Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1883-06-08
THE GIRL SOLDIER.
BY HUGOSOT.

HIIDDld Ittih II C DIlllC vi LbC
Bridge Of Cimcgo had yet to be won.
The defeat of Bisccca had yet to be sus-
tanned.
wentat once 10 the principal inn, but
found it occupied by the colonel in COM
mand, the sign-boarding taken down.
The inn had ceased to be a "house OF
CALI for travellers, and had become a
fortress.
| showed my credentials. ! showed a
special pass ] had from Garibaldi en-
titling me to move freely within the cir
Gle of the Italian military operations.
1t was no use. had to retreat. These
difficulties had made me cross, and /
was tired and hungry.
Jared no better at the other inn.
The rooms were all full, even to the cor
rid0rs.
A boy accosted mc-a boy twelve
years Of age, apparently peasants
child.
"If you please, patron" he inquired,
touching his cap, ''did You want bed
room? You were asking for a bedroom,
and my mother has such beautiful
rooms! One of them is the kitchen, but
il is very beautiful"
He led me 10 Il small house which
looked like the ruin or the remains of a
conllagration; but it was still used rs a
dwelling. A light Shonc in one of the
windows, aud the door was aiar. The
boy pushed it open, and we found our
selves in Il sort Of antr-room (Which
turned out 10 be the kitchcn), and in the
presence of an old woman, who was
STOPPING over tn" fire.
'I'bp In, inuy.,I.I h4I
''Un forcsto, Mima!' cried the child
in patoi$; then turning toward me, and
speaking in good Italian, "Saccommoda,
sgnore." The Tyrolcsc speak two Ian
guagcs, or rather they are beginning to
discover that their own language is an
CXcrCsccnCc.
The bcldam eyed me critically, and
whispered something in the boys ear.
This last nodded in token Of assent, and
held up his ten fingers. "Paghcra I'm
mcZzo franco' he exclaimed, in n
breathlcsS tone, meaning that | would
pay ten sous dive PENCE. The crono
smiled. "Baslan CIT will do') she
exclaimed, with n pleased look, and in
vitcd me 10 draw near the fire.
noticed that the cronc prepared sup
per for four persons four glasses, four
plates, four knives and forks To match.
Our party, therefore, was incomplete. |
began to hc alarmed lest supper should
be delayed.
But this was by no means the case.
The old dame poured out the pOle,1td,
and we took our seats ut the table with
out thinking of the absent person, the
Cronc muttcring Il short prayer in Latin.
looked at her with increased interest,
and fancicd | saw in her u trace of
former dignity and refinement. Her hair
was ns white rs snow; her lack-lustcr
eyes were round and large: her height
Nevertheless this ancient dame be-
came more human rs the night advance
ed. The wine, bad a. it was, had its CT
feet, and the fire made the room cheer
full Tho child, too, did Justice TO the
meal. Corporal John,n he exclaimed,
drinks no wine. suppose he does
not like it. He is so shy! But why do
you not wear soldiers dress, tooP If
you can fight YOU ought to wear sword
or n gun; but, perhaps you are going to
have one sent to You?
The old dame mumblcd to herself.
The child seemed amused. "What a
funny old woman, is she not?" But
these words were spoken i'll subducd
voice.
Supper being over, my young friend
began to make inquiries about the alb
sent person absence which | had
not noticed. The empty chair, the clean
plate and glass, seemed to attract his at
tcntion for the first time.
ado YOU think there is any fighting
trniu,r np'' b,, in1nir,J with lnnly Of
anxiety.
Il hope not think mott" | replied.
The hag made the sign of the cross.
IL think not. tool" added the boy,
with tears in his eyes. Then after n
moments pause he asked whether l
thought Corporal John would go away
without bidding him goodbye.
but who is Corporal John?' | in
quircd.
Hardly had spoken these words than
tho door flew open. The boy started
from his seat and rushed into the arms
of handsome Young soldier who ut
that instant made his appearance.
never SAW n finer figure of youth;
brave and modest at the same time, with
large lustrouS eyes \ "black rs death,
and pale. thoughtful face, shaded but
not concealed by the peak IF his cap
his red shirt and purple trousers giving
him a boyish look.
lie bowed politely, but without rails
ing his cap and entered the room with
that easy dignity which is result of
military education, starting, however,
at my fixed look, and allowing the boy
to take possession of his gun. He APP
10 l,.. ntN Co. l. he
strained himself. and took his seat at
the table without honorinG ME with
further notice answering the child in
monosyllablcs, and seeming at once pre-
occupied and hungry.
But il was easy to see that my pres
ence troubled him. and for some reason
or other he was angry with the boy. |
fanccd, too, that | had seen him be-
fore.
The Crouc drew nearer the fire, and,
with her diStatf under her arm, began
spinning hemp rs white rs her own hair.
The cronc'S name was Menek (the "
rolcSc for Domeuica), the child's
Chccco.
The soldier glanced at me from time
10 time, his eyes flashing Il sort of def
nnce.
Chccco offered him some ham. and be-
gan pouring wine into q tumber
II am sure YOU will like this" OBJ
served the hoy, with wheedling look.
"Will YOU have some fruit?'
No" answered the soldier, CURLY.
And no winc9N
mo, my dear.
You are cross, tonight, corporal.
What have | douc?'
The soldier did not reply, and the boy
withdrew in silence. remained face to
lace with the soldier.
Il have seen you before" ho exclaim-
ed, Suddenly, his face flushing up with
excitement
That is quite true
Then YOU remember me?H
Perfectly
"Ah" exclaimed the soldier, and be-
came once more abs orbed in his plate.
endeavorcd to renew the CONVERSE
ton, but in vain. The young man re-
manned silent, or as much so rs he pos
sibly could without being rude. refer
red to the circumstance of our former
meeting, but failed to discover any rea-
son for his singular behavior. AT last
he rose, and, wishing me goodnight
in friendly tone, left the room, accom-
panied by the boy, whoappeared to act
as valet de chambre.
Next morninU L found the child seat