Louisiana capitolian., 1880-07-24
THE LITTLE -GA7HERERS,

ONE cold day in the month of Decem-
Der, 1896, two poor children, thin and
pale, half clad in rags, issued from d
cottage situated on the verge Of the
forest ofSancy. The aground was covered
with snow; the trees wero all stripped
of their leaves; the wind blew with
fury. Itwas only seven in the morning,
scarcely day-break.
Nicholas and Frank, the two poor
littlo wood-gatherers, walked rapidly
toward the centre of the forest. Their
feet were ill protected by the old shoes,
they wore. Coarse linen trowsers,
blouse, and bonnet Of rabbit skin
complete their attire.
When they had walked considerable
distance, they stopped at place were
several roads met.
"Stop, Frank said Nicholas; take
this rope, and bind up in it as much
dead wood as you can gather together
eyes, brother"
when you have gathered enough,
you can meet me at the end Of the forest ,
The two brothers then separated, and
took different roads. They had soon
gathered sticks enough to make heavy
load. Bending under their several
burdens, they shortly after met at the
place appointed.
"Come on, Nicholas" said Frank
"let US make haste, for while we loiter
here mother is suffering from the cold.'
ooh! yes, the wind blows from all
sides of the hut, and the snow falls fast
on the straw where we slept last night
"Afi little robbers l have caught you
again " suddenly shouted rough voice
close at hand.
The two boys, frightened. let their
loads fall from off their backs, and threw
themselves at the feet of man who
now presented himself. He was stiff,
gruff.looking fellow, of repulsiye voice
and manners, and he fixed his eyes on
the two trembling boys with fierce ex'
preston. He was dressed as game
keeper, and carried gun under his arm.
"Little good-for-noughts! "said he !"
isn't this the second time l have caught
you"
Pardon, pardon Mr.. Sylvester, ,''cried
the two boys, weeping.
All! do you suppose you are to be allow
ed to rob the marquis of his wood in
this way' But We shall see."
But it is dead wood, and when it
isn't gathered it only rots upon the
ground and is of no use to anybody
"Come, come, Mr.. Logician, take up
your plunder and follow mo"
"Follow you! And-where?,'
"To prison, little miscreant"
ITO prison! o good sir! in pity
spare u.s."
"No! tell you."
"But our mother may die Of cold; she
has only US in the world to help her.
and if you put US in prison what will
she do %
"It's all the same to me-"
"Oh you have neither heart nor sou
in you" ,"said one of the boys, almost des'
perate :" we'll may they call you Sylres'
ter the Wov." Good, good! lperforn
my duty, and don't bother myself about
anything else"
Listen, Mr.. Sylvester" said Nicholas
81 am bigger and stronger than my
brother, and gathered more Of the deat
wood than he did am, therefore, more
guilty; punish me as you will; punisl
me for both of us, but send my brother
back to the cottage"
"Nay, listen to me, good sir,' crie(
Frank "it is | whom you must put il
prison. Nicholas is stronger than me
and his labor is more useful to ou1
mother
"Come, no more talking,' said Sylves
ter, you must both co.
"My poor mother said Frank
sobbing.
| The two boys took up their burdens
and followed the heartless game.keeper
As they passed before the chateau 0
the marquis Nicholas said to Sylvester
Before going to prison ! wish to Sc
the marquis himself"
ain good time,' said Sylvester; 'her
he cOmes.'
The Marquis de Sancy was advancing
to meet them. He was man of abou
sixty, of good figure, noble lookin
gentleman. His white hair fell abou
his cheeks, and his blue eyes, full Q
sweetness and kindly expression, inspil
ed confidence in those who looked hin