American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-05-02
THE STOLEN FRUIT. "A STORY OF NJ
POLEON'S CHILDHOOD.

Concluded
81 never tell falsehoods :" said the boy,
proudly.
"What were you doing"
:" / was thirsty; l came to get some water"
"No harm in that-and then, my boy?"
s'That was all, uncle"
"Have you drunk the water ?"
"No, uncle; not yet"
The archdeacon shook his head. "You came
to drink, and you did not drink; that does not
hang well together. Napoleon, take care. If
you frankly confess your fault, whatever it may
be, you shall be forgiven; but if you tell lie,
and persist in it, warn you that | shall punish
you severely"
The entrance of NJ. Bonaparte, NJ. Fesch, and
Joseph, Napoleons eldest brother, interrupted
the conversation; and for some minutes the
elder gentlemen spoke to each other on political
subjects; when a sudden exclamation from
Severia, as she opened the cupboard, attracted
the attention of all.
Santa Madona who has taken the fruit -
"This is the mystery discovered" said the
canon, turning toward Napoleon. $50 you
stole the fruit"
~ never touched it." replied the boy.
"Call in the other children" said the arch
deacon.
In few minutes five beautiful children three
boys and two girls, formed group round their
father, who, looking at each one in turn, asked,
(which of you has taken the fruit that was
gathered in your uncle the csnon's garden! =
q did not" Nor II "Nor | :" cried
they all. But Eliza's voice was lower and less
assured than those of the others.
"And you, Napoleon ?"
Il have said papa, that did not do it,
"That's a falsehood !" exlaimed Severia who,
being an old domestic, took great liberties.
not n We Nan
shaking his small clenched hand AT her.
sSnence! Napoleon" said his father, sternly.
"lt must have been you, Napoleon" said Sc
veria "for after putting the fruit into the cup
board, never left the ante-room, and not a soul
passed through except the archdeacon and your
self. If he has not taken them
Il wish truly had, said the old gentle,
man, land then l should not have the grief OF
seeing one of my children persist in a lie."
"uncle, l am not guilty." repeated Napo,
leon, firmly.
do not be obstinate, but confess" said his
father.
"Yes," added the canon, otis the only way
to escape punishment"
"But never touched the fruit-indeed,
did not"
Napoleon" said his uncle. - cannot be-
lieve you. l shall give you FIVE minutes; and
it, at the end of that time, you do not confess
and ask pardon, shall whip you"
"A whip is for horses and dogs, not for chill
dren," said the boy.
a whip is for disobedient, lying children"
replied his father.
Then tbs unjust to give it to me, for am
neither n liar nor disobedient." So saying
Napoleon crossed his arms on his chest, and
settled himself in firm attitude.
Meantime his brothers and his sister Pauline
came close to him, and whispered good-natured
entreates that he would confess.
"But how can !, when l have not done
wrong?"
$50 you are still obstinate ~ said his uncle
And taking him by the arm, he led him into
the next room. Presently the sound Of sharp
repeated Blows was heard but not a cry or com
plant from the little sufferer.
Madame Bonaparte was away from home,
and in the evening her husband went 10 meet
her, accompanied by Joseph, Lucien, and Eliza,
NJ. Fesch and the canon were also about 10 de-
part and in passing through the ante-room
they saw Napoleon standing, pale and grave,
bus proud. saS sfirm. looking as before
y .Nelk. nrpohild, said his father Il hope
DON " AK yonr uncles pardon Z"
IN soneh the fruit, papa"
|6 ~ a. As the rod will not do,
~ nethod. Your mother. bro
nal \ VIM be away for three days,
Dt1o~e you shAll have nessang
unless you ask yonr unciep