The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1883-11-16
cONDE M N Ed;
The Story Of a Galley Slave.
Adapted from the popular play, "a CHLE-
W BRArED CASH" E
o.
CHAPTER I.
THE EVE or THE BATTLE.


village Of Antoin, in the Province of Fland-
ers, France, were startled by the booming
Of heavy cannon, the sounds, apparently,
coming from the direction OF Fontenoy.
The men in the fields left their work. and
collected in little groups to discuss the
possible results Of the impending conflict.
The women, grasping their little ones,
rushed to the doors and windows of their
houses, and Eazed into the distance, as if
the omens OF victory or defeat would APP
pear in the clear blue sky above them.
Growing Drawer as they became accus-
toned to these unwonted noises, several
ventured down the road toward q pretty
cottage, at the door of which stood tall,
handsome woman, holding in her arms a
delicate little girl.
swell. madeleine, they are very near U.S."
said Marie Meyer. "You always feel sure
Of our side winning, butI-I always feel
wretched until Ihear who is on the re-
treat. Heaven send that our army may
advance, forif they fall back after the
fight, we shall all be murdered in our
bomes.''
IF only our brave Marshal de SAKE Is
with the troops, all will 60 WELL" said
Madeleine Renaud, with anot her glance
dDwn the road. Then she sighed, and
Earned to the little group, Come in and
rest awhile. Adrienne was frightened at
tn uoise. Poor little creature, she is too
tinid for Q soldiers child. Jean will hard
D. know her when he comes back; she
has grown so tall and thin. Will you play
again with your toys2" she asked Ad-,
Yisune, who only chung tighter to her neck
ssd sobbed aloud.
Madeleine pressed the little one in her
strong arms, and led the way into the
best room of the cottage.
It was, undeniably, the handsomest
''best room" in the Province, for Jean
Renaud had drawn n prize in the mar
riage lottery. Madeleine being the foster
sister Of tho Countess d'Aubretot, and .
pet with the whole family. Everything
in the room bore traces of the liberaiity
shown to Madeleine on the occasion of her
marriage TO Jean, six years before. Her
furniture was handsome, as well as sub
staSItial; the curtains that shaded the
windows and hung before the high bed
were OF q texture finer than is usually
found in cottages; Swiss clock hung
above the mantel shelf. and the image Of
the Virgin was also wood carving,
brought to Madeleine by the countess after
one Of her visits to Paris. Tho perfume
of violets pervaded the room, for Madeleine
was sure to have the earliest blossoms to
be found in the woods and these were
prettily arranged in aehina plate, another
Of Madeleines choice treasures. The plate
stood on - tall, wide cupboard, with three
doors, each Of which boasted Of separ-
ate key and a very strong lock.
Scarcely had Madeleine and her neigh
bors sat down to forget anxiety in little
idle gossip. before Adrienne, sitting up
end shaking the tears from her blue eyes,
pointed to the cupboard, and said:
FL want the necklace. mamma"
'That always comforts her," said Made
Ieine. rising. and putting Adrienne on the
bed. ~lf givo it to her, che sits and
watches tho stones sparkling. and verify
believe che knows each one, and just
where il is set. but she never ill.uses it,"
While speaking. Madeleine took u bunch
of keys from, her pocket, unlocked the
middle door of the cupboard. and taking
ont lox. placed it before Ad,ienne.
The neighbors crowded around, anxious
to zee the necklace so priced by child.
The box was of dark wood, quantity carved
ON the lid and sides, and MS Adrienne
raised the cover, a general cry Of wonder
aud delight met her ears.
Madeleine, bending over her child. en-
joyed her neighbors' surprise.
On a red velvet cushion lay magnif-
cent necklace, formed of granulated Iaz-
engcs, in each Of which rubies, emeralds
and sapphires blazed and sparkled with
borrowed lustre. The centre piece,
medallion holding miniature Of the
countess, was get with exquisite diamonds.
Adrienne laughed as she watched the
stones, ana gently patted them with her
little white hands.
"Heavensl how lovely! Whist prince
ly gift!" cried Marie Meyer. raising it and
holding it ia the light for all to see il bet
ter. Adriennc gazed at the group too
much astonished ut the daring act to
speak.
IA dangerous gift, should thiukr
Aglae Leroux, the belle of the
little community.
"You are right" said Madeleine, with an
unconscious sigh. at was 600 rich s
present Tor one like me, hut netting is too
good for those whom she lovess she is
generous koa fault. Countess Claire loves
me az she would a sister, and when 1
she said should have her like
ness with me always Come, Adrienne,
show us the largest ruby"
Adrienne put finger On the stone with
ont seconds hesitation.
"And the brightest sapphirer'
"Here it is" cried Adrienne, delighted
when her treasure was restored to her.
You should be more careful Of H." said
Marie Meyer, preparing to ga. II would
not leave il where strangers could see IL
II IL were mine"
IL never take it out except TO amuse
when am too busy to entertain
Der. often wish she would play out Of
loops with tho othcr chiisfrey, lint s,,, sbo /