Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1863-04-25
The Golden Cross.

$3.50 :.
some extracts.
II will tell you, sir. why come every
evening TO smoke my pipe undor the
Croissy yew."
SO begins the tals. In 1862, the mar
rator, who had escaped the CONSUMPTION
by entering college, which he had since
lett, did not know what to do with him.
self Meantime he amused himself by
climbing up into q huge yew-tree, and
casting his eyes over the surrounding
country. One moonlight evening, wheu
at his post, he overheard n conseript who
VAS bidding adieu to lis sister and be-
,rothad. The latter wspt. The more
resolutc sister said:
''Have you not got a colon ell him
who enlisted you? Well, go and find
your colonel. throw yourself on your
knees, and say, ely lord, dent want
to 60 away don't want to DO killed !!
There are my sister and a wife, who
eaunot live without me, and who are
goiI to throw themselves into the river.
Beat ne, colonel, put me in prison, but
don't make me go away. Long live The
emperor, He's noble fellow. Let
him leave me in peace, and 60 about
his business! Colonel. am man and
r free one, and have 40 right to leave
nv sister Christine. who won't have me
to quit her; and who will hate you, Col,
# you make ne 60 efi.'"
The brother smiled st his sister, and
told her lie must have substitute, and
money to pay him.
"We!l," said Christine, II will give
everything I've sot-my gold cross
my ear rings, my silk nsckerchiefs-aIl
nly trinkets, to him who will consent to
GO
"Ail that does not amount to the price
of man. replied Eugene.
Christine reflected awhile, and said,
catching her brothers. arm,
"WeI! | am we'll worth man-
worth moro than a man-ob, certainly
am! viii give myself, then. ] will
tell somebody or other, go in my broth
er's place, end will bs your wife. You
see l an pretty-a little spoiled, but
what matters thats | will love you so,
ifyou will save my brotheri On, yes!
swear by the golden cross, in which is
some of my mothers gray hair, 1 would
willingly marry him who would devote
himself to You.
At evening, IS they were seated at
their humble meal, without being able to
touch it, and locking tearfully at each
other, some one knocked at the door.
Come ill.," said the young man, has
thy drying his eyes.
An old sergeant made his appearances,
suying,
Health Is the couscript Eugene
Lsvon here!''
yes, sergeant"
There" said the soldier, throwing a
letter on the table.
Eugene read slowly at first, but after
ward devoured the paper. 1t wss his
discharge in due form. He looked at the
old soldier with astonisbment.
THAT means that your place is taken.
oonscdpt. 1t is pity. though; for yeur
moustaches would hive spioutsl with Il
Lttlo sunpow,ier. But enough, YOU are
happy now-farewsIl."
Aud be was going away.
oh, the devil.' said ne, 50 he
returned, Christine Leycn--is that your
sister, Where is your sisterl'
Here" said Eugene, pointing TO her
is she sst pale with joy and emotion.
.'This enc IS for you, miss throwing
2 second letter eli the table, but stopped
short as he saw Christine trembling with
agitation crumpling it in her hand. aud
gazing fxelly ON the table.
"What is the matter, what is the mat
ter, said Eugene. Dear Christine, let
us see tina; letter? Selfish being that |
nm, never thought oft. Let me sec
who darss to write to youi What does
all this mean?'
And he ran over the letter hastily.
''Oh. read it aloud" said Christine,
tits the same to ne! Good heavens
this is bnt justl''
Eugene read aloud.
Miss ask nothing-I go away
without making any terms-I take your
brothers. place; you need him, and no
enc needs me. Bat / am honest and
love you, ever since saw you weep.
send sou nng Of my mothers. If YOU
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