Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1877-07-04

ooG'piiouHlChu' 1uo PlSeohS WulCu Hhu
dwelt there in the days of peace were now
replaced from time to time by captured
chouans-Chouan (the patOiS name for owl
or bird of night), being the title given to
the ROyalists by the Republicans The
dovecote still retained its peaked roof of
white slate and its tall weathercock, nor
had it been thought necessary to put iron
bars into the narrow, lofty openings through
which the doves once went and came.
Little indeed had been added to the furni-
ture of the place for the accommodation
of the new kind of birds who were too
often Gagged there nothing but some straw
upon the pavement, on which Count Vic
tor stretched himself in default of any
chair.
He smiled at the idea of being shut up
in pigeon house. If he could free his
hands he thonght, and get hold of IA guitar.
what pretty little ballad he might make
out of such situation! As he was think
ing over his ballad and wishing for the
guitar he heard the sound of violin and
bagpipes. These lively instruments were
playing gay march. Count Victor start
ed up from where he lay and, by showing
all the straw up to the wall, managed, in
spite Of his bound hands, to climb up to
one of the openings and to look below
him. He looked down on merry fete.
There was II long procession Of young
men and fair women, all in white, preced-
ed by the music of the village. The pro-
cession moved slowly, though the air
played was gay. AS it passed under the
pigeon house (or, if you will, the donjon
keep Of the fortress) IL young girl looked
up anxiously. She was fair, she was ele-
giant, she looked sad and pale Count
Victor saw at once she knew it contained
II prisoner and, rs they passed on, he
whstled the mir of King Richard in his
captivity;
"DanS ane tour OBSCURE"
For he was young man skilled in bal
lads as well as arms, as good at guitar
as at Il sword thurst; fearless rider, Il
gay dancer; in short, brave young noble
man of the old school, specimens of
whom we may still see among French
octogenarians; but the race is no longer
raised under the changed social conditions
of the present day.
The wedding party passed out of his
sight. 1t was not exactly marriage pro-
cession, however. 1t was only n betroth-
AL Count Victor broke off his melody.
He heard II noise at the door of his apart
ment. A man entered his prison.
1t was the master of the mansion-a
Marquis under the late Capet, now only
Captain Hamelin. He was Blue, but
for all that, in honest, kindly gentleman.
AS early us the meeting of the States Gen
eral he had been fired with enthusiasm for
the Republic. To her his heart, his hopes
his sword and house were given; but he
could not become mean or cruel at her
bidding. That very morning he hadbeen
informed that q party of chouans had
passed the night at one of his farms. He
set out at the head of IL detachment, put
ting off the ceremony of his betrothal till
the afternoon. We have seen how he cap
tured Count Victor. That duty accom-
pished and his prisoner secured, he came
back with all speed to his postponed be-
trothal
Captain Hamelin was not so utterly Civ
en- over to Republicanism as to have for
gotten the obligations of hospitality ac-
cording to the Breton code. He therefore
thought it his duty 10 pay IL visit to his
prisoner, choosing the time his wedding
guests were assembled for supper.
"What can | do to serve you, mon
sieur?" he said politely to Count Victor.
Lord of this CASTLE" said the Captain,
with a bow, "please to give me the use of
one of my hands"
Both hands shall be at liberty, mon
sieur," replied Hamelin, provided you
promise to make no attempt 10 get away.
Only before you promise, it is proper you
should know that you will be sent off un-
der guard to Nantes ut six o'clock to-mor-
row morning"
And at eight shall be shot," said
Baudelot. The Republican officer made
no reply.
"Well monsieur" said Baudelot, un-
less | am rescued by any of our men, l
promise on my word of honor as u Chris
tan and gentleman, that will stay here
quiet rs IL pigeon with its wings cut if you
release my hands" Captain namein
could not help smiling at the appropriate
smile. He united his prisoner
And now,' said Bsudelot, stretching
his arms out rs he spoke, now, mon
siour, am sincerely indebted to you for
your kindness, and it will not be my fault
if my gratitude does not extend beyond
tomorrow morning"
"If you have any last business to trans
act II will 10 make or letters to write, |
will send you writing materials" said
Ilamelin with emotion. lie was Breton
born, Republican or no Republican.
Baudelot perceived he felt for him, and
ook his hand. No NATTER" said he.
Your mention of my will has panied me
more than your inimation that | must
die ut Nantes tomorrow morning. 1t
makes me lealize that those | loved are
dead. have no one left on earth to
whom | care to leave my name or sword,
and | own nothing more. 1t must he
rather funny, though, TO write will TO
be generous to some at the expense of
olhers--to picture to yourself who will
smile and who will mourn when that doc
ument is opened after your death. Don't
you think so, CuptainP"
will send you something to eat"
said Hamelin. " 1t is the day of my be-
trothal, and we have better cheer than
usual. My bride shall send you your sup
per"
Count Victor perceived on the ledge Of
one of the high Sits which did duty as
windows in his dim apartment daisy
growing from II seed dropped by IL pigeon.
lie leaped up and plucked it.
Captain" he said, giving it to Hame-
lin, " 1t is the custom in our part of the
country for every guest to make we'd
ding present to the bride. Be SO good as
to present to your betrohed for me this
little flower And now must no longer
keep you from her side. Thank you for
your humanity. Fare well! God bless
you. Send me some supper, for am
weary and hungry. Good night"
Food was soon brought to the young
officer. The maid who came 10 wait on
him "a pretty Breton peasant girl with
white teeth, red lips, and great compassion
in her eyes,, paid every attention TO the
captive. She urged him to eat of the best
dis hes, and to drink of the choice wines.
The supper was ! Eurious. 1t seemed as
if old times had come back TO the dovecote
.when poor Gagged bird was fed from the
crumbs of the masters table. AS she
was pouring out II glass of campligne for
him the Count asked her name.
Marie" said the girl.
The same name us my cousin" said
the young man. And how old are you,
MarieP"