The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-11-05
a VICTIM OF DUTY.

TRANSLATED ERsM FH FRENCH OF LOUIS
colLAs.
You have often seen him pass through
the fields with hasty step, recogniz-
able not only by bis blouse and his
regulation hat, bat also by the sus-
tanned activity Of his movements, be
cause for him the instants are counted
and he haSnot the right to slacken his
pace. An indefssiga5le walker, he ac-
eomplishes his task from the frst to the
last DAY OF the year without ever rest
ip No matter though tropical sun
invite all creatures to become notion
less, though the cold be Siberian,
though il blow and snow, he must go to
the last village on his route to carry the
letters, newspapers and prospectuses
which trade confdes by millions to the
care of the post.
The highways are not made for him !;
.n>z.et he rs;ot aross; tila4anI1ntrys nassine-
through woods and marshes, to seek
the hut lost IN the depths Of the soli-
tude, far removed from any public
road2
He travels from eight to ten leagues
daily. making circuits, crossing brooks,
.,ealmg rocks, ventuting into ravines
and wounding himself amongthe hedges
and briars. Lettering is forbidden to
him, for the Official hour OF return is
fixed; the letters he brings back must
depart by the next mail. They are
waited for a5 the postottice and the least
variation Of his programme may have
grave consequences.
We cannot without ingratitude forget
the services Of this inccrruptible mes
senger, whose probity and zeal are con
siantiy pnt to the proof, who brings US
aSys certain hour our letters and our
journals, the news, the expectation Of
Which keeps rs full OF anxiety; who
contributes to soften for US the bitter
Less OF absence and distance. Imagine
the void the disappearance of these
humble furctionaries would leave in
oEr existence!
I knew mar who for twenty years
filed this position. A former soldier,
thanks 20 i-reproachable records of
service strengthened by little infu-
euce, he had obtained the great favor of
having placed to his credit fifty francs
per mouth at the postofice OF the dis
trict.
Pere Martin was not very fond OF
this brilliant position, bit he perfectly
understood his responsibility and duties;
he neTer complained.
Everybody in the district was
acquainted with this little gray haired
man with bronzed features, whose limbs
Lad the pliancy and strength OF steel.
He was highly appreciated, for, while a
scrupulous observer Of the regulation,
ne never refused to perform a service,
provided it did not conflict with his
duties.
There was not corner of his route
which he had not passed over, accom-
panied by his wolf dog. He knew to
meter the distance separating the small
est hamlet. from the chief town Of the
district, and was familiar with sll the
paths and bywayS.
To spare himself half an hours walk
he never would have thrown into
ditch some silly prospectus or some
printed matter bearing doubtful ao-
dress ;>if he returned anything to the
postofice it was because its address
could not be found. He was the slave
OF his orders, as punctual as the clock,
aad SO discreet as to discourage the
most curious. Everybody greeted him
kindly when he arrived at village; the
children came to him, and even the
dogs barked joyously at his approach.
There was considerable rivalry as to
who should offer him a glass of cider
and slice Of bacon. But he rarely
accepted anything. Tine passed and
he did rot like to contract troublesome
obligations.
Hence the notes made concerning
him were excellent, and his chiefs re-
grette6 that the parsiuoony IF the ad-
ministration only permitted them to
reward his loyal services with con-
temptible gifts.
One day in the middle Of October he
departed on is usual round. The
weather was frightful; it had been
raining necessarily for more than a
week; the roads had become bogs and
the brooks had been transformed into
torrents; what foliage remained On the
trees was so impregnated with water
that it could not offer a protecting
shelter. The postman, vet to the skin,
walked with the impassibility OF an old
soldier who does not discuss bis orders.
He had distributed q portion cf his
peaiI INIT his rorrS yas Sar from bainc
finished when he passed an inn, or rather
a miserable clearinghouse, situated at
the entrance of a wood; this place was
maioly patronizea by sabot-makers, who
found there alcoholic drinks and few
groceries.
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