Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1856-06-12
The Cadet-the first Consul.

Inc Cadet-the nrSt Consul.
1t was thick hazy afternoon. The inclem-
ency Of M unusually severe season, at Paris,
for some weeks past, wrapped everything in the
pale livery Of Winter. lciclcs hung pendant
from every roof. Huge masses Of SHOW cnci,m-
percd the street, and even the waters of Seine,
arrested in their course by the stern gr;pe o!
Winter, were now the scene OF holiday sports
for crowds Of school boys, who alone seemed to
rejoice in the general torpidity of nature
IN such weather | felt little inclination to cx-
tend nv .ranIbIes, and co.,tented myself with
watching the livery groups pursuing their boy
ish pastimes on the icy surface Of the waters
Most conspicuous amoug the number was o
large party OF Cadets Just let loose from one
Of the military schools whose bOiSterous n,;rth
added not a little to the animation of the scene
These speedily formed themselves into two par
ties, aud taking advantage Of an ample store
~ materials Mt hand, commenced an active
warfare with snowbalis. After an obstinate
contest, one OF the parties succeeded in driving
the other from the field The retreat was soon
converted into total route, and in tho excite
mcnt Of the moment, victors and yan,luishcd
alike seemed To forget the dangers to which
their needles, mlrudencc was exposing them.
Notwithstanding the Welding aud cracking
Of the ice several of the rctrcatng party took
refuge near the edge Of it, where ia spite oil
the Inconsistencies Of many who were alarmed
ut their periIons situation they continued to
keep their pursuers at bay. till loud crash,
aud the miners on Of onc Of their number, an
hounccd that the danger Of which they had
been warned was not imaginary. The instinct
Of self preservation induced them Immediately
60 rush from the spot, and the bending of the
ice under this simultaneous movement added
wings ~ their flight
The youth who had become the victim of
this rashness. no sooner rose to the surface then
he graspcd with drowning cag,rucss ut the fra
gile support around him, the lee which repeat
edly gave way. and again plunged him Into the
stream, more aud more exhausted by each sue
ccssiyc effort
had anticipated somc snch disaster and a
short time before had moved forward, us well
TO add INV voice in warning them of their dan
ger. as to render any assistance which might
lee IN INV power: hut ere could reach the
~eue of the accident, one Of the Cadets, an ac-
tive little fellow who had been conspicuous as
leader Of the victorious party, rushed to the
rescue OF his drowning companion. Light as
his weight was however, ! had some fear that
",
ed Ia him too return till ropes could he ,,rocur-
ed 90 assist his efforts hut with generous self
devotion h. persisted in his attempt, aud was
with heart FACILITATING alike for his safety and
success that ! saw him approach his companion
aud endeavor To raise him ont Of the WATER
But. rs might have been expected, the footing
which was insecure even FOR one, mmmc,liately
gave way under the weight Of two. and both were
-.
Luckily they swan we'll, and succeeded in
graspng the ice but the former. exhausted
by the repeated efforts. could scarcely sustain
himsclf. and it was obvious that, unless speedy
assistance could he procured there was little
change Of saving him.
Tie contrast between the conduct Of the
two boys at this trying moment was very strik-
ing. The one first immersed, screamed most
piticusiy acted tho part Of child. and seemed
20 have l"st all scfpossess:on exhausting
himself by repeated and ilEdirccted efforts to
<lamber upon the Ice The other, though con-
ssstcrsbly his junior, uttered not word, except
occasionally Ia cheer his companion. and beg
al him. IN tone savoring rather of contempt,
TO cease his crying He was calm and collect
ed. at caee seemed to comprehend the extent
cf his danger, and that the only hope Of saving
himself was by c;inging ir,n to his present sup
port Gill more eIectual assistance could he re,s-
dcrcd him. To keep mp his spirits called to
him not to be afraid. but the little fellow au-
swcrcd me by look Of resentment, as il even
in such imminent danger, it was crime to
doubt his courage. ....-. p .-.. -.
Anxious 10 rcscue the gallant boy, advanc.
Ell rs far as the strength OF the leo would per-
mit but though thus succeeded in reaching
within few yards Of bin, still was compelled
TO remain an inactive spectator Of his danger
from difficulty Of rescuing him without the ais
ofrupes. Minutes. however, seemed protracted
into hoars, while thesc were anxiously search
"a Tor by party Of the Cadets, and in mean
TINE. his fellow sufferer. exhausted by his ef
Softs. anai benuml,ered by the cold. relaxed hi
bold. and with lcad and piercing shrek wa
swept into the stream. Twice with a convul
slve e1ort he sprang almost out Of water. nns
csst his hands wildly over his head. vaini,
graphing for that aid which no human powei