The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-08-03

the hand, shook 1t warmly. Bidding him
farewell, he gave him permission to ad
dress his companions in arms. This mark
of kindness moved the condemned man,
and tear started in his eye; but quickly
regaining his composure, he brushed it a.
way and addressed those who, were to lay
him low in death.
"Comrades, have come here TO die
like man and soldier. am guilty of
no crime, | have never dishonored my
country or regiment; ! have fought by your
sides in the thickest of the battle, when the
guns of the enemy poured hot lead into
our ranks and swept our brave countrymen
down like chaf' before the whirl wind. But
you Can all affirm that did not quail or
falter when the grim monster stared me in
the face, and should tremble now when
am to die by the hands Of my loved COM
raps? No. Iconsiderlt an honor, and the
last sound that will ever greet my ears will
be the glorious dying music of your own
true guns as fall. know that you will
not suffer my ashes to rest unavenged.
Let not your hands tremble, but with
6rm, steady aim, level your pieces at my
breast, when give the word fire, for
would have the mark Of every man if you
love me. Comrades, farewell, and may
we meet where the warrior rests from. his
battles and his victories?''
The soldiers brought their pieces to their
shoulders, but stopped suddenly as the
frantic Cadeline rushed into the arms Of
her lover.
"Oh, Anthony, Anthony, you must not
die. Colonel Lavilier will have mercy; he
cannot be so cruel as to murder YOU
"Cadeline, there is no hope. had pre-
pared to die, but this meeting unnerves
me. could have wished you had been
spared this scene; but calm yourself, and
do not weep when am gone. You will
not want for defenders, for my regiment
will protect you, and it will go hard with
him who dares to offer an insult to Cade-
line. be his rank what it may"
"Commandant,' said Col. Laviler, in
an impatient tone. cit is past the time or
dered for the execution; have them parted
and perform your duty
With great difficulty Cadeline was torn
from the embrace of Martel and conveyed
to distance from the spot,
The word "READY" was given. and
quickly followed by the second command
'"present."
"A1M," and the fourth and last fatal
word, s'F1RE," was on the lips of the com
mandant, when stern voice from per-
son who stood a short distance apart. and
closely muffled up gave the command to
s.REcovER ARMs!"
So sudden and abrupt was this order,
that every eye was turned on the person
that dared thus unceremoneously to coun-
termand an order on SO important an oc-
casion.
Order that man under arrest" said
Col. Lavilier, as the person approached d
rapidly to where he stood, throwing his
cloak from his face, the astonished officer
beheld in him FIELD MARSHAL MAcDoN-
AID.
..Will Colonel Lavilier inform me for
what crime the culprit suffersl"
"For an attempt on my life with pis-
tol," was the answer.
"Are you sure that he is the guilty one. y
"Yes.''
"Will you not pardon HING
SIT has been decided by the court mar.
| tial that he shall 6ie.''
"Still you have the power to pardon
| him."
81 decline all interference in the course
OF justice" replied the colonel.
81 do not" said Macdonald, "and there.
fore stop the execution. Anthony Mar.
tel is not guilty"
"May | then ask your excellency who
s?" inquired Lavlier, with an uneasy air
81 am," said Macdonald.
"Will you please explain this mystery!
"Yes: having business of importance
with you on the evening of the assault,
called at your quarters; but found younot
On inquiry, | learned the direction you
had taken, and followed in pursuit. Find
ing that you had entered Cadeline's cot
tage, arrived just in time to be the un
observed witness of your villany, and the
ball which only shattered your arm was
fired by me, and had it not been for en-
dangering the life of the fair girl it should
have reached your heart. Colonel Marie
greet you in behalf Of the Emperor, te
whom have related your case, and who
has been pleased to confer this honor up
on you. Colonel Lavilier, your sword
henceforth you are no longer an officer in
ehS ohA Nv" tonO Aoi tCi
place. and receive the fire of those gun:
which few minutes since were aimed a
the breast of an innocent man."
! Every heart beat with JOY at this sudder
change. Poor Lavilier, trembling will
fear and shame, was led to the red flag
again were the fearful orders given, bn
the heart of the culprit sunk within him
and he implored for mercy.
I "How can you ask for that which but
few moments since you refused to an in
noeent mani"
81 own nay fault" was the reply.
"Then | refer you to Colonel Martel
who has full power to pardon you or moi
as he shall think proper" said Macdonald
"Colonel Martel," said the disgrace,
officer, "dare | hope for mercy?"
81 grant you full and unconditiona
pardon. You are at liberty" was the will
ling reply of Martel, sand do not forget t
!, show mercy, that you may receive tn
same.'
j By this time Cadeline had heard tn
gladstone tidings. which spread with rap
, idity throughout the camp. and hastily re
q turning, she was clasped in his warm EN-