The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1889-11-09

Now Mons. de Lille had remained IN
Imprisonment nearly two years, and had
but recently regained his liberty by exchange
of prisoners He had contrived 10 be
transferred to the command of the Count
de Rochambeau, and had arrived in America
July 10Th, IT'S. He had soon after his
arrival asked the favor of being allowed to
carry che dispatches prepared for Gen.
Gates, and, having obtained it, had delivered
the dispatches and asked for leave of alb
sence to attend TO some business of his own.
We may easily divine the nature Of this
business. 1t was no other than to discover
if Madeleine were still at her fathers plan
tation, and, if possible, to see her. He had
not been near enough to see the lady's face
distinctly, but, like most men deeply in
love, there was for him but one woman in
the world, and that was Madeleine. He
even forgot that she had sisters.
He had hesitated to present himself so
suddenly, especially in her fathers pres
enee, with no pretext for doing so, except
the one he could truly offer. When he
saw the man his heart told him it was some
forbidden lover Of Madeleine seeking an
interview with her. But why the presence
of the father? He determined to pursue
the lover and imperatively demand an ex-
PLANTATION. Captain Villars in his haste
hal not observed Monsieur De Lille, who
now put spurs to his horse and pursued
The earth was soft with the decayed
foliage Of many an autumn, and his horses
hoofs made little sound Coming up, still
unpereeiyed, upon the British officer he
cooked his pistol, took aim and cried
Halt just as Killars, turning, found
himself at the others mercy.
From De Lilies uniform and accent
Villars knew him to be French. He
quickly drew his sword and waited for the
Frenchman approach. The latter returned
his pistol to the holster sprang upon the
ground, and drew his own sword. disdaining
to take any advantage Of surprised enemy,
aud wishing to give him an equal chance
for his life with himself.
Stand and give an account of yourself,
said he. The Englishman drew himself up
to his full height and replied very haught-
lily, Il shall give You an explanation of
nothing. .
"Theu defend yourself, said De Lille.
"But first tell me are you suitor of Mad
emoiselle Dubose ?" continued he
Il am, sir, replied Fillars proudly
"Who are you?' At least friend of her
country and of her father. May inquire
if you visit her with. the consent of that
father ?"
'sThat is none of your business, sir, and
| decline to answer
''Then will force you to do so at the
swords point"
Immediately the two swords flashed in
the air and crossed.
Both officers were masters of fence, and
the issue was for some time doubtful. At
last the Frenchman by sudden dexterous
turn of the wrist parried his opponent's
stroke and held the point of his own sword
at the others heart.
"Now answer truly or die, he said
s'Why were you in the tree?"
'To converse with my affianced bride, +"
replied he, boldly.
"And that affianced bride p
10 PubOcC Sdlu
calmly, though expecting the next moment
to be his last
To his surprise the Frenchman did not
strike, but asked very quickly, "Genevieye
or Madeleine ?" for he suddenly remem-
bered there were sisters
Il have said, replied Villars, coldly
''Then your life is your own," and he
dropped his sword arm to his side 81
love Madeleine" he continued, "and am
therefore ready to shake hands with you. +"
Villars held out his hand, smiling, and
as the two late deadly combatants shook
hands over their discovery, the Englishman
said Monsieur, the next time before you
draw your sword so rashIy, pray remember
that there are more pretty women in the
world than one Then he added "You
are magnificent swordsnan, however. Sal
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