The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1875-03-31
The Story of a Frenchman Hunted by the
Germans

So time passed during all the year 1868.
Jean Mulin sought every occasion to come to
the house, either on business or to consult
me on family matters. He had only one fear
that of being refused. Sometimes when
making our tour in the woods together, l
saw him turn his head as if he was going to
speak, raise his voice all at once, and then be-
come silent.
did wish he had a little more courage but
could not open the way; that would have
been unbecoming in superior. waited for
his formal demand, thinking he would con-
clude TO write, or send some one of his rela-
tives, perhaps his uncle Daniel, the school
master at Felsburg, a respectable man who
would undertake a mission so delicate.
must also reflect on that which particularly
interested myself. / could not ask more than
to see my daughter happy, but must endea
vor as much as possible to unite all interests
When one thinks of nothing, everything ap.
pears easy and simple and yet the best things
have their bad side. Nearly two years must
eapse before should leave my place, but al
ter that, if my son in law was not appointed
brigader in my stead, must then 60 away
from this old house where had spent SC
many years with the friends dearest to me,
grandfather Bruat, my poor wife, grand
mother Anne and the rest. l must abandon
everything to live in strange land among
unfamiliar faces. The thought distressed
me.
knew we'll that Marie Rose and Jean
Mulin would respect me always as their father,
was sure of it, But the habit of returning
So o the same spot, and seeing the same things
had become second nature-it is the same
ceving which impel. the old hares even at
lefAaving been shot N the neighborhood o
tneir N5ens to return there always. One
must seethe hedges, the tuft of bushes which
recalls to him youth, his loves, and even
his griefs and losses which make in the
long run three quarters of life, and attach us
to it as much as the remembrance OF happi.
ness.
All! 1 never would have thought that any
thing worse could happen, than to retire with
my children in to land Of oaks like our
ow6, and aslittle kadse like mine!
All these things disturbed me very much
for since the departure OF the president Mum
ster did not know of whom to ask advice.
All was arranged SO happily that it touches
my heart when think of it.
You mast know that during the years 1 1858
and 1869 roads were opened in all directions
for the improvement of lots, and the trans
portation of the wood to the railroads aud
canals. M. Laroche inspector forester Of the
canton of Sutzelstein directed this great work.
He was man of fifty-five years, robust and
serious. who was occupied only with his bust
ness. He had no taste for hunting and fish
lug. 1t was not enough to be good hunter
and trapper; one must perform his duties
thoroughly. He came often to the lots, ex-
planning clearly the declivities they were to
follow, the trees they must fall, and unless
exceedingly stupid, each one was forced to
understand. The work moved on rapidly
and satisfactorily. Naturally, such person
knew his men thoroughly, and when he was
satisfied, said pleasant words, which warmed
your heart. For my part think he felt an
interest in me, for often after having heard
my report in his library at Sutzelstein, he
would shake hands with me saying, "Good,
Father Fredrc that's good"
Near the springtime of 1869 the order ar
rived to repair the road which led from Petite
Pierre to the valley of Grauf that, Was to con-
meet with the new route TO Saverne and Met
ling. The branch came near the saw MILL not
far away from the forest house. was present
every day with my brigade to oversee the
work.
The first part was almost finished. They
had commenced to blast the rocks below,
near the valley, put the road in order, when
one morning as 1 went to make my report at
Sutzelstein, the inspector received me very
cordially. 1t was about one O'Clock, the hour
of his breakfast, and he came just as was
ringing.
'Ah! is that you Father Friedrich" laugh
ing as he opened the door, "beautiful morn
ing. All goes well below?"
"Yes, Monsieur Inspector, all goes smartly,
according to orders"
''Good, good" he replied, "st down and
let US talk. You will breakfast with me.
My wife is at home with her parents in
Champagne. You will keep me company"
Often when arrived at the hour of break
fast he offered me glass of good wine, but
never before had he invited me to sit at the
table with him.
"Sit down there" said he. ''Virginia,
bring plate for the Brigadier. Serve the
breakfast"
Picture to yourself my establishment and
did not know how to thank
him, but he did not appear to notice my en-
He began to take off his tunic
and put on his coat, saying to me.
"You have good appetite Father Fred
rc?'
"Wen! yes, Monsieur Inspector, that is
never wanting."
$50 much the better, so much the BETTER"
Try my beef steak, Virginia is good cook.
You will give me the news. Here's to your
health"
"Here is to yours Monsieur Inspector"
/ was as in a dream, and l said to myself,
is thisyou Father Fredric, breakfasting here
in this beautiful room with your superior,
and drinking this good wine?' really was
Mr.. Laroche on the contrary seemed to be-
come more familiar with me, so at last after
three or four good bumpers began to feel
quite at ease. Because his wife was away, /
ancied he was glad to Lave me in order to
ak over the management of the woods,
md the new road Of ours at Grauthal, and 1
made bold to answer him, laughing, almost
without constraint.
We sat there near twenty minutes or more.
Virginia brought in the almonds, bread and
Gungere cheese. Leaning back in his chair,
and looking at me he said good humerodly.
III Is very pleasant to hold on at our age
la, ha' ha! we have not lost our teeth, Fa-
Lher Friedrich
mo, no, Monsieur Inspector, thew are
good yet" and laughed also.
"What age are you?" ]