The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1891-07-04

Here. men. spike this pig-headod
fellow" But an imploring voice ex-
claimed;
Stop" In surprise the captain
turned round, saw the mar lying in
the corner. recognized him AS one OF
his own company who had been left
for dead. and learned how compassion
ate the prisoner had been 10 him.
Very well. | will spare his llfc,"
said the officer; ''but we must take
him with us. Muller and Herman.
bind his hands and lead him between
you, aud IL he makes the least noise
strangle him with his own voice. For
ward. We shall soon find the French"
Claude Latapie was in despair; no
had deserted his post. had failed 10
give the alarm, and consequently his
comrades were about 10 be surprised
and mastered. How could he pre-
vent ftp What could he do TO a "
themP
He marched along quietly, rejoiced
for "A minute at percoiving hat his
captors were taking the wrong direc-
ton. but the captain soon discovered
his error and changed his route. This
time they were on the right road. the
little band OF Frenchmen would be
captured-all was lost.
Suddenly the prisoner stumbled and
fell. and as his guardians stopped TO
drag him up again. his fingers clutched
the trigger guard Of Muller's muskct.
The man snatched at tho weapon. but
Claude hung on, and in spite OF his
being bound succeeded in his design.
Then he felt for the trigger; Herman
forced him with the bayonet. and
Claude, mortally wounded. felt his
hold relax; convulsively he made an
other effort and the gun ven of. A
loud report echoed through the dark
ness, and with all his remaining
strength he shouted;
ITO arms.i
Then, pierced through the body, he
reeled and stiffened. biting the
But the report and cry was heard.
The French, aroused. attacked the
enemy; their main guard came up,
and after "A short engagement the Ger
mans. finding themselves surrounded.
laid down their arms.
Claude Lataple was lying in IN am
bulanco when the general OF the corps
came up, bringing him the viaticum
OF the brave-the cross OF the legion
OF honor. The young man, however,
made IA wild gesture as he exclaimed:
NO, no; you do not know how II
VAST
II know you are a brave man" re-
piled the general.
''Ah, my Godt" sighed Claude,
must | proclaim my own dishonor
before | die? deserve court-martial
instead OF the Cross And humbly,
in a voice broken by sobs, he confessed
his momentary desertion from his post,
adding in conclusion:
The whole outpost might have been
destroyed through my fault; yet, l
could not help plying that poor Ger
man.
His comrades made but a poor re-
turn for your compassion. v said the Of
icer.
They warned me; / know what TO
expect. Claude answered. simply.
'and am happy, for die for France
that Is more than | deserve"
Give me your hand, my brave fell
low!' cried the general You have
more than atoned-I am proud to com
mand such a mar as youl' and stoop-
ing, he laid the madel on Claude's
breast ana gave him the accolade. The
young soldiers face was Illuminated;
he grasped the medal in his hot hand.
and gasping for breath, he murmured:
This is for my mother; will you
send il 10 her?'
And on receiving the generals prom
Use, the conscript smiled and died.