or industrial slave on God's green earth; when brother can take brother by the hand, look him in the eye and each with his shoulder under the bur- dens march on together in the light of civil and religious liberty towards the eternal day!'' When the speaker, whose face glowed with a glorious light, finished, the assembly rose to its feet as one man, and a tumultuous burst of cheers rent the air. The faces of men that bore the brands of their cruel masters were wet with happy tears. Men whose limbs were scared and maimed by ball and chain leaped for very joy! The great band struck the music of their rallying song, thousands taking up its words and gave vent to their pent up feelings, in sounding out its glorious words of hope, over and over again. ¥7hen the convention closed late that night, a full set of candidates for the state offices had been nominated. Senor Grey Eagle being named for governor of the state, and Gov- ernor Sherwood unanimously endorsed for nomination at the national convention to be held in Chicago, for President of Columbia. CHAPTER XI. THE HEART OF A PEON. All through the memorable day of the Convention, our party was incognito. Not by word or action did we in the least suggest our vital relationship to some of the principals in the great battle begun that day. But when it was over, and the throngs of delegates and spectaors, were swallowed up by the City, or were being borne by sv/ift winged ships through the unchart- ed moonlit air towards every corner of the state, we felt we were safe to make our way cautiously to the executive mansion to accept an invitation from Governor Sherwood and wife, to be their guests a few days before the opening of the National Convention of The Industrial Party at Chicago. We were promptly challenged by a vigilant guard when we reached the entrance to the grounds in which the Execu- tive mansion was located, but a pass, which Senor Sherwood had caused to be placed in the hands of Senor Keeling, satis- fied the cautious keeper of the gate, and he swung it back on it's hinges and with gracious words bid us enter. Our welcome to the Governor's home was as hearty as he and his v/ife could make it, and we were immediately "at home", under their hospitable roof. We knew Senor and Senora Grey Eagle were to be fel- low guests, but a surprise awaited me that could scarcely have been equaled for the joy it brought me; for on entering the spacious reception room, we found Father Holmes Tup- per, the venerable priest who officiated at the wedding of Senor Harcourt and Senorita Kesterson, was among the guests. I had become so interested in him at the wedding, I was delighted at the thought of broadening my acquaintance with him and the possibility of renewing a conversation be- gun at the wedding. Father Tupper was a remarkable man; could be so regarded from any standpoint. He was of massive propor- tions, and though ninety seven years of age, his gentle but piercing eyes were undimmed; and his physical and mental 114 THE LOST LINE vigor were those of a robust man of sixty years. His face was as kindly as any I had ever seen though it was the face of a master of men — high forehead^ shaggy eyebrows, prominent nose, dominant chin, and large firm mouth. His abundant white hair fell in great ringlets over his broad shoulders. This, added to the other striking features of the man, made one think of the ancient Seers. The executive Mansion was a marvel of beauty, far ex- celling anything I had visited in the wonderful new realm into which I had com.e. It was flooded with a peculiar soft mellow light that emanated from small glass tubes that com- pleted the borders of the ceilings of the magnificent rooms. But above all this loveliness and light, I was charmed with the spirit of fellowship and good cheer that pervaded the place like a presence; it was as if a family of sons and daugh- ters had come home to mother and father after years of sep- aration, and each was striving to make the others glad. After greetings were over the conversation for a time was about the great convention just closed; then the company broke up into little groups visiting and discussing such matters as es- pecially concerned them. This left me for the time with the aged priest; so I seiz- ed the opportunity to renew the conversation begun at the wedding. ^'Father Tupper'', I began, "You will doubtless recall a conversation v/e were having the other day 'at the wedding of our friend Senor Harcourt, v/hich came to an abrupt end when my party left for The Builders' Headquarters?" Instantly his face lighted, and he was all animation. "Yes,'' he replied, "I recall it v/ith pleasure and we were discussing peonage, v/eren't we? "I am doubly glad to renew the conversation, first, be- cause I am pleased to impart all the information I am able to one who has so strangely come into this age; an age frought with such tremendous responsibilities, yet, with the present outlook holds nothing but dire calamity. "And secondly because, if I understood you aright, you bave seen nothing of peonage only as you have observed it toi the cities; am I correct in this ?'' THE LOST LINE 115 "Yes Father; I have seen nothing of it only as I have come in contact with it in the great cities I have visited in ttie last few days." ^'Then, you will pardon me for saying it, you have not seen peonage; for there is as much difference between the conditions of the peons in the cities, and those out on the grreat plantations as there is difference between darkness and li^ht!" By this time our host and hostess with their guests, had gathered about the venerable priest, who through a long ob- servant life had g'athered such a fund of information, and possessed such a rare faculty of disseminating it in a pleas- ing way. "You will recognize with me," continued Father Tupper "that the human mind is so constituted it can seize upon the most insignificant thing that comes within the range of con- scienciousness and by it make a sad lot to possess much of joy and pleasure. "You readily recall the story of a prisoner held in soli- tary confinement whose whole life was changed in this way. "As the story goes, a large hungry rat stole slyly into his lonely cell one day to pick up the few crumbs that v/ere on the floor. The wretched man noted this fact with gladness, and took care to drop some of the bread, that was his sole food, where the rat could easily find it, if it should return. This was repeated day by day till the rat became so tame it lingered in the presence of its benefactor, some days for hours; thus completely changing his miserable life. "Keeping this great principal in our thought in con- sidering the lot of the city peon, sad as it is, we will see there is much to ameliorate his condition not enterng into the life of the peon on the great plantaions. "The peon of the city has the environment of the city. The brilliantly lighted streets; the magnificent buildings; the elegant shops; the beautiful parks; the entrancing music rendered by the municipal hands; the gray throngs of people promenading in the plazas, or sailing away in the blue in fantastically shaped ships of the air; yes he has many things to soften a bit his hard lot. 116 THE LOST LINE "But on the average plantation the life of the peon is a ceaseless grind in squalor, filth, wretchedness, and a hopeless despair unbelievable until seen, as I have seen it during the years of my ministry to this enslaved people. "To appreciate this, go w^ith me in your thought out onto one of these plantations where possibly a thousand peon families toil and slave from one end of the year to the other. "You will note the average peon home is an adobe hut of a single room from ten to twelve feet wide, by twelve to sixteen feet long. "If you will tarry by this hut till night fall you will find that this "immense" room shelters from six to twelve hu- man beings! "A little further observation v/ould enable you to see there can be but a semblance of home keeping, for the women must be in the fields as well as the men — only at short inter- vals when their physical condition absolutely prevents it. "On these plantations the peon must arise at four thirty A. M., be in the fields, or at other tasks at six, con- tinuing work till noon, when there is an hour for dinner and rest; then back to the tasks at one, continuing usually till sundown. "I have seen these miserable peon mothers come to their desolate homes at night fall, prepare supper, eat a few mouthfulls of what was not devoured by their half famished children, and without any effort at ^tidying up', throw them- selves upon their miserable pallets of rags or straw, for the rest and sleep they must have for the tasks of the morrow. "You v/ill not wonder then when I tell you that out of pity for those poor women and their wretched families, when visiting the sick in those hovels, I have destroyed great brown knots of vermin that had collected in the upper cor- ners of the sqalid rooms, and with my own hands, otherwise cleaned and made somewhat sanitary, the dwellings of these poor sheep for whom Christ died?" As the kindhearted priest finished this account, his eyes were full of tears and his voice trembled with emotion. But recovering himself in a moment he turned to me say- THE LOST LINE 117 ing,/'You will pardon me I am sure, if I seem to leave the subject in which we are both greatly interested, for there is a matter of which I must speak at this time; for I note that the four o'clock edition of "The Messenger'' referred to Senor Oiver P. Blaidsdell, the nominee of the Industrial Party for the office of Attorney General, with a sneer, as a peon. "Yes he was a peon; and a nobler peon never breathed than Senor Blaidsdell!" It was fascinating to note the change that came over the venerable man; the eyes that a few moments before were filled with tears of pity for the down trodden, now flashed fire; and he who as a priest of God was "a tender shepherd of souls", showed himself just as much a fighter for the right. "I know there will be all sorts of rumors concerning Senor Blaidsdell's past," the priest continued; and turning to Governor Sherwood and Senor Grey Eagle he said, "I want you standard bearers of The Industrial Party to know the facts, that by voice and pen you m.ay meet these malignant attacks." "It gives me great pleasure," Governor Sherwood re- sponded, "and I am sure I can speak for Senor Grey Eagle, and the rest of the company as well, to have you give us the correct account of Senor BlaidsdelFs struggle up from peonage to that fitness which qualifies him to fill any office within the gift of the people of the State of New Mexico." "When Senor Blaidsdell was a boy of tv/elve years," Father Tupper resumed, "he was so sick on a June morning he could not rise when the gong sounded, from his pallet of straw where all night long the vermin had preyed upon his feverish body! "His master, v/ho had been thrown into a violent rage by some hapening of the morning discovered the boy had not arisen, made his way into the hut where the poor sufferer was lying, and beat him so unmercifully he was unable to leave his bed for days. This inhuman treatment aroused such bitterness and resentment in the sensative high strung lad, he resolved on self destruction, and deliberately began to plan to carry out his terrible purpose. 