The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1890-04-12
IN DEFENSE OF HONOR.

In 1914. At Mesnil-sous-Bois, in Cham
payne.
In the little living-room Of the pres
bytery, where the closing day-a
gloomy and cold one of April-gave
only doubtful light. Mdlle. Lys. the
niece OF the able. was arranging In the
bottom Of the armure a surplice and
other clerical garments.
From the street there came up vague
sounds of calling voices. and through
the mist. like shifting fires passed the
unsteady CLEANS of moving lanterns.
All at once. in front OF the house.
the pavement resounded TO the tramp
of many horses; the door-knocker,
rudely sounded. made glasses shake.
and the voice of Jean Bigorne. the
sacristan. was heard by the young girl.
mingled with the blinking of spurs and
confusion Of sabers dragging over the
pavement Of the corridor.
She raised herself. frightened when
the door was suddenly opened by the
sacristan. Two men crowded past him.
and he cried ont. choking with anger:
..Ah, the beggars! the scoundrels!"
Jean, what Is itp" she asked.
w Hal II III 10 TIC SOSNiCkS,
medemoiselle!" and pushing forward
he stopped, seized one OF the heavy sill
YER candlesticks from table. and stood
straight again.
1T is also true that they call me Jean
Bigorne. ex-sergeant of the Twelfth
Dragons, wounded by bayonet at
Arcola, by "A sabcr stroke at Lutzen.
almost killed ut Marengo, and nearly
buried at Jena. and do not advise you
70 advance, you others"
Let them be, Jean. let them be, :"
said Mdlle. Lys. very pale.
Let them bep But, mademoiselle,
the able would never forgive me. IL
Is not alone that this IL Gods house
lot Of brigands that you arc--it is the
church Of M. Chanteloup and because
he 10 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 To repulse
Jean.
"A thousand thundcrs!" roared tho
sacristan; If you tonch me-"
One hand was raised TO strike when
tho grave voice Of Able Chanteloup
asked:
well. what are you doing. SER
geantP"
Monsieur Abbc-my commander"
Il have cautioned you not 10 swear
such oaths. Ii Is the habit OF the regi-
ment which you must lose In tho
service Of God. What do these men
wantp" asked the able.
1.-The officer has billet OF Judgment
here for the night. A lodging
miseryr'
1T Is well; give him chamber"
And which one, thenw
Mine" said the able.
Jean bowed his head and growled
something between his teeth. The
officer started TO follow him TO room.
whom . gesture Of the able detained
him.
do you understand Frenchp Yesp
Then . word. l pray. The man who
receives you has been n soldier. as you
are. He WAS five years a commander
In the guard. and would be still II a
ball had not shattered two fingers ut
Wagram"
And the able showed his right hand.
which had lost its middle fingers.
Not being able longer Ia aid the
country with my sword, have thought
] might still aid II with the cross.
was educated In profound Christian
sentiments. and have become priest.
Aud my ministry commands me TO be
to-day. between you aud the country Ia
which you come an enemy. and inter.
mcdiary Of peace and Cancellation.
Enter. Monsieur. You are In home
Of man without defense. My poor
Jean Is an old man. and my niece
come forward. Lys-is only child.
Before God. who pardons and Furnishes
put ny honor under the projection OF
your honor ~ . soldier. Welcome,
Nonsisurls