THE HERO AT THE ORGAN

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 45, 18 November 1918, Page 3

THE HERO AT THE ORGAN

ft ■ STRAINS HEAED ABOVE SHELLS.

The great dmrck shook under the German bombardment. The llnor was littered with fragments of stained glass, aud the broken niullions in the windows stood black against the sunshine, like teeth in aged jaws agape -with horror (writes G.F.N, in the "Daily Mail"). Except for the windows the east end had escaped almost entirely. Altar, crucifix, and statue stood unscathed, calm as ever in their unending message of peace. The great organ remained without a scratch.

"Gently, then Jean-Marie," si.id the Bed Cross man to the wounded poilu, "gently— fo. Now I will iay thee here by the screen. "Etienne," groaned Ji'an-Marie. "Sec then—it is our own parish church."'

"It ,was dear friend," answered EKeniie, "and thou and I will help rebuild it, npres .. . but, my God! Look—look there!"

The pair stared- in wonder as an oM man walked steadily along tho nnve, crunching Itho splintered glass underfoot.

"It is Ikvignon, the organist," said Etienne. "Tho fool! I thought all tho folk had left. What does lie want? Ah! listen." lii a momentary lnlf they heard the "whoop-chud" of the.organ machinery— so it still worked, 'limn a. melody pealed out.

"Etienne," whispered the wounded man, "he is playing the ''Dies Irac.' Don't leave me, comrade. lam afraid."

A shell struclc one Of trie west dowers, and a bell came clanging and crashing to the ground. The music continued, splendid and terrible, as the angelic trumpet llurig its sound among ' the sepulchres. In the. midst of war and deatn tho two forgot all but Knvignon's playing. The roar of doom passed into itie soul's cry of supplication.

"Kecordare Jcsu Pie," murmured Jean-Marie with closed eyes.

Etienne started as yet another shell struck the building. He turned to Jcan-Mnrio, spoke, looted into his face. Then he knelt upright, made the sign of the cross, and prayed. • He covered the dead face r i:verenlly and ?tood up and saluted. Then, after fin obeisance to the high altar, he passed out with i\ firm step—to the work.