118 THE LOST LINE "When he had recovered sufficiently to work a little with his hands, he induced his father, whose work was among the horses, to bring him hair from their tails that he might plait a rope that he secretly designed to be the instrum.ent of his destruction. "But one day as the rope neared completion, it occurred to it's maker that he could obtain sweeter revenge by ob- taining an education and then find a way to earn money sufficient to pay the debt that held his father and all the family in peonage. "W^en I came in my rounds to the miserable hut in which the boy and his family lived, he told me the whole sad story; and then timidly unfolded his plans. Before I left his bed- side I offered to become his teacher; he coming to me on stated nights after his work v/as done on the plantation. "It was a gigantic undertaking, but he never wavered; and in due time was ready for college. "But when this task was completed the greatest difficulty confronted him that he had yet faced; for a peon may not leave his master's plantation while the debt that holds him in peonage is unpaid. Of course, he could' come to my home, for no peon could be kept from visiting his parish priest, and as priest of a particular parish I could go, thank God, any- where in that field to visit, and minister to anyone who need- ed my services, in spite of the most cruel master. "It is also a law, that when the peon tenders to his master the amount of the debt that holds him in peonage, the master must accept it and give him his freedom. "The night young BlaidsdelFs last examination was taken and his preparation for college was found complete and thorough, he remained with me till the first grey streaks of dawn were showing in the east for we had become comrades; no father could have loved a son more dearly than I loved this noble soul. "But in spite of our wonderful joy that the work was completed he was sad; for he knew full well he could not go away to school while he was yet a peon, and no way he could see presented itself for him to earn the money to buy his freedom. THE LOST LINE 119 **But I knew he was the right sort, and before we parted that autumn morning it was all settled and when his father came from the fields that evening he sought an interview with his master, as he sometimes did on matters concerning his work, tendered him the amout of the debt that held himself and family in peonage, received a receipt for it, and went out from the interview with the freedom of himself and every member of his family. "I could command a scholarship for young Blaidsdell in one of our best colleges, and the rest of his expenses he earned himself; completing the course with the honors of his class." When Father Tupper finished this account of the strug- gles of a young peon, Senora Sherwood expressed the senti- ments of the entire company when she said, "I wish to thank you Father Tupper for this bit of history; for to me it is most yonderful." Without comment, the enthusiastic padre resumed with a merry twinkle in his eyes; "But this is only half the story; justice demands I tell the other half; the story of the escape of his beautiful and accomplished wife from peonage." At this we drew a little nearer to the priest anxious to get every word of this second romance of a prosaic planta- tion. "When young Blaidsdell had competed his first year in college". Father Tupper resumed, "his work as an employee of the County Authorities, took him one day in the vacation period, to an adjoining plantation to the one on which he was born and grew up. "Hoeing in a field of beans that beautiful summer morn- ing, was a fair haired young woman of eighteen years; Senorita Marie Taylor, with eyes as blue as the sky and limpid as a mountain lake. "She had led a free wild life with her two brothers in their mountain home for three glad happy years after com- ing to New Mexico, before peonage engulfed them after the death of their father through the very debt he contracted in the purchase of the stallion that killed him. "Their pastime was horse back riding, fishing for trout 120 THE LOST LINE in the mountain brooks, hunting for grouse, wild turkeys, deer, and bear, and trapping, not only the small fur bearing animals, but coyotes and wolves. "Coming alone one morning to a heavy trap she had set, she found it held a large wolf in its powerful jaws. Fearing her prize might escape if she went to call one of her brothers, she seized a small pole, ten or twelve feet in length, and suc- ceeded in striking it a severe blow squarely across the back w*Mch temporarily disabled it's hind legs; and before it recov- ered from this she rained blov/s upon it's head sufficient to kill it. "Just as young Baidsdell reached that part of the field where Senorita Taylor was working, the overseer, apparently because she was not moving as rapidly as he thoug'ht she ought, but in reality because she had persistently resisted his advances, struck her a sharp cut with his long whip. "Instantly she dropped her hoe, turned full upon him, her face white with wrath, nostrills dilated, bosom heaving; then without a v/ord she sprang with the swiftness of a tigress to v/here he was standing with an insolent grin on his harden- ed face, snached the whip out of his hand, struck him a blinding blow across the eyes, with trie heavy stalk, sprang back to her place and cracked the v/hip in his face a couple of times, the rawhide lash cutting to the bone; threw the whip at his feet, and stood the very picture of scorn as she faced her insulter! She who had killed with a club the grey beast of prey, had visited swift terrible puninhment on a human vv^olf ! "But by this time the slow working wits of the overseer came to his aid, and he lunged forward to kill in her tracks, the woman who dared to defend herself from his beastality. "But Senor Blaidsdell had anticipated his move, inter- cepted him hj a few quick steps and landed a powerful blow to the jaw which put him where he would not make any trouble for a few moments; then said to the girl, "You must come with me to Father Tupper, with the information you can give and with what I have seen this morning to help him, he can save you from trouble in this matter". Then because THE LOST LINE 121 of something more tender than pity, a pure Heaven bom love, be gently took her arm and led her to me. **I interviewed the master in the young woman's behalf, demanded the overseer be dismissed and instructed to make himself scarce in the county, v/hich he was very glad to do. "But strange as it may seem, word of this episode reached the ears of an uncle of Senorita Taylor who had come to Nev/ Mexico from an Atlantic state to look up his brother and family from whom he could get no word. This uncle delivered his brother's widow and her children from peonage, and looked after the education of her daughter and two sons.'' I was voicing my thanks to Father Tupper for the vivid picture he had given me of peon life, when a some- what excited page appeared at the door and announced, "Some cards, your Excellency; there is a party of six persons at the entrance to the grounds, and they are quite insistent on being admitted." "'The Governor scanned the cards for a m.oment unable to make out what was on them; and then handed them t/o Senor Keeling saying, "Can you make anything out of the letters and words written on these cards, Senor Keeling?" Senor Keeling's face instantly lighted, though it was evident he was greatly surprised. Handing the fiist card back to the Governor, he said, " *J. H.' we ought to recognize, and the words written below the initials — It seems to be as the padre has said, we are all in the same class' — for your excellency uttered them a few nights ago." Then the Governor's face lighted up, and he said: "I know who it is now, but hov/ came he to be here I wonder?" Then Senor Keeling continued, "There is only one person in the world who would write 'J. H. L.' and under these initials, the words, 'This is wisdom'; it will be perfectly safe for you to have the party brought in Ssnor Sherwood." Hastily writing instructions for the guard at the gate, the Governor handed the missive to the page saying, "Bring the party in." When the page had gone, the Governor addressed him- 122 THE LOST LINE self to the wondering company saying, "One of this party at the gate you will be pleased to know, is Senor Harcourt; the other is the Honorable Senor James Helper Lansdown, presi- dent of the Order called, *The Builders', whom you all will greatly enjoy meeting." Then raising his hand in protest to what he knew was forthcoming, he laughingly remarked, "No, do not ask me how the party comes to be here, for I haven't the slightest idea, unless they were at the convention today and wish to look in on us before their return to Head- quarers. We will have to wait for an answer until the mysterious mission arrives and answers for itself/' CHAPTER XII. THE BATTLE OF THE SCRIBES We knew the party would be in disguise, but we thought in spite of that we would be able to recognize Senor Har- court, and the hope was expressed by our company that Senora Harcourt would also be among our nocturnal visitors; but when they were ushered into the reception room there was not a familiar face among them. We saw what purported to be a rich Spanish gentleman, his lovely cultured wdfe, and beautiful daughter, who were evidently touring Columbia, attended by three friars of their native land, to give spiritual comfort and counsel. So completely had everyone in the party made up his disguise, we were embarrassed for a moment; but this van- ished completely when the younger ^'Spanish?'' woman seized the hands of Governor and Senora Sherwood exclaiming, "0, Uncle and Auntie! how glad I am to be back once more in this dear old place, and see your faces again!'' Then the largest of the "friars" threw off his cowl and joined his wife in greeting the Sherwoods. I shall not try to describe the joy that possessed us all; or the merriment caused when Senor Harcourt introduced his "brother friars" and playfully pulled aside their somber robes, revealing two forty five automatic revolvers hanging from each man's belt; for each of these "brothers" was a "two gun man", of skill unsurpassed. "Of course you are wondering why we are here at this hour of the night," commented Senor Landsdown, when he and his wife were introduced, "but I can assure you, your welcome makes us glad to be here; but I feel it will be best for Senor Harcourt to explain matters, which I am sure he will be glad to do". "I am certain you have all easily recognized", began Senor Harcourt, "that I am as happy as a boy to be here; but to explain fully why we ventured out from Headquarters I may not be able to do, so many, many motives entered into it. 124 THE LOST LINE *'But in the first place, we wanted to be in this public opening of the great battle for Freedom, for the inexpressible pleasure it would give us. Then Senor Landsdown felt it would be of incalculable value to him, to be at the state con- vention of New Mexico, in helping direct the fight in other states. So we conceived this plan of coming incognito. ^T/e were fully aware of the danger it would subject us to, especially myself, as I have been so recently conspicuously before the public; yet it was the belief of us all, that with myself and my peaceful looking "brothers'' here, disguised as we were, suspicion of any member of the party would be much more improbable*'. "But when, pray, did you reach Santa Fe?" inquired Senora Sherwood, her surprise and delight still manifest. "0, vve were in at the opening v/ord of the Convention all rig'ht;'' Senor Harcourt returned his eyes a tv/inkle; "Our party had the choice of seats reserved for spectators and we were close enough to the platform to hear all the speakers without effort." "And yet, not one of us had the faintest idea, I am sure, that you were there," commented his questioner, "When probably we were looking directly into your faces!" "I will admit it was a thrilling moment," continued the enthusiastic narrator, as a generous smile lighted his face, 'When Senor Sherwood opened the Conventon for he seemed to look only at me!" "I surely thoug'ht," interposed Senora Harcourt, "that Senora Grey Eagle v/ould recognize me when she was deliver- ing that masterly address; but I felt no fears; for I knew if she saw through the disguise of all of us, she would show no sign". "Thank you Senora Harcourt," responded Senora Grey Eagle with a gracious smile, "I remember your party very well; but thought of course I was addressing a company of tourists from the Old ¥/orld as I had seen such parties a few times in my home country. "But from the intense interest manifested by you all, I must say I was fully confident you were in sympathy with the principles I was trying to promulgate." THE LOST LINE 125 "It required more restraint than I 'have had to exercise for a long time to keep from cheering when some of the great points of that history