The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1836-09-28
A MODERN BRUTUS.
FROM THE FRENCH.


incidenrpccurred which 1 am about tn re-
laie, and which agitated NIL that part of
France which was the scene of its enact-
mept. ] was studying the antiquities Of
Rouen, that beautiful city, on which the
character of the middle ages is so deeply
imprinted. | had already surveyed and
admired its wonderful cathedrnls, its cas-
ties, ITS fountains, and its venerable crosses,
when found myself one morning before
The hall of justice. Crowds were flockinc,
to it from every quarter, the expression Of
whose eager faces seemed to announce the
expectation Of some deeply interesting ju-
dicial drama.-The doors were not yet
openfd and awaited patiently the moment
which should give uuerance to the multi
I tude, and leave me to the uninterrupted
enjoyment of my antiquarian researches,
and oi The reflections on the past, which
they should call mp in my mind.
II c,mc at length, aud was left in soli-
tude.
Hours were passed in wandering FROM
one interesting relic to Notwithstanding
verifying, .aud comparing-recalling the
scenes, s,,ud incidents Of ancient days, aud
contrasting them with what existed now
arnund ne when my attention was awak-
ened By the animated looks aud gestures of
two advocates, who had halted a, the great
staircase. aud from time 10 time directed
their eyes toward the hall of justice, as il
anxiolIy awaitiug the result of some int
porinnt ,riai. They approached me, and
the l,pid tone of their conversation, made
me involuntarily acquainted with its sub
jeci II was the judgment of u father, The
murderer of his only SOU. My curiosity
was aroused, aud yielding To It's impulse,
drew near The speakers, who saluled me
with courtesy, and readily obliged me will,
the following marathon:
"Arnaud Magnier, who is at this mo-
meat under rial, is u retired veteran, whose
spirit is as nyal aud true To honor, as his
temper is quick and violent. He had an
only sun, a young man of about nineteen,
who inhcri,lng the energetic character,
without the reciIude of his father, early be-
came I,e slave Of csrrupt aud degrading
passions. Frequent complaints had bern
laid before the old man. of his sons excess
.ss1s s..ni ,iro" -,nc,-- he nha innic,rd
upon him severe punishment, which So far
from working reformarion, only seemed
to harden the spirit, of he lncorrigihle Of
fender. One evening, Magnirr received u
visit from mn old and val, ed friend, NJ
Duval the proprietor of an extensive man
ufictory at some distance from the city,
who had accepted the invitation Of his an.
cent coinrade. with the intention Of return
ing home AT night.
edward, the son, who had for some
time apparently renounced his dissipatcd
and licenrous habits, was present, and
cheerfully aided his father in fulfilling the
duties of hospitality. The cheerful glass
and merry jest went round, aud the flight Of
time was unhecded, until at length the eyes
of Nj. Duval Glanced to fall on the mantle
clock, which indicated the hour Of eleven /;
he arouse hastily, and resisting the en,rea-
ties of his friend to pass the remainder Of
The night urder his roof, fastened on his
belt, from whcl, the cIink of gold was dis
tinctly heard, mounted his hsrse, and set
off for home.
lie had proceeded nearly half mile,
and was about entering n little wood, through
which the road was carried, when suddenly
ut The termination of the glade, conspicu-
ously lighted by the moon-beams, he saw
approaching linn man whose face was
bIackened, and whose movements indica-
ted hostile purpose. The merchant drew
pistol from his holster, and giving his
steed the spur, quickly found himself con-
fronied by tn stranger.
"If you would save your life, give up
your purse y exclaimed the latter. IN n
hoarse and apparently assumed Voice, pre-
seniing, pistol in each hand. NJ. Duval
had llis finger upon the trigger, Of his own
and was on the point of firing, when sud-
den thought apps ared to strike him, and he
dropped his hand. My purse y he re-
piled; stake there ii is : and he deiach-
ed his belt, and placed 1t IN III. hand Of the
robber. The unknown turned, and was
quickly out Of sight. while the merchant re-
snped his journey, buried in thought, aud
allowing the bride io hang loose upon the
neck of his horse, whose pace gradually |
dwlndled to walk, without appearing to
attract the notice Of the rider.
THUS he continued to proceed for near
ly half an hour, when raising his hend, like
one who has arrived at a conclusion, NJ.
Dnynl suddenly checked his horse, AMI
turning the rein, set or on a full gallop on
l'is way back to the place from whence he
bad come. IL drew up IN the suburbs of
the ciiy, near the house of his friend, lrf /
the horse at an inn, and procerded to the |
gate which opened the garden at the back
of Magnier's dwelling. Me entered, and
with cauiious steps 10 the window /
Of the yenicrnn's sleeping apartment, which
WIS upon the ground 1.mr, tapped gently |