The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1874-10-07

years had almost expired, and the
travellers were hourly expected.
81 am sure Pierre has become a
great man." said old Simon.
"And Claude Millionaire, respond
ed his friend Andre.
One day, quite in the middle of sum-
mer, three travelegs stopped at the on
ly inn the village contained. The first
arrived in carriage, the second on
and the third on foot. The
FIRST was followed by a servant, the
second wore the uniform of "chRs-
seur d'Afrique," and sported epaulettes
and a cross, but as to the third, he ap-
peared poor, and his garments were
They were the three old
friends, Claude, Pierre, and Jean. The
news of their arrival soon spread, and
the population, en- mdsse, turned out to
welcome them. Claude's carriage was
much admired. Pierre's uniform pro-
nounced magnificent. AS to Jean, no
one paid him the slightest attention,
for it was easy to see that travel had
been to him of small profit.
jeanette arrived, as rosy as a cherry,
and looking more beautiful than ever.
"The three years have now elapsed"
said Pierre, "and we have returned,
hoping you have not forgotten your
promise, dearest Jeanette"
81 remember, and will keep my
word," responded the girl.
Jaan raised his eyes timidly, look
ing at jeanette and then upon Pierre,
who seemed radiant with the hope of
conquest.
"All must promise to bear no enmi-
ty towards the one l choose" said
jeanette.
Good 1 promise for myself and the
rest" replied Pierre, twisting his NOUS
tache confidently.
81 must now hear the experience of
each," resumed jeanette. "You
Claude, shall commence"
"When l left the village" said
Claude, II had but few hundred
francs. Fortune, however, favored
me. / speculated and soon doubled
my capital before the expiration OF
the first year l had increased it i'm.
menseIy; and, to make long story
short, l am master of lrage fortune,
which l now lay at your feet. could
have married my partners daughter
girls have smiled upon me by the
score; | have seldom been weak
generally faithful to all my vows and
now present you my fortune and my
self"
"Bravo, Claude !" exclaimed Andre
81 always bet on you."
"And you, Pierre, what have you
done? ?" inquired Father Simon.
"Well, about five leagues from the
village l met a detachment of sol
diers," said Pierre. "They were on
their way to join the regiment in Afri
ca. You know always like fighting
so I volunteered. In every battle
felt that jeanette was beside me and
spurred me on to glory. l received
three balls and several sabrecuts, but
my captain called me brave,and | was
earnest. In word, l toiled on il
the service, and finally won the re
ward of this cross and these epaulettes
| am now a lieutenant. My sabre
my cross, and epaulettes, l oheI
jeanette, and if che will accept them
l prom ;se her to become a general
"Of course you will, my boy" ex
claimed old Simon, throwing his cal
into the air with delight.
"Jean, have you nothing to tell p
questioned jeanette.
My story is neither long nor cheer
fuI," replied the young man, sadly
81 was not happy before / left thi
village, neither have been so since
At first / tried to work; invested tn
little l possessed in commercial pur
suit, and soon lost nearly all l pos
sessed; the little that remained | pu
into purse and retraced my steps
since then | have remained nCa
enough2to jeanette to see her often il
secret. l am now teacking a schoo
of young children. l have nothing
to offer, consequently ask for moth
ing"
When they had all finished, Jeanett
said she would like the night TO re
fleet, before deciding.
The next day the village appeare
like a great festival. All were abroad
dressed in their best attire, and eac
face was radiant with smiles. A meet
ing place had been arranged, and a
the appointed hour jeanette approach
ed dressed as a bride, and accompa
MED by the curate. She looked yer
lovely, and murmur of admiratio
and love was heard from the man
friends who had assembled to learn he
decision.
"My child, you have decided ?" in