making address were made, I can assure you", graciously interposed Senor Lansdown. Continuing he said; *'That v/as a great Convention! Great in numbers, and great in the v/onderful principles set forth in the platform, and enunciated by every speaker! "I v/as simpiy astonished to see the delegations deport themselves as they did. Even the delegations from the most isolated portions of the state, carried themselves with a poise, manifested an interest, and showed an insight, that augurs only good for the cause of Freedom." These comments led to a rediscussion of the Convention, to v/hich every member of the company contributed some- thing. After breakfast the next morning, Governor Sherwood excused himself to his guests for a few moments to attend to some urgent official business; but when he came into the reception room where his wife and their guests were gathered, he carried in his hand two of the city papers of the day be- fore; the four o'clock edition of "The Messenger", and the seven o'clock edition of "The News". His eyes v/ere tv/inkling and we could see something of more than ordinary interest was engaging him. "I see", he said with a generous smile, "The Messenger has announced the doom of The Industrial Party, and the doom of everyone in any way connected with it; but I am agreebaly surprised to fmd we have something of a champion in The News. "My secretary called my attention to these editorials this morning and I have been able to give them but the briefest survey; now if it is the pleasure of the company, I wish we might consider them together." Consent to this proposition was unanimous. Then turn- ing to his niece the Governor said, "Senora Harcourt, you will do me and this company a great favor by reading these editorials". Then handing her the copy of The Messenger, the fair lady read: 126 THE LOST LINE A STATE CONVENTION. There is being held in a mammoth pavillion in the outskirts of this city today, a so called State Convention, made up of delgations of peons, religious fanatics, dis- gruntled politicians and soreheads of various kinds, from all over the state of New Mexco, under the name of The Industrial Party. From what we can learn such gatherings will be held in all the States of Columbia and the movement will head up in a National Convention in Chicago, Illinois on the 20th day of this m.onth. It appears that the disgrace- ful scenes recently enacted at Columbus in the southern part of this state, where protest and shameless sacrilege were shown against the sale of indulgences in particular, and The Holy Apostolic Church in general, are being reenacted through the spread of anti-religious sentiment and haughty rebellious political doctrines which, it can be plainly seen, strike at the foundation of the present system of government, and the authority of The Holy Roman See! Little do these miscreants realize what they are do- ing! That they are striking at the very body of Christ when they are making this attack on the Holy Apostolic Catholic Church. Little do they realize the punishing power of his holiness, the successor of St. Peter the vice- general of Christ upon earth, when 'his wrath is taxed beyond endurance ! We are authorized to say, by no less a personage than Cardinal Cappelli the mouthpiece of the Vatican for this part of the world, that all true Caholics are commanded to arise and scourge these unholy men and women from the face of the earth, permit these heretics no more peaceful enjoyment of the simplest creature comforts. Treat them as enemies within our midst. He who destroys such, will have done the Church a noble and signal service, and will receive for his good offices the papal benediction, and may expect special favors and exaltato^ ^n the world to come! And v/e are THE LOST LINE 127 informed that it will be the unrelenting policy of the papal See to stamp out this heretical uprising at any cost, and crush without mercy all who aid and abet the peons to arise from their relationship of servants to their mas- ters. "You can see fellow patriots where The Industrial Party is to end, what is to be the happy lot of its standard bearers, and all who would in any way help the downtrodden to throw off the yoke of industrial servitude", commented Governor Sherwood. "I remember", laughingly remarked Senor Lansdown, "That the first direction in a famous receipe for roasting a rabbit was, Tirst catch your rabbit' ". Then sobering he said, "Yet, I do not wish to be regarded as treating the threats of this henchman of the Vatican lightly; for we will feel the heavy hand of wrath. The question is, 'Will we be able as an organization, and as individuals to survive'?" "No, we are not to receive the deliverances of Cardinal Cappelli with complacency", commented Father Tupper. "I have observed that when the Vatican threatens, those threats are executed. "But," he continued, and his serious face glowed with an unearthly light, "there is a limit even to God's patience! The Church now mistress of the world, 'dealing in the bodies and souls of men', may be just now, where, 'her judgment now of n long time lingereth not, and her damnation slumbereth not! The Holy One may be crying of her even now, 'Rejoice over her thou Heaven and ye Holy apostles and prophets, for God hath avenged you on her!'^ When Father Tupper finished this comment, silence held the company, for all felt the aged priest, consciusoly, or un- consciously, had uttered a prophecy. There was a strange gripping at my own heart, an earnest of the pain this judg- ment was to one day cause me! As no one else in the company seemed disposed to offer comments on the editorial, the Governor turned to his niece saying, "It seems we are ready for the Editorial in The News", then Senora Harcourt read: 128 THE LOST LINE AN AROUSED SCRIBE Our worthy contemporary of The Messenger, is very much stirred up over the Convention of The Industrial Party being held in this City today. Now we have not "gone off'* with this erratic movement of the peons and laboring classes in general, holding this convention, who it seems propose to grapple in a fight to the death with "the system", whose tyranny they say they can endure no longer. My brethren of the newspaper world, know, as editor of The News, we have held a free lance for some years, in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the whole people. So, v/hile we have no "axe to grind", in this deal, yet right is right wherever found, and we expect to speak our mind at any cost to ourselves. First, let me say. The News fully agrees with The Messenger and his eminence Cardinal Cappelli, when they say, "His holiness will stamp out this movement, and crush without mercy all who aid and abet the peon world in their efforts to rise out of their present condition of servitude." Yes, this will be done all right, unless something unforseen occurs to prevent it, for these Holy (?) men, the pope and their fawning sycophants, have found ways by which this could be done in the centuries of the past, and it is not to be thought for a moment that the pres- ent incumbent of "St. Peter^s Chair", will be one whit behind those who have reigned and ruled there before him. Fra Girolamo Savonarola was led out to the stake on a fair May day in 1498 to die in ihe flames; and for what ? His crime was the preaching of the simple gospel of Christ, and his efforts to get the people of his beloved Florence to leave off sin, and be good. And because he denounced the wickedness of Pope Alexandrer VI. and the hierarchy! John Huss, Jerome of Prague, Latimer, Cranmer, THE LOST LINE 129 and Ridely, were also burned to death at the stake for preaching the pure word of God, and denouncing the Sins of the leaders of the church and the people of their times. To this bright galaxy of immortals who had rather die most ignominous deaths than deny the truth, are to be added the uncounted thousands of brave souls, whose names are not written in any ear-thly records, that perish- ed in those five unparalled days of "The Massascre of St. Bartholomew's'', and the bloody terrible years of the Spanish Inquisition. Then it will be perfectly clear to anyone who reads the history of The Reformation, that Martin Luther, the leading figure in that great movement, would have been destroyed by the high tempered pope, Leo X., had he not been protected by powerful German princes, the edge of whose bright keen swords, he dare not brave! 0, yes, the movement v/ill be stamped out all right, and it's leaders crushed! We note also with amusement, that our esteemed brother of The Messenger in the use of the expression "The Successor of St. Peter", consents to the claim of the Church that St. Peter was the first Pope. A claim we have been taught to reverence from our earliest infancy. If w^e would receive the teaching of the Church in the matter, we would believe that St. Peter soon after he came to Rome to preach the Gospel, under the special directions of God, built the pontifical throne, ascended it and sat thereon to the day of his death, having special favor v^^ith both man and God. That the next to him in piety and good works succeeded him, and that the line of succession has been unbroken from that day to this! Now this is either ignorance, or duplicity on the part of the editor of The Messenger. If it is the former, we have some histories, the destructive hand of the Church has not consigned to the flames, that will enlighten our brother's mind. They are yellow with age, but they bear imprints that cannot be questioned, and best of all, speaking in the language of the street, "They deliver the Goods". These 130 THE LOST LINE histories ^ive the outstanding conditions of the Chris- tian Church before the rise of the papacy. Before the rise of the Papacy? Yes! Some centuries before the early church had degenrated into the corrupted leprous thing it was when it's leaders sought for supremacy and emoluments. These histories will enable our zealous brother to see first, that the early Church had no public houses of worship for some hundreds of years after it's organiza- tion. That at least for 340 years after the Advent of Christ, no public services were held in Rome and many of the other cities of note. Their meetings were in secret for fear of persecution; and when the authorities discovered this custom of meeting in secret, it was made the excuse for further persecutions. The last great persecution being that under Galerius, 303-312. This may well be called the Era of Martyrdom! Our brother may read in these histories to his great enlightenment, if not pleasure, that Constantine was the first Emperor of Rome to recognize the Christians, and that, was in the beginning of the fourth century! That he published an edict of toleration of Christianity at Milan in 313. That he abandoned Rome because it's inhabitants were so given up to the worship of idols he could not tol- erate it, and founded another capital for the empire on the Site of Byzantium — Constantinople — and inaugurated this new city, capital, in 330. He will also find probably to his asonishment, that for centuries after the Church was recognized by Con- stantine, the bishops of Constantinople, Alexandrie, Dalmatia, Syracuse, and of Rome disputed over and over Again, who among them should be regarded as leader; who among them, should take precedence over their fellows. A general council of the Christian Church at Chalce- don in the fifth century, knew nothing of the Supremacy of Rome. This general council is on record as declaring that precedence in the Church is not derived from divine THE LOST LINE 131 appointment, or succession to the Apostles, but from the dignity of the cities that chanced to be seats of clerical power. Greg-ory I., or Gregory The Great, was elected Pop€ by the unanimous voice of the clergy the Senate and the people, and was confirmed by his temporal soverign, the Byzantine Emperor Maurice, in 590, but you will search in vain for any claims by him to a universal bishopric or popehood; though he was urged by his ambitious sup- porters to do this. On the other hand the patriarch of Constantinople, John IV. did assume the title of '^Universal Bishop'* which