The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1880-04-17
Select Story.
THE ROBBER OF ST. GERvAIs.

a AA9 AsO0D6AS VI 11t 0IAb v nLOs
One cold, clustering morning, late in
the fall, man who walked with erutch
aud short staff, was on the road from
Lodlove to St. Geryais in the department
of Herault, away iu the southern part Of
France. The traveller was an old man,
perhaps five and fifty, with face very
dark from long and constant exposure, and
with stone.gray beard and moustache.
An old gray oyercoat completely developed
his person, but il was plainly TO be seen
that he had only one leg. The road was
muddy, aud a cold drizzling mist was fall
ing, and though il was in the evening yet
there was light enough TO distinguish the
way, for away beyond the clouds and the
mist bright moon was shining, and though
even its whereabouts could not be made
out, yet il served to make visible what
must otherwise have been enyeloped iu
utter darkness.
The old man hobbled on, planting his
ciutch and staff carefully upon the trcach-
erous ground aud thus be passed out slowly
on his way. IL was near niue o'clock when
he reached the little copsc Of swamp-wood
that lay at the edge Of the village of st.
Gcryais. Here it was somewhat darker,
and he made his way more carefully. lie
had just reached the edge Of the copse
when his attention was attracted by noise
by him, and in moment more a human
being stood in the road before him. The
new conner was slight built person, as the
old man could distinctly see, aud most
probably youth. He had surely come
from the wood.
"lla !" uttered the traveller, "what now,
eh?"
"iour money or your life p was the
reply, given abruptly but somewhat trem'
ulously.
"You don't mean it ?"
~ do" the youth said more firmly
"And be quick, too, for have no time tC
waste. You see this pistol? 1t contain.
two balls. Give me money or they both
so through your head
"Ten thousand thunders, boyl you would
not kill me just for the sake OF little
money--perhaps only the few sous thai
are necessary to pay for my nights lodg
ing2'
"And why not kill you for that as vel
as die myself for the want Of itP Ay, anC
worse, too. Come-quick r.
There was resoulcness IN the YOUTH
tones which proved him to be in earnest
but yet they had cast Of oagerness and
pathos which proved him to be a new be
ginncr at this KIDD Of work.
''Die did you say? returned the old
man more in pity than 10 anger. "a boy
like you talk Of dying. Diable land
with such pluck, too? You're crazy
"Will you give me money, or must
shoot you ?"
No sooner we're these words out Of the
boys mouth thau up came the old man S
staff and the pistol went flying across the
road into the mud.
"There--you'ye got rid Of very dan
gerous weapon and don't ye never use Il
again 10 such a fashion. Now, who are
ye"
The youth stood for few moments a:
if undecided how to act.
"Ilold on" continued the cid man, as
the young stranger started as though be
would turn away. "Don't be afraid, for
may give you that Of my own free will
which would never give to any living
man under coDpulsioD. But tell mel
have faced death a thousand times, and
have killed many men, but have done il
for Princeton my country. But why
should you face death thus2 In the night
--on the higaway--in your own home
and at the expense Of a eountrymau
Why is itS"
"Nothiog-never mind. You said you
would give me money. Give il to me, in
heavens name
"Hold, answered the traveller. "Youl
home is not far from here.
"Home? Oh what is home to the starv'
ing p
The old man was moved, for there was
depth Of agony 10 the tones of the youth 4
voice which was not to be withstood by any
one possessing ordinary feelings"
What Is your name p he asked.
"Never mind
"But | won't expose you
"Truly?" ?"
~ will not"
"Bat why should | tell your You have
disarmed me, and | am at your mercy
Yet, as God is my judge, had | known you
were an old soldier would not have slopp
ed you. l would have lain 10 the wood
and starved first Give me moneyLa few
sous
"Tell me your name"
The youth hesitated but finally replied
off you are true soldier l should take
your word. My name is Pierre Chollet.
Sand have you no parentsI'f
"a mother"
"And she lives not far from here 2"
"Not far."
"And she is staryingS"
SAY" FH
Then let US hasten and 6nd her. ma,
help her, and, moreover, get lodgings iol
myself aud my erutch. Come, 1t is cold
here. Lead the way"
"You will help my mother if you 90 p
"To be sure l will
"Aud you won't lisp word ef this 2"
"Not without your consent"
|. Then follow me."
Thus speaking the youth turned and
started on.
"Arc you acquainted with the road 2
tbs old lnan asked.
sEyory inch Of il" was the reply.
Then 20 ahead and pick out the besI
path, and | can get along faster
At the end ofatoultwenty minutes the,
topped little hill and the lights could B.
seen Ia the village Of 81. Gervais; but be
fore they reached the village the gaid,
turned otf 20 the right into narrow lane
aud iually came to a small hut which III.
youth said was his home He opened ths
door and vent 10, and the old uian follow
ed him, There was only one room and
that hada floor Of clay Ia the fireplace
burned few ssggc,s, while close BY wes.
beapcd lot more bonghs, twigs aud stuff
such as might bs dragged ont ef the swa.nr