The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1848-11-03
UNCLE RoLAND,s TALE.

II was in Spain, no matter where or how, that it
was my fortune to take prisoner French officer of
the same rank that then held-a Newfoundland
there was so much similarity in our sentiments,
that we became intimate friends: the most init
friend ever had sister, out of this dear circle.
He was a rough soldier, whom the world had not
well treated but he never rallied at the world, and
maintained that he had his deserts. Honor was his
IDOL and the sense of honor paid him for the loss of
all else.
There was something similar, too, in our domes-
tic relationships. He had soma child, an infant
who was all in life to him next to his country
and his duty. |, too, then had such son of the
same years. (The captain paused an instant; we
exchanged glances and sitting sensation OF pam
and suspense was felt by all his lsteners.) We
were accustomed, brother, to talk of those children
to picture their future, TO compare our hopes and
dreams. We hoped and dreamed alike. A short
time suficed to establish this confidence. My pri-
soner was sent to headquarters, and soon after
wards exchanged
We met no more till last year. Being then at
Paris, inquired formy old friend, and learned that
he was living at R, a few miles from the cap-
tai. Invent to visit him. | found his house empty
and deserted. That very day he had been led to
prison, charged with terrible crime. saw him
in that prison, and from his own lips learned his
story. His son had been brought up, as he fondly
believed in the habits and principles Of honorable
men; and having finished his education, came to
reside with him at R. The young man was
accustomed to go frequently to Paris. A young
Frenchman loves pleasure, sister, and pleasure Is
found at Paris The father thought it natural, and
stripped his age Of some comforts to supply Injuries
to his sons youth.
6 Shortly after the young mans arrival my friend
perceived that he was robbed. Moneys kept in his
bureau were distracted he knew not how, nor could
he guess by whom. 1t must be done in the night.
He hid himself and watched. He saw stealthy
figure glide in, he saw false key applied to the
lock-he started forward, seized the telon, and re-
cognized his son. What should the father have
done do not ask you, sister! ask these men !;
son and father, ask you"
Sc Expelled him the house" cried |.
" Done his duty, and reformed the unhappy
wretch" said my father Memo repente turpiSsi-
mus semper ftit- no man is wholly bad all at once"
The father did as you would have advised, BROTH
er. He kept the youth, he demonstrated with him;
he did more-he gave him the key of the bureau.
" Take what have to give" said he " would
rather be beggar than know my son THE"
Right: and the youth repented, and became
good MANI" exclaimed my father
Captain Roland shook his head. The youth
promised amendment, and seemed penitent. He
spoke of the temptations of Paris the gaming table
and what not He gave up his daily visits to the
capital. He seemed to apply to study. Shortly
after this the neighborhood was alarmed by reports
of night robberies on the road, Men, masked and
armed, plundered travellers, and even broke into
houses.
The police were on the alert. One night, an old
brother officer knocked at my friend door. 1t was
late the veteran Che was a cripple, by the way,
like mVself-strange coincidence y was IN bed. He
came down in haste, when his servant woke and
told him that his cid friend, wounded and bleeding,
sought an asylum under his roof. The wound,
however, was slight. The guest was attacked ana
robbed on the road. The next morning, the proper
authority of the town was sent for. The plundered
man described his loss some billets of five hun
dred francs in a poeketbook, on which was en-
broidered his name and eorOnet the was yiscomte)
The gueststad TO dinner Late IN the afternoon the
son looked in. The guest started TO see him. my
friend noticed his paleness. Shortly after, pre-
Of fanness, the guest retired to his room and
sent for his host My friend, said he, " can you
do me favor? 60 to the magistrate, and recall the
evidence have given
" impossible" said the host. What crotehet
is this!"
The guest shuddered "Pestei" said he: +" ]
do not wish in my old age to be hard on others.
Who knows how the robber may have been tempted,
and who knows what relations he may have
honest men, whom bis crime would degrade foI
ever Good heavens if detected, it is the galleys,
the galleysi''
g And what then the robber knew what he
braved''
but did his father know it!'' cried the guest.
A light broke upon my unhappy comrade IN arms
be caught his friend by the hand. " You turned
pale at my sons sight-where did you ever see him
before Speak! :"
T" Last night, on the road to Paris. The mash
slipped aside Cali back my evidence {"
I" You are mistaken, said my friend calmly. g
saw my son in his bed, and blessed him before
went to my own"
q l viii believe you, said the guest 1" and neve
shall my hasty suspicion pass my lips-but call thu
evidence! -
The guest returned to Paris before dusk. Th'
father cOnversed with his son the subject OF III
studies he followed him to his ROOM waited ill h
was in bed, and then about to retire, when th'
youth said Father, you have forgotten your Dies
/ sing"
/ The father went back, laid his hand on BIZ
/ boys head. and prayed He was cTedulous-
/ arthers are so' He was persuaded ms friend hai
been deceived He retired TO rest, and fell asleep
] lie awoke suddenly in the middle Of the night, ant