Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1873-07-17
"Faith." said the count, laughing,

l.
abe has you there. The major is too
old q caIapaigner to be caught by
Youngsters. But, tell me, since you
think so highly of Masonry, what are
it's peculiar claims to the consldera-
tion Of mankind p
ut is universal, replied the young
soldier travel where you will, there
Masonry,has spread its branches, diff
fusing in its progress knowledge of
the useful arts; it is equally cultiva-
ted in the tents of the wandering
Arab and the palaces of the more en-
lightened European. Even here. "
he continued, "in this cold and in
hospitable region, despite the jealous
prohibition Of a despotic government,
the craft still fourishes.
"Does it" exclaimed the major.
LIT must be sturdy plant, then, for
this Internal frost would destroy vi
tality in anything less hardy than a
bear; we only lave escaped, | sus-
pect, from having robbed him Of his
skin"
You are in error, major" replied
Lauristoh, struggling his shoulders q
contempt; "you forget the natives
they surely live here.
aExist, you mean, count" grum-
bled the old soldier besides, they
are too nearly allied to the species to
require distinct classification. Look
at your Don Cossack, now-he isyour
bear on horseback, and, in truth, a
most determined savage, who scorns
all civilized modes Of warfare, and
fights after the manner Of wild In
dian, appearing when you least e5-
pect him, and, like the whirlw;nd,
sweeping all before him. 1t was only
in our last affair old General Bell
ont, that prince of taticians, was
completely bahled. BE had formed
his regiment in fine order; his posi-
tion was unimpeachebls, his right be-
ing protected by heavy battery,
which, according to all rules, the enc
my should not have attempted. While
waiting patiently for the attack, a
Junior officer observed aparty of Cos
sacks de6le toward the wood which
6anked the battery, in order, as he
Justly imagined, to effect surprise.
Bellont, knowing how apt boys are to
imagine themselves wiser than their
elders, paid slight regard. unfortu-
nately, to his suggestions. Well, the
action commenced, the regiment ma
nuuvred till it had drawn the enemy
under the battery, when, to their as
tonishment, it commenced its deadly
fire upon them. Bellont found that.
contrary to all tactics, party Of
those flying devils had turned his
strong point of defense into the GER
tain means of his defeat"
Well, major" said Adolphe, half
asleep: Brothers though some Of
them may be-, heaven defend US from
a visiting party of these bearded gen.
tlemen. The sentinels have rerlen-
ished the fires, I perceive; 80, with;
out fear of either wolf or Cossack, l
have taken up my position .Eor the
night. /, It will soon be daybreak, and
| a few hours sleep will leave us all
the better for to-morrow's march"
You are wise, youngster." replied
the veteran; nothing like rest. Lau-
riston has already taken your advice.
-night-good-night!" and in a
few minutes tie little party were bu-
ried in sleep.
The last star was fading in the
heavens when Lauriston awoke. He
wss still a day. march from the army,
and we'll knew that the Emperor
would be impatient to learn the sue
cess of his mission.
Come, gentlemen" he exclaimed,
waking his companions, who, wrap
ped in their cloaks, still enjoyed their
slumbers, I'VE have played the slug
gard to horse, and away Florent,
call in the men.
All was soon hustle and confusion
in the little encampment. The horses
were. led from the rude tent, where
they had passed the night with the
men, and waited, ready caparisoned,
while the poles of their late resting
place were being struck.
Just as they were preparing to
mount, party of Cossacks were per-
ceived, crossing the plain at full speed
toward them.
Fall in!" exclaimed the major, in
that steady tone of command which
the old soldier hears and obeys with
confidence. Count" he continued,
your life is of value to the Emperor
to our country; you must, fly, and
leave us to make good your retreat. :"
But will that be honorable?" de-
manded Lauriston, half. anxious to be
gone, and yet ashamed to desert his
brave companions.
Under any other circumstances,
perhaps not, replied the major; "but
you are in possession Of information
necessary for the safety Of the army
at all risks, your life must be pre-
served, whatever may oecome Of ours.
Flolont, with Corporals Jacques aud
Prerin4t. will accompany you. !
cannot spare lnore-they are the only
two married men of our party. and
deserve the chance. Farewell mo
time is to be lost +
I,auriston Instantly followed the
advice Of his companions, and, ac-
companied by the young lieutenant
aud ile two inen, coln,nenced his re-
treat
The old soldier formed hi: little
party in the hollow, lately occupied
by the tent, which Was protected oil
three sides by the emtanknent Of
snow, thrown np in clearing the
ground. Hs number amounted to
eighteen "r,.,i, besides himself and
Adolphe.
How many DO yon' count ?" in.
quired the vetcr.n Of his companion,
As the enemy gained upon thels my
eyes are so dazzled by the SHOW, /
can scarce see ten yards before me.
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