The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1883-11-16

wow, as ne sprang from stone to stone
in the rocky descent his quick gray eyes
darling rapid glances beneath the clumps
Of under brush, he was thinking OF the
nearness Of his own home, and the
possibility of hazariing visit to his wife
and child. II would be a dangerous ex-
pertinent to leave his regiment in the face
of the enemy, even for the few hours that
the quick walk would require. Men had
been shot as deserters for less offence
then, again, Madeleine did not dream OF
his presence at Anton, and would not
miss his society. Why take the risk 7
Still, everything pointed to terrible con
fict on the morrow. II he did not see
Madeleine before dawn, il was possible
that he would never sec her again. Death,
that had so often spared him, might claim
him now. AT night-fall he could easily
weave camp, and Try cutting across the
well known fields, where all his boyish
lays had been spent. he could reach his
cottage in an hour. The more he dwelt
ON the subject the more he hungered for
sight of his wife and child He pictured
their establishment at his appearance,
their Joy at his presence with them, their
anxiety for his safety on the morrow.
That reflection almost put an end to his
intention of going home. For some time
he balanced his longing to see his wife
with the needless agony she must suffer,
fearing for his safety in the coming fight.
Yet, il he did not see her tonight, how
could he meet the morrow's chances with
brave hearth Her love and prayers
would inspire and shield him, as he faith
fully believed they had in previous bat
ties. See her he must and would!
How often in the fearful future did he
recall this mental argument, going over
and over the moral conflict which it in
volved Had he but chung to his duty as
soldier. trusting the hopes OF again see
ing his wife and little one to the God Of
Battles, how different would have been
his future! Years Of misery in exchange
for one short hour of Bliss
Jean Renaud was turning back in the
direction Of the redoubt, when fatal
moan reached his quick ear. Proceeding
perceived man lying, face downwards,
on the bare rocks. He wore the dress OF
an officer in the Swiss Guards. Jean was
quickly at his side. and having raised
him in his strong arms, he placed him in
more comfortable position, unbuttoned
his coat, and tried to staunch the blood
which flowed from u wound in his side.
The stranger was man Of thirty or thir-
ty-five years, tall, slight, and richly
dressed. His hair, where the powder was
brushed of, was black, as were his eye
brows and the long lashes lying on his
pallid cheeks.
1T is useless. my friend" he gasped,
after some seconds, during which Jean
saw that the hurt was mortal one. "You
had better seek safety. am past being
hurt"
~ am in no DANGER" said Jean, kindly |;
perhaps can serve you in some way; to
move you again wonld only be to hasten
II know. 1 know. Who are your"
"Jean Renaud; French Guards"
A faint smile passed over the dying
mans features, his eyes frightened with
a CLEAN of satisfaction.
"You are an honest man. then, can
trust you. Oh! for a little strength to
tell you all that you should know, for her
sake, my Valentine; but moments are
precious now. You will not forget27
"Trust me-" said Jean.
"My child is with the canoness, her
aunt, at Arras. You will see that these
papers reach her as soon as possible.
Her mothers diamonds are in the box. /
intended 70 visit her. and leave them with
her, lest this campaign should be my last.
Take them; never mind il you do hurt
me. it is relief to know they are safe in
u good mans hands"
Jean guardedly drew the packet and
casket from the gentleman's clothing, and
secured them in his own dress.
"You will take my signet ring, too, and
my purse and its contents are for your
self. Nay, do not refuse the money; it
will be OF service to you one Of these
days, perhaps. You have dear ones de-
pending upon youf"
'IcSS my WIG anu ilbuC uduSutoT.
"Then, take it for them. i, too, have q
little daughter-my Valentine. You will
see your child again; but l."
"Alas!" said Jean, "fo think that /,
strong and willing as l am, dare no. move
you. lest should hurt you still more"
'Do not fret for me; it is what every
soldier expects--to die for his country. I
wanted to see to.morrow's tight. 1t will
he n glorious day for France! Victory is
certain; you will share the danger and
the glory! Your hand, comrade; my
strength is fast going Think Of yourself,
YOUR duties. do not fear death; can
meet 1t here, alone; but take with you
the last words and wishes of Alfred de
Mornasse. Tell my daughter 10 obey her
aunrs wishes; say that her fathers last
prayers and thoughts were Tor her hsppi-
ness
A long sigh and the Count lie Mor,,asse
tainted with exhaustion.
Jean did not like To leave him. but he
knew that his own absence would be no.
ticed, and he felt that 10 stay would be
useless Having r,lacet} the rount'a head