The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1867-08-03


Repent of having come with you? Do you
think because I have been yours only such very,
very short time that should not love you p
Was not your wife! How can you be sorry
that should be with you, to live with you, if
you live, and to die with you if you are to die p
The young man began to sigh, striking the
floor impatiently with his feet, while he kissed
repeatedly the little hand and arm which she
was holding out.
"Ah, Laurette, Laurette! When think if
our marriage had been delayed five days, only
five days, that then should have been arrested
and transported alone, cannot forgive myself"
AT this the little one stretched out her round,
white arms clasped his head, pressed his fore
head, his hair, his eyes, smiling like cherub,
and murmuring all sorts of woman's fond things.
was quite affected, and considered it one of the
prettiest things had ever witnessed.
"And besides, we are very rich, too" said
she bursting out laughing. "Look at my purse,
one gold louis d'or-all my worldly wealth"
He began to laugh, too
Eyes, dear, l have spent my last half crown.
gave it to the fellow who carried our trunks on
board"
"Ah, poor !" cried she, "what matters it ? No
body so merry as those who have nothing at all !;
BESIDES I have my two diamond rings that my
mother gave me; they are good fer something
| all the world over; we can sell them when you
like; and besides am sure that the captain
meant kindly by us, and suspect he knows very
ton to the Governor of Cayenne"
Perhaps so; who knows?"
"To be sure it is" continued the charming
little wife. "You are SO good am sure the gov.
eminent has banished you only for short time
i know they have no feeling against YOU
1t was high time that the light should be out,
and now raped on the deck and called them
One morning, when awoke, was surprised
not to feel the slightest motion of the vessel
Hurying on deck found we were becalmed.
Latitude one degree north; longitude, between
81 and % degrees west
waited until night, when descended into
the cabin and opened the letter with dull, awful
feeling. held my breath, while l broke the
big red seal, and read as follows:
CAPTAIN FONTAINBLEAU The convict,
Antoine Hindsclear, stands convicted of treason
against the Republic. The Directory order that
he be shot in mid ocean, and you are hereby in
structed to that these orders are carried into
effect"
1 read the letter backwards and forwards 1
went on deck There they were, she looking up
on the ocean and he gazing at her with an ex-
preston of unutterable fondness. Catching his
eye l signed for him to come into the cabin, and
bidding her good bye, he came down, his face
all sEliles
was bathed in cold sweat; felt as if dead
ly sick; handed him the letter, and read it,
together with the death warrant, which was
drawn up in due form and attached. He colored
slightly and bowed.
II ask nothing captain !" he said in the same
gentle voice that always characterized his speech;
mo man can be expected to swerve from his duty;
l only wish to speak few words to Laurette,
and to entreat you to take care of her, if she
should survive-but hardly think she will"
'All that is fair, my good fellow" said l. IF
you request it, l will carry her back to France,
to her family. will never leave her until she
wishes to be rid of me, but do not think she
will survive it."
He took my hand and pressed it.
"Most kind captain see you suffer more in
this business than debut there is no help for
it. hope you will preserve what little property
of mine is left, for her sake, and that you will
take care she gets what her poor old mother may
leave her. Ipnt her life, her honor, in your
hands. She is" land here how fondly low his
voice became) "a delicate little creature-her
chest is often affected she must keep it warm
and if she could keep the two diamond rings her
mother gave her, should be glad but, of course,
if money is needed, they must go. Ny poor
Laurette-how pretty she looks"
IL was SEOWlHS tOO uluCu lOT lit, dllu DcSdll
to knit my brows.
"One word is as good as thousand said l.
Owe understand each other. Go to her"
l squeezed his hand; he looked wistfully at
me- and added: 'Stay moment, let me give
you a word of advice. Don't say q word to her
be easy-that is my business. 1t shall be man
aged in the best manner
"Ah," said he, II did not understood; yes,
much better Beside, this leave taking? this
| leave taking"
"Yes," said I, "don't behave like a child
much better. No leave taking if you can help
| it, or you are lost"
kept my seat. saw them walking arm in
arm, upon the deck for about half an hour. l
called the mate to me, and he had read the letter.
| said
"Garley, this is bad business-bad business. /
put it in your hands obey the orders, but re-
main in the cabin till it is over
"How do you wish the thing done Z" he asked,
in nOnchalant manner.
"Take him out in boat-out of sight; do it
as quick as possible; don't say anything of this
| till the time comes"
Garley sat five minutes looking at me without
saying word. He was strange fellow I
didn't know what to make of him. He then
went out OF the cabin without saying word.
Night came at last. MAN a boat 90 quar-
ter of a mile; be quick"
To obey slip Of paper! for it was but slip
of paper after all. Something in the very air
must have urged me on. saw the young man
kneel down before his Laurette; kiss her knees,
her feet! her gown! cried out like mailman.
Part them! part them this instant! Part
them-curse the Republic--curse Directory
the Directors 1 quit the service curse the
lawyers! you may tell them if you will "
She was dragged into her berth, and the boat
rowed away in the darkness.
Some time after dull yolley came over the