The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1878-09-12
Twelve Years of Absence.

Our story is of those days, glorious in
every Frenchman's memory, when the
Emperor was carrying his triumphant
banners into one after another European
capital, days, if they were glorious,
which were full of sorrow also; for each
new victory thinned the conquering ranks,
and, to replenish them, the cruel law of
the CONSUMPTION entered every household,
exacting its relentless demands in spite
of mothers tears and fathers prayers.
Bernard Gervais had reached the age
which placed his name on the list of
those compelled to cast lots for the
chance Of life or death-with remote
contingency Of glory.
He drew an "unucky number" He
had no farther to lay his hand upon his
head ana bless him, no mother to press
him in her warm embrace, at the sad
hour of parting. He was an orphan,
whose sole relative was an elder brother,
who had never exhibited toward him any
of those evidences Of affection which
might have supplied, in part, the loss Of
father and mother.
Though thus alone in the world, he
could not look forward, without pang,
to the moment of separation from scenes
linked with his earliest memory. He
loved his native village. There had
passed his childhood. Beneath the cy-
presses of its cemetery rested the re-
mains Of his parents, Of whom he cher
ished the most tender recollection.
He shed many tears on quitting the
good friends whom his gentle disposition
had won. More than once he turned his
head 10 look at the arrow on the steeple
of the little church in which he had been
won't to worship. From the top of
neighboring hill he tried to single out from
the cottage roofs that under which he had
been born; and when all these objects
faded from sight, his heart sank with
feeling Of dependency such as it had
never experienced before.
Once in camp, everything was changed.
Farewell to rustic spurts-tarewell to the
village dance; to the peaceful country
life succeeded the tumuIts of war. To
carry heavy musket, to face to the right
and face 10 the left, with little rest or re-
taxation. was hard discipline at first.
But use conquered aversion, and what at
first was only bUrdensome began. at last,
to excite interest.
Il am = soldier, said Bernard. For
tune has % wil.ei it, Why not make the
best OF it3 \ career is opened to me; le,
ne follow it with honor. Most Of my
chiefs, ike myself, are of humble birth
Their bravery and conduct have exalted
them. Cannot rise as well as they p
that j.. unless bullet-but pshaw =
bullets are not for all, and Death shrinks
from tie man who looks him boldly in
the face.
Theu,eiorward he devoted himself to
his duties. and TO acquiring the knowl-
edge in which he was deficient. To read
ana write was the sum Of his attachments !;
but nature had endowed him with a
quick intelligence and sound judgment.
He observed, compared investigated, -
and, in time, laid up stock of knowl-
edge which made him the oracle Of his
comrades. He rose rapidly, from grade
to grade. to the rank Of captain. But his
hopes pointed higher. His ambition was
nor Sc. satisfied.
l, was time in which opportunities
TO. distinction were constantly afforded.
Laure.9 grew thick on those bloody fields,
and Bernard Gelvais WED in gathering
them.
An occasion came when brave and
trusty ilictr was needed for a dangerous
and important service involving the safety
Of the army. Gcrvais offered himself
and was accepted. The hopes founded
on his courage and capacity were amply
realized. The duty was fulfilled and the
army saved But the young officer pur-
chased bis success dearly. He came back
covered with wounds, happily none of
them mortal.
After a painful couya.escence he re-
turned TO duty, but he returned bearing
the decoration accorded to the brave, and
with the insignia of higher rank. He
was happy man the day he received the
requital OF his gallantry. How proudly
his heart beat beneath the badge of honor
for which it had longed SO eagerly.
At length he reached the summit of his
wishes The rank of general crowned
his ambition. But as every step of his
promotion had been earned 10y some
noble act, the emperor determined to add
a noble token of acknowledgment 10y
comforting on his faithful follower the
title of Count
In twelve years Gervais had not once
communicated with his old acquaintances.
Indeed there were none of them who, he
had reason to believe, felt much interest
in his fortunes or himself.
In truth, absence had produced the
usual effect. Poor Gervais was completely