Louisiana capitolian., 1880-04-03

ter" Jean became furious, but though
he loudly declared the wrong done him.
the sycophants Of the public house took
sides against him, and he was driven
from the house. Spitaels drew his
sword and threatened to break open the
door, when tho host and hostess had
him arrested and sent to prison.
He being u stranger, anil the grand
bailiti being partial to Merck, he was
prejudiced against him. As Jean had
no friends, the majority Of opinions even
went so far as to favor putting him to
death, and but for an unforeseen incl
dent, it might have Jared badly for the
unfortunate soldier.
There was at that epoch n demon in
Alost, who had shown himself to several
persons, and hence been much talked
about but as he had not harmed any
one he was not much dreaded. The
morning of the day when Spitacls was
to be taken before his prejudiced judges,
the said demon made his appearance in
his dungeon and said to him:
"YOu are about to be condemned to
death, which is an injustice, but this is
the way in which men act. Neverthe-
less, if you will give yourself to me /
will save your lfc.'
"And who are Your asked the soldier
after a momen,tary silence.
"Don't be afraid of me. am the de-
mon of Alost"
'rhe demon of Alostw exclaimed
Spitacls, "a demon! | give myself to a
demon! No, l would rather perish in
nocent than save my life by giving my
self to domonw
"But," persisted the tempter, "think
that in two hours the opportunity of
saving you will have gone by. You are
young, you have still many years to live.
l can get you back your money. And
what about tho fnir widow Of Client
She is here; she IS in Alost; and she
wishes to see you and save you"
These words had great effect ON Spit
acls. He was ngitatcd; but firmly he
said;
81 will not yield. will perish Oh the
scaflold before lyield to the tempter.'
Tho demon, turning round, said
"Wcll, since you will not belong to
me, | will give disintcrcstcd aid. Fol
low my advice. When you are sum-
moncd before the grand bailin, plead
innocence, and ask (what cannot be re-
fused you) that you may have for q
counsel a barrister whom you will see
there in blue cap. That will DO my
self"
Tho prisoner was delighted. Barely
an hour elapsed before he was led into
the presence of his Judges Tho accu-
sation was brought against him that he
sought to murder his host and hostess,
after having unjustly crminated them.
Sptacls, looking eagerly about soon
observed a barrstcr with cadavcrous
face, aud spare, pointed beard, with
eyes of fire, and who wore skull cap
of blue velvet. His courage revived
upon seeing his mysterious ally, and
he demanded in a loud voice that the
pale faced counsel should be allowed to
plead for him, as, he said, he was but a
rude soldier, and little vcrsed in the art
Of pleading. His request was granted.
Jeans counsel proceeded with the ease
with tact and cloqucncc. He related the
true history of the money deposited in
the hands of the host, with the addi-
tion of circumstances which the soldier
himself had forgotten till thus reminded
of them, and he further declared that
he could bring witnesses to prove that
Spitaels had the very sum Of money
about him when he left Ninove, which
he declared he had lost
A feeling began to pcrvadc the asscul-
bly, that the Barbancon might be right
after all. But when his distinguished
counsel came out with his last great
point, and declared that he would re-
veal to the judges the exact spot where
the money was at that very moment
hid, the host was so astonishcd and
pcrplcxed that ho jumped upon his feet,
asserting that it was false, that he had
not the money, that 1t was not secrcted
where he said 1t was; and he sw0re in
his excitement that he would give him
self to the devil if he said it was not
true.
This was just what the demon had
hoped for, and had anticipated what
would take place. %
81 do not ask for MORE" he said, tax
ing off his velvet cap and displaying two
little horns, while his eyes seemed to
cast flames upon the terrified host.
The crowd made way at once for the
mysterious pleadcr, who went up to
Fhislan Merck, seized upon him as
lawful prey, and carried him away. The
hostess fell upon her knees and prayed
for mercy, promising to send for the
money ut once.
Jean was set at liberty, and the money
restored to him. The widow of Ghent
was among those present. Going up to
her gallant savior she congratulated him
and said she had come there solely in
the hopes Of saving him. He could not
conceal his affection for her, though
many were the spectators, and express
ed deep gratitude. He returned with