The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1875-07-20
THE FLOWER OF REM ENTRANCE.

9'It was in the spring of 1909. Napoleon
| had decided to lead his grand army into
| the heart of Germany. Among the of1i
GERS garrisoned at Strasbourg was Col
| st. LO. Under the command of st. LC
/ was Captain named Jules LIE PreuX
| Young in years, LIE Preux was nevertne.
less veteran in the service of the EN-
peror, having taken part in the battles
of Austerlitz, jena, Eylau and Fried.
land, in all of which he had displayed
great bravery. LIE Preux rose by de.
grees to the rank of captain, and was
we'll beloved by his companions. All.
though he had passed through the cam
paigns already mentioned, and had often
Joined In the 1ervent cry OF "Long live
| the Emperorl" he had never seen the
great man whose mighty arm seemed at
| will to sweep all Europe, and who was
| destined to leave to posterity an immor-
| tai name and crown of victories, the
glory and brightness Of which not even
the folly of his nephew could dim.
One morning Colonel st. Lo had given
orders that he should not be disturbed.
lie was engaged in writing, when his at
tention was attracted by hearing the
corporal on guard warmly expostulating
with some one, and remembering the
directions he had given, and judging it
best TO discover the cause, he listened
attentiyely. He soen recognized the
voice Of Capt. LIE Preux, and rising, bade
him enter.
"You desire to see mel" inquired St.
Lo, as he seated himself before the table
on which lay official papers.
'Yes, colonel" replied the officer, with
embarrassment.
"Well, well; be quick, my friend. In
portant matters demand my attention" !"
was the impatient reply.
81 wish to obtain leave of absence-a
month, no more. l have just received a
letter from my mother, telling me she is
ill. can not rest without seeing her,"
The words were uttered abruptly.
at is quite impossible, lie Preux," re-
piled the colonel, with look OF surprise.
You know l would willingly grant your
request, but we are waiting orders and
may move at any moment"
The captain bowed submissively, and,
seeing the audience was concluded, re-
tired.
Ten days elapsed when Jules again
presented himself at headquarters. His
lace wore an anxious, troubled look, and
was exceedingly pale.
"This letter is from the curate of my
-aatiVe village; it announces that nav
mother is dying" The words were spo-
ken abruptly, and his voice was even
harsh, as he added, 81 desire to leave"
Colonel st. Lo was about to answer
angrily, annoyed by the importantly
but seeing the young mans evident dis
tress, he rose and grasped his hand
kindly. -
ole Preux," he said, sIt can not be +;
the orders have come and the campaign
"A iffa Nv.
TO the care OF God. Courage, my friend,
your country calls for duty"
The young man was about to speak,
but the words died upon his Lips. Aaw-
ing received hasty instructions he with
dew. That night the regiment left
Slrasbourg. The following morning it
was found, to the astonisment OF all, that
LIE Preux mad deserted. The TACT was
generally depiored, as Jules was be-
loved and respected by all. That some
powerful incentive had actuated him
none doubted, for he had borne the heat
of many battles and the raking fire OF the
enemy TOO often not TO have won for him
self reputation Tor courage, and s'Le
Braye," as he was called, was missed
and regretted.
Search was made, but as it was of ne.
cessity limited, the fugitive ESCAPED.
The successive victories at Eckmuhl and
Essling followed. Vienna was taken,
and on the sixth Of July the. great vic
tory at Wagram was gained. Napoleon
then dictated peace called the Peace
OF Vienna.
Three months after, the Grand Army
having reaped harvest of glory, made
a triumphal entry into Strasbourg. ON
the same day wan, weary-louking man
passed through the gate. and inquired
for the headquarters of st. Lo, who had
been promoted to the grade of General.
Having found his way into the presence
ct st. Lo, he briefly informed him that
he was Jules LIE PreuX, and desired to
be placed under arrest Tor having de-
serted.
General St. Lo recognized him imme-
diately, and, although much astouished
at the reqnest, compiled. LIE Preux was
instantly placed Under arrest, and, hay
ing been tried by court-martal, was
convicted and sentenced to be shot.
During the trial Jules made no attempt
to eXculpate himself, freely admitting
his fault. Having been addressed by the
presiding officer, he replied calmly, but
with no shade OF brayado: 81 deserted,
but | do not repent of having done So
Ii it was to do again l would not finch.
merit death, and accept my sentence
as simply justice" Those present were
impressed by the dignity OF his bearing,
as, with folded arms, he followed his
guards from the room.
lie Braves" conduct had always been
so exemplary, his obedience SO perfect,
that his :ate awakened keen sympathy.
the few officers belonging 10 his regiment
who had been spared i'll the hot strife at
Wagfam, iihpfored him to petition tor
pardon, but lie resoiuteIy refused, nor
did lie offer any solution OF tie mystery
that vailed his conduct. No feeling Of re-
gret or desire for lite seemed to disturb
his tranquility.
1t was the night prior to the day fixed
for his execution. Having made bis final
preparations, ard taxing leave Of one or
two friends, LIE Preux tnrew binself up
on the rudo couch in his cell and VAS
soon in q deep sleep.
The cathedral clock had struck the
hour Of midnight when the bolts were