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


fields where victory was purchased by the
blood of the sons Of France.
The need of rest after the fatigues of
war, and an enfeebled state of health re-
sulting from repeated wounds, finally
compelled the general to apply for leave
OF absence, which was readily con
ceded.
Then came vivid longing to revisit
the scenes of his childhood. So, he re-
solved to seek in his native village the re-
pose his condition required. AS his so
journ might be lengthy, it was necessary
to secure a suitable abode. He caused
inquiries to be made, and learned that a
handsome chateau in the neghborhood
was offered for sale.
The general, in the pursuit of glory,
had not neglected more substantial mat
tiers. He had amassed a considerable
sum, and embraced the present opportu-
nifty to make an investment He effected
the purchase under the name of the
Count de la Gerville, for, like many an
other he had taken the liberty of round
ing off his name by adding syllable or
two.
This title was complete disguise.
None suspected that the brilliant General
de la Geryille was the poor country youth
who, dozen years before, had left the
village, clad in a blouse with a knapsack
on his back.
As the general approached his birth
place, he thought of the surprise his visi
was likely to occasion. He had no doubt
of being we'll received. He knew human
nature, and the homage that men accord
to wealth and titles.
But valuing more the sentiment Of true
friendship than the aduation paid to
rank, he conceived plan of putting his
brother and certain of his former friends
to test of their sincerity.
Accordingly he stopped his equipage
in Il neighboring town, and, in the garb
of a simple soldier, betook himself on
foot to his native village.
With deep emotion he recognized one
and another Of the old familiar objects
the playground of his childhood, the lit
tie church on which he had turned to
look back twelve years ago, the brook
murmuriDg beneath the willows, and
there, rising from amidst the trees on the
slope of an adjacent hill, the towers of
the magnificent chateau now his own.
Overcome with feeling, he FASTENED on
to the cottage which, he believed, was
still inhabited by his brother.
When about to knock, he hesitated,
almost repenting of the trial he had
planned. What if he should find hearts
cold and insensible-what if he should
be forced to dcspise those whom he had
come prepared to love.
He knocked and the door was opened,
but not by his brother.
He recognized in an instant his old
playmate, Julien, who gaSi upon him
vacantly at first; but all at once the
blank look gave place to one of deep
emotion.
"Ah them" he cried, lit is indeed you /!
Can it be possible.'
res, my dear, Julien, it is l, Bernard
Gervais, your old companion"
"What happiness exclaimed Julien
"wite, come here and behold one restored
to life.'
The good wife came running. They all
embraced, and u thousand questions were
put and left unanswered.
But, my dear Bernard said Julien,
"where have you been so many years I.
We thought you dead. Why have we had
no tidings OF YOU"
"What could you expect, my friend.-
the occupations Of war-wounds-cap-
tiyity-"
All! like enough. As times 90 he's a
lucky man who gets back with both ears.
Well, you must make your home with US
! now
1T is impossible, my friends; | have a
brother, you know, and must hasten to
embrace him
True; but look you, Bernard, it is
proper should mention that your brother,
since getting to be steward OF the chateau,
has so much business on his hands that
he may find it inconvenient to receive
you; in such case, my dear Bernard,
you may count on hearty welcome
here
"What is it you tell me.'
ooh, your brother has become a great
man, and has grown a tritle proud in con-
sequence
Still, toward brother"
Julien shook his head, but made no
answer.
Gervais took his leave, directing his
steps to the chateau to seek his brother.
On approaching the stately castle, now
his own, on which he had once looked
with so much awe, he could not, for an
instant, repress a throb of pride; but the
sentiment was soon effaced by one of JOY
at the near prospect of a meeting with his
brother.
\ domestic pointed out the office of
NJ. Gervais, and a moment after the SOL
der found himself in the presence of the
steward