Northern tribune. [volume] (Cheboygan, Mich.) 1875-1885, 1882-06-24

yourself" Then turning to his.com-
rades, he added. HE whom we seek is
clearly not here"
Here was nice situation for hus-
band and the father Of family. No
sooner had we resumed our journey than
/ said with considerable indignatiOn:
II am surprised at your conduct
Madame. Iaccepted 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 you
have done were to reach my wife,
should never hear the last of it,"
Monsieur is married then" was the
quiet reply, the speaker appearing
amused rather than ashamed.
am, rejoined, briefly.
Monsieur" said my companion, after
brief pause, in grave tone, IL am un-
der too serious an obligation to you to
permit that YOU should remain under a
ness. can afford you a very simple ex-
PLANTATION of what, at present, appears
an inexcusable indiscretion."
Indeed!
"Yes. Convinced that am speaking
to man of honor and gentleman in
capable of betraying me, / will frankly
cOnfide to you that am not, as you sup
pose, a woman"
Not a woman, exclaimed, with aston
ishment not unmixed with incredulity.
"NO! l have assumed this dress, to
facilitate my escape from Paris. Briefly
monsieur, the circumstances are these:
/ held commission as colonel of an in
fantry regiment during the Commune,
and although 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 my fate were
/ to fall into the hands of the existing
government. For some days past have
been concealed in the house of my sister.
This mOrningi she iapplied for and OBJ
tanned 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
evading the vigilence of the authorities.
The attitude assumed towards you, and
for which l apologize, was the inspi-
ration of the moment, when L perceived
that thepassengers were being examin-
ed, as Judged that it would disarm
suspicion. Hitherto my Disguise has
served me well; and, if you will only
permit me at Calais to represent myself
as a lady under your escort have every
hope of being able to reach England in
safety"
If you will give me your word of honor
that, in the event of your falling into
the hands of the authorities, you will in
no circumstances reveal the fact that |
was aware of your real character L will
render you all the assistance in my
power.
"That is fair" was the reply, land l
pledge you my word as Frenctman
and soldier, that will exactly observe
the conditions you have imposed"
Nothing more was said on the Subject,
and we arrived atCalais. without anything
having occurred to cause uneasiness.
After brief detention rt the pier while
our passports were being examined, we
walked on board the mail-boat together,
my companion leaning affectionately on
my arm. 1t was relief to my mind,
and must have been still more so to his,
when at last the packet cast loose from
the shore and started on her voyage
across the channel. When we arrived
at Dover, the ex-cOlOnel, after warmly
thanking me for the service | had rem
dered him, babe me adieu; and l have
, never seen him since.