West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1889-11-14
JEANS PORTMANTEAU.
ny REBEccA HARDING DAVIS.

by REBEcCA HARDING DAVIS.
My story dates back nearly seventy
| years, but it is true story, and its SIG
nificance is as forcible and fresh as il the
incidents had occurred but yesterday.
In 1920 there was living in the north.
ern part of Alabama an old Frcnchman
whom we shall call Jean Paulet. He was
n younger son of a noble family in Avig-
non, had come, mere lad, 60 fight for
the cause Of freedom in this country un-
der Lafayette, and had borne himself well
and bravely until the battle of Brandy
wine, where he lost his right arm, aud
was obliged 10 leave the service.
His father was guillotined during the
Reign of Terror of Paris. Jean escaped,
returned, with the young wife whom he
mad married, TO this country, and found
his way to village in Alabama TO which
many French refugees had fed.
When the little money which they had
brought with them was spent, they scat
tered. Many of them made their way
back TO France. Jean Paulet, with his
one child, Rose, a girl of twelve, re-
manned. His wife was dead. Jean
earned small sum occasionally by teach.
ing French to the children Of the neigh 4.
boring planters, lie and Rose were
happy and merry as two children, but
often they were hungry, and always
shabbily clothed.
One day, as usual, old Judge Pope
called at Paulet's cabin to smoke q pipe
with him.
''Moshecr," he said, ''I have an idea
Why nave you never applied for a pen
sionf The country has owed il You for
many years. The back payments will
amount 70 n considerable sum"
"Do you mean Eat 10 Republiouc zalI
pay me for re service i give itl" lie
drew himself up stiffly. "No, zare
Jean Baulet offered his body and his life
to re help of &c American people, His
body and his life vas crippled for dem.
but zey will not insult me by paying for
datl"
"Nonsensel" was the judges irrever-
ent reply to this outbreak of patriotism.
lyon owe your strength to your child.
Having spent it for this country in her
need, 1t is only just that she, in her pros
perity, shall help you in your care OF
Rosy here"
The Frenchman's face glowed.
"Ah, zat is different light on itl II
great, noble country, aud il cares for
nc children Of its soldiers i am willing
to receive aims from it, but not paw"
anyhow you like, so you get the
money" said the Judge. "Lct me sec
your papers--the proofs that YOU lost
your arm in the service" He examined
them carefully.
They're all right, Inc said. 'cNow,
mosheer, you must take these to Wash
ington. | will write to our Congress
man to attend to the affair. Rosy shall
stay with us. You must start to-
morrow"
Monsieur Paulet changed color and
hesitated painfully.
"Yes, yes, my dear fellow, I under.
standl ii is a long journey. and YOU
arc out Of funds Just now. You must
draw on me. / am often out of funds
myself and you will be a rich man when
you come back. Then / will draw on
you. II is all settled"
The kindly but peremptory old Judge
had his way. Rosy was taken out to the
plantation and received with delight by
Mrs. Pope, the children and swarm
OF young negroes with all of whom the
French child was pet.
Monsieur Paulct, in n new suit Of
clothes, money and ticket in a brown
| portmanteau, belonging to the iudge was
escorted by almost all the population of
the village to the inn from which he was
70 begin his journey, aud departed, load
ed with prayers and good wishes for
good luck.
u Is hard for the people Of the present
Time TO understand the travelling OF those
days. Jean Peulet started in November
iOr Washington on horseback. When he
reached the Ohio River where ne expcct
ed to take boat, IL was frozen over
Then began long aud perilous Journey
IN an open sled along the banks. II was
laIe ln January when he reached Wheel.
lngi W. Va, the terminus Of tho National
Road
He was exhausted and feeble, and his
money was nearly spent, but he was
thankful, sure now that his troubles were
over.
stage-coachcs ran regularly between
wheeling and Baltimore. Poor little
monsieur climbed into one Of these one
stormy day at noon, and, wrapping him
sell In his blanket, deposited his port
mantcau ip the straw at the ebottom of the
coach and curling himsofup on the seat.
slept heavily, lie did not waken until
the coach drew mp in a little village in
FennsylYapia, long after nightfall.
The ian door stood open, and a savorv
smell OF supper poured out Several
coaches, with their teams Of prapcino
horses, stood in the great innyard. and
hostlers, guards and drivers were stamn.
ing about, scolding aud swearing.
Twenty minutes for supperw shouted
lhe guard ia the window at monsieur
Jean, who was the only passenger
crawlcd ont sieepily, and hurried into tho
warm supper.Ioom.
"tRsye seems g be sQrAnd ooacou1so