The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1843-04-29

the narrowness of,he passage leading TO the
cell of the ladies', which only permitted the
approach sf few OF their assaiIans at
limei they kept them at bay for Two hours,
a, the end Of which lime they were relieved
by strong detachment Of troops who soon
dispersed the mob.
Pierre received three severe wounds IN
the afray; and when the mob was beaten
off, he lay wellering in his blood, unable
to move. His wounds were bound up,and
he was carried 10 an hospital. In half an
hour after, the news Of Napoleon's defeat
al Waterloo arrived; The ladies' were imme-
dialely released, aad borne in triumph to
the castle: The followers OF Napoleon,
who had in any way distinguished them
selves during the hundred days, were then
hunted from place 10 place like wild beasts
Pierre was Immediately marked out; and
although his wounds were not yet healed,
he was sent to prison, and was soon after
sentenced to death. Marguerite and Claire
hearing what had befallen their galan. de.
fender, went directly 10 the place where he
was confined. When they arrived they
found him quite delirous, from high fever
which mad beer brough, on by neglec. Of
his wounds, and The sorrow he felt for the
fate Of his master. He kissed from time 10
lime star Of the Legion Of Honor, which
Napoleon himself had given him at the walls
of Dresden, and spoke in raptures Of the
Emperor and the grand army; as he related
in glowing language, their astonishing ex.
ploits. The ladies. finding tina. the fever
did no, aba!e. left the prison; the next day
they returned, and found him fast asleep,
wrapped up in his war Uioak, the fsser had
left him, and he was as pale as death. -
When he awoke he was surprised to find
two ladies by his side, he bowed politely
TO them. and when his eyes mo. those OF
Claire; he coloured slightly. Marguerite
Inquired kindly after his health and spoke
10 him OF his release.
'There 10 no hope for me- said he, goo.
mlly.
you are rot sure OF that said Margue.
rite. Do you think we have forgotten the
man who SO generously defended us, even
at the risk of his own lifel The king has
granted me The power to save the life Of any
of those who are now in prison under sen.
tence OF death. need not tell you for
whose sake have solicited this favor. You
have only to put your name al,he bottom of
this petition, and you will be free.'
My life, replied Pierre, lis now bu.
blank to me. If | were 10 accept your offer
my place ough. 10 be by the side ofmy ben.
efactol ,on the desola,e island 10 which they
have exied him. Ye, there is one condition
Oh which could accept my life, but il
would be idle to .hink Of il--you may be.
lieye me mad--I, soldier, Of birth SO OBJ.
scurs that do not know even who or what
my parents were. No, lady, cannot ac.
cept your offer unless you accompany ii
with gift still more precious--the hand Of
your niece
Marguerite turned aside 10 conceal the
disdain she felt at this proposal; and Claire
fell on her knees, and besought her TO save
the life oflhs young soldier. Al this mo-
ment an officer presented himself, and told
the prisoner that The hour Of his execution
had arrived.
Madam, said Pierre, as he was about to
follow the officer, = hope you will pardon
my ambition, and accept this silver cross.--
|, is a strange present from soldier but
should like 10 place II in the hands Of some
one whom l esteem, for il belonged 10 my
mother: it was found on me when Twas
quite child by an old soldier, who saved
me from being drowned in the Loire
Marguerite took The cross, and after lock
ing at i, atien.ively, she said. Have you
no remembrance Of your motherl'
NO; madam replied Pierre; 4 was sep.
ara.ed from her at TOO early an age to re.
member her. .s
Marguerite approached him, and looked