The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1876-04-06
move Mt anv moment y

Ten days elapsed, when Jules again pre-
sented himself at headquarters. His face
wore an anxious, troubled look, and was ex-
ceedingly pale.
'sThis letter is from the curate Of my ma.
tive village; it announces that my mother is
dying" The words were spoken abruptly
and his voice was even harsh as he added:
Il desire to leave" Colonel ST. Lo was
about to speak angrily, annoyed by the i'm
portunity; but seeing the young mans evi-
dent distress, he rose and grasped his hand
kindly.
lie Preux," he said, sit cannot be; the
orders have come, and the campaign opens
Immediately; leave your mother to the care
Of God. Courage, my friend, your country
calls for duty"
The young man was about to speak, but
the words died upon his lips. Having re-
ceived hasty instructions, withdrew.
That night the regiment left Strasbourg.
The following morning it was found. to
the establishment of all, that LIE Preux had
deserted. The fact was generally deplored
as Jules was beloved and respected by all.
That some powerful incentive actuated him
none doubted, fo-ehe had borne the heat of
many battles and the raking fire of the en-
envy TOO often MOTTO have won for himself
reputation for courage, and.sLe Braye,' as
he was called, was missed and regretted.
Search was made, but as it was of neces-
sity limited, the fugitive escaped. The sue
cessiye victories of Eckmuhl and Essing fol
lowed Vienna was taken, and on the 9th
Of July the great victory at Wagram was
gained. Napoleon theu dictated peace
called the peace OF Vienna.
,r,o Il
ing repeated harvest OF glory, made
triumphal entry into S;rasbu G. On the
same day a wan, weary-looking man passed
through the gate and inquired for the head
quarters of st. Lo, who had been promoted
to the grade of general Having found his
way into the presence Of St. Lo, he briefly
informed him that he was Jules LIE Preux,
and desired to be placed under arrest for
having deserted.
General st. Lo recognized him immediate,
~, and, altogether much astonished at the
request, complied. lie Pruex was instans1
put under arrest, and having been tris{
q court martial, was convicted and sente ne
to be shot.
During the trial Jules made no attempt to
exculpate himself, freely admitting his fault.
Having been addressed by the presiding Of
hcer, he replied calmly, but with no shade
Of bravado, II deserted, but do not repent
Of having done SO. II it was to do again
would not finch. l merit death, and &C
cept my sentence as simple justice" Those
present were impressed by the dignity 0:
his bearing, as with folded arms, he follow
ed his guards from the room.
''Le Braves" conduct had always been SO
exemplary, his obedience 80 perfect, that
his fate awakened keen sympathy. The Of
hcers belonging to his regiment who had
been spared in the. hot strife at Wagram i'm
porea him 10 petition for pardon; but he
resolUely refused, nor did he offer any So
luton of the mystery that yelled his conduct
No feeling of regret or desire for life seemed
to disturb his tranquility.
1t was the night prior to the day fixed
preparations. and takiag leave Of one or two
friends, Lie Prcux threw himself upon the
rude couch in his cell AMI vas soon in a
deep sleep.
The cathedral clock had struck the hour
Of midnight, |L,l L. !chs were softly
drawn, and II MAI, l.. sse in the uniform
OF an under officer, catered. The narrow
room was lighted by the waite meonbeams
that stole through the barre window and
rested carelessly upon the sleeper.
The officer advanced cautiously. Stan
ding beside the bed, he bent over tn con
demnel man. Having looked at him a;ten
lively Tor some moments, he touched hin
gently upon he arm. lie Preux opened hi
eyes.
HAS the time Gomez" he inquired, ris
ing.
No, jules, the hour hls not c. ne: but i
VIII soon STRIKE was the reply.
| What then, do you desire" said jules
seating himself.
You DO no; know, my friend,' continued
the stranger, disregarding the prisoner
words. Il saw you at the battle Of Ans
,erhtz, where you fought bravely aud VOL
the Cross of Honor. Since the memorable
eth Of November Ihave entertained for 20,
sincere esteem. In the army you have beel
Strasbourg heard Of your crime and con
domination. The jailor of the pr.sou bein
a relation Of mine, l was able to obtain ths
interview. Those about TO die often re gre
tina, there is not some friend near TO who.
they can confde there last wishes. Wha
can do for you.'
Thanks, comrade; have made my peace
and have no wish" lie Preux said, briefly
Have you nothing TO say"
Nothing
Net even farewell word to some youu
heart yearning for you return; no messag
TO sister,"
No enc watches for my return hav
not any sister-I never had one
"a fathers'
.sHe has been dead for Yeas"
"And your mother" The stranger press
cd each question earnestly.
My mother reiterated Jules. bowin
his face upon his hands, the tones Of b
voice deepening. Mother. mothsrs b
said ,earfuily. ..Oh. l do not even ute
her name he continued, fixing his ey,
upon the man. .She is dead. have onl
enc hour or two oflife; then We viii NEE
, and before her must lay furnished r.
ccrd.' s As bespoke his strong franc shoe
with e-aasicU.
..lnsyou reulember your mother
6Qaestioned after moment Of