Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1883-12-12

tho way in the Peninsula, that Gen.
Moril!o, then commanding the fifth
Spanish army, about 1000 strong,
passed down the Portuguese frontier to
the Lower Guadiana, intending to fall
on Seville rs soon rs Marshal Soult
should advance to the Succor of Bada-
joz In the beginning OF April, when
the French were dishcartened by the
sudden news Of the fall Of that city,
Morillo, issuing out of Portugal,
crossed the Lower Guadana, and
marched towards Seville.
But the hopes entertained by the
Spaniards of being speedily in posses
sion OF Seville were cut off by u piece
of deceit. False information. adroitly
given by Spaniard in the French in
terest, led Morilo 10 believe Soult WAS
close at hand, whereupon he immedi-
ately retired to Gbraleon.
The disappointment and failure in the
execution Of favor,te project, cher
ished for many months, irritated be-
yond control the naturally severe
temper of Gen. Movillo. 1t was even
ing, and the division Of the army under
him were encampcd some hours march
on their retreat, Preparations might
have been seen for amilitary execution;
and couple OF French prisoners cap.
tured in the last skirmish were, accord.
ing to the cruel practice of many chiefs
of those times, to be put to death. The
captives were guarded by file Of
soldiers, and the executioners, awaiting
the word of command to draw up, were
leaning on their weapons, and talking
of the events of the last two days.
Just then, one of the inferior officers
returning to his tent, after giving some
order to the men, was interrupted by
boy, apparently ten years of age, who,
selling his hand, and speaking in an
accent slightly foreign, besought him,
with piteous entreaties, to procure him
admittance to the general. The officer
found, on inquiry, that he was the son
of one of the French prisoners, q soldier
distinguished for his eminent personal
bravery, who had not been taken, even
when overwhelmed by numbers, with
out giving and receiving many severe
wounds.
"You shall see the general, boy, since
you wish it" said the officer, in reply
to the child's passionate entreaties;
"but he will not grant your fathers
life. San Lucas! but these French
dogs have given us too much trouble
Already
They entered the generals tent. The
child, as soon as Morillo was pointed
out to him, rushed forward and knelt at
his feet
what does this mean?" demanded
the general.
"Spare him! spare my father!'
sobbed the youthful applicant.
The officer explained his relationship
to one of the prisoners about to be exc
cuted.
"Ah, that reminds me-" said the
chief, looking at his watch; Pedro,
nine is the hour. Let them bepunctual
and have the business soon over
Again, with moving entreaties, the
child besought his fathers life.
did your father send you hither?'
asked the general.
No, senor he did not"
"And how dare you, them
MY father has done nothing to de-
serve DEATH answered the lad. "He
is u prisoner of war.
"Ha! who taught You to question my
justce9 Answer me-
mo one, senior; but brave generals
do not always kill their prisoners
II kill whom l choose" Numbered
Morillo; land hate the French. Boy,
your father shall die; l have said it; be-
gone"
The officer made silent sign to the
petitioner, to intimate there was no
hope, and that he must be gone. But
the boys countenance suddenly
changed. He walked up to the general,
who had turned away, and placed him
self directly before him, with look of
cain resolution worthy of martyr
Hear me, senor," said he; my ia
thcris greyhaired; he is wounded; his
strength is failing even now, though he
stands up TO receive the fire Of your
men. | am young. and strong, and
well. Let them shoot Inc in his place,
| amulet my lalncr go Tree.
1t was impossible TO doubt the SINGER.
ity of this offer, for the face of the de-
voted child was kndled with holy en-
thusiasm. A dark flush rushed to the
brow OF Morillo, and for moment he
looked OH the boy in silence,
You are willing to die" OF length
he said, "for your fatherP Then, to
suffer pain for him will be nothing.
Will you lose one of your ears to save
him?"
II WILL" was the firm reply.
Lend me your sword, Pabla;" and
in an instant, at one blow, the general
struck off the boys ear. The victim
wept, but resisted not nor raised his
hand to wipe away the blood.
$50 far, good; will you lose your
other eara"
II will, to save my father! answered
the boy, oonvulsively.
Morillos eyes flashed. The heroism
of the child compelled his admiration;
but unmoved from his cruel purpose,
he smote off the other ear with his still
reeking sword.
There was a dead silence.
"And now, Senor?" said the boy.
breathing quickly, and looking up into
the generals face.
"And now" answered Morillo. "de-
part The father of such a child is
dangerous 10 Spain; he must pay the
forfeit of his hyeH
The manned child went forth from
the presence of this inhuman foe.
Presently the report of fire arms an.
nounced that he mad witnessed the eX'
cution of his father.