The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1882-08-03
- BELLEVUE, LA. THURSDAY AUGUST 8 1882

replied:
Sc will do what you require Of me-
madame, relying upon your promise tha,
no i'll consequences viii arise from NV
complianee.''
g thank you most sincerely for you1
very great kindness, Monsier,'' was the
response; and then no more was sale
until we reached the station.
When the train stopped / perceived
several men in the uniform of the French
ponce upon the platform, and observed
tnat they went up to one carrirge after
another and interrogated the occupants,
AS they were approaching the one in
which we were, my fair companion sud.
denly changed her seat for the one next
to mine, threw her arm round INV neck
and rested her head lovingly upon my
shoulder. | was dumb with astonis6-
ment and modification at this, as con-
sidered 1t most outrageous proceeding,
ana was endeavoring to free myself from
the unwelcome embrace, when one 81
the officials came up to the door of the
compartment. and, perceiving, as he
supposed, the affectionate relations ex-
lstlng between the lady and myself, said
politely, but with an ironical smile:
Pardon, Monsieur! Do not disturb
yourself. !" Then, turning to his com
rades; he added: "He whom we seek is
clearly not there
Here was a nice situation for a hus-
band and the father of familyp No
sooner had we resumed our journey than
said, with considerable indignation:
IL am surprised at your conduct.
madame. | accepted in good faith your
assurance that you would not compro-
mise me; but you have done SO, and
most seriously. If the knowledge of
what has occurred were to reach NV
wife | should never hear the last of it.
. Monsieur is married then p' was the
quiet reply, the speaker appearing
amused rather than ashamed.
" | am, | rejoined, briefly.
:" Monsieur" said my companion.
after brief pause, in graver tone:
" | am under too serious an obligation
to you to permit that you should remain
under a misapprehension which causes
you uneasiness. can afford you very
simple explanation of what, at present.
appears an inexcusable indiscretion."
.'Indeedr'
"Yes. Convinced that I am speak
ing to man of honor and a gentleman
incapable of betraying me, " III frankly
confide to you that am not, as YOU sun
pose, a awoman.''
s'Not a womanr' I exclaimed, with
astonishment not unmixed with in
"No! | have assumed this dress to
facilitate my escape from Paris. Briefly.
monsieur, the circumstances are these. I
held commission as Colonel of an In
fantry regiment during the Commune,
and, although I had no share in the ex-
cesses by WHICH it was disgraced, the
mere fact that had been in its service
would be sufficient to seal nv fate were
to fall into the hands of the existing
Government. For some days past had
been concealed in the house of my sister.
This morning she applied for and OBJ
Ialned pass authorizing her to leave
The city. This, as arranged, she handed
TO me; and, armed with it and clad in fe-
male attire, | succeeded this evening in
svading the vigilance of the authorities.
The attitude | assumed toward you, and
or which | apologize, was the inspira-
ION OF the moment, when I perceived
hat the passengers were being examined. |
IS | Judged that it would disarm sus-
'icion. Hitherto my disguise has served
ne well; and. if you will only permit me
1t Calais to represent myself as lady
lnder your escort, have every hope Of
,eing able to reach England in safety.n
| did not like this proposition at all |
t might prove very serious matter for
ne were my companion arrested, since
should find myself most probably |
harged with being accessory to the
scape from justice of a notorious Com
nunist. Yet, on the other hand, to re-
use might cause the sacrifice of the poor
ellows' life. After few minutes de-
Iteration therefore, said:
If you will give me your word of
onor that. IN the event of your falling
1to the hands of the authorities, you will |
nder no circumstances reveal the fact
hat am aware ofyour real character, I
ill render you all the assistance in my
over"
That is fair" was the reply; and |
ledge you my word as Frenchman
nd a soldier that I will exactly observe
le condition yon have imposed.
Nothing more was said on the sub
,ct, and we arrived at Calais without
ught having occurred to cause us un-
asiness. After brief detention at the
ier while our passports were being ex-
mined, we walked on board the mail
Dat together, my companion leaning
fectionately upon my arm 1t was a
lief to my mind, and must have been
i'll more SO to his, when, at last, the
acket cast loose from the shore and
irly started on her voyage across the
hannel. When we arrived at Dover,
le ex-Colonel, after warmly thanking
e for the service / had rendered him,
lde me adieu; and and I have never
en- him since. .''-Fanatly Herald.
has agreed to make Known |
s secret. A mean Philadelphia man
US Keelv's disclosure will probably be |
,out as follows: ssTake half pint of |
ater; pour it into some queer looking
odd shane will do-and ,