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

POLEON'S CHILDHOOD.
[Concuded.l
81 never tell falsehoods |" said the boy,
proudly.
"What were you doing?"
g ! was thirsty; | came to get some water"
"No harm in that-and then, my boy?"
That was all, uncle"
"Have you drunk the water 20
"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. Ii
you frankly confess your fault, whatever it may
be- you shall be forgiven; but if you tell a lie,
and persist in it, warn you that | shall punish
you severely
The entrance of NJ. Bonaparte, NJ Fesch, and
Joseph, Napoleon's eldest brother, interrupted
the conversation; and for some minutes the
elder gentlemen spoke to each other on political
subjects; when a sudden exclamation from
Seyeria, as she opened the cupboard, attracted
the attention of all. ... ....m. Il.
| "Santa Madona! who has taken the fruit ??
"This is the mystery discovered" said the
canon, turning toward Napoleon. $50 you
stole the fruit ?"
II 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 canons garden?'
"I did not" "Nor l." "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"
"Thats falsehoodI" exlaimed Severia, who,
being an old domestic, took great liberties.
"lf you were not woman ~ said Napoleon
shaking his small clenched hand at her.
"Silence! Napoleon" said his father, sternly.
| at 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 sou
passed through except the archdeacon and your
SELF If he has not taken them
Il wish truly had," said the old gentle
man, " and then should not have the grief o
seeing one of my children persist in a lie"
"Uncle, am not guilty." repeated Napo
leon, firmly.
"Do not be obstinate, but confess" said hi
father.
"Yes," added the canon, "'tis the only way
to escape punishment"
"But l never touched the fruit-indeed, i
did not"
Napoleon" said his uncle, d" / cannot be-
lieye you. | shall give you five minutes; and
If, 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" I"
replied his father.
"Then tbs unjust to give it to me, for l am
neither a liar nor disobedient." So saying,
Napoleon crossed his arms on his chest, and
settled himself in o firm attitude.
Meantime his brothers and his sister Pauline
came close to him, and whispered good-natured
entreaties that he would confess.
"But how can ], when l nave not done
wrongf"
$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 cry or com
plant from the little sufferer.
"Madame Bonaparte was away from home,
and in the evening her husband went TO meet
her, accompanied by Joseph Lucien, and Eliza.
M. Fesch and the canon were also about to de-
part, and in passing through the ante-room
they saw Napoleon standing, pale and grave
but proud and firm looking us before.
"Well my child" said his father, Il hope
you will now ask your uncle's pardon?"
al did not touch the fruit, papa"
"Still obstinate As the rod will not do,
shall try another method. Your mother. bro
theirs, Eliza, and |, will be away for three days,
and during that time you shall have nothing
but bread and water, unless you ask your uncle 5
forgiveness"
But, papa, won't you let him have some
cheese with his bread ?" whispered little Pau
line.
eyes, but not broccio"
"Ah do, papa, please let him have 6roccto !;
It's the incest cheese in Corsica!"
That's the reason he does not deserve it."
said his father, looking at the boy with an anx-
ious expression, as if he hoped to see some sign
of penitcnce on his face But none such appear
ing, he proceeded toward the carriage.