provoked and irritated Gregory The Great, beyond meas- ure, for he characterized this act of his rival as, "A fool- ish, proud, profane, wicked, pestiferous, blasphemous, and diabolical usurption,^' and compared him who used the title to Lucifer! "But this desire for the supremacy of Rome was flaming in the hearts of the ambitious, and was soon to come; for the second of Gregory's successors, Boniface III, in 607, assumed the title 'Universalis Epis- copus', when he had obtained from Phocas the Emperor, a decree 'making' the See of Peter — Rome — 'the head of all the Churches!' This claim of Boniface III. to the universal bishopric, Phocas, "the most odius sanguinacy tyrant who had ever seized the throne of Constantinople', pledged to defend with the sword. "So we feel confident that in these books that are at the disposal of our brother at any time, he will easily find full proof that the bones of St. Peter had been peace- fully resting on the banks of The Tiber, and his great soul safely sheltered in Abraham's Bosom for centuries, before The Church ever thought of "making" him pope. It is needless to say, we w^ere greatly surprised as well •e pleased over this outspoken editorial. Father Tupper was the first to comment on it. "Father Harcourt", he began, for the venerable priest j^ersistently refused to address the deposed padre by any •ther title, "how is that for an editor of a secular newspaper •t gnch a perilous time in the world's history as this?" 132 THE LOST LINE *^It could scarcely be stronger, Father Tupper, if writ- ten by one of our own men; and I must say, I have never read an article that in so fev/ words hit the nail more squarely on the head than this editorial. "This idea of 'making', as the writer puts it, St. Peter Pope, centuries after he died, is amusing to us, and amusing, because we know it is true; but it will stir the hierachy as even we 'miscreants of The Industrial party, are not stir- ring it.'' "Yes, that is so"; responded the aged priest, "and if it were not so serious a matter, I w-ould be fairly convulsed with merriment, but as you suggest, we know as impartial students of history, that this last statement of the editorial • is the plain unvarnished truth; "classing" St. Peter as first pope, was an after thought; but a very convenient after thought however, as it aided the ambitious Boniface and the shameless murderer, Phocas, to enforce their claims, as the editor has so clearly pointed out." "Well, Father Tupper," inquired Senor Grey Eaglo, "From what came then, the grounds for this cUim?" "That is a pertinent question Senor Grey Eagle, and I am most happy to answer it. This claim was founded on the belief, supported by the early traditions of the Church, that the Apostle Peter planted the church in Rome and died there, a martyr. This tradition taken in connection wath the alleged pre-eminence of Peter amiong the company of Christs disciples, came to be regarded as sufficient reason for the primacy of the bishop of Rome', so it was a very handy thing to make St. Peter the first pope, when ambi- tious self seeking men wished to find a ground, or justifica- tion for lording it over their brethern, and to make merchan- dise of holy things. Hence the papacy, vdth it's intrigue, it's tyranny, and it's corruption at times, unbelievable. Thus were the old things done away, the simplicity that Is in Christ utterly repudiated, and thus was laid the founda- tions of the present heavy handed and imperial Church that superimposed, over bearing organization, that has wrought such untold abuses and miseries among human kind, and THE LOST LINE 133 against v/hich the unnumbered multitudes of the oppressed are today contending for their very existence!" Senor Keeling broke the hush that for a moment per- vaded the room following this arraingment of papacy by the aged man of God. "Father Tupper'', he began," I hope you will not think me rude, and I hope I will not be taking the time that be- longs to the other members of this company, if I break in here with a question?" "I shall certainly have no such thought, Senor Keeling," Father Tupper returned graciously. *^I think", interposed Governor Sherwood, "that Senor Keeling has first rights in this, as a pioneer in the fight for freedom; and I feel confident I speak for all my guests, when I say an answer to any question Senor Keeling may be pleased to ask, will be of great interest to us, that ans- wer coming from our honored co-laborer, Father Tupper!" "I have been an interested student of the history of the disintegration of Protestantism", Senor Keeling continued, "and it has occurred to me, Father Tupper, that you must have witnessed some of that sad work, and must have come face to face with some of the causes contributing to the lamentable disaster?" Father Tupper settled back a little in his chair, placed his elbows upon it's arms, drummed his long fingers together in a reminiscent mood as if in memory traveling back over the long years of his eventful life, then answered, his face glowing with that strange light we had seen there before. "Yes, I did Senor Keeling, and as you suggest, it was sad, sad work for all the world. No one v/ill know till the books are opened when *The Great White Throne' appears in mid heaven on the Judgment Day morning, how much of loss and ruin it caused the race, nor the awful turpitude of those directly responsible for this disintergration! "This failure of protestantism to continue it's God given work of preaching salvation by simple faith in Christ alone, brour^ht great grief to my own heart. For no one can know but those who have witnessed it, how great was the reflex 134 THE LOST LINE influence of Protestantism on the Catholic Church, while Protestantism was true to her incomparable mission! ^'One mght ask then, Vhy did you not become Pro- testant'? Weil, a man does not change such a relationship easily, even when he realizes things are going wrong. Then Catholicism was the religion of my mother; and in it were all the associations and relationships so dear to one^s heart. **Then no protectant Christian ever had a clearer con- version than I, and no preacher of the Protestant faith, a more definite urgent call to the ministry, than I had to the priesthood! And I was certain my mission was to the poor down trodden portions of the people in the church, and to them I gave sixty years of the best of my life. I may also say, and I hope I will not be thought egotistical, that it was the greatest ambition of my life and ministry to lead those to whom I ministered, into a conscious personal knowledge of salvation from sin by faith in Christ; and I was fearful as to v/hat would become of these, if I were shut away from them by a change of Church relationship. ^*But the evil was largely wrought anyhow before I came actively into the field; protestantism had already sold her birthright! "This evil work began back in the 19th century. As early as that ethical preaching began to supplant doctrinal preaching. The emphasis began to be laid on *doing' rather than ^being\ Hence multitudes came into the Churches, without a renev/al of their spiritual nature, without salvation from sin; and because of this their hungry unsatisfied hearts grasped eagerly anything that promised relief. "Thus ritualism came to have great attractions for them. A Church that offered them forms and showy ceremonials, penance, and the confessional, things that made them feel they were doing something to make themselves pleasing to God, seemed a desired haven from the soul unrest, captivated them, and the movement set in towards Catholicism with the disastrous results v/e see to-day !'' At this point, at the suggestion of Senor Sherwood the company resolved itself into a sort of council to consider matters of importance to New Mexico as we were on the eve THE LOST LINE 135 of the national Convention of The Industrial party at Chicago, and especially as our party, and "The Spanish Tourists" must take to the air at 11 o'clock p. m. for the trip back to The Builders Headquarters. CHAPTER XIII. PAPAL POLITICAL PLOTTING Contrary to our expectations the matters needing consid- eration in the council called by Serxor Sherwood were dis- posed of in a much shorter time than was anticipated and those taking part were free to converse or walk through the beautiful grounds, or otherwise occupy the time till the evening meal w^as serv^ed. The Governor, Senora Sherw^ood and a half dozen of their guests lingered in the room where the council was held after the rest of the company had gone. "I feel this company v/ould be very greatly benefitted by listening to Father Tupper for a while again if he can be induced to talk; especially if he will give us some of the events of his own personal history ;'' Senor Sherwood sug- gested after the distinguished man of God, and Senor Grey Eagle, had left the room arm in arm. This was a joy to me, for I felt there must have been some mal'^^elous events in the world's history of which he knew, the accounts of w^hich had not come dowTi to us, be- cause they had been suppressed. "The parties leaving for The Builders' Headquarters will not get away till eleven o'clock", continued the Governor, **so I propose v/e ask this man, whose like will never be seen again by this generation, to give us after supper, what he may choose to give, out of his eventful history of at least eighty years". Vvhen supper was over, and we w^ere assembled again in the reception room, Governor Sherwood laid our request be- fore Father Tupper saying, "Our guests, Senora Sherwood and myself will be greatly delighted if you will give us some further accounts of your personal contact with the history of the world in one of the most marvelous periods of all time." The aged man of God w^as visibly moved by this enthus- iastic whole hearted request, and after a m^oment's silence began to speak and as he did so I saw again that marvelous glow of light illuminating his classic features. THE LOST LINE 137 "In responding to this most hearty request, let me first say that I appreciate more than I can express the honor shown me and I am more than pleased to speak to you again as there is a special message on my heart to this reform movement. "I have a great mass of evidence, some of it on my per- son at this instant, the rest in my traveling bag, which I expect to turn over to his excellency the governer before leaving for home. For 'He, whose I am, and whom I serve', assures me my time for this life is short. "I shall lead you in this narrative, by the way of my one hobby, outside the fixed purpose of being a faithful minis- ter of Jesus Christ, the study of a branch of history that does not get into the books called, 'Histories'; Tapal Political Plotting\ "Tv/o agencies had- to do with arousing me to this line of investigation. These two agencies I v/ill speak of tonight, and call your attention to just two cases of this plotting which has brought so much misery and sorrow to the world, though I have hundreds of other cases. "Both of these I will mention, occurred in connection with what has been denominated 'The World War', which broke out in 1914, 11 years before I was born, and continued till November 1918, and was up to that time, the most ter- rific and bloody struggle the world had experienced. "When I was a young man of 20 years, a student in the University at Washington City, D. C, from which I gradu- ated later, there fell into my hands a pamphlet published by a pov/erful publishing firm whose sole business was to oppose the church in her efforts to become mistress of the world. "This pamphlet which bears the title 'The Hidden Hand of Popery in World Polities', let me say, was published while the war v/as yet raging, and of course years before protest- antism had capitulated. "I might add, that from what I could gamer, this pub- lishing house was hated more bitterly by the hierarchy than any other agency fighting Catholism." Here Father Tupper drew from an inside pocket a beauti. ful leather case, unfastened it, and taking out a worn pam- 138 THE LOST LINE phlet yellow with age, held it up a moment for our inspection; then added with a smile, "If this