The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1884-05-15
A TERRIBLE REVENGE.

"A
II was on the eve of the battle of
Solferino. The French regiments,
which had arrived from Milan during
the day, by long and dusty roads, under
a broiIing sun, exhausted by fatigue,
were encamped on an immense plain,
shut in by chain of hills, on which
lowered the white houses of the town.
Lightning, playing among the leaden-
colored clouds, Illuminated at intervals
with lurid light the battlefield of the
morrow. Nothing else lit up the camp.
No fires were allowed, as a measure of
prudence.
All were not asleep, however. Be-
sides the outposts and pickets, many in
camp were wide awake. Here and
there groups of men, lying on the grass
around their tents, conversed in a low
tone and discussed the probable issue
of the coming battle.
In the middle of small group of
officers, who talked over the chances of
the morrow. was Colonel Eugene de
Valmont, who commanded regiment
of light dragons. He had the WE'LL
earned reputation of being one of the
most splendid officers in his own branch
of the service. Although strict disci-
plinarian, he was beloved in the regi-
ment by officers and men alike, and
deservedly SO.
Colonel de Valmont appeared to pay
but little attention to what was said.
He seemed in a proud reverie, as he
bit, rather than smoked, a half con-
sumed cigar Turning suddenly to his
Surgeon Ma jor, veteran with a we'll
bronzed face, he said
"Brisac, do you believe in PRESENT.
mentsp''
Nadepends, Colonel. One may have
them, no doubt; but to admit that they
are ever realized is another NATTER
''You look upon them as valueless,
devoid of any prophetic importance?n
''Quite so.
''Ah! 1t is true, as is said, that al
you doctors are more or less material
lists. After pause, he added: "You
are right, perhaps, and SO much the
better. There are some thoughts which
should be banished on the eve Of day
like what tomorrow promises to be. ;
So saying he got up and added: 81
shall turn in and get some rest and ad
wise you all to do the same. In q few
hours we shall need all the strength We
can command"
One by one the group broke off and
presently there was left only three Off
cers-the Major, Captain, and /
sub-Bieutenant.
What did the Colonel mean by pre-
sentiments?" asked the younger o.
them. ave know he has no fear abou
tomorrow; vet his manner and his las
words, to say the least, are not reassur
ing
Had you been longer in the regi
lnent, young fellow, :aplied the Major
you would know that the Colonel pc
riodically gets the blues;' but we TAX
no notice of them. They soon pass, an,
ne becomes himself again"
but what is the cause of his recur
ring depression?"
'.rhe cause?" said the Captain
why, all the regiment know tn
cause. y
Except myself I only joined thre
months ago.
We'll, here is Brisac back from hi
rounds. He can tell the story best
The Snrgeon-Major being sppeale
%, lay down upon the grass, lit cigar
and said:
In 1884, De Valmont, appointe
Lieutenant in the Chasseurs d'Afriqut
which had just beeus raised, landed
Algiers, where / was assistant surgeo
attached to the military hospita
though was older than he, we SOC
struck up an acquaintance that ripene
into friendship, which time has not in
paired Eugene was young, GOO
looking and man of fascinating maj
neFs. He came of q distinguished fan
ny and his friends kept his purse we
nned; in short he could get money .
last as he wished to spend it.
1--WE served three years togahe
When De Valmont got leayet to exchans
ana return to France. His mother W;
me cause of this, for she had in vie
,or HIM marriage with a rich heires
Leaving Algiers would have been 8
pan sailing except fer bidding far
wen to a certain lady called La Seve
ma. danseuse at the theater In a
pearanee she was decidedly handsom
u an olive-eolored complexion aud vii
raven black hair. In her large 6
ptessiye eyes and in her firmly @
uso0sa there was significant indie