Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1875-03-25
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company had fallen in, and I address
ed them shortly. pointing out that we
were surrounded by the enemy, and
asking them to sell their lives dearly
for the honor OF France. We shall get
no Mercy said; and better die-with
arms in our hands than be fusilladed.' ,
, AT this there WAS q murmur from the
ranks. Perhaps, if we surrender with
out fighting, they will spare our liyesp
II tell you no!' cried, gnashing my
teeth with rage. Are you pothouse
rascals?'
AT this juncture young man step
ped forward from the ranks. Mon
he said, Il have known this
place in other days; it is impossible for
our enemies entirely to surround rs,
for there is marsh between the village
and the river which cannot be crossed
after the heavy rains we have had.
But there is a path known to the in
habitants-a causeway which is now
no doubt covered by water. Alas!
do not know the way, but any of the
villagers will be able to conduct u.s.
These words put renewed life into
my breast. 1t was the work of'a mo-
ment for me to spring over the low
fence that divides the road from the
churchyard, and to address the coun-
trymen gathered in the churchyard.
'Frenchmen,' cried, "a guide is
wanted to conduct us through the
marsh, and to save your countrymen
from the overwhelming forces of the
Prussians. Let the one of you best ac-
quainted with the way step forward.
1t is France requires you.'
Not one of them stirred. They all
hung down their heads, and stoodclus-
tered together like flock of sheep.
Hasten cried, lin a voice tremu-
lous with shame and anger, 'hasten,
some one, to volunteer to save your
What, is it possiblei |
no longer wish to live, then, since
Frenchmen are so base.'
Listen, monsieur cried an old man,
stepping forward, a gray-headed old
man of some seventy years. 1t is not
that We would not help you if We could,
but the Prussians will be among US
again in few moments; if we help you
)ur village will burnt, ourselves shot,
,ur wives and children driven home
ess upon the world; we wish you well,
but we dare not help you.'
Even as he spoke / heard cavalry
rumpet ringin1 loudly in the distance.
md the heavy tramp OF approaching
Infantry. For me the agony Of the mo-
nent was OverpOwing. / had no doubt
# my fate if were captured. Was
lot already known 10 the Prussians as
n active Franc-tireur? And to be put
nut Of the way thus, not in battle as a
rave man, but shot as spy or plum
erer! Thought of my wife, of my
hildren, desOlate, destitute, and in
he hands Of our enemies; and then
he keen pang of self-reproach that I
ad led my comrades into this trap,
he remorse / felt at my own rashness
nd want of cautiOni All these tho'ts
7ere intOlerable. / almost lost my
snses with rage and despair.
AT this moment the Cure appeared
pom the scene, walking quietly to the
hurch door, his breviary under his
rm. Aware of the noise and agita-
ion of the community, he came him.
elf forward, and looked inquiringly
owards me. Hastily saluting him,
Did him the cruel position in which
ie were placed.
"Whatp he cried, looking round.
mong his parishioners with lofty sur
rise. 'is there no one here who will
sk his life for the love of God and the
AXE of his country?'
He was a fine handsome young man,
MS Cure of ROutOt; and as he stood
lere in his long cassOck and biretta,
,Oking down over his people with ca
er, indignant expectation, | thought
nat / had never seen nOblcr-looking
oung fellow in the garb of a priest.
ut his people stirred not foot.
''Give US the mass, mon pere,' cried
le old man who had spoken before,
md trouble yourself not with what
Oes not concern yOu.'
The priest drew himself up to his
Ill height, and his eyes flashed fire.
''Yes, he cried, Il am priest; but
N FreDchman first of ALL
He flung his book Of offices ON the
round, twisted up his cassock, and
lrt it about his loiris.
''Now, mon captaine,' he cried,
'izing me by the arm, take me to the
cad of your column. l will show you
le way
'We stole away like ghosts, with the
REST at our head, and cleared the vii
ge Just as the head of the Prussian
'lumn entered it. A squadron of
hlans galloped after us, but halted
hen they saw the ground they would
ave to cross, and, after exchanging q
" shots with US, retired, no douet, to
elk some route by which to cut US of.
be party in amduscade to intercept
j, saw nothing of US till we were al
Ost out of range of their rifles, althO'
ey were well within reach Of our
lasse-pots. So they wisely sounded
10 retreat, and drew off. Half-an-
,ur's march brought US to the Seine,
here we possessed ourselves Of
Irge that was anchored in the stream,
I'd floated quietly down the river, till
9 found ourselves once more within
e lines of our own army. The Cure
rs unable to return to his commune,
hich was in the hands Of the Prus-
ans, who would have given him
eedy preferment to another world
r the share he had in our escape. He
I'd nowhere else to go, and made up
s mind to remain with US clerical
He shared our fatigues,
myers, and adversities, and proved
mselg an excellent comrade and good
low. When peace came, he return
to his duties as Cure, not without,
ncy, some little regret
And what we asked, as soon as
e buzz of comment and chat that foi-
we'd the conclusion of Despard's mar
tive had ceased-'what became Of the
an who, gave the information to the
emy, if he did betray yon?'
Who knows?' srid Despard, with
rug. Let the past be forgotten, and
US hepe that another time France
II not be betrayed by her own chill
en-
The Minister'S Experiment.
A minister picked nm a frozan WASH