document we^e not so worn, and old, I would ask Senora Harcourt our reader of the morning, to read it for us^\ Then he proceeded to read some extracts from it, show- ing such familiarity with it^s contents the text was hardly necessary: The great war, so great that no appropriate name can be found for it, was directly and immediately caused by events which occurred before a single soldier of any belligerent nation had been called to the colors. The Great war v/as caused by papal politics, the hidden hand of popery. If you will consult the tables of events leading up to the war, as printed in magazines and hastily prepared histories of the war's first year, you will find the first date to be that of June 28, 1914, made memorable by the Assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his morganatic wife "by Pan-Serbian Fanatics'^ Mark what Pan-Serbian fanatics had to do with the first item in the chronology of this war, because on this same Pan-Serbian Fanaticism hangs the real origin of the conditions that set the world afire. What inspired Serbian fanatics, Pan-Serbian fanatics, to murder the crown prince of Austria? To say that this murder was the beginning of the events that logically and chronologi- cally follov/ed it, may explain the following events, but it does not explain the murder. For every murder there is a motive, and the motive for murder or assassination is usually a strong one. Such being the case, is it not strange and peculiar that editors, speakers, magazine writers, and expon- ents of current history stop abruptly, and invariably fail to consider its cause; but start their tables of events from the assassination as though it were the beginning of everything. Let us amend the usually printed table of events slightly, and discuss the matter from the new viewpoint. Four days before the fatal day when the THE LOST LINE 139 crov/n prince of Austria lost his life at the hand of Pan- Serbian fanatics, a deal was consummated by means of secret diplomacy which might well make Pan-Serbians, if not all Serbians fanatical. On June 24, 1914, a concordat or treaty, secretly negotiated between the Serbian Government and the pope, was signed and became operative at the Vatican palace in Rome. The contents of that treaty might well make any patriotic Serbian Fanatical, for it pointed to the end of national aspirations fostered in Serbian minds and aspirations through weary years of war and defensive struggle. By revising the table of events to in- clude this most important item,, our chronology of the great war reads as follows: June 24 — Concordat, destructive of Serbian national ambition signed at the Vatican. June 28 — Archduke Francis Ferdinand, heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, and his morganatic wife, the Dutchess of Hohenberg, assassinated at Serajevo, Bosnia, by a Serb Student. July 23 — Austrian Government delivers ultimatum to Serbian government containing numerous demands, one of v/hich was that Austrian officials should enter Serbia and participate in the investigation of the mur- der and its motive. July 24 — Serbia requests extension of time of con- sideration of the extraordinary demands of the ultima- tum. Request refused. July 25 — Serbia concedes all Austrian demands save that of Austrian participation in the investigation, and asks for international arbitration at the Hague. Austrian minister declares response unsatisfactory, and leaves Serbia. July 28 — Austria declares war on Serbia, and the next day an Austrian force attacks Belgrade, the Ser- bian capital. Russian troops begin to mobilize. July 31 — German Ultimatum sent to Russia. Aug. 1 — Germany declares war on Russia, and Ger- man troops enter Luxenburg. 140 THE LOST LINE Aug. 2 — Germany invades Belgium. Aug. 4 — English Ultimatum to Germany. United States proclaims neutrality. Aug. 12 — France and England declare war on Aus- tria. Etc. It is unnecessary to go further with the table of events that followed each other so rapidly. The object is to show the intimate relation between the events of June 24, when the treaty was consummated by Jesuit intrigue which exasperated Serbian patriots; and June 28, -when the assassination occurred which is commonly given as the immediate cause of the war. Francis Ferdinand was a fanatical papiest and an ally of Rome in the ambitious scheme to re-establish the Holy Eoman Empire on a magnificent scale. As com- mander-in-chief of the Austrian army and navy, and likely at any time to assume the imperial dignity, he was in a position to carry on diplomatic negotiations with all who might further his plans for uniting all the Slavs of the Balkans and adjacent territory under the Aus- trian crov/n. This program included the absorption of Serbia, and aroused all the resentment and opposition of the Ser- bians — especially of the Pan-Serbians who had their own dreams of expansion. They had no fears concerning the aged Emperor Joseph; but, as the plans of the arch- duke developed, their fear and hatred turned from the inactive Austrian Government to fall with all its fury upon the ambitious heir to its throne. First among the allies of Francis Ferdinand was the pope and papal system. The Serbians were over- whelmingly Greek Catholic in religion, a connection w^hich identified them with Russia and drew them away from Roman Catholic Austria. To remove that hostile condi- tion and bar to the archduke's plans, the effort to intro- duce Romanism more effecually into Serbia was made v/hich culminated in the concordat. There v^^ere evidently Serbian traitors who v/inked at and connived at the scheme, and helped to promote it in the hope of per- THE LOST LINE 141 sonai gain. On June 24, 1914, the concordat was signed at the Vatican in Rome by the papal secretary of state and by M. Vesnitch, a Serbian ambassador. Consummtion of the nefarious plot, by ratification of that infamous document, aroused the patriotic jeal- ousy of the Serbian people; and stung the Pan-Serbia promoters to fury. They felt that their cause had been betrayed by their own government; and they knew that Austria was not as much to biarne as the heir to its throne. All the resentment and hatred of a patriotic people, tricked by a schemer, v/as directed at the ambit- ious militarist; and on June 28, 1914, the fourth day from the signing of the concordat, he fell at the hands of the Pan-Serbian assassin, the victim of his own am- bition and the resentment of a threatened people. Before passing this matter and consideration of the fact that papal politics was the immediate cause of the great v/ar, it is proper to remind the reader that we have not overlooked other factors in arriving at that conclusion. There were many contributing causes, but all of a nature to make the war possible rather than to start it. There were economic, as well as political, com- plications which brought about strained relations; but, bear in mind, these conditions had existed for many years prior to the summ.er of 1914; and might have con- tinued indefinitely without war had not Romanish ag- gressiveness and papistic ambition forced the issue. We know how Russia hungered for a warm-water harbor and outlet to the ocean — an advantage to be had only at the expense of Turkey or the Balkans. We know hov/ Germany desired freedom from the menace of the British navy as a condition of extending German com- merce and colonization. We know how France nursed its old grievance — its loss of Alsace and Lorraine. And we know how England feared the German army even as Germany feared the British navy. There were old scores and old sores that made Germany watch the Rhine as strenuously as England watched the weaves. These things, with many others created and maintained a con- 142 THE LOST LINE dition in which war might break forth like fire in a powder house at the touch of a match. But there was yet no war. This strained condition had existed for many years, and might have existed for many more. It was possible that in time the more ser- ious sources of enmity might have been in some way adjusted. It was at this critical period that Rome applied the match. When Father Tupper finished the reading of these extracts from the pamphlet, he closed it, looked at it lovingly an instant, placed it in the leather case, handed it to Gov- ernor Sherwood, and then continued his interesting account. **As you know William HohenzoUern was Emperor of Germany at the time of this world war, and was believed by many to have been responsible for it. "Let that be as it may, it was the consensous of opinion of the people on this continent, that he held the place of power, and influence in the nations of Europe, and especially with Austria and Serbia, that he could have prevented the war by insisting that the two nations take their difficulty which arose over the killing of the archduke, to the inter- national tribunal for the settlement of disputes. "You will also recall that the ex-Kaiser died in exil exercrated by civilized mankind. "It was from his deathbed, there came to me the secon agency in the form of a message, that had to do with makin me an investigator of world events to find out just how much papal meddling had to do with these events. "About the time the aforesaid pamphlet came into m; hands, I had occasion to employ a tutor to assist me in somi •pecial work I was doing in church history. He was a Hoi kinder by birth, a man of wonderful ability and learning, an^ of a very genial nature; so in a short time we became fas friends. "This professor when a young man pursuing his uni- versity course, was dependent on his own resources; so was employed as a personal attendant upon the deposed monarch, William II., for several months before his death. J THE LOST LINE 143 "One evening when he came to my rooms in a profes- sional way, neither of us seemed to have an interest in the work we had in hand for the evening, and fell to talking on other matters. "The Professor seemed especially reminiscent and drifted to his experiences with the ex-Kaiser; so I will give his conversation as nearly verbatim as I can: I am confident that at least ten days before his death the deposed emperor wished to make a confession. "Will anyone write for me?" he pitiously enquired one day as he awoke from a troubled sleep. But the attend- ing physician, who was a partisan papist to the point of bitterness, immediately stilled him, and administered an opiate. Several times after this he asked the same pitious question, muttering something about the pope; but the physician, or a trusted understudy, in charge, always hushed him up, and administered a hypodermic. But one night, after a time of unusual rest and quiet, the ex-Kaiser suddenly arose upon an elbow exclaim- ing, "0, if I had not plotted with the pope! 0, if we had not agreed to help each — !" but by this time the physician, whom I believe had the terrible secret of the dying man's soul in detail, had reached the bedside from an adjoin- ing room, forced him back onto the pillows, angrily com- manding: "No more of that now''; and hurriedly ad- ministered a drug which soon quieted the patient. This wa« the last precaution the physician needed to exercise in the care of his royal charge, for just as day was break- ing, the soul of the one time war lord took it's flight to the great tribunal. I believed then, and my reading and study of the question since has only served to strengthen the belief, that there was some sort of collusion between the occu- pant of St. Peter's chair, and the ruler of the German Empire during the horrible, "World War"! j? It has been a matter of common belief that the f Kaiser dreamed of World dominion, so we can see how the pope could have rendered him great assistance by 144 THE LOST LINE throwing his influence on the side of the German cause; the Kaiser in turn to pay him back by delivering the nations over to him, i. e., see that they were made Catholic, when their conquest was accomplished. A fascinating and bewildering dream both to the man in txie German imperial palace, and the man in the Vatican, in the City of the Ceasers. ^'This was a startling charge to me, and appeared at first sight somewhat