The Arkansaw traveler., 1883-05-12
THE GIRL SOLDIER.
BY HuooxoT.

Condino was the furthesmost village m Tyrol conquered by Garibaldi at the time of my arrival there in July, 1866.
 On the night of my arrival the fort of Ampola had fallen. The battle of the Bridge of Cimego had yet to be won. The defeat of Bisecca had yet to be sus- tained.
 went at once 10 the principal inn, but found l, occupied by the colonel in com- mand. the sign-boarding taken down. The inn had ceased to be "house of call for travellers, and had become fortress.
 showed my credentials. showed a special pass l had from Caribaldi en- ti,iias me to msve freely within the circle of the Italian military operations. l,was no use had to retreat. These difficult ties had made me cross, and l was tired and hungry.
 fared no better at the other inn. The rooms were all full. even to the corridors. A boy accosted me-a boy twelve years of age. apparently peasants child. II you please. patron he inquired. touching his cap, did you want a bed room You were asking for bedroom. and my mother has such beautiful rooms :, One O; :hem is the kitchen, but il is very beautiful"
 He led me to a small house which looked like the ruin or the remains of a confasraiion but it was still used as l dwelling. A light shone in one of the windows. and the door was ajar. The boy pushed it open, and we found our- selves n a sort of ante-room (which < turned out to be the ki,chen), and in the presence of an old woman, who was stoop- ing over the fire.
 The boy ran toward her.
 tn fores,o, Nina" cried the child in fatoil then, turning toward me, and speaking in good Italian, Saceommoda. signore' The Tyrolese speak two lam grages. or rather they are beginning to discover that their own language is an ex- cresenee.
 The bsldam eyed me critically, and whispered something in the boys ear. This las; nodded in token of assent, and held up his ten fingers. "Paghera un mezzo franco" he exclaimed, in breath less tone. meaning that l would pay ten sous fhve pence) The crone smiled. Bas,a,' (. It will do J she exclaimed, with pleased look. and invited me to draw near the hrc.
 noticed that the crone prepared sup per for four persons-four glasses. four plates. four knives and forks to match. Our party. therefore. was incomplete. l began 10 be alarmed lest supper should be delayed.
 But this was by no means the case. The old dame poured out the poienti, and we took our seats at the table without thinking of the absent person. the crone mut,ering short prayer in Latin. l looked al her wish increased interest, and fancied l saw in her a trace of former dignity and refinement. Her hair was as white as snow her laok-luster eyes were round and large; her night above the common.
 Nevertheless this ancient dame became more h2man as the night advanced. The wine. bad as il was. ha9 its effect. and she fire made the room cheerful. The enid. too, did justice to the meal. Corporal John" he exclaimed, drinks no wine. l suppose he does not like it. He is SO shy. But why do you not wear Q soldiers dress. too. If you can fight you ought to wear sword or gun but perhaps you are going to have one sent 10 you!'
 The old dame mumbled to herself The child seemed amused :" Wha, a funny old woman. is she not:' But these words were spoken in a subdued voice.
 Supper being over, my young friend began 10 make inquiries about the absent person-an absence which had no, noticed. The empty chair, the clean nd <rf- e~~s-,~H tn he zt- tention for the frs, time
 Do you think there is any fighting going on" he inquired, with a look of anxiety.
 q hope no,-I think not replied.
 The hag made the sign of the cross.
 ''l think not. too '. added the boy, with tears in his eyes Then after a moment s pause he asked whether I thought Cor porai jonn would go away without bid- ding him goodbye.
 = Br, who Is Corporal JohnE in quired.
 Hardly had spoken these words than the door flew open. The boy started from his seat and rushed into the arms of handsome young soldier who al that instant made his appearance.
 never saw a finer figure of youth , brave and modest Al the same tune with large lustrous eyes as :. black as death, . and pale, thoughtful face. shaded but not concealed by the peak of his cap-his red shiT: and purple trousers giving him boyish look
 He bowed politely. but without raising his cup. and entered the room with tha, easy dignity which is result of military education, starting, however, al my fixed look. and allowing the boy take posses sion of his gun. He appeared to be about to speak. but restrained himself and took his sea, al the table without h~noring me with further notice ce-answering the child in monosyllabies- and seeming al once preocupied and hungry.
 Bu, t was easy to see that my presence,