The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1885-04-04
THE TWO STRANGERS.
A Story Of Filial Love and of G
Lovers Devotion.
I. THE YOUNG SOLDIER.

"No AOhSh NillACl lIShIs II
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 principal thornughfares 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 eAception-a tall, pow
erfully built man; and upon him gust
of wind had little more effect than upon
solid rock. Enveloped in a thick
black cloak, with 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 singing splash of
ram full IN his face. He was so erect,
and strobe forward in such a 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
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 towards a land
ing 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 therep"
Prosper Cornillon," replied a voice.
The voice appeared to come from fig
ure in the boat which resembled black
shadow in the darkness.
is your boat for hire?"
Eyes, monsieur.
There was q short pause. Then the
stranger, with Soupc0n of command in
his tone, said II 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, Belong to youp"
at is mine and my sister s." Prosper
replied.
That is lucky" said the stranger, in
more cheerful voice. Il will sup at
your cafe before we s'art "
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 center
Of row of houses facing the quay. The
frontage was one large window with
small panes of glass, like conserva.
tory. Through the clean white muslin
curtains 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 II 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 fisher
men, were seated near the window,
drinking coffee and cognac, and play
ing at dominoes. They glanced up for
a moment and returned the stranger 5
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 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 no
litely raised his cap.
nina, " said Prosper Cornillon. look
ing from the girl towards the customer.
this gentleman has hired the boat. but
he wishes for a little supper before
starting
The stranger nodded approvinglv
Before sunrise | must be on board. .
The name of the ship, monsieur?"
asked Prosper, stroking his dark beard
and looking with keen eyes into the
strangers face.
The Livadia."