The Orangeburg news. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1867-1875, 1871-07-08

ger than that, / choose for myself, and
I shall take the first three on whom
happen to lay my hands, and have thcm
shot at once.
1t was but too plain there was no ap-
peal, and that it would be only wasting
the, precious moments 10 attempt it.
Lepelletier, with some of the older men,
began in silence and with trembling
hands to prepare the lots with the three
fatal numbers, which would be drawn
by the men on whom the doom of death
should fall
But, suddenly, there was movement
in the crowd, aud young man came
forward with light, active step, and ,
laying his hand ON Lepelleticr's arm,
to prevent him continuing his dreadful
task, he made sign that he wished to
speak. There was silence over the
whole church in an instant, aud all eyes
were turned on Evariste Rosscl Fa.
miliar as his features were to most of
them, they looked on him now as though
they had never seen him before, SO CON-
plctcly was his thoughtful face trans
figured by the pure heroic resolution
that shone in his soft eyes aud thrilled
in his clear voice, as he spoke, with the
utmost simplicity, words death laden to
himself
"Mes amis," he said, and every indi-
vidual i'll the sad assembly heard him
distinctly, eff we cast lots for the vic
Tins of the enemy, it may be that the
doom will fall on fathers Of families who
would leave widows and orphans to
mourn them, not only in sorrow but in
poverty aud destitut;on. 1t is not we'll
therefore, that such as they are should
be taken from the homes they support
and protect, while there are others who
have not, as yet ut least, formed ties as
close and binding. Of these l am one
-my mother has other sons-my
fmccc will find many worthicr man to
seek her love, and offer myself freely
TO die, ahat tho husbands and fathers
may be spared. | am sure that there
ARE atll,rs. situated ms am, who will
no less willingly give their lives Co make
up the nuuber."
Evar:stc carefully nvoitct' looking at
Jrl.s and Martel, as hc 81 okc, for he
would not seem to summon them, but,
they needed no other call save his briyh /
example. Instantly they started for
ward, and ranged themselves at his
side.
I'VE, too, give ourselves freely to th /,
death, they exclaimed; "the number
is complete"
Lepeiletier had been on tho point of
demonstrating with Evariste, because he
could not bear the thought of that young
life qusnced in blood; but when ne saw
that Martel, his own son, was among the
offered victims, tho word died on his
lips, and he turned his face to the wall
grooming in unspeakablc anguish. He
felt, Brutus- like, he could not ask that
father of a family should die to spare his
own unwcddcd son. No time was given
him, however, to struggle with his
heart. The Prussian officer held up
his watch, cxclaiming that the ten min
utes were cxpired-he must have three
men instantly for execution.
1--WE are herc-we are ready ~ said
the three friends, coming forward with
firm step and dauntlcss look
Conc moment only" exclaimed Evar-
iste, aud taking his two companions by
the hand, he drew them down on their
knees before the cure, saying, Father,
aDsoivo us; bless us III tins supreme
moment"
The good old man, appalled, and be-
widered, turned towards them his eyes
streaming with tears. He seemed too
much overwhelmed to know almost
what he was doing; but, upheld by the
habit of priestly functions, he murmur-
ed the form of absolution, made tie sign
of the cross, and blessed them in the
threefod name Of Him before whom
they were about to appear.
They thanked him adding, "Adiou,
mon pcre," and rose from their knees.
Instantly the Uhlans surrounded them,
bound their hands, and hurried them to
the door One moment those gathered