Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1856-03-12
obtaining the leave Of absence %

'1never thought of that. said Pierre.
"we are, then, on the point of taking the
field, and at such time, 1 suppose, leave
is not given"
"It is never even asked"
"It is quite rigbt-itis not even asked.
1t would have the appearance of cow
srdice. Well, then, 1 viii not press it
any more will try and get on with
out it."
"And you will do well," replied the
captain.
The next day the twelfth regiment en-
tered Germany, and the next Pierre de-
serted
Three months after, when the twelfth
regiment, having reaped in the field of
battle an abundant harvest of glory was
making its triumphal entry into Stras-
burg, Pierre Potois was ignominiously
dragged back to his corps by brigade
of gend' arms.
Acourt- wasimmediately called.
Pierre was accused of having deserted
at the very moment when his regiment
was TO meet the enemy face to face
The court presented a singular spectacle.
On one side stood forth the accuser, who
cried:
"Pierre Potois, yeu, one of the bravest
men in the army you, on whose breast
the star of honor yet glitters you, who
never incurred censure from your Off
GERS you could not have Quilted your
regiment-quitted it almost on the eve
of battle-wilhout some powerful motive
TO irnpel you. This motive the court de-
monds of you, for it would gladly have
it in its power-if not to acquit you,
which thought not, perhaps, either do or
desire-at least to recommend you 10 the
Emperor's mercy"
On the other side stood the accused,
who answered:
al have deserted without any motive;
l do not repent. If it we're to do again,
l would do so. deserve dcath-pass
the sentence
Pierre heard the sentence read with
the most unainching gaze. He was
urged to plead for mercy, but he refused.
As everybody guessed that at the bot
tom of this affair there was some strange
mystery, it was determined that the ex-
ecution should be delayed. He was
carried back to the military prison, and
it was announced to him that, as mark
of special favor, he had three days given
to press for pardon. He shrugged his
shoulders, and made no reply.
In the middle of the night on which
was to dawn the day fixed for the exc
cution, the door of Pierre's dungeon
turned softly on its hinges. and subal-
tern officer advanced TO the side OF the
camp-bed on which the condemned man
was TRANQUILITY sleeping, and after ga
zing on him short time in silence, awoke
him.
Pierre opened his eyes, and staring
about him said
The hour, then, has come at last"
:" No, PIERRE" replied the officer, sit
is not yet the hour but it will come ere
long,"
"And what do you want with me until
then 90
"Dost thou know me, Pierre no mat
ter. know thee well. saw thee at Aus
terlitz-and nobly didst thou bear thy
self From that day. Pierre, l have had
for thee regard no less warm than sim
cere. Yesterday, on my arrival in Stras-
burg, learned thy crime and condem-
nation. I have prevailed on the gaoler,
who is relation of mine, TO allow me TO
see thee. And, now that l have come,
would say to thee, Pierre, it is often
bad thought for man about to die, that
he has not friend near him to whom
he may open his heart, and intrust with
some secret commission to discharge
when he shall be no more If thou wilt
accept me, l will be to thee that friend"
81 thank you, comrade," Pierre re-
Piled.
What, hast thou nothing to say to
ne 90
Nothing"
"What not one word of adieu to
thy sweetheart-to thy sister ?''
IA sweetheart sister 1 never had
sither.'
S'To thy father ?"
''He is no more Two months ago he
lied in my arms ~
THY mother, then 90
''My mother l''-and Pierre, whose !
'oice suddenly and totally changed, re-
,eated, "my mother l-Ah, comrade, do c
lot utter that name-I have never said G
n my heart, without feeling melted like ,
child and even now, methinks, if l i
Vere to speak Of her" I
tsWhat then 90
''The tears would come, and tears do ,
lot become a man. Tears !" continued {
ie-ttears when have only a few hours {
live All. there would be no courage G
q that l''