plausible; but as much as I admired my learned tutor, and though I believed him as sincere as the sunlight, yet I reserved judgment until I could investigate thoroughly for myself. "I knew very well I could not look to ^History' as we generally speak of that excellent branch of human know- ledge for the final word in the matter, though that would serve to point the way to the v/hole truth. "I was certain I could find the vindication, or condemna- tion of these two world figures in the newspapers and cur- rent magazines of the days of the war, as they told the story chapter by chapter. "In my investigation I had access to a dozen files of the leading dailies of the nation, and of as many of the foremosi; magazines. "My plan was to take the daily accounts of themove- ments of the Kaiser and the pope, from the beginning of the war to. it's close. "Then to consider the events as they occurred through- out the war; events that w^ere of such a nature that thejj could not have transpired v/ithout the acquiescence of bot] the pope and the Kaiser, though the hand of neither was to be seen. "I first considered Ireland's attitude to the war, an over- whelmingly Catholic country. "I found to my astonishment that three uprisings were planned in that Island against the Government of England, during the war and that these uprisings were to have been aided by troops, and munitions of war from Germany. "I also discovered that if these revolutions, or any one of tl| THE LOST LINE 145 them had been successful, German submarine bases would have been established on the coast of Ireland, the operation of which; would have gone far towards paralyzing England's naval efforts, and would have been the means for the destruc- tion of American vessels that would later transport soldiers across the Atlantic to take part in the titanic struggle. "My researches, revealed the fact that the Catholic hierarchy of Ireland resisted the lav/ of conscription, called on Irishmen to meet in every parish and in the presence of their priest to pledge themselves to resist the law and to refuse to fight against the Germans. "I knew too much about the solidarity of Catholicism — that it is a unit from the parish priest up to the occupant of St. Peter's chair — not to know that the hierarchy would not take such an outstanding position, unless it were perfectly agreeable to his holiness. I also found there never was a syllable of condemnation uttered by the pope against the action of the hierarchy! 'Silence gives consent'. "But my plain everyday horse sense told me, that the German nation would not send, could not send troops and munitions to aid Irish rebellions against England, unless the Kaiser gave such orders. I also knew intuitively that the pope would not stand idly by while a Catholic nation, thous- ands of his flock, were making rebellions, unless those rebel- lions were pleasing to him; for why should his children so ma- terially aid the Kaiser, unless he had a special interest in the ambitious monarch and his enterprises. No; the pope does not put his hand in a bag to pull out a plum for someone else, unless he expects to get as large, and as ripe a one for him- self. "The next event that attracted my attenion in my in- vestigations, was what had been called, ^The Mercier Incident*. I knew something of it from my general reading, but when I came to consult the newspapers and magazines I found it amounted almost to a scandal in the day of it's occurence. "You will recall that when the war began, the neutrality of Belgium was violated by Gemany in her attempt to cross Belgian territory with her army, as it afforded a safer and 146 THE LOST LINE much more expeditious route to France which she wished to reach in the shortest possible time. "Belgium resisted this passage and as a result her ter- ritoiy was overrun by German hords, devastating, killing, outraging and plundering in their victorous advances as was never before equaled in what is called, 'Civilized warfare.* "Cardinal Mercier, whose character as a Catholic and a citizen was irreproachable, was broken hearted over the woes of his people, and visited Rome believing the pope would hear the cry of his flock, in bleeding dying Belgium, for the country was overwhelmingly Catholic; but the good Cardinal was coldly received, and sent away with no assurances of tielp. And as far as I could discover, no attempt to seek relief was ever made by him who claims to hold the keys, to have the power to bind or loose at will. "I must confess I was staggered by the overwhelming array of evidence that confronted me. "It seemed wholly incredible that the pope would be so insensible to the needs of his flock that v/as being outraged and trampled under foot by a Protestant prince, unless there was an understanding between himself and that prince, out of which he hoped for larger returns for Catholicism, than the welfare, and prosperity of the flock of God in Belgium could possibly bring to it. "But my surprise increased when my investigations re- vealed the curious ending of the pope's peace propaganda. For near the close of the war, while the German armies were f^et in a position where peace, could it have been secured, would have been very advantageous to the Kaiser, saving him liis throne, and giving the nation advantages at the peace table it could not expect to have if the conflict continued till Germany would be forced to surrender. "The basis of my surprise was in the fact that after, the armistice was signed on the 11th of November, 1918, he who was so anxious for peace a few months before, was as silent •s the grave when it came! I searched the newspapers and magazines in vain, for any word of rejoicing, or call to thanks- giving from the pope to the Catholic church throughout the world, because peace had come! THE LOST LINE 147 "If peace, for peace's sake, was what his holiness was so concerned over, its seemed incredible to me that some expression of thankfulness was not forthcoming when the bloodshed and carnage ceased, and millions of the sons of the church could return to peaceful pursuits, and the bruised and stricken world had opportunity to bind up it's ghastly wounds. "I could but feel that even though the successor of St. Peter may have been glad in his heart that the war was ended, there was a certain sense of honor that restrained him from giving expression to it through the press of the world, because it would have looked like betrayal, and savored of hypocracy to the deposed emperor. "It is regarded as a truism, that, 'there is honor among thieves' you know; and moreover, if the pope had expressed joy, over the signing of the armistice, the ex-Kaiser might have 'told on' him; and that would have been very embarrass- ing to his holiness to have the world know he was beaten at his own game. "I wish to say just one thing more, and then I am through; Do not expect the Church to make an open fair fight at the polls on the 15th of November. Their work will be underhanded. "And while I do not wish to discourage any of you brave men and women, I fear they will defeat us. "I had a conversation yesterday with a leading Jesuit whose headquarters is in Washington City, who had not the slightest idea I was in sympathy with this movement of the oppressed peoples of the earth for freedom. He did not tell me much, but he told me enough; for I read between the lines. I have come to know how papacy writes." The words of the aged priest only voiced what was in every heart in some measure. Therefore the spirit of gaiety that had characterized our visit at the executive mansion was largely lacking as we said our farewells preparatory to our departure. But a spirit of determination possessed every mem- ber of that little band of patriots as we parted that summer night and took to the air, the noses of our good ships pointed towards the stronghold of The Builders in the mountain fast- nesses far to the south. CHAPTER XIV. MIDNIGHT The National Convention was held according to schedule and was in every respect a success far beyond the dreams of the most enthusiastic leaders of The Industrial Party. The one o'clock edition of The Independent a leading daily of the City came out with the following comment on the convention: THE INDUSTRIAL PARTY HOLDS IT'S CONVENTION. The Industrial party opened it's first National Con- vention at ten o'clock today in a mammouth pavillion in the outskirts of this city. Chicago has been the seat of some great conventions, but it is admitted on all hands that the present gathering is the largest ever assembled in the city. The best travel- ed men among our citizens declare they have never seen so many airships together before! And it is perfectly safe to say that in it's personnel it is the most cosmo- politan collection of men and women we have ever look- ed upon. All races, kindreds, tribes, and tongues seem to be represented. As we understand it, it is the aim of this new born child in the political family, to change conditions industrially, and religiously, and in this they are most bitterly opposed by th. rty now in power, and by the church, which for a long time has had absolute control of all things religious and political. We under- stand two secret orders have been the leaders in this reform work for some years past, that heads up today in this mighty gathering; and it is also rumored that the church has had a price on the heads of the Presidents of these orders; one of whom is said to be a black man. We must confess we looked with curious eyes on the throngs of delegates and visitors in the pavillion today, knowing that these two men for whose apprehen- sion the church has offered fabulous sums, were in all probability right before our face. Neither could we suppress a smile when we were assured by the best THE LOST LINE 149 authority, that the church has searched in vain for years for the places where these secret orders function. We are sure we do not exaggerate when we say that the political battle this year will be the hottest fight the world has ever seen; and there is not the slightest doubt in our mind that if there is a fair count of noses at the polls in November, the Industrial Party will win; for this wide awake reform movement, far outnumbers in voters those the church can muster. But we fear there will NOT be a fair fight; and if not, well, as we see it, let the church, and the party now in power, look well to their interests for no one among us can forecast what the outcome will be, if the fight is not fair. The utmost harmony prevailed throughout the conven- tion, and it was characterized by "The Evening Ledger," an- other leading daily of the city, as "the largest, most wide awake, and most enthusiastic gathering of men and women ever assembled in Chicago;'' and added, "This paper will sup- port The Industrial Party." The Convention continued for the greater part of foui days. Governor Sherwood of New Mexico being nommated for President of Columbia on the fifth ballot; three other states, South Dakota, Sonora, and Florida, having candidates in the field. The headquarters of The Builders, and The Avengers, were scenes of intense activity throughout the months of the campaign, for through these, The Industrial Party functioned. The Constituency of the party consisted so largely of the laboring classes and the millions of peons, that public meetings and great rallies were largely impossible, and wholly unnecessary; for The Industrial Party ^s work was not to win voters, but to instruct the millions in its ranks how to vote intelligently, when they came to exercise again the right of franchise so long neglected. Thus the days were so filled because of this herculean task the passage of time was not noted; days grew into weeks; and weeks into months; so, ere we were aware of it. 150 THE LOST LINE the momentous day, election day, the day that was to decide the destiny of the world had dawned. The sun came up above the mountain tops on that memor. able morning, November 15th, 2023, as red as blood. This did not tend to relieve the feelings of gloom that possessed the brave men and women directing the fight for freedom. For in spite of the most strenuous efforts of the bravest shrewdest men in our ranks to discover something of the church's plan of battle, absolutely nothing had been learned, and this was not encouraging; for we knew our sleep- less foe had a plan, a well defined plan; and without any scruples whatsoever as to the unrighteousness of it, was car- rying out that plan in every polling place throughout the land. As the day advanced the strange murkiness of the atmos- phere increased till at noon the sun was completely obscured, and the lights in all buildings had to be turned on. So it v/as not to be wondered at, that the darkness that had so strangely settled down on the physical world was matched by the gloom that possessed the souls of our valiant leaders; for the wireless messages sent to us, told us our voters v/ere not getting to the polls; that even the brave and trusty leaders among the peons, on whom we knew full well, the success of our cause depended were not there, while the foe was out to a man, at some time during the day, boastful and arrogant. By four o'clock we were confident we were beaten. Some well ordered movement of cunning and trickery on the part of the church had defeated the cause of freedom, and set it back for a generation, possibly for a century; aye! maybe forever, if the church carried out her threat of taking the ballot from the toilers! We were now anxious for the delegates to arrive for a joint session of members of The Avengers and The Builders, which had been ordered to convene at midnight, which ever way the battle went. At ten o'clock these delegates began to arrive and on every lip there was the sad cry, "We are beaten! We have been tricked by the enemy !