St. Landry democrat., 1885-04-18
THE TWO STRANGERS.
A Story of Filial Love and of a
Lovers Devotion.
I. THE YOUNG SOLDIER.

1t was rough winters night. A
slight sou'wester had been blowing al
day long; but since the sun had gone
down and it had grown dark, heavy
gusts fell boisterously up and down the
narrow old streets of Marseilles, as
though they had lost their way. Many
OF the principal thoroughfares appeared
comparatively deserted, as if the storm
had driven most people home. Those
who yet remained out of doors seemed
to be bent upon reaching their domi-
Giles with all possible speed. There
was one solitary exceptions tall, pow
erfully built man; and upon him a gust
of wind had little more effect than upon
solid rock. Enveloped in thick
black cloak, with a military cap drawn
down tightly over his forehead, he
walked along at slow, measured step.
He never once turned his head, even
when the wind cast a singing splash of
RAIN full IN his face. He was SO erect
and strobe forward in such 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 gang
way, so close to the edge Of the basin
that by stretching out his hand he could
have touched the rigging of large YES
sells as he passed. The danger. even in
broad daylight, when walking so close
to the edge, would have been great; but
upon this pitch-dark, windy night, a
raise step meant certain death in the
dock below.
Presently, a small boat, dimly visible
by the light from lantern attached to
the bow, came slowly towards a land |
ing place several yardR ahead. When
the boat touched the wSsll of the basin,
the man quickened his pace, and on |
reaching the spot, looked down, and
demanded: 'tWho goes therepn
" Prosper Cornillon,'' replied a voice.
The voice appeared to come from a fig-
ure in the boat which resembled black
shadow in the darkness.
I" Is your boat for hire?n
Eyes, monsieur =
There was short pause. Then the
stranger, with a soupcon of command in
his tone, said: II shall want you to-
night, but not yet. y
The boatman, having meanwhile made
fast his boat, took the lantern out of
the bow and climbed slowly up the
steep wooden steps.
Does the Cafe Cornillon, on this
quay, belong to youP''
ut is mine and my sisters" Prosper
replied.
THAT is lucky" said the stranger, in
. more cheerful voice. 81 will sup at
your cafe before we start -
Prosper Cornillon led the way. hold !
ing the lantern so that the light was
,hrown directly in their path.
The Cafe Cornillon stood in the center /
If row of houses facing the quay. The {
rontage was one large window with {
mall panes of glass, like conserva- 5
ory. Through the clean white muslin ]
curtains light was shining which /
Illuminated limited space of the road J
Vay. Stepping forward, Prosper held q
pen the door of the cafe for the stranger
Q enter. 1t was snug, unpretending 5
title cafe; long, narrow and low a
itched, like cabin on board ship, p
nth small wooden tables and chairs G
SSs5 oS4A4ob eL1C w Oils COLl6 ndl1-
ozen persons, who looked like fisher t,
len, were seated near the window, tt
rfnking coffee and cognac, and play a
lg at dominoes. They glanced up for q
moment and returned the strangers 5
alute and then continued their game. al
t the further end of the cafe was an c.
pen hearth, with fire burning brightly W
the center; near this hearth, engaged s.
some culinary operations, stood a VI
oung girl. She turned when the door tr
oened, and an expression of surprise, m
liked with curiosity, gathered in her bl
zee as the stranger advanced and po- b
tely raised his cap. nj
Nina, 2 said Prosper Cornillon. look III
g from the girl towards the customer. bu
this gentleman has hired the boat. hut sh
wishes for little supper before fa
arting." mi
The stranger nodded approvingly. m,
Before sunrise | must be on board. = mi
The name of the ship, monsieurPn M,
ked Prosper, strokiDg his dark beard ev
d looking with keen eyes into the or
'anger's face. TT
The Liyadia-" re-,