The Oxford intelligencer. (Oxford, Miss.) 1860-18??, 1860-12-05

rences beyond the range OF huinah Possiohi
ties, which, while every one is forced to ad
nit as fact, no one can account for, or com
prehend. The accused, however, pleaded
guilty most positively, and was most pertina
cious in his demand for the just penalty o
the law to be inflicted on him. He so bold
ly and fearlessly avowed his crime, continu
ally repeating that he did not regret it, that
at length his frmness assumed the character
of bravado, and left no room for clemency,
Sentence of death was therefore pro
nounced.
Pierre Pitois heard his sentence read with
the most unhinching gaze. They warmly
urged him to plead for mercy, but he re-
fused. As every one guessed that at the
bottom of this affair there was some strange
mystery, it was determined that the execu-
ton of Pierre should be delayed.
He was carried back to the military pris-
on, and it was announced to him that, as a
mark of special favor, he had three days Civ
en- him to press for pardon. He shrugged
his shoulders aud made no reply.
In the middle Of the light on which was
to dawn the day fixed for the execution, the
door of Picrre's dungeon turned softly on its
hinges, and subaltcrn officer advanced to
the side of the campbell in which the con-
dcmned man was TRANQUILITY sleeping, and af-
ter gazing on him some time in silence
awoke him.
Pierre opened his eyes, and staring about
him, said:
"The hour then, is at last come"
No, Pierre" replied the officer, Z" it is not
yet the hour, but it will soon come"
"And what do you want with Inc until
thenl"
"Dost thou not know me, Picrre' No
matter know thee well. saw thee at
Austerliz, and bravely didst thou bear thy
self From that day, Pierre, have had for
thee regard no less warm than sincere
Yestesday, on my arrival at Strasburg, |
learned thy crime and condemnation. |
have prevailed on the jailor, who is rela-
ton of mine, to allow me to see thee. And
now that have come, would say to thee,
Pierre, it is often sad thought for man
about to die, that he has not friend near
him to whom he might open his heart, aud
intrust with some sacred commission to DIS
charge when he should be no more. If thou
wilt accept me, l will be to thee that
friend"
81 thank you comrade," replied Pierre.
"Why hast thou nothing to say to me-:
Nothing"
"What! not one word of adicu to thy
sweetheart ito thy sisterl"
A sweetheart! sister! never had
either"
"To thy father!
ale is no more. Two months ago he
died in my arms"
"Thy mother, them"
MY llOlHeT' -dnu lcIIe, NuOSc NOiSS
suddenly and totally changed, repeated
''my mother! All, comrade, do not utter
that name, for have never heard that name
i have never said it in my heart-without
feeling melted like child; and even now,
if were to speak her"
"What then 7"
"The tears would come-and tears do not
become n man. Tears :" contin-
ued hp "tears, when have but few hours
to live. All there would not be much
courage in that
"Thou art too stern, comrade. think
have, thank God, as much courage as other
people; and yet would not be ashamed of
weeping, were to speak cf my mother"
Are you serious !" said Pierre, eagerly
seizing the officers hand. "You, man and
a soldier, and not ashamed to wcepl"
"When speaking of my motherl Ger
tainly not. My mother is so good, so kind.
She loves me much; and /, too, love her
dearly"
"She loves you' and you love berl Oh!
then / may, indeed, tell you all. My heart is
full-it must have vent; and, however
strange my feelings appear to you, | am
sure you will not laugh at them. Listen,
then; for what you said just now is quite
true. A man is glad, when about to die, to
have heart into which he can pour out his
own. Will you listen to me, and not laugh
at met"
"Surely 1 will lister, Pierre. A dying
man must ever excite compassionate sympa-
thy"
"You must know that since came into
his world, l never loved but one being
hat being was my mother. But her loved
IS none loved-with all that was In me of life
and energy. While yet bIbe, used to
-ead her eyes, as she read mine; | guessed
1er thoughts, and she knew mine. She was
he heart of my heart, and the heart of
hers. Ihave never had either sweetheart or
wife; never had a friend my mother was
to me. Well, 1 was summoned
o take mp arms; and when they told Inc |
- I.o,o h. "a, n raroxvsm of dpsnair de