St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-05-31
THE TWO STRANGERS.
THE YOUNG SOLDIER.


sou'wester had been blowing all day long;
but since the sun had gone down and 1t had
grown dark, heavy gusts fell boisterously
I'D and down the narrow old streets OF Mar
settles, as though they had lost their way.
Many of the principal thoroughfares APP
peared comparatively deserted, as If the
storm had driven most people home. Those
who vet remained out of doors seemed to
be bent on reaching their dOmicileS with all
possible speed. There was one solitary eX-
ception-a tall, pOwerfully-built man, and
upon him a gust of wind had little more ef-
feet than on a solid rock. EnvelOped In
thick black cloak, with military cap drawn
down tightly over his forehead, he walked
along with a slow, measured step. He never
once turned his head, not even when the
wind cast singing splash of rain full in
his face. He was so erect, and strobe for
ward in such sturdy 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 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 false step
meant certain death in the dock below.
Presently small boat, dimly visible by
the light from lantern attached to the bow,
came slowly toward 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?"
Prosper Cornillon," replied the voice.
The voice appeared to come from figure
in the boat which resembled black shadow
in the darkness.
SIS your boat for hire?"
eyes, monsieur"
There was a short pause. Then the
tone, said; II shall want you tonight, but
not YETI
The boatman, having meanwhile made
fast his boat, took the lantern out of the
bow and climbed slowly up the steep
wooden steps.
4sssDoes the Cafe Cornillon, on this quay,
belong to you?"
1T is mine and my sisters" Prosper re-
piled.
,s.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 di-
rectly in their path.
The Cafe Cornillon stood in the center Of
a row of houses facing the quay. The
frontage was one large window with small
pains of glass, like conservatory. Through
the clear white muslin curtains light; was
shining which Illuminated limited space
of the roadway. Stepping forward, Prosper
held open the door OF the cafe for the stran-
TO- II inc
little cafe; long, narrow anu low-pitched
like cabin on board ship, with small
wooden tables and chairs, arranged against
the walls. Some half-dKen persons, who
looked like fishermen, were seated near the
window drinking coffee and cognac, and
playing at dominoeS. They glanced up for
amOment and returned the strangers salute,
and then continued their game. At the
further end of the cafe was an open hearth,
with fire burning brightly in the center.
Near this hearth, engaged in some culinary
operations, stood 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 Cornillon, looking
from tine girl towards the customer, 'sthis
gentleman has hired the boat; but he wishes
for little supper before starting"
The stranger nodded approvingly. ''Be-
fore sunrise l must be on board.n
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 distant, dreamy
expression in her eyes. THAT Ship" said
she, as though speaking her thoughts aloud
rather than addressing herself TO any one
THAT ship is bound for some Greek port"
For SYRIA" said the stranger, promptly,
while at the same time he removed his
cloak and sat down at table near the
hearth.
Prosper Cornillon turned away and Joined
the fishermen at the other end of the cafe
Like a true GAZETTEER, he was soon laughing
with the customers, taking hand at domi-
poes, and calling to his sister Nina TO serve
him, as though he were customer, too.
Meanwhile the stranger sat in silence,
waiting for his supper, with his back lean
ing against the wall and his legs stretched
but toward the fire. He was dressed in the
Uniform of French colonel, though only a
nan Of % or 80 at the utmost. He had a
handsome, expressive face, his eyes fire.
suently frightening with some passing
MOuSAe. OuI WuOu ll0 buIIl6Q HIS chances
upon Nina his look grew serious and SYM
pathetic.
Few could have resisted studying the
lace of Nina Cornillon, not merely on ac-
eount of it's beauty, but because some trou-
Bile, sustained with brave resolution, was
portrayed in every feature. That dream
mess In the eyes, already referred to. which
jeemed to indicate 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 the distance, while smile would
break pensively upon her lips, and tears
glisten upon her long black lashes.
Scarcely a word passed between the
stranger and Nina Cornillon until the SUD-
per was cleared away. when Monsieur, lit
his cigar and drew his chair closer to the
hearth. But when the girl had served the
customary cup of coffee and was pouring
put the petit yerre, the gentleman remarked
Shall l tell you, mademoiselle, where YOUR
thoughts are trayeling?"
The girl looked with puzzled expression
into the strangers face. ''You would. in
deed. be magician" said She eff Won
could.''
Your thoughts" said he, 'sare travelling
along the shores of Greece
Nina started and changed color. For a
while she seemed too troubled to speak.
Seating herself in front of the hearth. she
looked thorghtfully into the fire.
III mademoiselle will trust me-, the
stranger presently remarked in soft tone,
even though she might wish a message