The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-08-02
WASHINGTON, D. c., TIL

is in favor of the contrary presumption"
II will not argue the point" retorted Paul.
II am a republican, Prince, but no assassin.
| took the oath thou hast myself taken, and felt
bound to abide the consequences. My fidelity,
was suspected. l had to abide the test, which
having done, have been absolved from my
oath. | am no longer a member of the society
thou knowest Of"
"And had the lot of the black ball fallen to
thee?" inquired the Prince.
How knowest thou it was SO decided 2"
asked the young man, quickly. awe have
spies amongst u.s."
The Prince smiled, as though pleased that
Paul should learn that he possessed secret
means of acquiring information.
Answer my question first" retorted he. &
would have babe adieu to life, as RoussiF
Ion has done," was the reply.
Hum And thy betrothed," remarked the
other.
"The young man turned pale, and stooe
aghast, gazing at his interlocutor with mutt
amazement. .
Hadst thou no thought for her 2" resumed
the Prince.
g 1t is cruel question, Prince" responded
Paul, presently, in voice half choked by 8
rising sob. "Since thou knowest all, spare
me, spare me, l beseech thee" And, Unable
Paul Duvergier," said the Prince to HING
presently, {" know all, as thou sayest. How,
/ have acquired this knowledge, matters not tx
thee. AS member of the confraternity u
which we both belonged, have much sympa
thy for thee. appreciate thy conduct, and re,
spect thy sincerity. Thou art well out of r
great trial and great danger. But l advise
thee to leave politics alone for the future, or
harm may come of it. Thou art free to leave.
and hast nothing to fear from me. Before thoG
leavest however, tell me whether there is anf
favor thou would'st ask.
The young man looked at the speaker for =
moment, and then, advancing a step or two,
bowed his head humbly, saying, " Your gra
cious pardon, Prince, your forgiveness"
"There is my hand" responded the Prince
"but l have nothing to forgive thee. Again,
| would ask, whether thou seekest any favor at
my hands ?"
"None, none, Prince" replied Paul. ~ am
young and vigorous, and have trade. can
work, and | will do SO. Honest bread is az
artisans worthiest patrimony."
"But in times Of civil commotion, bear il
mind that the artisan is the first to suffer- r..
marked the Prince. "Without civil order, cone
merce and trade cannot flourish capital .
withdrawn from public enterprises, and gen
eral depression ensues. This is a lesson oar
Partisan revolutionists have yet to learn, b. I
which 1 hope thou wilt do thy part to teae b
them. Return to thy work, to thy home, %
thy betrothed; and remember, in the PriIfe
President thou shalt ever find friend"
Paul advanced, and taking the Princes prof
fered hand, carried it respectfully to his lips,
saying,
"Prince, accept my gratitude and believe
me when l say that the lesson you have taugat
me shall not be cast away"
AS soon as Paul was gone, the Prince sura,
moned the Commissary.
"You have placed the seals on the effects of
the artist, Roussllon 2" he observed.
The Commissary bowed, answering in TIE
affirmative.
You will repair to the premises" resuIStd
the Prince, taking out paper from sec Get
drawer in his secretGtre, as soon as you Ne
turn. You will take with you twenty mtn
Here is plan of the workshops, and of all lie
rooms. The square places marked in red re
secret closets, directions for opening which 0u
will find indicated in the margin. l do not w
ticipate any resistance. Should any be ms lie,
you will demonstrate. If this have no eff
you will arrest the parties. You will make an
accurate inventory of everything you find GU
will caution your men to express no surpris if
they come across a store of gunpowder and an
arsenal of small arms. Further, you will t Ike
care to inform the parties on the premises, hat
no harm is intended or will come to then, if
they quit them at once. You will do all this
as quietly, but as promptly as is practicable, End
apprize me of the result without delay"
The Commissary waited moment, to Nee
whether the Prince had any further instruct ans
to give him, and, finding that he REMAINED ST.
lent, departed on his errand.
otis better so," unused the Prince, though
sad so noble mind should thus wreck telf
Had he lived, he would have been an obiee> of
scorn amongst his brethren, and of sus p, ion
amongst his new friends. 1t was his destiay!
That sums up ALL What mine will be, FEEL !;
and, until have accomplished it, am fear less
of assassins. But we must leave as little as
possible to fate; wherefore, promptitude ind
secrecy Of action are now imperative duises
We will first break up these secret associations
quietly. We can deal with their leade.s after
wards. A danger known is danger guarded
against"
Seating himself in chair in front of the FIRE,
he lighted cigar, and gave himself up to The
ambitious thoughts which crowded on his mSnd !;
his eyes meanwhile steadily fixed upon the
classical features ofthe modern Augustus, which,
now enwreathsd in pale, blue vapor, scenes to
smile down upon him, as from amidst the
clouds of The eternal sphere.