The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1845-01-13

81 am sure, monsieur 10 baron" added the officer, |
THAT as ourseves,you will preserve profound ST.
lence with regard 10 the strange scene which has just
passed"
cas- for me, captan,I will promise nothing" rep- |
ed Joseph gruily. | shall inform my comrades Of
the kind rocompense we are to expect for our ser
vices"
The fireman, indeed related to his companions the
insult which he had endured and carrying his hand
to his sword he added
eff it had not been for Baron Descarvie's grey
hairs, he should have dearly noned for this cruel in
suit; but had too many advantages over him, and
am forced to hold him in contempt"
The baron however, entertained secret suspi.
con which he was unable to Danish; month rolled
by, and, in his heart, Joseph still regarded as
guilty. lie continually balanced in his mind the
proofs Of his innocence and the combination Of cir
cumsances which seemed to establish his guilt. Not
being contented, therefore, TO sustain loss of forty
thousand francs, he thinking Of entering
plant before magistrate, when his valet -cham-
bre, one morning, upon empying large sheet iron
vessel, standing hiI secretary, filled with
less papers, perceived black pocket book.
lie opened it hastily, found it filled with bank notes,
and Immediately informed his master Of the joyous
discovery. 1t would be difficult TO express the
prise and remorse Of the baron. lie went at once to
the barracks OF the fremen, and begged the officer
assemble them before him. In the presence of all
he apoogised for the unjust suspicious he had
tanned toward Joseph, and offered him any reparatiou
he might require.
can ask Of you, sir is that, hencefoUh you viii
never fireman Of the least base action, unless
you witness ii with your own eyes"
Baron Descarville attempted in vain to induce 10.
seph accept indemnity for the outrage he had
suffered, but neither gold presents could tempt
this honorable lie satisfied that his char
acter had been washed of this odious accusation, in
the presence of his comrades, who resnrded hin,
with increased esteem and attachment. The
of the purveyor-general came frequently to the mind
and lips OF the fireman; however, he spoke of
him without n convusive movement which showed
that he was unable entirely to from his heart
certain degree of bitterness toward the only who
had ever assaiIed him with regard to his integrity
Winter succeeded to the autumn, and in the uaay
fires which occurred during this rigorous season. Jo-
| scph gave proofs Of his courage and humanity
But Of all his of horoism which had already
excited the admiration Of every one none was so re-
markable us that which | am about 10 re-
late, and which is strictly 1t proves, too, that
greatness of soul is be found in the most humble
well in the mos, elevated classes of tho social
order.
The winter Of 1929. without being extremely rig
orous, was long and unhealthy many Of the nhabi-
iants Of Paris suffered much from the humid cold land
those sudden changes Of temperature which affect JIM
Juropsly, the most robust constitutions. But whilst
the great Of workmen in their humble dwellings
were almost deprived Of the necessares Of life, the
oPulent were surrounded by all the charms Of Iuxury
invented even in The midst Of snow and frost -
Amongst these pleasures, the one which youth ENJOY
with most avdity, is the exercise of skating in which
they are enabled to display all heir natural strength
and grace. This exciting and dangerous sport Is most
common upon the Canal de l'Ourcy, and the Basin
de la Vileite Thousands upon thousands OF specta-
tors cover the shore, encouraging by their excama
tons the nudaciy of the skaters. Some push along,
in sleds. the most fashionable ladies', who give them
selves up entirely to this passing amusement. 9th
ers, with skill and address,w 18th single effort design
on the ice, either figure or the loved flower of the
lady of their thoughts In gazing this lively
it might almost be imagined that the celebrated Rus
sian fees upon the Neva,i the depth of wintor
passing before
But the ice in those northern countries is firm
than it is in climate, aud accidents rarely
occur there. In the of the winter, after the
burning OF the house Of the baron Descarvle, very
remarkable event occurred on the Canal de rOurcy.
number of young men, belonging to tho most dis
tinguished families, assembled at breakfast
given by the vanquished skaters the rivals of some
Of the gnmes. When the feast terminated, they re-
turned to the canal and each one, mounted upon his
skates, gave way to the prompngs of an imagination
excited by the numerous toasts which had been
drank. After a thousand fsafs Of strength and ad-
Dress three Of the most excited joined hands and
engaged to execute correctly the steps ola gaopade
which was then, fashionable in all the saloons. They
performed, indeed, the attitudes of The most skful
dancers; but at the moment when tho three formed
circle, the ice suddenly broke, and in the twnkling
of eye they all buried under the thick crust
which covered the surface Of the canal. The most
heart rending cries burst from the spectators Joseph
/, the fireman. was s,rolling about at short
distance from the Of disaster, and always ready
respond to the cry of distress, rushed to the spot
and enquired the cause of the alarm. On being told
Of the accident which had occurred he threw OFF his
heavier clothing and plunged into the opening through
which the unfortunate young men had passed. The
risk Of this attempt may be easily conceived, when it