Only fourteen people, ten men and four woman, showed up at the pub on Lion Road. The priests had expected twice as many, including children. After Mass, Columcille questioned Rob Coe, the self-appointed leader of the Mass group. "People are nervous, after your former guide disappeared. I mean som-a-us have children. I know the Masters did not want to bring the children because of the missing Kedge. You know, no one has seen him in weeks."
Columcille recognized fear. He also knew that if he did not encourage the men to come, that Catholicism would die in this area a slow but sure death. It had all happened before in families.
Samuel was in a corner of the long room talking with Carrie Archer, one of the few women to come this night. "My sister is scared, Samuel. She really is. And, she does not want to fight with John, you know John."
Samuel knew everyone in the area, and there parents and grandparents. "Yes, I understand, but the children need catechesis, and with their First Holy Communion coming up....."
Carrie put her hands on her head in frustration. "John has completely fallen away, Samuel, just like his dad did. I could see it coming, but there was nothing we could do. The children are torn."
The good priest had heard such stories before, of families torn by keeping, or abandoning, the one, true Faith.
He knew the history of many old families in this very place who had fought and betrayed each other under Oliver Cromwell. He shook his head. "Carrie, tell Abby that if she wants me to visit the house, I shall come."
Columcille heard this. He knew the directive from Rome was to avoid home visits, except for the protected large houses, in which dwelt families who could play the political games necessary to keep house and Mass going.
But, the party was breaking up and the men stood for a final blessing. Thomas Howard came over to Columcille.
"Father, I mean, Columcille, we need to move out now. All these people leaving at once creates suspicion, even though we made some good time at the bar downstairs. Let's go now."
Columcille put his hand on Thomas' arm and agreed. He then went to Samuel and said they should be going, now. Carrie looked disturbed and Columcille wished he had seemed less anxious and calmer.
"Columcille, is it getting worse. I mean, can't we keep coming?" Carrie was almost in tears.
"Of course, you can keep coming. We shall be back in a few days-our regular bi-weekly Mass. Please, do not worry."
Samuel and Columcille left behind Thomas who led the way on into the dark street. Without the gird, the landscape resembled the lane and dark houses so long ago in the first days of the recusant times. Columcille then saw a large police dog, coming towards them. Thomas spoke first. "Back into the pub, you two, and go upstairs and onto the low roof, until I whistle all clear."
Thomas stood between the dog and the priests, who returned inside, and went quickly up the stairs to the long room. then opened one of the large sash windows, and climbed up on the low roof. It was easy to hang on to the wooden juts. Columcille placed himself so that he could see Thomas, the dog and the policeman coming down the road. There were no lights except old oil lamps in the pub.
"Hey, you," the policeman yelled at Thomas. "What were all those people doin' here? Come on, now."
Thomas answered in such a cool tone, Columcille was a bit jealous at the man's nonchalance.
"Hey, officer, it is my birthday. Do ya want a drink with me?"
The policeman demanded Thomas' identity card and produce a torch to look at it. "Howards. This place still crawls with Howards. You're not special, you know."
Thomas picked up on the cue. "No sir, we are not. The special ones are way down south."
"Well, I was told their were priests here. And, this is a warning. Anyone harboring priests, or helping set up superstitious services are fined 1,000 pounds sterling for the first offense and imprisonment for the second offense. You remember that. I hate your lot."
Thomas actually reached out and shook the policeman's hand, but the dog growled. "Sir, thanks so much, but I do not have that kind of money to be playing hero."
"Alright, go on, but pay attention. I know you Howards are all trouble-makers. I am a peaceful man, and I do not want any trouble in this area. I do not want any difficulties from you lot. I have enough troubles without hedge priests."
Thomas could sense that this man was more afraid than he was. Thomas wondered why the policeman was so afraid. Something must have happened around here--but what?
The policeman turned and walked up the road, and the dog followed. Thomas stood there for a five minutes or so, and then whistled. The two priests just slide off the roof in the back and joined Thomas.
"Fathers, I mean, well, you know, we need to cut back over the fields and get out of here. And, I am afraid this is the end of this mission."
Samuel, who knew the young man was correct, felt the cold wind of history on his neck. This Mass would have to move elsewhere, but where?
As they crossed the road and climbed up into the field, Columcille said to Thomas. "Pass the word that there will be no more Masses here. We shall find another place."
To be continued....