The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1883-12-28
CON D E M N E D.;
The Story Of a Galley Slave.
Adapted from the popular play, "a CELE-
BRATED CASE"


on any commonplace topic; even the
coming departure of the chanoinesse and
Raoul's happiness failed in interest.
Adrienne moved after some minutes,
and lifting her head, her paleness and ag-
ltation were more apparent than ever.
valentine saw her bend forward, 80 as to
Keep the convicts in sight. and following
her glance, perceived at once what at
tracted her. The convict had stood up
and was speaking TO the guard.
In fact, the man hal heard the purse
fall, and looking about him he saw it lying
on the ground; the ladies, however, had
disappeared.
Some long-forgotten impulse of the past
must have, for the moment, blotted out
The hideous present; for rising, he picked
mp the purse, and looking toward the
house, took n few steps in that direction.
"Halt" cried the nearest soldier; "where
are you going?'
The convict suddenly stopped; then he
held out the heavy silken bag. The
present had been roughly recalled to him.
"The lady dropped her purse" he said
The soldier rudely snatched it, exam
ined its shining contents, and with utter
amazement in every feature he stared at
the man in front of him.
"What, return purse to its owner"
You must be a converted thief!'
IL never was thief" was the firm re-
ply, in sad, measured tones. The man
drew himself up to his full height and
gazed down at his tormentor. The latter,
however, felt quite safe in the presence of
this unarmed, chained giant, whose broad
chest and muscular limbs might well ex
cite his apprehensions.
"What were you, then-a murderer"
mo; l was soldier, like YOU
heavy gasp, almost sob, followed
the words; and the man again threw
himself on the ground, dizzy with the re-
collections that his own words had excited
to torture aud madden him.
Adrienne rose excitedly.
valentine, must speak TO that man
again"
II beg of you, Adrienne, do not go near
him. What can You possibly have to do
with him."
IL cannot tell; but something that can
neither explain nor comprehend draws me
to him."
"Why, you offered him money, and he
would not take it. You could do no more
for him."
'How can be sure Of that2 tell you
/ cannot resist the impulse. If / do not
speak to him. Valentine. shall go mad"
Her dilating eyes, her trembling hands,
her voice full of underlined fear and awe,
warned Valentine to let her have her own
way; and. scarcely knowing what she
was going to say to him. Adrienne again
left the terrace. and, followed by Valen-
tine. slowly approached the convicts.
The guard advanced to meet them.
'Looking for your purse, mademoiselle2
That man found it, and, ha! hall can.
not help iaughing-but he positively
wanted to return it TO you"
(Which MANI" asked Adrienne. start
ing, as the soldier pointed to the one she
wished TO listen to again. She hesitated,
and the soldier came TO her relief.
''You would like TO reward Linn, no
doubt"
Yes; may IT,
.'Certainly speak to him il you wish !;
he is not dangerous
The guard laughed and returned to his
post. Adrienne felt her strength and
courage failing her as she again APP
preached the sad, motionless figure.
Valentine made n last effort to draw her
away.
"No; ] must, will speak to him."
She again held out the purse; her voice
was low and beseeching.
s.Sir, few minutes ago l offered you
money, and You refused IT, VIII you not
take something from me? see, here is
the purse. Please take something from
me.'
The man again looked at her as if i'm
PEELED by some secret force, and Adiienne,
meeting the earnest. dark eyes, felt her
heart throb wildly. as il did in her dreams.
Pressing her hands to her heart. she
leaned. unable to move. against Nalen-
tine. who, strong and sensible in her sur
prise, in turn watched the wretched out
cast and the timid, delicate girl. whose
trembling form she lovingly supported.
The man, as if aroused from long
apathy, suddenly took the purse, and Iis-
ing, approached the girls. His voice was
gentle and sweet.
..There. will take the money if you
wish me to; but not all this; oh, no; one
piece will do"
He drew out the smallest coin. put it in
the bosom of his ragged, red blouse. and
gave back the purse to Adrienne.
poor man! Have you been very long
in"
Valentines lips refused to form the aw-
ful word.
"In the galleys2 Yes; for twelve years
/ have worked in the galleys at Brest."
The girl shuddered.
but you are not a thief2' said Valen-
tine.
..No; was not thief"
"why. why were you put in the gall
leysg" asked Adrienne, clasping her
hands. and speaking with an effort.
Il was accused-falsely accused-of
murder"