The Empire County argus., 1854-09-16
From Gleason's Pictorial.
The Silver Hammer.
BY FRANCIS A. DURIvAGE.

The sun was sinking in the west, and gliding
with its slant beams a pastoral landscape as a
Young soldier, weary and foot-sore slowly toiled
along lonely road that ran parallel with the
course of the bright and winding Seine. a dusty
forugng cap rested his dark locks and youth
full form bent beneath the weight of Il well-hlled
knapsack Iierrc Lacour had served with honor
in that glorious little band of heroes which, under
the leadership Of the youthful Bonararte had
crossed the snow-clad Alps, and fallen like an av-
alanche upon the plains of Lomlmrdy, sweeping
before it the veteran troops Of Austria, ana aston
ishing all Europe by unparalleled audacl'y and uh-
exampled success. Pierre had marched farther on
this day than he had ever done while following the
colors of his regiment-but he was on his way
home, and he longed to see his mother, his far
young sister, Maria, and lovely maiden named
Estele deurer to his heart than all be side. lhey
had news OF his coming-at least, Maria ana his
mother had-and he had sent them in advance. hy
q sure hand large sum of money his share of the
spoils of battle honorably wOn-enpush, III short
to give dowry to his sister and enable him to de-
mand the reward Of all his tolls and dangers the
hand of his betrothed.
His heart beat quick as he climbed the last vine
clad h which separated him from his native val
lev few steps more would bring him to the
summit, whence his eye would rest on the neat
whitewashed cottage, with its surrounding palings
and trim garden and there, perhaps, at the rustic
gate he should see the well-known figures OF his
mother and sister. Far us he had travelled, he
sprang up the ascent with Il buoyant step, and soon
gained the eminence The cottage lay full in view,
but though it was the usual hour lor preparing the
evening meal, no blue smoke-wreath eurled upward
from the chimney. A vague presentiment OF evil
weighed upon his heart. Hastening to dspel the
dark and chilling fears that came thick upon him,
he hurried down the slope and soon PASSED through
the garden and stood within the cottage lie called
alnud--no voice responded to his cry. He rus ed
into the little room, which served ut for kitch
en- and parlor. 1t WAS empty-no fire burned upon
the hearth The humble furniture was in strange
dsarray. The easement, which looked out upon
the garden, was shattered I lie walls and floor
were charreI and blackened with smoke, if the
house had taken fire and been saved with difficulty.
Pierre sprang up stairs In neither of the cham
bers could he find the loved ones whom he soug hit
only the same scene of confusion and desuatOn.
Turning in dismay from the spectacle, he rushed
out of the cottage to make his way to the nearest
neighbers, and inquire into this appalling mystery.
As he hurried along-his brain whirling. his foot
steps uncertain and unsteady y--he stumbled against
an aged man Of venerable appearance. who was
coming in the opposite direction. The young sol
dier halted. and tonching his cap begged pardon
for his involuntary rudeness.
"My poor Pierre said the old man, II know too
well the cause of your forgettulness."
The soldier looked up and recognized the famil-
lar and benevolent features Of the good priest Of
the village his cid tutor and pastor.
Father" he said pointing to the cottage, you
have been there--you know all--tell me-where
are they?"
The cid mans eyes filled with tears, as he shook
his head, and laid his hand kindly ON the young
mans shoulder.
Pierre" said he, "you have read whom the
Lord loveth he chasteneth g
The soldier bowed his head.
pierre" exclaimed the good priest ''let us sit
down on this bank. You are a good and brave boy.
You can face danger, and have sought to furnish
you weapons to wage war against sorrow and trial"
''fou have been father to me, sir" replied the
young soldier complying with the invitation of his
pastor, and taking seat beside him. 81 will en-