Motion Picture Story Magazine (Feb-Jul 1912)

TEE BELL OF PEXAXCE 99 pearance to suffer the consequences of abducting Don Joaquim 's daughter. The joyous progress of the family party in the garden was brutally interrupted by the appearance of several officers of the law, with Serra at their head, and Fitch was taken away in custody, despite Don Joaquim 's efforts and threats to the contrary. The young American was brought to trial at once, before the ecclesiastical tribunal of San Pedro, which found him guilty as indicted. The Father Superior of San Pedro delivered the following sentence : "Don Enrique Fitch, having been justly and rightfully tried for violating the laws of the church and the territory, the court decides that, considering the great scandal which Don Enrique has caused to this province by his elopement with Dona Josefa Carrillo, he shall be condemned to a term of imprisonment and banishment, unless he will produce such penance and reparation as can be noticed thruout the whole Pueblo. In one week he may appear before this court again, either with full penance in evidence, or be prepared to submit to the further sentence of the court. ' ' Padre Vincente alone, among the friends of the prisoner, was allowed to accompany him back to his cell. If the spectators could but have looked for a moment into the downcast eyes of the dear old padre they would have seen an unspeakable light of joy. It was unlooked for, uncalled for, therefore unseen. When the prisoner and the padre had arrived at the cell door, the guards withdrew a few paces. The padre threw his arms about the sorrow-stricken young man, in the exuberance of his secret joy. Fitch stood uncomprehending. Then the priest whispered for a full minute. When he had finished his message the young man startled the guards with his words : "Why, that would be easy, for I am rich! We have brought a small fortune in silver with us. Go to Josefa — she will give you an order on the bank at Monterey for as much more as you want. Give me your blessing, father." That evening, about dusk, Don Joaquim Carrillo might have been seen making his way rapidly over the purple hills toward Monterey, with Henry Fitch's two peons in close attendance, but the object of the trip was kept secret. Up to the moment, a week later, of opening the court that had sat to sentence Henry Fitch, Don Joaquim had not been heard from. His family, looking white-faced and anxious, were present, as indeed was every soul in San Pedro. Junipero Serra stood opposite the prisoner, a malignant smile curling his cruel lips. The prisoner stood with lips white from the pressure of determination. Josefa was brave, and seldom did her sighs break into sobs. The court was called to order. An oppressive silence followed, broken only by the rustle of documentary papers. The Father Superior arose. "Don Enrique Fitch, the court, in its clemency, has waited seven days. The time has come for fulfillment. ' ' The judge thereupon seated himself impressively, signifying that Fitch might now prove his case. But again there was naught but silence. The prisoner seemed rather to be . listening than intending to speak. Five tense, silent minutes passed. There was vivid emotion on every face, except those of the stoical row of padres seated behind the judge. Again the Father Superior arose. "Don Enrique Fitch," he began. Already the sentence quavered in his deepened tones. Then a voice of agonized appeal suddenly rose : ' ' Father, I crave one word!" It was the Padre Vincente ! The judge sternly raised one hand, commanding silence. In tones of severe rebuke he turned on the padre. " Go ! Leave the court ! ' ' The old father, with eyes glistening suspiciously, and a world of sadness on his gentle face, after one glance