Litchfield enquirer., 1873-07-31

among the first to pass the frontier. A ragged scarecrow was, too very unlike the smart soldier who had marched to Moscow few months before.
 "When the army was reorganized, Twas promoted to the rank of sergeant, and re- joined my old regiment, where, alas I found few of the old familiar faces. Then l and some others were sent to France, to drill the young conscripts who were being sent out by thousands to join the army in Germany. Everywhere was accompanied by Eugene, who had borne the hardships of our retreat wonderfully we'll.
 ''When I reached France, I obtained leave to take my little charge up to Paris, that might deliver him to his aunt. the only relative whose name he remembered. The old lady lived ill a great house in the Rue des Augustus. She was at dinner when we arrived, and was greatly surpris- ed that a sergeant and little boy wanted to speak to her. She entered the room into which we had been shown, tall and upright, with grand gray head, and countenance like queens.
 ''Then told Eugenes story; and when mentioned her brothers name and the circumstances of his capture, adding that feared We should never see him again, she sank into chair, and her laced hand kerchief was steeped in bitter tears.
 ''Then she called the boy to her, strok- ed his head, and bade him come and live with her and be to her like a son. The pretty boy stood irresolute, and looked wistfully at me; on which I said, Monsieur, I have now placed you in thebo- som of your family, and my connection Ic fS1 fIa Id that you have arrived here safely, you must mind madame and do whatever she tells you, for she is a great lady, and your best friend. will still be your friend, all the same, if poor soldier may take that title; loveyou very much, my boy, and shall always be ready to do you any service ill my power.
 ''Then, before either of them could speak, l turned and went out at the door. That afternoon, l wandered about the streets of Paris for hours, feeling as if the sun had grown darker since l lost my lit tie friend.
 "Both Eugene and hls aunt were much grleved at my quitting them so suddenly, and felt as If I must think them ungrate- ful. did not think so,-O no! but it seemed to me advisable for the child's sake that I should go away at once. When inquiries were made for me, was easily found; and after that, saw Eugene every day till I reioined the army
 After our Emperor was sent to St. Helena, I felt weary of war and sought leave to quit the service. This was grant ed, and a small pension was settled on me. Eugene and his aunt were desirous of knowing where I should like to reside. I said I should like to spend the remain der of my days in my native place. La Bouille. On this, Eugene told me his aunt had an estate near the town; and they prayed ne to accompany them thith- CT, and choose for myself cottage in which should live rent free. So I set tied on the estate of Monsieur Eugene Deschamps, which was then his aunt's; and when he is here. l see him constantly. feel younger than 1 did when I first came heFe, worn and weak with toll and wounds. Here 1 hope to end my days, and to be buried under tue great chest nut beside the church, there to rest peace fully till rise, in humble confidence, in answer to my name at the last great Roll Call"
 Through masses of oak and sweet chest nut, the western sunlight fell like flame on the farmhouse, as the old soldier con- SAeAoOO hAo Ocdu GIlduk0u ulIQ TOT 1t very heartily, and after some desultory and very pleasing talk, observed that he must start now, or he should detain Pel- trac. The uncle accompanied his neph- CIV through the orchard and wicket-gate, and down the steep descent to La Bouille. When they reached the quay, the crew of the cutter were heaving up her anchor; and the last flashing which bound her to the shore were cast off as Jean stepped on board. Shouts of farewell were exchang- ed, the sails were run up, and the water gurgled past the broad bows of the mer- chant-ship, as she bent to the influence of freshly risen breeze. Gradually the quay lessened to. the view of those on board, and the iron gray hair and waving hand of the old farmer became less dis tinct. Then quay and people and houses blended into an uncertain haze, and the ship fled swiftly down the stream.