Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-09-18
THE TWO STRANG ERS.
TIE YOUNG soLpIER.

Enveloped in a thick black cloak, with a mil
itary cap drawn tightly over his forehead, he
walked along at a slow, measured pace. He
never once turned his head even when the
wind cast q stingng splash of rain full in his
face. He was 40 erect, and strobe forward in
such q steady manner, that one would have
supposed the weather absent from his thoughts.
When he reached the quay he crossed the
road and stepped along the gangway, so close
10 the edge OF the basin that by stretching
out his hand he could have touched the rig
ging OF large vessels al he passed. The dan
ger, even in broad daylight. when walking SO
close 10 the edge, would have been great !;
but upon this pitch dark, windy night false
step meant certain death in the dock below.
Presently a small boat dimly visible by the
light from a lantern attached to the bow,
came slowly towards a landing place several
yards ahead. When the boat touched the
wall Of the basin the man quickened his pace,
and on reaching the spot looked down and
demanded
"Who goes there p
"Prosper COrnillon," replied a voice that
appeared to come from q figure in the boat,
which resembled black shadow in the dark
ness.
''Is your boat for hire p
Yes, monsieur"
There was q short pause Then the strang-
said
81 shall want you TO night but not yet"
The boatman, having meanwhile made fast
his boat, took the lantern out of the bow and
climbed slowly up the steep wooden steps.
docs the Cafe Cornillon, on this quay, be-
long to you 2"
1T is mine and my sisters" Prosper re.
piled.
That is lucky" said the stranger, in a
more cheerful voice. 81 will sup at your
cafe before we start"
Prosper Cornillon led the way, holding the
lantern so that the light was thrown directly
in their path.
The Cafe Cornillon stood in the centre Of q
row of houses facing the quay. The frontage
was one large window with small panes Of
glass, like conservatory. Through the clean
white muslin curtains q light was shining,
which Illuminated limited space of the road
way. Stepping forward, Prosper held open
the door Of the cafe for the stranger to enter.
1t was a snug, unpretending little cafe, long,
narrow and low pitched, like q cabin on board
ship, with small wooden tables and chairs
ranged against the walls. Some half dozen
persons, who looked like fishermen, we're seat
ed near the window, drinking coffee and
cognac and playing at dominoes. They ganc-
ed up for q moment and returned the strang-
ers salute, and then continued their game.
AT the further end Of the cafe was an open
hearth, with FIRE burning brightly in the
centre, aud near this hearth, engaged in GER
tain culinary operations, stood young girl.
She turned when the door opened, and an ex-
preston Of surprise, mixed with curiosity,
gathered in her face As the stranger advanced
and politely raised his cap.
Nina" said Prosper Cornillon, looking
from the girl towards the. customer, this
gentleman has hired the boat, but he wishes
for little supper before starting"
The stranger nodded Approvingly. 'Be-
fore sunrise / must be on board"
The name Of ths ship, monsieur" asked
Prosper, stroking his dark beard and looking
with keen eyes into the strangers face.
THE LivadA."
The girl looked up with distant, dreamy
she, as though speaking her thoughts aloud
rather than addressing herself to any one
that ship Ia bound for some Greek port"
''For Syra," said the stranger promptly,
ct the same time removing his cloak and
seating himself at a table near the hearth.
Prosper Oornilon turned away and Joined
| the fishermen at the other end of the cafe.
| Like true cafetier, he was soon laughing
with the customers, taking hand at domi-
noes, and calling to Nina to serve him, as
though he we're o customer, too.
| hehn"unei tne stranger bhJ III hlience,
| waiting for his supper, with his back leaning
against the wall aud his legs stretched out to,
| wards the fire. He wore the uniform Of a
French colonel, though only q man of 28 or
| 80 at the utmoat. He had a handsome, ex-
| pressive face, his eyes frequently Frightening
| with some passing thought. But when he
turned his glance upon Nina, his look grew
serious and sympathetic.
Few could have resisted studying the face
| of Nina OOrnillon, not merely on account OF
| Its beauty, but because some trouble, sus-
tanned with brave resolution, was portrayed
In every feature. That dreaminess in the
eyes already referred to, which seemed to in
dictate that her thoughts were wandering far
beyond the port OF Marseilles, was seldom
suppressed except when she was spoken to
| and when the conversation ceased her look
/ appeared TO sink away again into distance,
while a smile would break pensively upon her
| lips and tears glisten upon her long black
/ lashea
Scarcely q word passed between the strRng
or and Nina OornillOn until the supper was
cleared away, when the former lit his cigar
and drew his chair closer towards the hearth.
Then, after the girl had served the customary
cup Of coffee and was pouring out the petij
UeITe, the gentleman remarked
Shall l tell you, mademOiselle, where your
thoughts are wandering 2"
The girl looked with puzzled expression
into the strangers face. "You would indeed
be magician" said she, ''if you could"
Your thoughts" said he, "Ars travelling
along the shores Of Greece"
Nina started and changed color. For q
while she seemed too startled to speak. Seat
ing herself in front of the hearth, she gazeG
thOughtfully into the FIRE.
''If mademoiselle will trust me, " the strang
or presently remarked in a soft tone, lever
though she might wish q message taken TO g
lover, will promise TO execute any erranC
faithfully"
The girl glanced up with touch of indig
nation in her face, but suddenly dropping he
eyes, she said, with q deep blush on he
cheeks, II have no lover"
The stranger looked grave, aud. as thougl
conscious Of having made a blunder, hasten
ed to change the subject. II will not try an,
further to read your thoughts" he said, ''bu
tell me why does your brother keep a boa
for hire In the harbor when he has such al
excellent little cafe 10 attend tot II seem
to me the work is too severe for you all b.
yourself"
"Ah, monsieur, you would not say that,
exclaimed Nina, iii you only knew how anX
iOus we both are TO make money!"
The stranger could not conceal a look o
surprise. Such sentiments, uttered In sue
an aVAFioious tone by lovely girl like Nina
appeared inconsistent. " You mean, per
haps," he suggested, 'ihAt you do not find
oongenial work to keep cafe, and that yo
will be glad when you can afford TO retir
from business ?"