Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1878-03-05

was gay. As 1t passed under me pigeon
bouse Cor IL you will the donjcn keep OF
the fortress) young girl looked up
auxiously. She was fair, sho was ele-
CANT, she looked sad and WAS pale
Court Victor saw n, once she knew il con
tanned prisoner; and as they passed on,
he whistled the air of King Richard in his
captivity:
"DdnS une tour obscure"
For be WAS youn man skilled in
ballads as we'll as arms, Rs good at a
guitar as at q sword thrust. fearless
rider. a gay dancer; in short. bravo
noble man of the old school, specimens OF
whom we may still sec among French
octogenarisns but the race is no longer
raised under The changed social condi-
tions of the present day.
Tue wedding party passed out OF his
sight. 1t WAS not exactly a marriage
procession. however. 1t was only be-
tro,hal. Count Victor broke of his
melody. He heard noise at the door
OF his apartment. mau entered his
prison.
II was the master of the mansion-a
Marquis uuder the late Cspel, now only
Capt. Hameliu. De was blue. but for
all lhs, an honest, kindly gentleman. As
early as the meeting oi The States Gen
eral he had been fred with enthusiasm
for the Republic. To hor his heart, his
hopes, his sword and house were giver
but be could not become mean or cruel
at her bidding. Thai very morning be
had been informed .hAi party oi Chou
ans had passed ,be night ~ one o! his
farms. He set out 1t tho head OF de-
tacumen;, putting oG the ceremony of
bis 5etrothal till the afternoon. We have
seen how he captured Count Victor. That
duly accomplished aud pis prisoner Sc
cured, be came back with ! speed 70 his
postponed betrothai.
Capt. Hsmeiin was not SO utterly gwen
over to Repubiicanism as to nave forgot
Ten the obligations OF hospitality accord
ing 10 the Breton code. He therefore
thought it his duty to pay visit to his
prisoner. choosing the time bis wedding
guests were assembled tor supper.
What can do to serve you, mon
sieur p he said politely enough 10 Count
Victor.
Lord to this CASTLE said the captain
with bow, please 10 give ms the Zoe OF
one OF my hands"
Both hands shall De set =, lIborty,
monsieur" replied liameIin. provided
you promise 10 make 10 siiCmpt 10 get
away. Only before you promise, II is
proper you should know that you W.. DO
sent of under guard to Nstesai cct'ck
tomorrow morning
And at shall be shot. )" ssd Bsude.
lot. The Republican officer made no
reply.
We'll monsieur" said Bsudeiot. "uu-
less | am rescued by any Ot our men. /
promise on my word as Christian and Il
gentleman that | will stay here quie! as
pigeon with its wings cut il you releGNo
my hands"
Captain Hamelin could not help smiling
at the appropriate simile. He united his
prisoner.
"And now" said Baudeloi, stretching
his arms out as be spoke, NOW, mon.
sieur. | am sincerely Indebted to you for
your kindness, and it will not De my fault
if my gratitude does not extend beyond
tomorrow morning"
III you have any las business to tram
sact, Il will to make or letters 10 write. /
will send you writing materials" said
Hamelin with emotion. He was Breton
born. Republican or 10 Republican.
Baudclo; perceived ne isls for him, ,snd
took his hand. NO matter" be said.
Your mention OF ms viii bss panied
me more than your iotimation that must
die al Nantes tomorrow morning. IL
makes me realize that those loved arc
dead. l have no one left on earth 10
whom care TO leave nus name ~ sword,
and | own nothing mose. Il must Do
rather funny though, 90 write wiIl-io
be generous 10 SOME a. tho expense o!
o.hers-to picture 10 yourself who vii!
smile and who will mourn when that
documen, is opened after your death.
Don't you think so, Captsin''
Il will send you something TO eat,
said Hame!in. at is the day OF my be-
trothal, and we have better cheer than
usua. My bride shall send you your
supper"
Count Victor perceived on the ledge oi
one OF the high Sits which did duty as
windows in his dim apartment. daisy
growing from seed dropped by a
pigeon. He aped up and plucked it,
captain" he said, giving it TO Hsme-
liz, lit is the custom in our part OF the
country for every guest to make we'd
ding present to the bride. BE 80 good as
to present to your betrothed for ne. This
little flower. And now mus, no longer
keep you from her side. Thank you ior
your humanity. Farewell God bless
you. Send me some supper, for ! am