The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1875-11-18
Selected MisfeIlanp.
The Mother of Ba'tiste.

was growing dusk one wintry day when
"Monseer Pierre" the French trader came
riding into Fort Leavenworth He was
we'll Known in the garrison as one CT the
shrewdest and richest traders west of the
Missouri, but known only as 'Monseer, for
with peculiar reserve he never mentioned
his surname, choosing rather to accept the
nickname which was soon fastened upon
him. 'Monseer Pierre Parley-vous' he waa
called whenever his comrades needed to
give him q formal or more distinctive title
Through his mock courtesy they not only
Resented hrs want Of franknees, but also ex
pressed their native distaste for his alien
blood and all the propensities which it en-
tailed. lie was not popular. The reserve
in regard to his name extended to all his
private concerns, and this, with traits of
personal fastidousness, aggressive gallant
ry and close, frugal habit 10 money mat
ters, made him somewhat Of an offense to
the free tongued, open handed western man,
who had habit of spending all they could
get, and telling all they knew with frank
and engaging readiness. So they spoke Of
'Monseer Pierre with distrust as a man
Who, while seeming to take all things quiet
| ly, turned them TO his own account, always
had his own way, and tbnt way one which
invariably drew the money aside from their
hands into bis.
But now, in spite Of their prejudice
against him, the half dozen men who
/ CHANGED to be lingering out of doors hurried
to meet the "monseer" as he rode in. There
was prospect of news and gossip with
every new conner, never disregarded at an
outpost where the mails are months apart:
and besides, they were much surprised to
see the man at this season of the year alone,
without the train of hunters, trappers In
dians, teams ters, horses, wagons, dogs, and
| all the motley crowd that were wont to at
tend successful trader returning to winter
quarters with the spois of tie summer.
But "Monseer Pierre" did not check his
horse or heed the eager, friendly questions,
| except by calling out curtly, "Bon scir. my
good friends! Then he drew the cape of
his soldiers blue overcoat closer around a
queer bundle Of buckskin beads and fringe
W bich he carried before him on his sa Idle
the men had a vague idea that it was a
bag of gold-dug the spurs into his painting z
horse and ga'loped through the groupe of
curious spectators across the parade ground
TO the little log house in which major Kent,
the Indian agent, lived.
lie dismounted here, slipped the bride
over his arm and knocked loudly at the
| door. 1t was opened by tall, gr.yhalred
man, the major himself Without giving
him time to speak. Pierre put his bundle
gently inside the door, graspei both the
major hands IN his, and said rapidly
Major, you once promised to do me the
greatest favor might ask. I've but five
minutes to ask it now. That boy yonder;
will you and you're good lady keep him safe
for me? His rame's Bap.iste for my father
want him bred like christian and gen.
tleman. You know how better than /
The fact is, sir, he's my own son, and Id
like to give him better than ever I've had
Keep him for me til. spring, sir, and then
will put him into the Sacred Heart at St
Louis with the good brothers.
"And," said Mrs. Kent who had (. low
ed ber husband to the door, and stood IN
observed, looking at the two men, ''wha,
does the child's mother sag about it? Or
has he noae."
Pierre took of his hat to the lady and
answered with nervous laugh: His moth
er! Oh, forgot TO say, bis mothers Sioux
Injin, with her tribe up al Kearney. She
get over it, reckon. shall never forget
your kindness to my child, madame. Bur
farewell: l must be going God bless vou.'
And without another word, and only has
tyglance backward into the iarkening room
be vaulted into his saddle and WAS ocn u out
of sight.