*' Then w^e were told in detail by some of the leaders what THE LOST LINE 151 we had already surmised from reports, that every peon mas- ter, had, early that morning, called his slaves together and announced to them that they must stay away from the voting places on pain of having all food supplies cut off from them- selves and their dependent families. For without the mark the poor peons as v/e know, could not buy; and failing to obey their master's orders they would not buy for them. Then where a brave leader among these helpless toilers was suspected of insubordination, he was put under arrest on some trumped up charge, and held by some of the numer- ous deputy sheriff's that v/ere sworn in just before the polls opened, and who took turns in guarding these "prisoners'' and going to the polls to cast their ballots, while these thousands of our gallant leaders were thus forcibly prevented from cast- ing theirs. The joint meeting of The Builders and The Avengers opened at the stroke of twelve in the council chamber of The Builders, Senor E/[anchester again in the chair. A half cyni- cal smile played over his marvelously fine features; and when not speaking, or giving attention to business, the shapely fingers of his right hand toyed lovingly a plain unpainted box on the table at his side, 3x8 inches While I was puzzled over the spirit of gaiety what char- acterized the president of The Avengers, I was moved with a great pity for the delegates that filled the spacious council chamber to it's capacity; they seemed dazed by the defeat they had suffered. The av/ful gloom that shrouded the physi- cal world seemed to have entered into their souls as they faced the thought of abject slavery that seemed to be just ahead of them. "What a contrast!" I mused, * ^between this company and the brave enthusiastic assemblage that filled this cham- ber the night of July fifth." Senor Keeling was called for, ascended the platform and responded in a brief speech, that was received in a far different spirit from the first one it was my privilege to hear him deliver in the council chamber. 152 THE LOST LINE "Fellow patriots how shall I address you in this sad hour of defeat and humiliation ? "You made a brave fight; you made a fair fight; but you have been robbed of a victory that would certainly have been yours, by one of the most dastardly unprincipled acts ever perpetrated since the world began! "The church knew there was only one weapon she could use successfully, and that was intimidation! How effectively she used it, is seen in the returns that are practically com- plete. "Armed with the pitiless weapon of intimidation, sh€ came to peon fathers whose children had prattled about their knees the night before, and said, "If you go to the polls and vote in this election, we will cut off all your food supplies"; and these fathers saw in imagination, their children hungry, then heard them crying for bread, then, saw them starving to death; and their otherwise brave father hearts quailed be- fore it. "But this even did not satisfy them. Their hatred of the downtrodden was not yet fully shown. Their fear that their unrighteous power was about to taken from them led them to lay unholy hands, hands already so guilty of blood that no agency in the universe could wash them clean, except they make restitution, on the shoulders of the leaders among the peons, men whom no threats would intimidate, and held them in the grip of he law, ^falsely so called', releasing them only when the polls were closed. "Pardon me brothers, but I can offer no remedy tonight for the terribe situation. Later after counciling with others, I may see a way out; but in the meantime I shall not despair.'^ When Senor Keeling finished, I saw the bodies of hun- dreds of men who had been leaning forward in expectancy, slump back in their seats and a great sigh escaped their lips as though hope, the last support of man, was forever dead in their breasts, and blank dispair had taken it's place. While Senor Keeling was speaking the President of The Avengers continually toyed with the little box on the table at his side. Once he raised the lid sufficiently, that I saw two THE LOST LINE 153 phials filled with a colorless liquid. These phials seemed to be resting each in a receptacle just large enough to receive it, bored in the solid block of wood that composed the lov/er part of the box. All the cynicism had disappeared from his face, and in it's stead there played over his handsome features the fas- cinating smile of a victor. The painful silence that prevaded the council chamber for a brief moment, following Senor Reeling's speech, was broken by the clear resonant voice of a man addressing the chair as he sprang lightly to a seat about midway of the great room. "Senor Blackstone", responded the presiding officer, and we turned to see who it was who had the courage to address the assembly, in that extremely dark hour. Then from all parts of the chamber rose the cry "The Platform", "Please go to the Platform Senor Blackstone!" "That is Professor Blackstone'', confided Senora Keeling in my ear as the man walked with quick firm step to the platform. I was struck by his wonderful physique and noble bear- ing. About fifty years of age, clean shaven, and eyes dark as midnight and piercing as an eagle's. He wore a white silk skull cap that came well down to his eyebrows, an innovation that puzzled me, yet in no way did it detract from the wonderful appearance of the man. "He was professor of Political Economy 'n the University of Mississippi" continued my informant, "till his refusal to bow to the will of the Supreme Pontiff in a matter his con- science would not tolerate; so he lost his position, and one disaster after another overtook him till he was reduced to peonage. "Then some base fellows who had wealth and ^influence at Court' to further humiliate the man who dared to oppose the pope, seized him as he was returning to his humble home one dark night, carried him to a lonely building, and tatooed in his forehead in large figures the number 'G66' thus mock- ingly suggesting his abject submission to the pope'." "Senor Manchester and fellow patriots", he began; "it may 154 THE LOST LINE seem like folly for me to address you in this the darkest hour in the history of the race for two thousand years, offer- ing any way of escape from this deep gulf into which this de- feat, brought about by trickery and perfidity unparalled, has plunged us. "Yet I believe there is a way out, and for months I have been thinking and planning in anticipation of this very crisis! "For I have been for several months, as many of you have also been, confident that by some master stroke of un- righteousness the church would defeat the efforts of the poor struggling milions of earth to arise out of the dust to the altitude of men and women. "Some of you know that after I lost my position our sixteen year old invalid daughter pined away and died of a broken heart. "My wife; under this added grief broke quickly and in a fevv weeks I laid her body beside that of our daughter far from ground consecrated by priestly hands, in that conse- crated by God himself in the fastness of the mountains. "Disguised as a mendicant friar I have diverted my mind by visting somie of the great cities of our country, and I heard from the lips of those high up in the hierarchy that we were to be defeated. But never a syllable did I hear as to how it was to be done. I do not believe that more than a dozen men besides the pope were in the secret till possibly the day before it's execution. "But as to the way out, of course I cannot go into de- tails; just give the barest outline and the two orders that have been the pioneers and leaders in this reform movement will need to take up and execute the plan. "Now as I see it the loss of the right of franchise, as the hierarchy threatens to take this from us, will not neces- sarily be a loss but a blessing in disguise; for our inactivity in politics and our making no demonstrations of any kind will lead them to think we are completely cowed and have lain down for good and all. "First we must redouble our diligence in educating; and in this we must educate men for the ministry so they can THE LOST LINE 156 take up that great work successfully. And we must educate men and women for teachers. *'This special preparatory work should go on for at least five years. For the first four years every toiler and peon should under a specified plan contribute to a fund as much money as his circumstances will allow. ^'During the fifth year, and especially during the last three months of it, a little more food than is necessary should be purchased, especially the non-perishable kinds, and stored against the day of need. *'Then before the fifth year is ended a delegated assembly should be called by The Builders and The Avengers, and these representatives of the toiling millions should form The In- dustrial Republic. ''This will be in perfect keeping with what took place once before on this continent, when in 1776 the 13 original colonies broke away from English rule and formed The American Republic. "It will be necessary of course for us to possess our- selves of arms and munitions as may be determined by those leading the movement, or possess ourselves of the means of access to the places where such arms and munitions are stored. "Then as a duly organized government we will be able to treat with those who would hold us in servitude. "But having taken all the steps outlined, it will be neces- sary for us to go one step further and seize all means of transportation and public utilities, not to confiscate them, but to hold hem till our government is recognized as in au- thority, and we take over the rule, to deal in fairness and justice with all the inhabitants of the whole land'.'' When the speaker finished, pandemonium broke loose; but it was a pandemonium of joy. Men wept on each other's necks, and shouts of "Long live The Industrial Republic*' filled the room. During this demonstration of joy that lasted for several minutes, I noted with increasing surprise that the Chairman manifested only amusement at the marvelous scene before him; and continued to toy with the little unpainted box, lift- 156 THE LOST LINE ing the lid and taking out one of the phials and holding it between himself and the light. As he did this I was enabled to see it seemed to be her- metically sealed, as if its contents must be carefully pre- served. Placing it back in the receptacle made