The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1884-04-26
A IEze EREEsE.E. REVENGE.


day, by'long and dusty roads, under a
broiling sun, exhausted by fatigue,
wero onc0mped OH an imminse plain,
Fhut III by chan Of hills, on which
lowered the white houses of the town.
Lightning, playing among the loadcn-
colorcd clouds, illumined at intervals
with lurid light the battlefield of the
morrow. Nothing else lit up the camp,
No fires were allowed, as q measure of
prudence.
All were not asleep, however, Be-
side the outposts ahd pickets, many in
camp were wide awake Hore 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 a small group of
officers, who talked over the chances
OF the morrow, was Colonel Eugene
de Nalmont, who commanded q regi-
mont OF light Dragons. He had the
well-earned reputation Of being one Of
the most splendid officers in his own
branch Of the service, Although a
disciplinarian, he was beloved in the
regiment by officers and men alike, and
descrvedly SO.
Colonel de Valmont appeared to pay
little attention to what was said. He
seemed in a profound reverie, as he
bit, rather than smoked half-consum-
cigar. Turning suddenly to his sur
geon-major, a veteran with we'll
bronzed face, he said:
"Brisac, do you believe in present.
ments2"
at depends, Colonel. One may
have them, no doubt; but to admit
that they are ever realized is another
matter"
"You look upon them as valueless--
devoid of any prophetic importanceY
"Quite So"
"Ah 1t is true, as is said, that al
you doctors are moro or less material
lists" After q pause, headed "Yor
are right, perhaps, and SO much tbt
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:
Il shall turn in and get some res
and advise you all to do the same
In few hours we shall need all tn,
strength we can command"
One by one the group broke off, ant
presently there was only three officer
the major, a captain and sub-lieuten
ant.
"What did the Colonel mean by pre-
scntiments?" asked the younger O
them. eve know he has no fea
about tomorrow; yet his manner an,
his last words, to say the least, are no
reassuring."
"Had you been longer in the reg
mcnt, youg fellow" replied the major
"you would know that the colonc
periodically gets the blues; but W
take no notice of them. They 500
pass, and he becomes himself again.
"But what is the cause of this recul
ring depressionW
"The cause?" said tho captain, "wh
all tho regiment know the cause"
Except myself. only joined thre
months ago"
"Well, here is Brisac back from h
rounds. He can tell the story best"
The surgeon-major being appealed
lay down upon the grass, lit a ciga
and said:
an 1884, de Valmont, appointe
lieutenant in the Chasseurs d'Afiqu
which had just been raised, landed
Algiers, whore / was assistant surgeo
attached to the military hospita
Though | was older than he, we SOC
struck up an acquaintance that ripel
cd into friendship, which time hi
not impaired. Eugene was youn
good-looling, and man OF fascinatir
manners. He came of a distinguish,
family, and his friends kept his pur
well filled in short, he could g
money as fast as he wanted
spend it.
ave served three years togethe
when de Valmont got leave to @
change and return to France, II
mother was the cause of this, for 81
had in view for him a marriage with
rich heiress. leaving Algiers won
have been all plain sailing except +
bidding farewell to certain lady ca
cd La Severina, danseuse at the tn
afro. In appearance she was decide
ly handsome, OF an olive-colosed COZ
plexion and with raven black hair
her large expressive eyes and in h
frmly-cut mouth there was signi
cant indication OF determinatio
which suggested that the young lat
would be more desirable as friel
than as an enemy. She said she W
an Italian, having been born at Rom
but her parents vera Bohemians, WI
travelled through all countries-rol