The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1854-05-24
IN ADVANCE
N U NJ B Err Is
Others said


The latter opinion nearly prevailed, for
there was no member of the court who
did not look upon the desertion of Pierre
Pitois as one of those singularities beyond
the reach of human probability, which no
one understands, but which every one ad-
| m,ts. Nevertheless, the accused appear
cd so simple, so logical in demanding a
conviction avowing his guilt with such
audacous frankness; necessarily repeat
ing that he did not regret it; and the
firmness which he exhibited had so much
the appearance of bravado, that no loop
hole was left for cemency. The sentence
of death was pronounced.
When the judgmer of the court was
read to him, Pierre Pitois did not vince.
lie was urged to sue for mercy, but he
refused.
As every body conjectured that there
was some mystery at the bottom Of this
affair, it was decided that the execution
of Pierre Pitois should be delayed. The
prisoner was reconducted to his cell he
was informed that, as an especial favor,
he was allowed three days to present his
petition for pardon; he shrugged his shou-
his and made no answer.
In the middle of the night preceding
the day fixed for his execution, the door
of Pierre's prison was gently opened and
lieutenant of the young guard advanced
to the side OF the pallet on which the prs-.
oner slept, and af,er having contemplated
him time for some awoke him. Pierre
Pitois stared wildly around, and said
All. the hour is come At
last"
"No, Pierre" answered the other,
the hour is not yet come, but it soon will
strike"
"Well, and what do you wantw
"Pierre thou knowest me not, but I
know thee. have seen thee at Auster-
ltz, where thou ddst behave like brave
man. Since that day, Pierre, have en-
tertained for thee sincere and lively es-
TEEN. On my arrival yesterday at Stras-
burg, | heard Of thy crime and of thy
condemnation. The jailor being rela-
ton OF mine, have gained access to thy
cell to say, Pierre, those who are about to
die often regret not having by their side
friend to whom they can open their hearts,
and intrust the fuifillment Of some holy
duty. If thou wilt let me be that friend.
"Thanks, comrade, answered Pierre,
abruptly.
Hast thou nothing to confide to me 2"
Nothing"
"What. not an adieu for thy betrotn.
ed for thy sister,"
"a betrotAed A sister L
never had either."
"For thy fatherH'
ale is no more. He died two months
ago in my arms"
"For thy mothcr?"
'For my mothcr" said Pierre, whose
voice suddenly tremblcd with emotion, -
''for my mother! All ! comrade.
pronoucc not her name, for that word
have never even whispered it to my heart
without being moved like child. At
at this moment, it seems to me that if
spoke OF her ...'
"Well ?"
81 should weep And to weep
becomes not man! To weep" he con-
tinued in an excited tone,--" to weep
when | have only few hours more to
live; ah that would be weakness
Thou art too severe, comrade. ] am
possessed of as much firmness as any man,
and nevertheless | should not he ashamed
to shed tears while speaking Of my moth
er."
"Indeed |" said Pierre, warmly grasp
ing the hand Of the lieutenant, you are a
man and a soldier, and would you not
blush to weepr
awhile thinking Of my mother3 Assu-
! reG'y not. She is so good, she loves me
50 much, and love her SC dearly in re-
turn ~
She loves you! You love her! Ohl
then / will tell you all, my heart is full
and must be unburdened, and, however,
strange the sentiments which animate me
may appear to you, you will not ridicule
them, l am sure. Listen, then, for what
you said Just now is very true; happy is
he who, dying, finds heart in which he
can confide . Will you not listen to
me? You will not laugh at meT
81 hear thee, Pierre. The man who is
about to die can only excite commissera-
tion and sympathy"
"You must know, then, that since | can
remember, there is only one pers IN whom
| ever loyed--my mother. But her
have loved as man never loved---with all
my energy, with all my soul. When a
child read in her eyes the affection
which mine fondly reHected; ! diyined
her thoughts, she knew mine. We were
all in all to one another. / have never
had either sweetheart or mistress; have
never had any friends. Therefore, when
was called 90 serve my country, was
seized with frantic despair, and declared
that even were violence resorted 10, they
should not tear me alive from her side,
With one word the holy and courageous
woman changed my resolves: Pierre
said she, you must depart; command
you l knelt down aud said to her:
Mother | vii GO Perry she continued
thou has been good son, and / thank