A Fool Soars to new Depths

Ah! I have seen so much! I must select somewhat arbitrarily from my journey certain events of interest. Unfortunately, the rest must be left for a later date (perhaps I will find the funding to make my findings into a book). I have begun to lose track of how long I have been following this man. In fact, it is likely I will not be writing any form of article when I return, seeing as I most definitely will not have a job upon reentry into my prior dull existence. A man usually loses a job when he goes galavanting after alcoholic former clergymen. It is not generally held in the highest regard by today's publishers.

The thread running through the events I will share is a thread of complete stupidity. If I had any doubts in my mind concerning the effectiveness of our beloved police force they have all but evaporated. They unwittingly lead me straight to the man. I stood dumbstruck as they completely failed to identify him when he stood right in front of their eyes. The Lieutenant was selecting a new hostage from a small town to punish should evidence of the priest's whereabouts not be furnished. The priest himself was examined as a candidate. He might have been a willing hostage to aid in his own capture if the Lieutenant had not kept him from it. This he made sure that he did. Foolish man! He had him on a platter. The priest positively reeked of guilt. And the Lieutenant missed him. An onion may cover the stench of alcohol, but it can never cover the stench of this mans sins. And sins he certainly has committed. Many call a priest father, and many he calls children, but there is one now who has true rights to addressing him by that title, and one he likewise has right to call child. How many more owe him this respect if it can indeed be called that?

Yet, of all the Lieutenant's blunders, this is hardly the most careless. I mentioned before his proud nature. It would appear as though it will become his downfall. After tracking the Whiskey Priest for quite some time, it appeared to me that he had made his last mistake. He had reached the end of the rope in agonizing defeat over a silly misdemeanor he could easily have avoided had he learned to avoid the seductive call of strong drink. It seemed to be the end. He was imprisoned in the jail of the Lieutenant himself. Surely he would not fail to recognize his face this second time. Surely he would accomplish his goal in a fashion that would have him laughing the next morning for the wonder of its simplicity. If he would but look at the priest's face. I watched in awe as this man's finest hour slipped from between his fingers more easily than I would have though possible. Never underestimate pride. If a man aspires to seek a man among the poor, he would do well to pay attention to them. If a man is careful only in the mighty ideas his fickle mind has concocted, he will miss the details that any detective will tell him are the most vital pieces of information.