Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1856-03-19
THE LITTLE HUSSAR;

on, FRENCH MILITARY GLORY FIFTY YEARS AGO.
The Place BeauTau, in 1901, was rugged
-'~ir- .hrnn5h which vehicles passed with diff
coil and almost liquifed the mud which spread
treacherously over the many deep holes and
rnts, the place became series of traps in
which the unwary passenger often floundered
most absurdly, and even dangerously, as upon
the quicksands of an unknown shore.
1t was after two days storm, in the month
of November Of last year, that slenderyoung
man threaded the dubious path of this slough,
evincing the greatest caution in picking his
dainty steps, as he directed his course toward
the Bouleyards. The youth seemed scarce be-
youd the age of childhood, so small aud deli
cate was his figure, SO fair and smooth was his
cheek. end might have been taken for some
frolicsome young girl. in masquerade, from
his slender waist, tiny feet and hands, and
long, fair, curling locks.
He was habited somewhat feppishlv in the
uniform of the Royal Hussars, and displayed
great agility, as well as extraordinary care, in
leaping from stone to stone, clearing each
muddy rivulet, and tripping daintily over the
dry intervals Of ground, when his attention
wss attracted by burst of laughter, and he
perceived four grenadiers Of the Guard watch
ing his gymnastics with moeking glee.
Although indignant at their insulting con-
duct, the young gentleman continued his
route until the grenaders directly addressed
him ssLook out for that hole" cried one, esit
Is six inches deep-you may drown in it''
'sHold your tongue said second s'don't
you see that it is a young girl7 you don't
know how TO address lady Maden oiselle.
We ere going to the Barriere to drink some IA
mons wine; shall We have the honor of your
charming company
"Bah 10 sneered the third soldier, n,t IS on
ly little boy running away from his father 10
play truant for a while. Go homo Immediate
ly, you young scamp; do you hear me ?''
Theyouth stepped, half surprised half angry
"Why do you annoy me, sirs a'' asked he
"Why7 because yoa amuse us.''
esI have nothing to say to you; let me pass
on my way ~
"Not without chatting little first"
"Wsll, then," said the young hussar, mild |!
ly, 'swhat do you want ''
"Let US see-oh, tell Us truly, If you are |
q young lady -
ssYou VI
70 l1CSn ~ me, comrades.
"da! ha! he calls us comrades! Because |
his mamma has dressed him in uniform to |
make him look pretty, he thinks he is sol |
dier. What fancy dress is that you wear child p |
ssIt is no fancy dress,'' replied the youth;
c.it is fhe uniform of my regiment Il
s.Go to, boy! we do not swallow such fables
IS that; go back TO your school my lad"
ri am very young, it Is true, gentlemen,
but am, nevertheless, cavalier OF the first
of Hussars."
ga fine regiment, truly" grinned the SOL
der, sf it is composed of chits of your feather.
"It is brave regiment and good regi-
ment,' returned the youth, loosing patience,
"of which the poorest soldier is worth all the
iInpudent grenadisrs of the Guard"
"oho! you are getting angry, are you ~
"Because you torment me-"
"Ah You call yourself trooper, and you
oeard the veterans of the Guard, do you? This
snail not pass, sir Malapert; you shall prove
Vosr title to enrolment in bravo corpse"
That Is, you wish me TO hsht7 Very well.