Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-06-08

prise, in his eyes no question. though the summons was unexpected. The colonel 1 glanced at the list of names in his hand, then at the figure before him. Pierre Leroux2" he questioned. "The same, monsieur,'' was the answer given in French. ''I want few words with you" said the colonel, in tho same language. !" "Bohmer, you may go.' Tho man obeyed, and left l them together. 1 Leopold von Brandstein darted n quick look at the face before him. You arc not l trained soldier ?" he asked. "No, monsieur" GA recruit. suppose ?" "I joined of my own free will" "What were your reasons :" was not aware that impertinent ourios- 1 fly was tho privilege even of--a eanqueror 3'' '.Men Gott Y" shouted tho officer furiously. Dare you be insolent l" Know you not I ] have full power here, aud could sweep such T>vermin as you off the face of the earth in two seconds l" I.-to do it."
 "Come, come" laughed the colonel, ashamed of his momontary loss of tcmper.
 
 fashion. I wish to be your friend have . heard something of you that interests me- " Monsieur is pleased to jest. Ihave neither friend nor acquaintance who should have mentioned my name to him." was the calm response.
 Perhaps you arc moro fortunate thnn you imagine. It was a woman who spoke of you"
 nj hiS fNrtS at n1f could not keep the hot flush from his face could not still these heavy suirocating throbs Of his heart at these words '-I am right, I see" resumed the colonel. "Fho cause that sent you to the wars, my isrien', i' not hard to guess. A woman had a hand in that, or am much mistukrn." | Il am at a loss to surmise how my private affairs can possibly interest monsieur" His questioner drowned nngrily.
 "Doubtless you are. But thero is romance in most lives. I have mine, I would fuin hear yours"
 '"rhe loaf is folded down to be opened at . no mans bidding"
 "Nor woman's either?" his tormentor per ] sisted
 "I have told monsieur that thou .h obedi- euco is a soldiers duty, his private affairs : fancy to pry into." And say they arc, If it suits the officer to make them so. Listen, fellow! You are here prisoner, alone, friond!css, at the mercy of your foes. You are but a unit among many. Your fate mono will know, | unless we choose.' "Is it brave to taunt me with my power- ! tessness, or contest it with your privilege of | voice of the listening prisoner.
 "Gott in Hmmel! This makes mo angry and ashamed all in one," muttered the col onel wrathfully. Will nothing make him
 speak?"
 "Listenr' he resumed presently. "It is not well for you to use your tongue thus ! freely. Remember l have it in my power to make you pay dearly for your insolence. Do 1 you know that the woman you love is hero, in. this city-that she and I are well ac- : quainted-that it is for her sake I havo ! sought you out---that to please her would
 do you a service? Do you know this2" l Evcry drop of blood seemed to leavo tho bronzod and patient face. He leant with
 sudden dizzy faintness against tho wooden ! pillar beside him. Leopold von Brandstein , smiled sarcastically. "I have touched you lat last" he said. ! The man drew himself up with soldiers,
 instinct--a brave mans solfcontrol. Il
 should bo sorry to doubt monseur's word," he said, in voice cold and stern, and
 passionless. "But any interest either of man
 or woman in my fate or fortune is alike un- sought and undeaired by me- ] "Xaur desire is very singular" ''It may be-
 +l,> the war? Have you friends who would ram
 som you?'
 ''I have no friends" l "A wife, mother. sister, perhaps?' sud-
 den shiver ran through the strong. well-knit ! frame.
 ! II had mother-she is dead" 1 And you feel no desire to know who is
 interested in your welfare here?" i "That she is sointerosted, and could spelS
 of it to you, is in itself an insult" he flashed
 out with sudden fury. Tho colonel smiled , well pleased that at least he had arousa,i ' some warmth of feeling beneath that pas 1 sionless repose.
 "How has she offended you ?" he asked 1 The man was silent.
 Ah well it matters not," Won Brand
 stein said, with covert insoence. "Wh%:
 SOu uo not cuooSe to tell Sne WILL. NOW go. 1 Without word or glance, Pierre raiSA,
 his hand, gave the salute, and departed. For few moments tho colonel pacc, sestlsssly up and down the guard room. 'Ae . Summoned to his presence the officer |
 whom the immediate superntondence au,: : charge of the French prisoners had bee: : given "Niedmann," he said carelessiy
 "there is fellow among that crew thern
 Pierre Leroux by name-who Is both insolen,
 and foolhardy. Keep strict watch on him,
 and give him double work and half rations
 He is dangerous-just the man to plot and
 scheme, and bring the others into trouble.'
 "You shall bo obeyed, Herr Colonel"
 And thus it was that Leopold von Brand 1 stein kept his promise to the woman he 1 loved.
 1 Meanwhile Pierre Leroux left the room
 ;A;, bn f,,