The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1879-09-10

mother dle0 hvc years ago. Az AeT Oeu-
side swore to live an honest man, and
to avoid evil companions. To remind me
Of my pledge, she made me promise to
plant violet over her grave, and every
year I was to pluck the first bud that
blossomed among the grass. four times
I had sought the little church-yard, and
gathered the tender flowers that grew
above her sainted bones. At the&t time OF
my last visit the regiment was leaving
France. I asked for leave of absence,
and was refused. There was but one
way left, for 7 must obtain the violets at
any cost deserted, when I had found
the flower, and pressed it to my lips, the
enormity of my crime arose before me
with its shame. I had vowed never to
forsake my duty, and felt that my oath
was broken. There remained but one
thing to do-rejoin the regiment and de-
liver myself to justice. l came here and
surrendered. The rest is known. have
been condemned justly, and I am ready
to meet my doom. It is heavy price
life for single fower!"
"Here is the chaplain" whispered one
OF the men "shall he approach?"
by all MEANS" said Valore; IL have
made my peace with God, sir" be added,
to the clergyman, land am prepared to
die in charity toward all men, I have
nothing to say except farewell, and bless
you, every one"
Then, bowling to the chaplain, he walk
ed to the scaffold with as firm step as
if he had been marching past the General
in ordinary times, at a review. The
men turned sick in the ranks. the drum
mer's hands trembled as they beat the
terrible ''tattoo," and the file Of soldiers
detailed for the execution hung their
heads for shame, as though they were
murderers, instead of promoters of justice
and discipline.
Farewell, friends, alls" shouted Valore,
taking his position, and the Adjutant
gave the word that all was ready.
= But at that moment there was Cry
a low murmured cheer among the men
as they separated to let a horssman ad-
vance to the center of the column. He
looked neither to the right nor left, but
made straight for the platform, and dis
mounted within few yards of the con-
demmed man. AS he stepped gracefully
from his horse, and stood beside the de-
serter, both officers and men held their
breath, watching with anxiety the move
ments of the master they had learned to
respect 50 highly aud love so we'll.
It was Bonaparte, hero Of the Pyra-
mids, who appeared before them.
Without word the 'Little Corporal"
walked up the platform and placed him.
self directly in front the disgraced man.
"Plerre Valore,' he said, in his clear,
pure voice, 'your crime has been known
to me only short time. From yonder
clump Of trees I have Just heard the whole
story. If the life which you so freely
offer to the memory of your mother is a
burden to you, give it to me. You have
another mother, kinder, better than the
one you have lost, and who needs the
help of her noble sons. Give me your hand :;
you are free man; il you have life to
spare, keep it for her. For France is
your mother"
Pierre Valore fell upon his knees, and
Selling the delicate. wax-like hand car
lied it reverentially to his trembling
lips:
MY life is yours,'' he said betw cen
his tears, II wish 1 had hundred lives
to give as Wilingly.'
The men were too excited to cheer,
and maybe it was this mute admiration
which honored the commandant most
He waved his hand graciously, and,
mounting his horse again, rode away.
Two days later they was fighting. The
''Little Corporal was everywhere in the
thickest of the tray. Jut where the shot
flew the fastest, where the furious cannon
ragged hercest, the three-conered hat was
visible, always ahead, like a charmed be-
ing, leading them onward to glory, to
triumph and destruction. The clarion
shouted the order, "Chargc!" which was
re-echoed by every captain along the line,
and the vast sea Of men, sweeping down
like huge tide wave, plunged headlong
in to the redoubt before them. The con-
test was man to man, sabre to sabre.
He certainly must have been invuinera-
ble, so many times to escape what seemed
inevitable death. For the twentieth time
he was surrounded by band of yelling
Arabs, who defended with fendish avidi-
ty each foot ofground that was taken from
them
Meanwhile few yards distant, fought
Pierre Valore. His trusty sword flashed,
here and there among the bowling crowd.
dealing death in all directions. There
was no time for words nor smiles; but in
his mind he set down decoration, should
they meet at a later day. Again and
again they were hemmcd in, with hun.
dred Infatuated savages at their faces.
One tall chief, maddened with despair,
hurled his lance with terrific violence at
the breast of his fearless opponent.
The 'Little Corporal;' saw it come and
in one second prepared for his death.
But in the supreme instant he was spared.
A man sprang up and almost dragged him
from his horse, receiving, as he did so,
the lance in his own chest.
"Gencral!' cried Valore-tor the man
was he-''my life belongs to you and to
France r'and he fell with the lance through
his heart.
1t was over-the day was won. With
a mighty cry Of triumph the victorious
army swept over the plain, leaving the
dead and wounded upon the blood-soak-
ed field
In his tent, Europe's conquerer was
thanking heaven for it's favors, and dream
ing already of new worlds and new peo-
Mo tr, ,l,1,o