Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1862-03-29
"Help, mercy !" exclaimed she.

nave before mentioned was heard, and
the bullet shattered the arm Of the ag-
gresSor, rendering him powerless. -
But whence the shot came both were
unable to tell, for no sooner was the
weapon discharged than the delverer
disappeared, and Anthony Martel rush
| ed into the room by another door,
Observing the wild appearance of Cad
cline, breaking from the Colonel, in an
instant he OWNED the whole, and with
a powerful blow he laid the intruder at
his feet
BY this time the report of firearms
had brought Il detachment of soldiers
to the spot, who, on entering the room,
were Immediately ordered to arrest
Anthony for attempting to murder his
superior officer In vain Cadeline pro-
tested his innoccnce-they put him
ander strong guard.
On the following morning an unnsu-
al activity among the officers told that
something Of more than ordinary i'm :
portance was to take place, rs each
one fastened to the quarters Of the
commandant. Though court martial
is not very unusual thing, yet it is
sufficiently Y rare to attract attention in
camp.
Soon the quick roll Of the drum told
that court had convened, and was
readY to try criminal. Within spa
ciouS tent were gathered number Of
officers in fall uniform Seated on a
raised platform was Gen. Lovick, act
ing IS Judge. Another roll of the drum
announced the prisoner
''Of what is this man charged -
asked the Judge.
''for attempting to destroy the life
Of his superior officer, COL Layillier,"
said the advocate.
And where is the accuser ?'' con-
tinued the court.
"Hcrc, may it please YOUR excellen-
cy," replied the Colonel, whose arm
was done up in sling.
Glow came Martel to attempt your
life p
Il know not" said LaviIlier.
"What provoked the Insult 2"
"A conversation with young girl
with whom the prisoner is acquainted.'
rs that all p
cit is, your cxcellcncy."
After short conversation with the
other officers, the judge turned to the
prisoner and thus addressed him:
"Anthnny MarteI, YOU have been
found guilty Of an attempt to murder
y superior officer in the French army:
tie punishment Is death. What have
You to say that yea should not suffer
the extreme penalty Of the law which
vou have offended %
Mlrtel, ho stood as though uncon-
scious till now, raised his manly form:
he bent his eyes Searchingly upon the
Colonel, and said in Il tir;n voice:
"Your eNcelency, am aware that
any vindication which | make will be
Of 80 avail ; but being permitted, |
will speak the truth, innocent of the
charge brought against me. I did not
fire upon Colonel Lavilller and had .4o
weapon whcn arreSted.'
cat the moment | entered the dwell
ing of CAdeline found her struggling
in his arms. | stopped not to inquire
his rank, but struck hm with my doab-
led list to the floor. This is all T have
done, and had it been the Emperor
himself i'll his place, | should have done
likewise, for the duty Of the true sol
der is to protect the innocent and de-
tenceless. [ an willing to die--but my
death will not go unavenged, for the
grass will not have covered my grave
before nay comrades shall have found
the heart of my murderer. for there is
not one that will shrink when the hour
comes. l am ready--pass your Sell
tence."
"Martel, your language does not be-
| come i man who is on the threshold Of
eternity.'
s'Truth becomes 4 man at all tines"
replied Anthony.
Col. Lavillier, during the time that
the prisoner was speaking, seemed
greatly excited, and turned pale. He
knew that Martel was great favorite
in the regiment, and he knew that his
life was in danger.
"Anlhonv Martel," said the indge,
'sthe sentence of the court is, that you
die tomorrow at sunrise, and that You
! be shot by twelve of your comrades. p"
Again the roll Of the drum told that
the case had been decided, and they
were about to conduct the prisoner to
his quarters, when a young girl rushed
past the guard into the tent and pros
trated herself at the feet Of the presid-
ing officer, and exclaimed
HE is innocent! spare him! he did
not shoot Col. Lavillief."
i As the tears flowed down her beau
tiful face every heart was touched with