The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1882-07-15


until we reached the station.
When the train stopped / perceived
several men in the uniform of the French
police upon the platform, and observed
that 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 Der seat for the one next
to mine, threw her arm round my neck,
and rested her head lovingly upon my
shoulder. | was dumb with astonish-
ment and modification at this. as con-
sidered it a most outrageous proceeding,
and was endeavoring to free myself from
the unwelcome embrace, when one of
the officials came up to the door of the
compartment, and, perceiving, as he
supposed, the aifectionate relations ex-
isting between the lady and myself, said
politely, hut with an ironical smile:
- Pardon, Monsieur! Do not disturb
yourself. Then, turning to bis COM
rades; he added: " He whom we seek is
clearly not there"
Here was a nice situation for hus.
band and the father of family? No
sooner had we resumed our journey than
l said, with considerable Indignation:
81 am surprised at your conduct,
madame. 1 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 my
wife l should never hearthe last of it. y
% Monsieur is married thenP" was the
quiet reply, the speaker appearing
amused rather than ashamed.
. | am" l rejoined, briefly.
Monsieur" said my companion.
after brief pause, in a graver tone,
" l am under too serious an obligation
to you to permit that you should remain
under a misrepresentation which causes
you uneasiness. can afford you very
simple explanation of what, at present,
appears anineXcusable indiscretion."
"Indeedr'
Eyes. Convinced that l am speak.
ing to man of honor and gentleman
incapable of betraying me, Twill frankly
confide to you that l am not, as you sup
pose, woman"
mot womanr' l exclaimed, with
establishment not unmixed with in.
credulity.
mo! L have assumed this dress tC
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 had
been concealedin the house of my sister.
This morning she applied 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 vigilance of the authorities.
The attitude l assumed toward you, and
for which | apologize, was the inspira-
ton of the moment, when | perceived
that the passengers were being examined,
as | Judged that it would disarm sus-
picion. 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"
did not like this proposition at all
1t might prove very serious matter for
me were my companion arrested, since
| should find myself most probably
charged with being accessory to the
escape from justice of notorious Com.
munist. Yet, on the other hand, to re-
fuse might cause the sacrifice of the poor
fellows life. After few minutes de-
liberation therefore, l said:
." If you will give me your word of
honor that, in the event of your falling
into the hands of the authorities, you will
under no circumstances reveal the fact
that l am aware of your real character,
will render you all the assistance in my
power"
THAT is fair" was the reply; and |
pledge you my word as a Frenchman
and soldier that | will exactly observe
the condition you have imposed
Nothing more was said on the sub
ject, and we arrived at Calais without
aught having occurred to cause us I'M
easiness. After brief detention at the
pier while our passports were being ex-
niilhCu, VIC WdlhCu Ou DOdlu TIC HAIL
boat together, my companion leaning
affectionately upon 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
fairly started on her voyage across the
Channel. When we arrived at Dover,
the ex-Colonel, after warmly thanking
me for the service / had rendered him,
babe me adieu; and and | have never
seen him since u En1laiLn Hernld