The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1876-10-29
NUMBER SO.
THE FlSHERMANS DAUGHTER.
BY HENDRICK CONSCIENCE.
lContin Il

lContinued.l
The officer on guard appeared aud seemed 70
be looking for an individual. Perceiving the
young man who had presen ted him the petition,
he beckoned him to approach.
Follow me-" he said. Captain Stock iR
waiting for you.'
The soldiers surrounded NJ de Milval and
| conducted him to a room the door Of which the
com mander entered and then babe him entes.
The young man had scarcely cast his eyea
upon the officer, when he stepped back Mortified,
and an exclamation of surprise escaped the lips
OF Louis Stock.
"Do you. then, know each other - asked the
commandsnt of the escort, in astonishment.
"a singular acquaintance !" replied the CAP
tain. From him received my wound"
Seeing that the young prisoner MAS in con-
sternatsn at the unexpected encounter, he
added, in an encouraging tone: "Be not die
turbed Ny wound was the chance of war. By
yonr hands or anothers, what is the difference
| rather pity you, because You exhibit SO noble
courage in so desperate cause. Now l am
ready To hear what you have TO say"
"Captain," said the younS man, "a ish to
speak to yon Of your blind brother and of your
niece Bella"
The captain shuddered at these words. He
gazed upon the young in astoDishmen and
anger. Controlling his emotion, he spoke in .
low voice to the commandant of the post, who
left the apartment, closing he door after him.
What" angrily exclaimed the captain,
are yen the wounded fugitive to whom my
brother gave shelterf"
Yes, captain, am De Milval"
ode Mlval!" indignantly repeated Joseph
Stock. And do you expect me to show you
any mercyi"
mo, captain, you could not. know that
to-morrow's sun will shine upon my grave.
do not fear DEATH"
"Ungrateful wretch - said the captain, with
bitterness; you were the object Of o noble
hospitality, and you repaid it by devoting an
innocent child 10 misery
"Mlserable ! Who SpeakW cried De Milval,
pale from anxiety.
lyon pretend not to know that speak OF
20 fatal nightw exclaimed the young man.
"Csn it be that Bslla-the courageous, generous
Bea-was struck by the balls from tn . battery
on leaving Neuportf Was she wounded Is she
deadf'
The captain was surprised by the emotion of
the young man, and was even touched by
feeling of pity.
lyon mistake the meaning OF my words.
Bella escaped unframed. Your conduct, how
ever, is still open to keen reproach; but it 10
now useless to waste in recrimination the few
of life left to you. God Himself will
soon judge you. Tell me quickly why you sent
for me-"
The prisoner drew from his bosom q folded
paper and small silver box. He handed TO
the captain the sheet of paper, to which was
attached seal in red WAX.
Captain" he said, you accuse me of in
gratitude. Could yon read my heart, yon wonld
zee how folly have been appreciated the benehts
con ferred upon me-"
The captain took tho paper and asked:
What is thisi will! Yes, your will has
been drawn up by a notary Of Newport Yoo
fOreSR W, then, tbAt you WO0Iu Olel But Wn2b
NE ans this You btqueath to my niece all tho
which yo1 Inherit from your father
and mother. Fool! you know we'll that these
possessions are no longer you're. They have
been contiscated."
THAT is true, sir; but believe it to be
equally true that they will be in time restored
10 me, rather to my heirs, in whole or in
part. 1t is but hope, but this hope is all that
IS left me on earth. would willingly sacrifice
ny life to repay the hospitality of your brother
md B slas generous devotion. Permit me TO
bear to the grave the thought that Bella will
preserve this will as q remembrance OF the
unfortunate man whom she twice saved from
Il promise" said Louis Stock, touched by the
emotion of the yonng noble, Ito remit this
paper to my niece
landed it to the captain, saying:
This is my mothers likeness. bavO worn
t next my heart since my childhood"
81 Set in diamonds " exclaimed the captain
,herIng to return It,
THE diamonds are not of great value, but
he image of her who now smiles upon me from
Ieaven is the only object possess, and It was
What priced the most on earth. GIVE II 20
BELLA. Should she forget me, this picture will!
emind her Of my mother, and the noble girl
7ill not cease to pray for her.
" Is that all you wish to say - asked Stock.
pardon me- captain, there are few lines
yritten in pencil on the back Of the will. It 10
~ last adieu. i wrote hastily under the eye
I the guard
Bella, angel of goodness and love, my fate
decided. | am prisoner of war. and must
DON die. One regret alone dtBturbB my last
our. Alas must die without IeWsrdiDg you
Or vour generous self sacrifce. oh, Belle, mad
been granted me to return to my ooantry,
rould have devoted my life to render you
Apply All there il . secret in my heart, bot
viii be buried with me in the grave. EN-
race for me yoar good father and the generous
osePn; and you Bella TenlsmboE OftOn tR