Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1853-07-07
Select Gale.
ANTHONY MARTEL
OR, THE DEATH WARRANT.
BY W. R. HAYDEN.


He loved his country and maiden named Cad
cline, who was considered the pretliest girl il
Visele, and many we're the hearts that bea
with love and JOY when the fair Cadeline turn
ed her beautiful eyes upon them, and returned
their salutations with winning smile. There
vas not a brave soldier in the regiment bu
would have been proud to have shed his last
drop Of blood TO resent an insult to the bright
star Of Viselle. Many we're they who worship.
ped at her shrine, but only one received any
return to his passion, and he was the gallant
Anthony Martel.
The colonel Of the regiment TO which he be.
longed was man Of violent passions, insolent
and overbearing in the extreme to his subordi.
mates, and was as universally detested as Mar
tel was beloved.
On several occasions he had made infamous
proposals to Cadeline, which she had resented,
but still he became more importunate, until,
finding himself baffled in all his endeavors, he
determined to adopt new mode of procedure,
hoping to be more successful in his designs
Accordingly he called on Cadelne one evening,
when she was alone, and made an apology for
his former rudeness, and asking her forgive
ness, which she readily granted, presuming he
would trouble her no further but in this she
was disappointed, for he Immediately made
new overtures of love to her, promising that if
she would listen to his suit, he would load her
presents, and also make her his lawful bride
But all these inducements had no effect upon
her, for she was true to her first love.
Consider, Cadeline, said he, my rank and
station, and that your position would be high
er than the proudest lady in your village; be-
Sides you shall have attendants, and all the
luxury and refinement that wealth can fum-
ish'
'Ah, Col. Lavilier, what would these splen.
did gifts be without the heart, said Cadeline.
you would soon learn to love me-
No, Colonel, we can never love but one.'
Then why not love me?'
Because l already love another replied
Cadeline.
Indeed, my fair charmer,' said the Colonel,
ironically, may be permitted to ask the name
of the cherished gallant?'
Anthony Martel,' was the innocent reply.
What common soldier miserable hire
ling for rival? By heaven, he exclaimed in
a terrible passion, unless you instantly accept
my suit and reject the churl, will have him
shot like dog for his audacious presumption,
and will give you but moment to decide his
fate
'Oh, sir!' exclaimed Cadeline, 'he is guilty
OF no crime; he has never injured you
Has he not dared to supplant a Colonel of
the French army, and he only common SOL
dier.'
Nay. Colonel Lavilier-I loved him ere
saw you. He is noble, generous, and would
not injure any one'
DO not loose time in idle words consent 10
be mine. or ere the morning sun has risen an
hour ia the heavens his heart shall have ceas-
ed TO beat
'Oh, heavens! spare himl' cried Cadeline, in
anguish. +
You plead in vain
Give me but single day to decide
Not an hour
AT this moment majestic form cast slight
shadow in the doorway, but it was not observ-
ed by either of the persons within the room,
SO deeply absorbed were they in their own af-
fairs. Stepping little aside so as to be un-
seen, the stranger remained silent spectator
of all that passed.
i implore you to let me speak to Anthony
DeIOre give you hnal answer.
Not word 10 him; therefore, instantly give
me your consent to become my bride, or you
sign the death warrant of Martel,'
'Inhuman morster would rather die
thousand deaths than be your wife-even were
you the proud Emperor of France. Anthony
fears not death, and would rather give his life
than have me prove false TO him.
Mad girl, you are in my power, and will
use you as please, since you have so insult
ingly spoken
Never!
DO you dare to defy me to my face? Thus
then let me prove my words BY snatching
breath of sweet fragrance off your scorful lips.
And clasping his arms around the fair form
of Cadeline, Colonel Lavilier endeavored TO put
his threat into execution.
'Help mercy! helpp exclaime she.
At this moment the report of pistol, in the
hands Of the stranger, whom we before men
toned, was heard, and the bullet shattered the
arm Of the aggressor, rendering him powerless,
but from whence the shot came, both were un-
able to tell, for no sooner was the weapon dis
charged than the deliverer disappeared, and
Anthony M. rushed into the room by another
door. Observing the wild appearance of Cad
cline, breaking from the arms of the Colonel,
in an instant he OWNED the whole, and with
powerful blow laid the base nsuter at his feet.
By this time the report of fire. arms had bro't
a detachment of soldiers to the spot, who, on
entering, were Immediately commanded to ar
rest Anthony for attempting to murder his su-
perior officer. In vain Cadeline protested his
innocence; they dragged him away and confin-
ed him under strong guard.
On the following moring an unusual activity
among the officers told that something of more
than ordinary Importance was to take place, as
each one hastened to the quarters of the CON-
mander. Although a court martial is not a
very unusual affair, yet it is sufficiently rare to
attract great attention in camp.
Soon the quick roll Of the drum told that the
court had convened, and were ready to try
criminal. Within spacious tent was gather
ed a large number of officers in full uniform.
Seated on raised platform was Genl. Levack,
acting as Judge. Another roll of the drum an.