The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1889-07-20


had gone-vanished along the high road
leading inland
The day passed away, and nothing what
ever of any importance occurred. Larry
the next morning Father Andre appeared
at the chateau and asked for his young
mistress
Blanche came down to him at once and
found him waiting in the salon. She
found that the servants had already in
formed him of what had taken place.
You have had a narrow escape, my
child, be said. But, courage! Our
b-aye fellows are about and we shall soon
exterminate these yipers! 1t is dangerous,
however for you to remain here at the
chateau, which is so solitary. Come down
with me to the village and remain under
my protection.
But Blanche positively refused to go
away.
Il am quite safe here, Father Andre,
and | should not be happy in any other
place.
But the Uhlans-the internal Uhlans,"
pleaded the little priest. You do not
know them; they are without mercy-they
are fercer than wild beasts. Up there at
GIayelotte they have fired farm. They
have hanged the innkeeper of Omer at his
own door, because, brave fellow, he fired
at them from his bedroom window"
Il am not afraid, answered Blanche
After ALL what the strange officer said
may be true; they do not make war on
women and children"
tell you, Mademoiselle Blanche they
are fieads Of darkressi" cried Father An
Dire; for that matter, they do not even re-
spect the holyprecincts of the church. At
Rouen they are biyouacked in the Cathe-
.Iy +. l., l. ! =,
IN and crush them, the accursed. the
abominablei'
Finding Blanche determined Father
Andre presently took his leave.
About midday sounds of heavy firing
were heard from the far distance, but
later, as Blanche sat at the window of the
drawlng-rOOm, looking out on the waning
woods, she saw body of rihemen in the
French uniform approaching up the ave
hue. They halted and 70 med into groups
under the terrace, and presently old HUI
bert showed In two gentlemen-oge n
Young officer whom Blanche had never
seen before; the other a middle-aged
man, also in uniform, whom she recog-
MED as DR.. Huet, surgeon in the
French army, and an old friend OF her
fathers.
They saluted her respectfully, and in
formed her that they had passed that way
on the lookout for skirmishers of the enc
my, who were reported as having been
seen in the neighboring woods.
They are daring rascaIs, observed the
Doctor, especially those Uhlaus. Hubert
tells me, mademolselle that you yourself
had au adventure with them the other
evening.
Blanche repeated her story, to the great
astonishment of her hearers.
And they did not otherwise modest
you3" exclaimed the young officer. ~Ah,
mademoiselle, YOU were fortunate. They
are not usually SO considerate.
At any rate, said the Doctor, you
need be under no further apprehension !;
our fellows viii be at hand for your pro-
lection. But tell me, what news of the
good Cheyalier? When did you last hear
from him, mademoiselle?'
1t is nearly three weeks ago" said
Bla che, trembling, and turning her head
TO hide her tears
Doubtless his letters have miscarried:
II Is so difficult now to conduct a CORE
spoadenee. Had any misfortune befallen
INN You would doubtless have heard.
You think so, monsieur cred
Blanche, eagerly.
The gentlemen rose and took their de-
parture. Blanche stood at the window
watching the soldiers; while the Young
officer, full of juvenile Importance, stepped
ont to Jon them, and gave the word of
command. They wheeled round formed,
and went away at n trot into the woods.
Aha" cried old Hubert, who had en-
tered unpreceiyed. and stool looking over
her shoulder You see our brave lads
are ready, mademoiselle They are going
to scour the country; they are going TO
search every hole and corner where the
foxes may be hiding: and there will be no
qUartcr-uO 1t Will teach the cowardly
Tasca's to stop at home,"
Chuckling savagely, and rubbing his
palms together he shutfled from the room.
Toward afternoon the sharp crack of
rifles was heard from the direction of the
village. 1t was very struggling, ami soon
ceased. About an hour later it began
again, coming this time much nearer. till
it filed the woods Immediately surround
ing the house. Then Blanche heard. be-
sides the sound of firing, the loud voices
Of men. and, peering ont, saw figures com
ing and going, guns IN hand, among the
distant trees.
Presently she saw one of the farm la
BOXERS running bareheaded toward the cha
teau, the door of which opened TO receive
him
\ minute afterward Hubert ran into the
room.
Victory, mademoiselle,7 he cried. "Oul
brave fellows have surprised body Of the
cuemy's cavalry and peppered them from
the woods. They have had their bellyful
! warrant you! Many of them are done
for, and the rest are scampering away
toward Hayre. But what are You doing?"
lie added, ueryously. For heavens sake
come away from the wiudow!'
Scarcely needing what he said. Blanche
continued to gaze steadily at the group of
men IN the distance She saw that it was
composed partly of soldiers in uniform.
partly OF peasants in blouses; but some of
the latter carried arms like the soldiers
Presently there was movement among
them, and three or four began walking in
the direction of the chateau; and rs these
came nearer, Blanche recognized among
them the Young officer who had visited
her during the afternoon.
Without hesitation she crossed the ter
race and descended the flight of stone
stet9 in front of the chateau. Hubert
the picture of misery, followed closely
behind her. She then crossed the flower
garden and met the officer as he am2rsed
from the plantations.
1t Is all over, mademoisellel7 he
cried, smiling. We have beaten them. "
Was it battle monsieur asked
blanche in her simplicity.
Nay, mademoiselle, only little Skin
iaish Mademoiselle, where are YOU 60
ing cried the Young officer.
I wish TO see for myself. monsieur. -
answered Blanche, nervously. The Doc
tor Is there. Is he not?"
Yes. mademoiSelle; but. if YOU will
pardon me, You had better retire into the
louse. 1t is no sight for such as YOU.
Eu. look, they are carrying him this way. 81
Ha pointed as he spoke. and Blanche
saw the men approaching, headed by DR..
iiVet, aud carrying in their midst what
cooked like a rude litter. They came on
u idly; and as they did so she advanced
fe r., ct them.
Ny dear ma3emoisellel" cried the Doe
tor, as they came face TO face, what are
1ol doing here Pray take my advice and
o TO the chateau.
50 saving, he contrived TO interDose his
son between Blanche and those who
.o3owe1 him.