The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1875-04-16

word of Oberforester that it will be done as
have promised.
While he was speaking this, he did not fall
to watch us; behind us stood two or three tall
Germans in uniform who appeared surprised,
and even softened by his discourse. But the
rest of us remained unmoved with caps In
hand, and as was charged to answer, all
watched me to discover what thought.
You can conceive my suppressed indigna-
ton, to see that they called us honest men,
good servants, in order TO make traitors of us.
felt blush cover my cheek and l would
have wished to be able to reply that only
scoundlel wanting in honor accepts that title.
But held my tongue, not wishing to involve
my comrades, many of whom were burdened
with children. The responsibility seemed to
me too great.
Monsieur Oberforester having finished,
watched US, with his eyes fixed particularly
npon me, saying:
''Well! You can speak. authorize you to
speak,
Then replied.
monsieur Oberforester, as the Oldest for
ester in the three brigades, my comrades
have charged me to speak for us all; but the
proposition which you have made to us is
grave. think that each one will ask time
for reflection"
All bowed the head, and he, really aston
ished, for he had believed without any doubt
that the increase of salary would decide
everything, remained more than minute,
his eyes wide open, watching me as if he had
seen something extraordinary. Then he
turned to the others, and scowling said in
rude tone,
81 give you twenty-four hours! To-mor-
row at this hour / must have your reply
written and signed by each one of you with
your own name, yes or no. Do not think
that men are wanting. There are many in
Germany, brave men, old foresters, knowing
the service as we'll as the best of you, who
ask nothing better than to come into this
rich Alsace where everything grows in album
dance, to take these good posts in the midst
of magnificent forests in full bearing, to
make their little tour in the neighborhood
morning and evening, to prepare process.
verbal and receive for all that fifteen hum
died francs year with the garden, meadow,
frewood, the pasture for the cow and the
rest. No, do not believe it! Hundreds wait
impatiently for the signal to come. And
weigh well your reply. Think of your wives
and children. You may have to repent Bit
terly if you say no. France is ruined utter
ly; she has not sous; the poor forests
which remain to her of Landes and Brittany
are only broom handles, the guards of these
brushes will be maintained at their posts
you will never be replaced; you are Ger
mansl The French take advantage of you,
they call you blockheads! Reflect on all that.
It is the council of an honest man that 1
give YOU, a German brother, good father Of
familyg'
He looked at me expecting me to say some
thing, and 1 felt the cold sweat stand in drops
on my face. All my comrades were silent
also. At the side behind the door some one
touched the piano and woman sang little
song. tender and melancholy.
''Twenty-four hours" he repeated rising,
mot one minute longerP' and throwing his
napkin upon the table in bad humor he
added,
'sTake notice, also, that those who wish to
reply no can make ready to leave at once.
The road is open for them. We will never
tolerate enemies in our midst, dangerous per-
sons. That would be folly. We are not
Frenchmenr
we passed into the vestibue
ITO he continued)