Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1877-12-20

had opened somewhere; at the SAM
time the lights which they carrie,
went out. The next instant was heart
a resoundinG blow which shook tn,
whole building.
"That was anime" exclaimed Ia
sinski, we must returni"
They turned to find their way back
Holding their handkerchiefs close Il
their mouths, they at last gained Ra
sinski'5 room, but found very littl,
relief, for ii was also filled will
smoke. Frederick fastened to hi:
own room, but here too, the smoke
pervaded, issuing apparently from
the floor. He seized his arms, cloal
and saddle-bag. The veil and brace
let of Lodoiska he had already thrus
in his breast. He hurries back tt
Rasinski.
From the street "Firel Firel" now
resounded, followed by the roll o.
the drums OF the bivouac, to which
the yelling of trumpets joined theil
hasty harsh notes.
Rasinski, Frederick, and the serv-
ants, hurried down the large stair
case into the street. At the porch
Henry joined them in full haste from
the rear of the mansion.
The whole danger could now well
be seen. Dense smoke, interspired
with red spiral flashes shot through
every window.
A single glance told the truth; the
fire was the work OF an incendiarism.
In trembling amazement all stood
awaiting the end OF the scene. Ra-
sinski ordered his men under arms,
and the roll to be called. All were
present. With the excitement OF awe
the men looked upon the building ex-
pecting every moment the flames to
break through. Suddenly brilliant
glare fell over the whole palace, and
Illuminated it, 1s the sea OF fire vault
ed over it and enveloped it in flames.
Meanwhile the dreadful element
burst forth in every direction. From
all sides drums and trumpets were
heard. The wind increasing in
strength driving the fire like burn
ing area over the city. Rasinski and
his men started to reach the street
that led to the bridge, which he soon
reached unscathed. All could now
look around. The fire was fast creep
ing towards Kremlin. The streets
were Illuminated by the blood red
torches Of the incendiaries. The
flames spread and the whole city was
enveloped in a sea OF fire.
1t was in the early part Of Septem-
hax hof h2
Mary entered the ancient capitol Of
Poland. They had a very pleasant
journey. Mary and Leona loved each
other as sisters. Thus lived the three
ladies with servant or two in retire.
ment, which became daily more
agreeable. They seldom received
visitors-more seldom returned them.
They lived a peaceful life, spending
their time in the pursuit of female &C.
equations.
Thus passed time with them till
the latter part OF the month when
one morning the postman brought a
letter from Rasinski, in which lay
notes written with pencil from Fred
erick and Jaromir.
Rasinski's letter informed the
Countess, that nearly two-thirds OF
his regiment had fallen in the recent
battles, but that himself and friends
were still alive and unhurt. That
they were in good spirits and by the
blessing Of heaven hoped to soon re-
turn and enjoy the peace looked for.
Frederick's note acknowledged the
receipt Of Mary's letter, containing
their mothers death and her adven-
ture with Beaucaire. A short account
of his narrow escape in one OF the
battles, and the safety OF his friends,
and ended with the hope, that the day
OF reunion and happiness might
speedily dawn.
Jaromir's, breathed OF love, and
happiness, and the assurance OF his
fidelity and constancy; that even in
the fierce conflicts and battles, his
thoughts were still with her. Also
the safety OF Boleslaus, Frederick and
Henry.
These letters from the hands OF
their friends and relations, assuring
them of their safety. made the ladies
happy beyond description.
Thus a week passed, when the in
was received that the
grand army had entered Moscow.
Five days more, and the rumor was
that Moscow had been set
on fire by the Russians. and that the
French army had commenced its re-
treat The next evening the Coun-
tess received a letter from Rasinski.
stating, that: more than two-thirds Of
Moscow had been destroyed by fire,
and that they had been obliged to
leave the city and encamp in the
fields-that they were all alive and
unhurt. Thus again were they
assured Of their friends safety.
On the evening OF the eighteenth
day OF October, the French army
commenced its retreat from the
capital Of the Cars, in which it had
remained either much too long or
too short time. After toilsome
days, and severe and strongly con-
tested battles, and with thinned
ranks, the army, or as much as was
left of it, were again at Smolensko,
where the men expected to alleviate
and satisfy the cravings Of hunger,
that was preying its own vitals =
there warm their frozen limbs-there
rest and gain strength. No pen can
describe the sufferings endured by
those who participated in that me-
mortal campaign.
With the small number yet sur
him, Rasinski occupied a
few large stone buildings, which
probably had been used for ware
ho uses, they afforded stables for the
horses in the lower parts, and quar-
tiers for the men overhead. Even
these half destroyed buildings az
forded a dry shelter, and IL they
could only procure wood and pro-
visions, and feed for their horses. the
halt there promised luxury in COM
parison with their former exigent
state.
Thus for the first time since they
left Moscow, did they en-
joy a repast together, sitting under a
roof.
After the repast. their fatigue soon
closed their ye-lids-und;sturbed by