Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1879-04-25
"cut my bonds, and let me die like a

"cut my bonds, and let me die like a
soldier"
The sergeant quickly cut the cord
that bound his elbows behind him, and
then dashed toward the point where
his own regiment was stationed. The
rattle of musketry had commenced,
and the Prussians were vainly endeav-
troops. Jerome Dubois looked about
him for some weapon with which to
arm himself, and presently he saw q
Prussian officer not far off reeling in
his saddle as though he had been
wounded. With quick bound he
reached the spot, pulled the dying off,
Ger from his seat, and leaped into the
empty saddle.
Dubois was fully resolved that he
would sell his life on that day-sell it
in behalf of France-and sell it as
dearly as possible. But he was not
needed where he was. He knew that
the Prussians could not break those
hollow squares; SO he rode away, think
ing to join the French cavalry, with
whom no could rush into the deepest
danger. Surprising that the heaviest
fighting must be upon the Nehrung, he
rode his horse in that direction, and
when he reached it he found that he
had not been mistaken. Upon slight
eminence toward Hagelsberg the enemy
had planted battery OF heavy guns,
supported by two regiments Of infantry;
and already with shot and shell i'm
meuse damage had been done.
Marshal Lefebvre rode up shortly
after this battery had been opened, and
very quickly made up his mind that it
must be taken at all hazards.
"Take the battery" he said to
colonel of cavalry, land the battle is
ours"
Dubois heard the order and saw the
necessity. Here was danger enough,
surely and, determined to be the first at
the fatal battery, he kept as near to the
leader as he dared. Half the distance
had been gained, when from the hill
came storm of iron that ploughed into
the ranks of the French. The colonel
fell. his body literally torn in pieces by
shell that exploded against his bosom.
The point upon the peninsula now
reached by the head of the assaulting
column was not more than hundred
yards wide, and it was literally plain
of death, as the fire from twelve heavy
guns was turned upon it. The colonel
had fallen, and very soon three other
officers went down, leaving the advance
! without a commissioned leader. The
way was becoming blocked up with
dead men and dead horses, and the
head Of the column stopped and wav-
cred.
Marshal Lefebvre, from his elevated
place, saw this, and his heart throbbed
painfully. If that column were routed
and the Russian infantry charged over
the head of the peninsula, the result
might be calamitous.
But-see A man in the uniform of
French private, mounted upon power
full korse caparisoned in the trappings
| of Prussian staff officer, with his
head bare, and bright sabre swinging
in his hand, rushes to the front and
urges the column forward. His words
are fiery and his look is dauntless.
For France and for Lefebvre !" the
strange horseman cries. waving his
sword aloft and pointing toward the
battery. "The Marshal will weep if
we lose this day!"
The brave troopers, thus led by one
who feared not to dash forward where
the shot fell thickest, gave an answer
ing shout, and pressed on, caring little
for the rain of death, 80 long as they
had living leader to follow. Hoping
that he might take the battery, and yet
counting death, Jerome Dubois spurred
on; and finally the troop came upon
the battery with irresistible force.
1t was not in the power OF the can
noniers to Withstand the shock, and the
Russian infantry that came to their
support were swept away like chat.
The battery was quickly captured, and
when the guns had been turned upon
those who had shortly before been their
masters. the fortune of the day was de.
cided. The Russians and the Prussians
horse, foot and dragoons-such as
were not taken prisoners, made the best
of their way back into Dantzic. having
lost much more than they had gained.
Jerome Dubois returned to the guard
house, and gave himself up to the Off
Ger in charge. First a surgeon was
called to dress several slight wounds
which he had received. Next his colo
nol "1S chilou W sco WAdt SuOulu Uo
done with him. The colonel applied to
the general of brigade, and the general
Of brigade applied to the general of
division, and the general Of division
applied to Marshal Lefebvre.
What shall we do with Jerome Du.
bois ?"
"God bless him n cried the general
veteran, who had heard the whole story,
"Ill pardon him to-day and tomorrow
I'll promote him!'
And Jerome Dubois, in time, went
himself to see the loved ones in France,
and when he went he wore the uniform
of captain.-Sslectsd.
---.