The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1883-09-13

August we find Nine. Lucca and her
maid at the railway station, and soon
they and their baggage. including the
much discussed commisariat hamper,
were en- route for the seat OF war. After
numerous Interruptions and stoppages,
her journey was concluded. 1t was late
in the evening when the train reached
Saarbrucken, where Lucca and her maid
got out; the officers babe friendly fare
we'll to their 'Comrade Frau Won Rha-
den," and with many good wishes for b
speedy meeting with her husband, they
fastened away in search Of their respeo-
tive quarters. Turning to q porter.
Lucca asked him where she could get
nights lodging.
"a nights lodgingw repeated he, look
ing at her in surprise; there is no
chsnce of lodging anywhere in Saar-
brucken. Tho whole place is crsmmed
with soldiers"
"And am 80 tiredw exclaimed Nine.
Lucca. Don't you know of any place
where we could rest for the night? No
ward you WE'LL"
The porter showed his cap on one side,
scratched his head, thought for a mo-
ment and then said
1.-The engine house-there I could ar
range you good bed of clean straw or
hay, if you think it is respectable
enough"
Respectable enough? and why not?'
Because, madame, in peace time we
often shut tramps up there"
my good man, that won't trouble me
in the least but could you not get us
some blankets?"
"Oh. yes," answered the porter. 81
can get plenty of blankets from the Off
GERS, if say they are required for la
dies"
The porter proved man of his word.
Quickly spreading some fresh clean
straw in the small dark space, he went
away, and in les, than quarter of an
hour returned, laden with soft, warm
blankets out of which a couch, not at all
to be despised. was arranged.
Soon the two travellers we're comforta-
bly, wrapped in the warm blankets on
their extemporized bed. Just as Nor
pheus closed their eyes, however, a loud
knocking was heard at the door.
"Gracious Heaven, have pity on US!
we are lost. we are lost!' cried the maid,
making one spring to the door and seat
ing herself on the boxes to increase the
resistance. "Who is there?" SIZE CON-
tinued, feeling thus reassured.
''It is only me, Lieutenant Won Il,
your travelling companion" was the an
swer. Il have Just come to tell you that
you can sleep in peace, as l have placed
guard before the engine house, by the
Colonel's orders.
Feeling secure by the knowledge that
they were guarded, mistress and maid
lay down and, thoroughly tired out, did
not wake till in the morning; when
suddenly drums began to beat, bugles to
sound, words OF command we're shouted
round; something extraordinary must be
going on in Saarbrucken.
The barricade was quickly removed
and Nine. Lucca stepped out, just as
Lieutenant Won L. came squirting up
on his fiery chestnut, reporting hurried
ly: There is an alarm, Madame, the
French won't wait any longer-they
want another beating! Everything has
gone on, and have been left behind to
you. Au revoir! but stop-I had very
nearly forgotten to tell you that your
husband is in the hospital at Pont-a-
MOussOn."
sand how far is that from here?"
About forty miles; but, pardon me,
am called away. Adieuw and off he gal
loped like bullet out of o chassepot.
The aspect OF Ssarbrucken was indeed
desolate when the troops had left. See
ing an old man coming along, Nine.
Lucca asked: my good man is any of
our army still here?"
"Only the Grand Duke of Oldenburg;
there he comes up the street with his
staff, and off he went.
Good morning. your Highness." said
the prima donna, in loud voice.
The grand duke, surprised. pulled mp
his horse, and looking down ct her he
said:
Can I De mistaken? no, surely it is
Frau Lucca, our prims donnal Many
time have I had the pleasure Of hear
ing you ct the opera"
"Your Highness. I am delighted that
You graciously remember my insignifi-
canoe. In Berlin I am introduced TO
dukes At court; here, however, / must
do it myself in the open street. 4 have
come to fetch my husband, who lies
wounded at Point-a- Mousson. entreat
Of your Highness to help me-"
That, dear lady. 10, fear. impossi.
BILE. with the best will in the world"
answered he, pittirgly; ''for ct this mo-
ment there is nothing at hand but the
baggage wagon, which follows us with
the servants"