The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1875-10-21

NOTED to the grade of general. Having
found his way into the presence of St. Lo
he briefly informed him that he was Ju'e,
LIE Preux, and he derired to be placed IN
der arrest for having deserted.
General St. LIE recognized him immedi-
ately, and, although much astonished a
the request, complied. lie Preux was in
s,autly placed under arrest, and. having
been tried by courtnar,lal, was convicted
and sentenced to be shot.
During the trial Jules made no attempt
to exeulpa himself, freely admitting hi'
fault. Having been addressed by the pre-
si ling officer, he replied calmly, but with
DO shade of bravado, Il deserted, but l dc
not repent of having done So If it WAS to
do again, would not finch. l merit
death, and accept my sentence as simply
justice Those present were impressed
by the dignity of his bearing, as, with fol-
ded arms, he followed his guards from the
room.
"Le Braves conduct had always been so
exemplary, his obedience SO perfect, that
his fate awakened keen sympathy. TIE
lew officers belonging TO his regiment who
bad been spared in the bot strife at Wag-
ram implored him to petition for pardon;
but he resolutely refused, nor did he offer
any solution of the mystery that vailed hi-
conduct. No feeling of regret or desire
for life seemed to disturb his tranquility.
1t was the night prior to tie day fixed
for the execution. Having made his final
preparations, and taking leave Of ore or
two friends, LIE Preux threw himself ~ on
the rpd- couch il lis cell and was soon 10
deep sleep.
The cathedral clock hao struck the tour
of midnight, When the bolts we're softly
drawn, and q man, dressed in the uniform
of An under officer, entered. The narrow
room was lighted by the white moonbeam>
that stole through the barred window ard
rested caressingly upon the sleeper.
The officer advanced cautiously. Stand
ing beside the bed, he bent over the con
demned man. Having looked at him at
tentively for some moments, he touched
him gently upon the arm lie Preux open
sd his eyes.
"Has the time Gomez he inquired, ris-
irg.
mo, jules, the hour has not come; but
It will soon strike" was the reply.
"W hat then, do you desire?" said Jules
seating himself.
"Yuu 10 not krow me-, my friend" con
tlnued the stranger, diregnrding the prison
..r'> words. 81 saw you ut the battle
An-;erllz, where you fought bravely ana
won the cross of honor. Since the memcr
the 81 m of November | have entertained
tor You sincere esteem. In the army YOU
trr:ng :. trasbourg heard Of your crime and
condemnation. The !jtilor OF the prison,
bring \ relation of nine, | was able to OBJ
an thi. interview Thos about to die
"ften regret that there is not some friend
"enr to whom they can confde thei- last
wishes. What can I do for your"
Thanks, comrade; | have made my
peace, and have no wish" lie Preux said,
briefly.
"IIavs you nothing to say?"
Nothing
Not ever = farewell werd to some young
hsart yearning for your return-no message
to a sistsr?"
mo one watches for my return. have
not any sist-r-l never he'd one"
"A father?''
"lIe has been dead for years"
And your mother?" The stranges press
ed each question earnestly.
"My mcther!'' reiterated Jules, bowing
his face upon his hands, the tone of iis
voice deepening. "Mother! mother.." be
said, tearfully. "OL! do not even utter her
name," he continued, fixing hls eyes upon
the man. "She is dead. | have only one
b. ur or two of life; then we will meet, and
before her must lay o tarnished record
As he spoke his strong frame shook with
suppressed emotion.
DO yo1 RENE mber your mother," LIE
Preuu questioned, after moment of ST.
lence.
Yes. l loved her, and was in return be-
loved was the quiet response.
Then | can open my heart to you. 1t
is comfort in this hour to pour out nv
soul. viii you listen?"
81 am listening, Jules, with sympathy
and interest"
81 WAS the only NON of a widow; nv ma
tive villsge was called Folk. | can only
remember my father; he died man. years
ago, but | can still recall the pressure OF
his hand upon my head. as it rested there
in his last blessing. | grew to manhood
with but one affection, and that centered
upon my mother. l was her sole compan-
ion, her life was one of piety-devoted to
the poor who received her only visits To
the gentle teaching of that mother owe
my little store of knowledge. From early
youth she had sought to instil into my mimi
a lofty sense of duty. / WAS called 10
serve my flag Filled with despair at the
thought of leaving her, proteSted in my
hour OF weakness she strengthened and en-
me. She bade me go for her
sake. With \ tender emile upon Ter white
lips she blessed me, telling me that nv
claimed a higher duty of me than
my holy duty to herself, adding that il was
the will of God. Should you die before
me, nv son, will still have strength to
say, father, into my bands l commend hi.