The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1868-01-30


ring the time of his boat>buildins he had
frequently to leave the cave to watch the
| coming and going of the sentinels.
The sun was setting as he had finished
his labor. In the frail bark he had so
rudely and rapidly constructed he was
going to attempt to cross the channel,
fearless alike of its swift currents and the
storms that might arise. He returned to
his lodging to eat his supper and wait till
darkness set in.
Slowly with the impatient prisoner did
the hours pass by; but the night came
at last. and he set forth on his perilous
undertaking.
BY circuitous route he reached the
cave. The wind was meaning along the
sea, telling of coming storm, and hot
| star glimmered in the sky.
''This is the darkest night I ever saw"
said the sailor lad to himself ''5ut so
much the better for )" and down he
went towards the water, bearing his boat
on his back. But, alas his hopes were
to be disappointed as he was about to
launch it the sharp cry of ''qui Uire F'
rang in his ear, and instantly the bayoret
of sentinel was pointed at his breast.
He was taken to the encampment, placed
in irons, and guard set over him.
On the following morning when Napo-
leon was as usual, pacing the beach, he
was informed of the attempted escape of
the lad, and the means he had eraployed.
'T.et the boy and his boat be brought
before me-" he said.
The order was speedily obeyed. When
! Napoleon beheld the twig bound half bar
rel and the youthful form of the sailor,
he smiled, and turning to the prisoner
said, in tone devoid of anger, for he
admired the daring of the lad.
'sDid you intend to cross the Channel
in such thing as that And last night
of all nights Why, would not have
ventured one of my gun5oats mile from
the shore But ! see how it isl
| Napoleon looked compassionateiy upon
the prisoner, who stood before him with q
countenance in which boldness devoid of
impudence was displayed.
81 see how it is. You have a sweet
heart over yonder, and you long to see
her."
'FNo, sire, have no sweetheart"
''No sweetheart What A British
sailor without a sweetheart -
II have a mother, sire, whom have
not seen for years, and whom / yearn to
see''
"And thou shalt see her, my brave
| British boy. A right noble mother she
| mast be to have reared so gallant a son
You shall be landed in England to-
| Tic, ~
of gold sit will pay your expenses
home after you are put on shore. Fare
| we'll"
As the grateful boy bowed his thanks
and walked away, Napoleon turned to one
of his aide>de>camps and said 81 wish
had thousand men with hearts like
that boy -
Bonaparte was as good as his promise.
That very day he dispatched vessel,
bearing flag of troce, which landed the
lad at Hastings, in the neighborhood Of
which was his mothers home.
1t is not necessary to tell of the mother
and son; how they prayed their silent
prayers of thankfulness how they laid
their heads on each others shoulders and
wept for very joy.
The sailor lad rejoined the navy.
Many and many fine afterwards, when
disabled for service, was he sorely dis
tressed for want; often was his clothing
scanty, and kis head without shelter
but the strongest and stcrnest of necessi
ties could never force him to part with
the gift of the great Napoleon.
This deed of Napoleon was more glo
rious than if he had conquered a ration
The glory won by the sword is tarnished
with blood, and sends sorrow and desola
tioa into thousand homes but this
simple act was greater than victory or
the battlefield, for by it Napoleon con
quered two hearts by love, and filed will
| JOY the home of widow and an orphan