, 1879-11-24
Genuine Nerve.

Nerve, as the blending of the mental
and physical staying power is generally
termed, is not at all novel quality
with the majority of men, but, like all
other attributes, is of comparative
and resolute character. Many man
who wouldn't hesitate to follow in the
lead of a forlorn hope, or ride in the
front ranks in cavalry dash, shrinks
. with painful fear from dentist; while
woman who would run at the sight OF
the meekest COW in the meadows will go
through the ordeal with Spartan forti-
tude.
The nerve that is supplemented by
speculative intellect and calculating
shrewdness is the most valuable, as
we'll as the most genuine. Probably no
better specimen of this sort was ever
evinced than by young Pole, Leckin-
ski, by name, lancer in the service of
Murat.
The French Marshal was in Madrid
during Napoleon's invasion of Spain,
and found it necessary to communicate
with Junotin Portugal. But the woods
and country from Madrid to Lisbon
swarmed with Castano's forces, the
Spanish guerrillas. Russia at that
time was not only friend but an ally
of France, and in his quandary. Murat
went to Strogonotf, the Russian Ambas-
sador to Spain, told him of his situa-
ton, and waited upon diplomatic cum
ming to help him through.
The Russian encouraged him wonder
fully. "Send me" he said, " the most
intelligent of your Polish lancers.
Those Poles are very thoughtful men,
and valuable in an extremity. The Ad-
miral, Sinivan, is in the port at Lisbon.
We will dress your Polander in Russian
uniform and send him with the dis
patches for the Admiral. Even if cap
tured he will be safe, for the Spaniards
are anxious to maintain the neutrality
OF Russia, and will not maltreat him
for fear of causing rupture with the
Gar"
Murat was greatly relieved, and sent
for the man, who, in the esteem of the
commander of the Polanders, was the
most efficient and intelligent. A hand
some young fellow, not vet 90 years of
age, was returned to him. The Marshal
hesitated to send so young a man on
trip so terribly dangerous. but was re-
assured by the quiet, determined GER
tainty OF success expressed by the youth.
So they attired him as Russ, and he
struck out on his hazardous errand.
The first two days of his trip were
pleasant, but on the third Leckinski
was seized by body of Spaniards, dis
armed, and brought before the COM
manding officer - Castanos himself.
H knew the fate that weuld follow if
+ re discovered as Frenchman,
re hit upon the plan not to per-
f the gallic to escape him,
he'd, and confne himself |
aussian and German with |
lages he was perfectly famil-
Ie horrible murder of Gen. |
he was but few weeks previ-
ptured by the Spanish and SUBJ
i to the most horrible tortures, to- |
ler with the savage threats of his
ptors, tended to shake his nerves con-
.iderably, but it was matter of life
and death to himself, and the fate of
his army, as well, depended upon him, t
so he determined to play his part we'll.
And he played it well.
"Who are you" asked Castanos, in
French. Leckinski looked blankly at
IL. L.
not understand you
An interpreter was called and the
most difficult questions put to the cou-
rier, but he never gave himself away.
Every answer was in Russian or Ger
man, th7 crowd of men about him
hungry for his blood and feeling as
sured of his identity as one of the
French.
Shortly they brought Spanish peas {
ant, and with him confronted the cou-
rier. The peasant recognized him, and
with howl of hatred and Joy declared
that he had but a week ago sold forage
TO Leckinski in Madrid, and described
The countenance and the man with gen.
uine accuracy. Still the latter could
not be phased. He stood mute, and
with face evincing blissful igno- .
rance of the colloquy about him. Cas- '
amos was disposed to acquit the courier,
out tie soldiers and mob demanded his y
ife. Then the question of Russias !!
niger, in case the man should really be !.
/ Russian, came up, and his prospect Il
We death was compromised upon by
further trial. He was taken to p
yretched Jail and incarcerated. For =
wenty yfour hours he was without food u
II drink. Fear, physical fatigue and :.
mental anxiety sat about him like vul- II
ures about dying wayfarer. Too "
atigued, he fell asleep without know
ng it. He had slept but two hours @
7hen a woman entered the cell, and ~
rousing him, said: "Will you not ~
ave something to eat and drink?" 1t y y
7as cunning trap, but the Pole was y
ot to be entrapped. "What do you !.
rant ?" he asked drewsily, in German. =! ~
'astanos gave orders to give him food ~ ~
nd drink, and to release him. "He ~ ~