Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1885-05-27
From Chambers Journal
THE TWO STRANGERS.
THE YOUNG SOLDIER.

1t was a rough winters night. A
slight sou'wester had been blowing all
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 princely thOrOughfares
appeared comparatively deserted, as
if the storm had driven most people
home Those who yet remained out
OF doors seemed to be bent on reach
ing their domiciles with all possible
speed. There was one solitary excep-
tion-a tall, powerfully-built man, and
upon him a gust of wind had little
more effect than on a solid rock. En-
veloped in q thick black cloak, with a
military cap drawn down tightly over
his forehead, he walked along with a
slow, measured step. He never once
turned his head, even when the wind
cast g, stinging splash of rain full In his
face. He was so erect, and strobe for
ward 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 gangway, so
close to the edge Of the basin that by
stretching out his hand ne could have
touched the rigging of large vessels 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 false
step meant certain death in the dock
below
Presently a small boat, dimly visi-
BILE by the light from lantern at
tached to the bow, came slowly to-
wards 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 theren'
prosper Cornillon," replied the
voice. The voice appeared to come
from figure in the boat which resem-
bled a black shadow in the darkness.
is your boat for hire?"
Eyes, monsieur"
There y. as a short pause Then the
stranger, >gi3h Il soupcon of command
in his tons, said: Il shall want you to-
night, but not yet"
The bo8tman, 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 you?"
cit is mine and my sisters, " Prosper
replied.
'That is lucky" said the stranger,
in a more cheerful voice. II will sup
at your cafe before we start"
Prosper Cornillon led the way, hold
ing the lantern so that the light was
thrown directly in their path.
The Cafe Cornillon stood in the CEN
ter Of row Of houses facing the quay.
The frontage was one large window
with small panes OF glass, like a con-
servatory. Through the clear white
muslin curtains light was shining
which Illuminated a limited space of
theroadway. Steppingforward, Pros
per held open the door of the cafe for
the stranger to enter. 1t was q, snug,
unpretending little cafe; long, narrow
and low-pitched, like cabin on board
ship, with small wooden tables and
chairs arranged against the walls.
Some half dozen persons, who looked
like fishermen, were seated near the
window drinking coffee and cognac,
and playing at dominoes. They
glanced up for a moment and returned
the strangers salute, and then con-
tinued their game. At the further end
of the cafe there was an open hearth,
with a. fire burning in the center.
Near this hearth engaged in some Gu
linary operations, stood a young girl.
She turned when the door opened, and
an expression of surprise, mixed with
curiosity, gathered in her face as the
stranger advanced and politely raised
his cap.
nina" said Prosper CornilIon,
looking from the girl toward the Gus
TONER, this gentleman has hired the
boat; but he wishes for a little sup
per before starting"
The stranger nodded approVingly. |
E'Before sunrise [ must be on board"
1.-The name of the ship, monsieur ?"
asked Prosper, stroking his dark
beard and looking with keen eyes into
the strangers face.
+ 1.-THE Livadia."
% The girl looked up with a distant,
dreamy expression in her eyes. 'That |
Ship" said she, as though speaking
her thoughts aloud, rather than adj /
dressing herself to anyone, ''That ship
is bound for some Greek port"
For Syra," said the stranger,