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

POLEON'S CHILDHOOD.
[Concludedl
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?"
"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
Seyeria, 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?'
81 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 a 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 canon's garden?'
81 did notv' Nor Iu' "Nor | :" cried
they all. But Eliza's voice was lower and less
assured than those of the others.
land you, Napoleon?"
Il have said, papa, that did not do it."
"That's falsehood !" exlaimed Severia, who,
being an old domestic, took great liberties.
:" If you were not woman J" said Napoleon,
shaking his small clenched hand at her.
"Slence! Napoleon" said his father, sternly.
cit 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 archdescon and your.
self. If he has not taken them
81 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.
q Do not be obstinate, but confess" said his
father.
EYES," added the canon, "tis the only way
to escape punishment"
"But l never touched the fruit-indeed, |
did not"
"Napoleon," said his uncle, 81 cannot be-
lieve 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 disobedent, lying children"
replied his father.
Then It's unjust to give it to me, for am
neither 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
entreaties that he would confess.
"But how can /, when l nave 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 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 frm-looking as before.
"Well, my child, said his father, II hope
you will now ask your uncle's pardon?"
81 did not touch the fruit, papa
"Still obstinatel 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 uncie's
forgiveness"
But, papa, won't you let him have some
cheese with his bread 2" whispered little Pau.
line.
eyes, but not broccio."
:" All do, papa, please let him have broccto
tbs the incest cheese in Corsica"
That's the reason he does not deserve it, ;
said his father, looking at tile boy with an anx
ious expression, as if he hoped to see some sigr
of penitence on his face. But none such appear
ing, he proceeded toward the carriage.