The Forrest City times., 1890-04-05
IN DEFENSE OF HONOR.


 From the French of Eugene Marano: In 1874. At Mesnil-sous-Bois, in Cham pagne.
 In the little living-room of the pres bytery. where the closing day-a 1 gloomy and cold one of April-gave ] only a doubtful light, Mdlle. Lys, tho niece of the abbe, was arranging in the bottom of the armure surplice and other clerical garments. l From the street there came mp vague sounds of calling voices. and through the mist. like shifting fires passed the unsteady gleams of moving lanterns.
 All at once. in front of the house. 1 the pavement resounded to the tramp of many horses, the door-knocker rudely sounded, made glasses shake. and the voice of Jean Bigorne, tho sacristan, was heard by the young girl. mingled with the clnking of spurs and confusion of sabers dragging over the l pavement of the corridor She raised herself. frightened. when the door was suddenly opened by tho sacristan. Two men crowded past him, and he cried out, choking with anger: "Ah. the beggars. the seoundrels!a
 Jean. what is it?" she asked, 1 What Is itP It is the Cossacks, medemoiseliem and pushing forward he stepped. seized one of Inc heavy sil- yer candlesticks from table. and stood straight again.
 It is also true that they call me Jean Bigorne, cx-scrgcant of the Twelfth Dragoons, wounded by bayonet n, ] Arcola, by a saber stroke al Lutzen. { almost killed at Marengo. and nearly ! buried at Jena. and I do not advise you ! to advance, you others" ] Let them be. Jean. let them be. ' said Mdile. Lys, very pale. Let them be? But, mademoiselle. l the abbe would never forgive me. It Is not alone that this Is Gods house = lot of hrigands that you arcit is the church of NJ. Chanteloup. and because ! ho k cure now it does not hinder that he was always my commander and got no hurt from you under the Emperor. One of the men advanced tc rcpulse Jean.
 "A thousand ihunders,H roared tho sacristan; If you tonch me-" I One hand was raised to strike when the grave voice of Abhc Chantcloup asked:
 Well what are you doing. ser geautp"
 Monsieur Abbc my commander"
 T have cautioned you not to swear such oaihs It is the habit of the regi- ment which you must lose in the service of God What do these men wanl?" asked the abbc.
 The officer has billet of lodgment here for the night A lodging misery,N
 Ii Is wrli; give him chamber"
 And which one, thenp'
 Mine. said the abhe.
 Jean bowed his head aud grow led something between his teeth The officer started to follow him to d room. when gesture of the abbe detained him.
 Do you understand Freneha Yess Thon word, pray, The man who receives you has been soldier as you are. He was five years commander in the guard and would be still if a ball had not shattered two fingers at Wagram
 And the abbe showed his right hand. which had lost its middle fingers.
 Not being able longer to aid the country with my sword, have thought l might still aid it with the cross. was educated in profound Christian sentiments, and have become priest And my ministry commands me 10 be to-day, between you and the country to which You come an enemy. and inter- mediary of peace and conciliation. Enter, Monsieur You are in home of a man without defense. My poor Jean k an old man, and my niece come forward. Lys--is only child. Before God. who pardons and punishes. l put my honor under the protection of your honor us q soldier. Welcome. Monsieur.'
 h the evening. near 10 o'clock. Mdlie. Lys retired to her chamber. The Cossack officer had not yet re- turned to the house from the village through which his men were bilietesi, although the most of them looked In Ut the tavern. when Bigornc came to tell tho abbc that man, dripping with rain and covered with mud. had just ar rived from two leagues away through the woods to ask that the abbe should go te his house, where his mother lay at the point of death and needed the last consolation of the church.
 ''i will go. said the abbe.
 Jean Bigorne looked Tt him.
 But. monsieur abbe." said he, .syou can not think of going at such an hour. The roads are had il rains like q bcnediction and is so black there that the devil goes with his tail down; my commander"
 'siiyc me my hat" replied the abbc.
 "i,ut 1t Is not Gods will, You will meet those brigands at all corners of the woods. not counting that evil officer that yon leave here. Surely it is not prudent, Monsieur Abbe, 1t is not prudent"
 Arc you not herePH replied the aLbe. And hc has not returned this evening, and may be on duty all night. For the rest, I will be back in two hours. Prepare the holy oil. and tell Jaumot at the tavern to saddle horse for mo. It Is the good God who calls me to that friend who is going to Him. Co.,
 ii X enough. my commander. y said Jean resignedly.
 IL was on the stroke of midnight when the abbe Chanteloup returned his horse to the tavern and regained. across the sleeping village, the lane that led up to his house. As he walked along by the wall of the church he heard call:
 Here. this way. Monsieur Abbc!s
 You, JeAnl how are you therasn osked he. nstouished.