The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1862-11-28
o0- Alexander Dumas's new novel.


"ADdree de Taverney," has Just been trans
lated by Henry L. Williams. Jr.. and pub
lished by T.. b. Peterson & Brothers OF
Philadelphia. IL is tale Of the downfall
Of the French Monarchy. and sequel to
the long series of historical romances on
which the pen of Dumas was employed for
SO many years. In the present work the
scenes and incidents. as we'll as the princ-
pal characters, are taken from the period in
French history between ITO and 1874
Dumas's description of the execution OF
King Louis, though somewhat spasmodic,
is interesting. notwithstanding the many
times that fearful story has been told.
THE MARTYR KING.
The vehicle bad gone quite distance 10
the mean time, and had reached the bou,e.
ward.
The streets were almost deserted, the
shops were hall closed; no ono was in door.
ways or up at windows.
decree Of the commune had forbidden
citizens taking any part in the armed escort,
or showing themselves at windows on the
line of march.
A lowering. misty sky barely let one see
forest Of pixies among which shone few
bayonets; before the vehicle rode troopers,
and before them marched a multitude of
drummers.
The prisoner would have conversed with
his confessor, but such was the din that
they could not hear.
The sbbe lent him bis prayer book he
read.
Az the Porte St. Denis he lifted his head,
fancying he heard some peculiar shout.
Indeed. q dozen young men rushed down
the Rue Beauregard, broke through the
press. sword in hand. shouting:
"This way, all who would save the
King
Three thousand was the number sworn
to obey this appeal made by the Baron de
Batz.an adventurous conspirator; he bravely
gave the signal. but out Of three thousand
only few responded.
The Baron de BATE and his forlorn hope
Of royalty, seeing there was no chance. took
advanta ge Of the confusion caused by their
attempt, and saved themselves in the net
work of streets around the Port St. Denis.
1t was this incident which distracted the
royal captive from his prayers, but it was of
50 little Importance that the cab did not even
have to stop.
When il did stop, at the end Of two
hours time, it had reached the end Of its
journey.
When the King felt the movement cease,
he bent over to his priests ear and said:
1--WE are arrived, sir, il l am not mista-
KEN
The other kept silent.
At this moment, one Of the three brothers
Samson, executioners at Paris, came to open
the door. #.
Then Louis. laying his hand on the abbe's
knee: said in q masters tone:
..Sirs. ] recommend this gentleman to
you. Take care after my death that no
harm comes to him.
During this time the two other execution
ers bad approached.
YES. yes." said one of them, 1--WE shall
take care Of him; leave him to u.s."
Louis alighted.
The executioners' ASSISTANTS surrounded
him and were going to remove his coat, but
he scornfully repulsed them. and took o6,
his clothes himself. ME ET c. Et
For an instant the prisoner was alone in I,
ring ne had made. throwing down bis hat /:
taking of bis coat and christening his !.
ncckerchief; but then the exscutiouers an
preached him sgais. 1I@
One Of them held rope in his hand.
''What do you WANT" inquired Lou;,
ITO pinion you." replied the one holding
the rope.
II will never consent to that" cried the
King: "give up the idea. Do what You are I
commanded: but you shall not bind me-,
no, nevss!'
The sxscutioncrs raised their voices.
A band-so-hand struggle. was about. in
every bodys eyes. to deprive the victim OF
the merit OF six weeks calmuess. courage
and resignation. when one Of the Samsons.
moved By compassion, bot still compelled
70 perform his duty. stepped up and said in
. respectful voice:
"Sirs, with this handkerchiei."