The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-09-24

stand what poor Capucin meant. It's not the
death fear, so much as the Disgrace
"DOn't take on in that way, said the farmer,
in a consolatory tone OF voice. "Shrieking
never set a broken bone. Stay here, and make
the best of bad business. If the French
come back again, can prove that it was no
fault Of yours"
"My good man, you don't know the severity
of our rules
"They will not punish you for a crime you
have not committed. Meanwhile you cannot
live on air. You probably were brought mp.
in the country, and are accustomed to do
country work Y''
Certainly. can plough, for instance"
'Ihe very thing for me. | can offer You
good board and lodging, with small weekly
payment into the bargain. 1t will be the best
thing you can do, under the circumstances.
The soldier heaved heavy sigh, and slowly
gazed all round the horizon, to see whether
any of the ships were still visible. BehOlding
nothing, he said, at last, al thankfully accept
your offer"
"Good 70 said the farmer Peter Baxen.
'.Come and breakfast at once. We will go
on with the ploughing afterwards"
at BaXen's farm the soldier-p -ploughman had
plenty of opportunities of proving his capa-
city. He found such favor in the farmers
eyes-and in other peoples too-that Baxen
determined to try and keep him for good
and all.
"My worthy fellow" he said one day, 81
look upon you almost as a SON."
eff my poor old father" Firmin answered,
''were not anXiously awaiting my return to
France, would willingly remain in Rugen."
"Iou can bring him back with you, the
next time you go to France. But what l
want to say to you now, concerns my
daughter
Firman colored up to the eyes.
"Unless am much mistaken you and she
are very good friends.''
FiImin uttered few unintelligible words.
"The neighbors even say you are in love
with herr
81 assure you l never uttered word which
could lead her to suppose that"
81 know it; and for that very reason took
upon myself to tell her that, if you had no
objection, she might have you for her hus-
band"
"And she said-?'
''Not a word but she threw her arms round
my neck, and kissed me for a quarter of an
hour" A fortnight afterwards Firmin Bonard
was married to the fair-haired Clarissa, Peter
Baxen's only daughter.
Four years then elapsed, pretty equally
divided between love and labor. His thoughts
occasionally reverted to France, but he had
almost forgotten his compulsory desertion.
The past soon fades from our memory when
the present is satisfactory and the future pro-
missing.
One morning, the lookout man in the town
of Rugen signalled fleet of ships in the ofing.
They were men n-ofwar, carrying the French
flag. "The French are coming !" people
shouted to each other. "They are going to
land -
Firmin Bonard heard it. '"rhe French are
coming - rang in his ears like the boom of an
alarm-gun 1t told him that he was lost
man. Nevertheless, a thought struck him
which relieved his heart by glimmer of hope.
He ran home, put on his uniform, seized
his arms, and mounted guard on the very spot
where, five years before, he had been uninten-
tionally abandoned. Meanwhile, boats full of
soldiers rowed towards the hillock. In the
forepart of one Of the boats was black and
white poodle. AS it approached the beach,
the creature barked with Joy. In spite of his
anxiety, Firmin's eyes filled with tears as he
recognized his old friend Capucin. The dog,
unable to master his impatience, jumped into
the sea and swan to shore.
AS soon as the boats had come within ear
shot, Firmin 'made ready" and shouted at
the top of his voice, "Qui vive p
"Qui vive, yourself p said the occupants OF
the first boat, which was filed with officers,
composing Marshal Davousts staff. "Who
are you? And what are you doing here ?''
81 am sentinel, keeping guard"
ga pretty sentinel How long have you
been on guard ~
rive years g,
'It is time to come down, then," shouted
the officers, laughing.
When Firmin descended from his hill,
! Capucin ran to meet him half way, BARKING
with Joy, and jumping into his arms.
''Poor Capucin Have it all your own way
this time. Do whatever you like. Dirty me-
tear my clothes; l shan't send you away l
ought to have made better return for your
attempt to serve me.''
Followed by the faithful dog Firmin joined
his former comrades. He gave plain account
of what had happened. By lucky chance,
the corporal, who had forgotten him, ana VINO
had since been promoted belonged to Marshal
Davoust's staff. He received his old comraoe
with open arms. Firmin, in return, invited
his countrymen to the farm, where he enter
tanned them with liberal hospitality. Inc aG-
venture reached Marshal Davousts ears ne
laughed at Firmin's stratagem, and presenteo
him with discharge drawn up in due lori9'
81 should not like the brave fellow, " ne salu,
'to appear before court-martlBl, after having
kept guard so long,"
Firmin continued farmer. lie nau lale
family, who at present fill the hg9es' rIllC anu
most important offices in the Island Iney
are commonly known as the SenSnei pIlla,.
Family. When the French finally len hugen,
Capucin remained Like his master, lI1 ne
forgot his military tastes and deyoteu Pd'J
exclusively to farming.-AH ne 1eay Ioa..es.
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