Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1875-07-10
THE BLUE HANDKERCHIEF.

About the end of October, last year, I
was returning on foot from Orleans to
the Chateau de Bardy. A regiment of
the foreign guard was marching abreast
of me and on the same road.
had hastened my steps to hear the
military music, which I liked so much;
but the band ceased playing; few taps
of the drum from afar off alone marked
the measured step of the soldiers.
After an half hours march I saw the
regiment enter small field surrounded
by clump of fir trees. asked cap
tain whom knew if they were about to
exercise.
mo-" said he to me, "they are about
to judge, and probably to shoot, q
soldier of my company for having rob-
bed the man with whom he was quar-
tered"
What!" said I, "to Judge, condemn
and execute at once2"
eyes" said he, cit is according to
our articles Of capitulation.
For him this was unanswerable, as
though all had been provided for in the
capitulation-the crime, the punishment,
the justice and even the humanity.
Besides, if you are curious" added
the captain, "I will get you a place. 1t
won't take long"
I had always passion for these sad
spectacles, and imagined that I could
learn what death was by the face of the
dying. I followed the captain.
The regiment was formed in hollow
square; behind the rear rank, and on
the edge of the wood, some soldiers were
digging grave.
They were commanded by a first
lieutenant, for everything in a regiment
is done with order, and there is certain
discipline in digging mans grave.
In the center of the square eight off
GERS were sitting on rum-heads, the
ninth, on the right and more forward,
was writing few words upon his knees,
but carelessly, and only that man
should not be killed without some for
malities.
The accused was called. He was tall
young man, of noble and honest face.
A woman advanced with him, the only
witness who was to testify in the case,
but when the colonel was about to inter
rogate this woman
Its useless" said the soldier; "I
will confess all. I stole the handker-
chief from this woman's house."
The Colonel-You, Pierre you were
always an honest fellow.
Pierre-It is true, my colonel. Ihave
always tried to satisfy my officers; and
it was not for myself that I stole it
twas for Marie.
The Colonel-who is this Marie9
Pierre-'Tis Marie who lives yunder
in my village near Arenbug, where the
apple tree is. shall never see her
more.
The Colonel do not understand
you, Pierre explain yourself.
Pierre-Well, my colonel, read this.
And he handed him the following let
ter every word of which is present to
my memory /:
MY Coop FRIEND PIERRE profit
by the recruit Arnold, who is engaged
in your regiment, to send you this let.
ter and silk purse which I have made
for you. I was obliged to hide myself
from my father while made it, for he
continually scolds me for loving you sc
much, and says that you will not come
back. You will come back, won't you
But if you never return, shall love yor
all the same. promised myself to yor
the day you picked up my blue hand
kerchief at the dance in Arenburg, ant
brought it back to me. When shall
see you again. What makes me 81
happy is, that you are esteemed by you
superiors, and beloved by your com
rades. But you have still two years o
service Get through them quick, TO
then we will be married. Adieu, m,
good friend Pierre. Your dear
"MARY."