for it in the box, he closed the lid, and covering the box with his left hand, began to pound the table vigorously with the gavel and to call for silence. When order had been restored, and the vast audience had once more seated itself Senor Harcourt arose, and was immediately recognized by the chair; and at the insistence of the delegates ascended the platform.. I had seen him as the man for the hour on other occas- ions, but never before had he seemed the very embodiment of strength and courage, of wisdom and hope, as he did that November night standing among a people who had suffered such an unholy defeat, encouraging them to give them- selves for another battle, no one could tell how long, or fierce! ^Tellow Patriots!" the fearless friend of the oppressed began, "As Senor Blackstone has well said, it seems like the sheerest folly for one to try to point the way out of the chaotic state in which the defeat of the millions of the lowly in their fight for freedom leaves the world. "For the situation tonight is as if an unprecedented storm had swept the earth with its devastating power, till everything man has built and done has been destroyed leav- ing it a veritable wilderness; and we who have suffered the most, must assume the gigantic task of rebuilding that which it had taken thousands of years to produce. "This is no time to point out the causes that brought about this m'oral and civil catastrophe. But there is one cause that as I contemplate it, saddens me almost beyond consolation, and that is the failure of Protetstantism. Of course anyone who knows anyhing of the history of the last two hundred years, knows that the Church was making use of every intrigue, every unscrupulous means, every poli- tical movement into which it could thrust its unclean hand THE LOST LINE 157 to bring about the conditions that obtain in the world today; yet Protestantism, if it had be-en true to its Magna Carta, that was put into its hands at the time when the Reformation be- came a reality, could have prevented all this. But she despis- ed her birth right as did Esau; and in her carelessness lost out of her Bill of Rights, just one line; yet thet ONE LINE was to the moral and social fabrics of the world, to religious and civic freedom, what the keystone is to the arch, 'FOR BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED THROUGH FAITH; AND THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES; IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD\ ''But the one ray of light my countrymen, that breaks through the dark clouds that hang lowering over the earth, is that this 'lost line' recovered from the debris, and preached faithfully to the down trodden will again bring in hope; will once more raise peon, and prince to the stature of men, and bring about the regeneration of society, as it before rescued it from the sin, superstition, and thraldom of the Dark Ages. "It will of necessity be a slow and tedious process; but the truth of salvation by simple faith in Jesus, will accom- plish it. "We must Christianize and educate. The full gospel must be faithfully preached to all classes, not only to the submerged toilers, but we must invade the very camp of the enemy in the spirit of Our Master, so that when the peaceful revolution of which Senor Blackstone speaks, comes, there will be leaven sufficient, at work in the mass of humanity, to enable us to use our liberty as not abusing it. "There are twenty-five priests of God now ready to begin the work of Evangelization, and others write me they are intending to join the ranks of those who would emancipate the millions from ignorance and sin. "Then I am sure that hundreds will come to the battle out of the ranks of the peon millions, who with the instruction that we can give through the schools organized already, and those we must organize, will become mighty heralds of the truth, and we must expect !'' At this point the chairman arose, suave and smiling. I had never seen him so kingly as he appeared that moment. The strange subtle power I knew he possessed, seemed to 158 THE LOST LINE grip me and the assembly that sat breathless before him — even Father Harcourt ceased speaking, and stood awaiting orders. "You will pardon me I am sure Senor Harcourt," he be- gan, "for I note that it is now half past one by yonder clock. So it is too late for further deliberations here, for we will have something to do when morning breaks. **Do not misunderstand me please Father Harcourt, I am not calling your speech in question as such, but I am cer- tain when I have finished you will see this is not the time for discussion, but rather time for us to be making preparation for return to our vaious places, for as I have already inti- mated, there will be something for us to do there when morn- ing dawns." All this time he held the little box in his left hand and with graceful gestures enforced what he was saying with is right hand. "Many of you will remember," he continued, "that on the night of the fifth of July, I announced from this platform that the Avengers were one with the Builders, with the excep- tion that the Avengers held in reserve one weapon, one not held by the Builders — Violence! but that this weapon would not be used only as a last resort — " When he said that, cold chills shook my body for I remem- bered July fifth, and for me the mystery of the little box was completely cleared away. "Senor Harcourt", he resumed, "you have rightly la'd the blame for this wreck and ruin, this chaotic state of world affairs, at the door of Protestantism. "God made her the depositum of Civil and religious liberty when he committed to her the truth of Justification by Simple faith in a Crucified and risen Lord. But she became wise above what is written, left the simplicity that is in Christ, for the baleful error, "Salvation by Works"; The false teach- ing that brought on the Dark Ages. So that by ignoring in pulpit and religious press, that truth that delivered the world in Luther's time from Spiritual and intellectual bondage, she has let the nations slip down into something worse than the darkest days of the Dark Ages. THE LOST LINE 169 "But let no one think that I mitigate in the least the part our relentless foe played in bringing the world where it is tonight. "She took advantage of every failure Protestantism made; she played up the weakness of every political party and unscrupulous politician who would sell the liberties of his country for "the Catholic vote/' and the Church always had a Vote* to deliver to those who would do her nefarious work, and give her the power and advantages he craved. "Many of you will recall that I said here on this platform the night of July fifth Sve would not use violence if we were defeated in a fair fight/ "The Industrial party made a fair fight. Our foe DID NOT FIGHT FAIR but used methods absolutely devoid of any marks of religion, to say nothing of civilization. Held men away from the polls that would not be intimidated by her threats, under arrest on false charges. There is positively no hope that such methods will not always be used. There- fore I declare to you as the head of The Avengers, that the hour of triupmh for the downtrodden has come. As the speaker finished this pronouncement, the smile had left his face and his eyes seemed literally to flash fire. A stillness prevaded the council chamber that was painful; all that could be heard was the suppressed breathing of stun- ned men. Opening the little box he removed one of the phials and held it up and turned it about in the light so all could see, then he continued. "You will recall I think, that I said on that night in July, 'that if the use of Violence became neces- sary The Avengers were so organized we could rid ourselves of our oppressors in a single night.' It is by this^ he said; tapping the phial lightly with the fore finger of his rght hand. "This is the work of years of experiment by our chemists. One of these broken or left unsealed just inside the door of the house of an oppressor will carry out our plans. "We come to this, not in a spirit of revenge, but as an op- pressed nation rises up and makes war on its oppressors. The movement was to begin at midnight, but midnight is reached 160 THE LOST LINE on the Atlantic Coast some hours before it falls here, so as you look at the clock and note that it is a quarter to two o'clock you can see where we are in this uprising and that we should soon take to the air for there will be something for us to do in the communities where we belong/' Every eye turned instinctively to the clock, slowly but surely the hand was moving towards the figure "two." I felt myself growing deathly sick as I realized the rising Sun would look down on a world turned into a vast morgue overnight. The culpubility of those who by neglect on the one hand and intrigue and despotism on the other, that had brought this people to the desperation, they would employ such des- perate means, bore in upon me, for I was certain the orders from the Avengers' Headquarters had already been in execu- tion for hours, and were being carried out in every town, and city, and country place when the midnight hour had struck. I felt I must get into tlie open air, and staggered to my feet and made my way slowly to the door, followed by Senora Keeling; but as I asked the privilege of passing out, one of the powerful bailffs seized me roughly by the arm saying, "No, Senorita; you do not go out of this Council Chamber till the meeting is over!" Then I awoke! The morning sun was flooding my own bedroom in the dear old home in Mexico City! The fountain was still splashing in the garden as it was when I lay down on my couch the night before. My faithful maid had her lov- ing hand on my arm saying, "My Dear Child, you must have been having a fearful nightmare! your flesh is cold and you are trembling like one in an ague. Then she wiped the great beads of perspiration from my face and brow, and by gentle words led me to know it was all a dream! \_b\ir (LJ OTHER BOOKS by the Author of "The Lost Line/' "The Malady and The Necessary Steps to Recovery'* is a unique birdseye view of the w^hole process of salvation. The condition of the race in sin, and the method employed by The Lord God in its moral recovery are so clearly outlined when one has read the little treatise he has a workable knowledge of bible theology. The sermon "Causes of Spiritual Death** is worth the price of the book— 60c Post Paid. "The Lost Guide** is a fascinating romance of the middle of the 1 9th century. Scene of the story is laid in one of the fertile valleys of the middle west. Thirty families with their pastor with ox teams treck from one of the Eastern states to this fair spot and then form what is called in the tale "The Settlement.*' The burden of this charming bit of fiction is "The Diety of Jesus and His Atonement.** It meets the damning error that Jesus was not divine so fully and in such interesting way that young and old alike will read it with avidity, in some instances never laying the book down when the thrilling account is begun till the reading is finished. Price Post Paid $1.25. "Jack of Deer Creek" is a romance of the mountains of Northwest Colorado. This beautifully bound book is a refuta- tion of the absurdities of Christian Science. The author has happily put the arguments against this baleful error into the mouths of the cowboys, ranchers and other western characters. You will be charmed with Jack of Deer Creek, the cow boy; Prof. Binford, the Christian Science healer; Mrs. Jensen, the leading Christian Science woman; with Philip Jensen, the shrewd genial rancher; Julia VanAlstine, the heroine and lastly but not least with Mrs. Delaney, the Irish woman. This interesting story was written in the Rockies over a mile above the sea. Pi ice Post Paid, $1.25. Order any of these of The Christian Witness Co., 1410 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago. Ills. Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide Treatment Date: Jan. 2006 PreservationTechnologies A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 1 1 1 Thomson Park Dnve Cranberry Township. PA 16066 (724)779-2111