The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1883-01-11
TIE POLISH JEW.

During the war of 1918, when Buona-
part made that desperate attack upon
his faithless ally of Russia, the Saxon
General, s., had gathered his troops
in deep and wooded defle, and over
the bivouac fire conversed with the
guide who had offered to lead his
troops to the surprise of Russian out
post.
The day, which was drawing to its
close had been gloomy and lowering, yet
was treacherously warm for the season,
and little indicated the approaching
snowstorm, which was to overwhelm the
conqueror and check his hitherto irresis-
tible course.
The form of General s., as revealed
by the lurid embers, broad and muscu-
lar, braced in the frightened uniform of
his nation, and decorated with innumer-
able crosses and orders, contrasted
forcibly with the appearance of his COM
psnion, Polish Jew, slight in figure,
and enveloped in the loose black gaber-
dine of his race his cheeks van, sunken
and sallow, and against each hung a
spiral curl of sandy hair, depending
from an upright cap of black felt; his
eyes keen and gray, were restless and in
ouisitive, not unlike those of a fsmished
cat who expects injury, and is watchful
to avert or avenge. He bent instinct
lively, as the harsh tones of General
SIS voice smote upon his ear; and
his glances fell before the penetrating
regard of the military commander.
The latter was, indeed, man to be APP
preciated with awe by every one who
knew the sternness Of his character.
Brave to desperation, viRilant and intiex
ible in discipline, the slightest breach of
military duty was punished with impla-
cable rigor. His men and officers re-
spected .but loved not their commander;
yet 10 one dared provoke his anger, for
so sure and fatal was his aim, that every
duel he fought cost the life of his antag-
onist.
Jew said the general in his severest
tone, 'you have promised to conduct
my troop, by a secret path, to the sur
prisal Of the enemy. If you bring us in
safety through this labyrinth. name your
own reward; gold or lands shall be
yours for requital of the service. But
tremble, Hebrew, if you mean us falsely;
for by the bones OF my ancestors, and the
honor of my sainted mother, the slightest
suspicion of treachery on your part, in
sures your certain death-ay, death with
all its horrors-long, lingering, fierce
and cruel"
The guide made low and shrinking
oheisance, but without speaking, as
though fear denied the power of utter
ance.
'Dog." exclaimed the wrathfu gen
eral, sdost hesitate? dost tamper with
my patience? By heavens, if you swear
not promptly to execute your mission
discreetly and faithfully. life is not yours
an instant
The Jew looked up. aghast. His
ashen complexion seemed intermingled
with leaden hue, as If convulsed by
some internal agony of remorse or fear;
but habitual command of his passions
soon wrought its effect-emotion passed
away, and his features resumed their
wonted expression of anxious endurance.
"Bv the beard OF Aaron" was at
length his answer, Il have sworn to
bring you where your enemies are en-
camped: wherefore are you wroth with
your servant; who means most right
eously to keep his oath?'
The general regarded him with q with
ering look. mo one trusts o spy, even
when employing him." He whispered
to his aide -de-csmp, stern borg, Keep
your eve on that fellow; like not his
looks. II you but suspect him OF be-
trsying Ms, on the instant bring him
before me-