The Sentinel. [volume] (Trenton, N.J.) 1880-1882, 1881-10-22

TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH OF LOUIS


TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH OF LOUIS
CoLLAs.
You have often seen him pass through
the fields with hasty step, recogniz-
able not only by his blouse and his
regulation hat, but also by the sus-
tanned activity of his movements, be-
cause for him the instants are counted
and he has not the right to slacken his
pace. An indefatigable walker, he &C
complishes his task from the first to the
last day of the year without ever rest
ing. No matter though tropical sun
invite all creatures to become motion
less, though the cold be Siberian,
though it blow and snow, he must go to
the last village on his route to carry the
letters, newspapers and prospectuses
which trade contides by millions to the
care of the post.
The highways are not made for him
must he not cross the country, passing
through woods and marshes, to seek
the hut lost in the depths of the soil
tude. far removed from any public
road?
He travels from eight to ten leagues
daily, making circuits, crossing brooks,
scaling rocks, venturing into ravines
and wounding himself amongth the hedges
and briars. Loitering 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 at the postotfice and the least
variation of his programme may have
grave consequences.
We cannot without ingratitude forget
the services of this incompatible mes
senger, whose probity and zeal are con-
stantly put to the proof, who brings us
at certain hour our letters and our
journals, the news, the expectation OF
which keeps us full of anxiety; who
contributes to soften for US the bitter
ness of absence and distance. Imagine
the void the disappearance of these
humble functionaries would leave in
our existence
1 knew man who for twenty years
filled this position. A former soldier,
thanks to irreproachable records Of
service strengthened by little influ-
ence, he had obtained the great favor OF
having placed to his credit fifty francs
per month at the postotfice of the dis
trict.
Pere Martin was not very fond Of
this brilliant position, but he perfectly
understood his responsibility and duties
he never complained.
Everybody in the district was
acquainted with this little gray haired
man with bronzed features, whose limbs
had the pliancy end strength of steel
He was highly appreciated, for, while
scrupulous observer of the regulation
he never refused to perform 8 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 all ths
paths and byways. :.
To spare himself half an hours wall
he never would have thrown into {
ditch some silly prospectus or some
printed matter bearing doubtful ad
dress if he returned anything to thu
postoffice it was because its address
could not be found. He was the slav'
of his orders, as punctual as the clock
and so discreet as to discourage tn
most curious. Everybody greeted hin
kindly when he arrived at village; tn
children came to him, and even tn
dogs barked joyously at his approach
There was considerable rivalry as t
who should offer him glass of eide
and slice of bacon. But he rarel
accepted anything. Time passed an