The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1891-09-23
'TVijztLife and Death
Or
UNDER MEDICAL ADVICE.
A Story Of the Franco
Prussian War.
BY ROBERT BUCHANAN.
CHAPTER VII.
THE WATCH DOG.

wounded man had turned upon his Pill
low, and with his eyes wide open was
stesdfastly regarding her. His expression
was cold and strange, yet not altogether
without gentleness. With low moan ne
moved his hand as if to extend it toward
her, but, faint with the effort, he sank
back, sighing painfully.
Trembling with agitation, she drew
near and gently arranged the pillow be-
meath his head. AS she did so, he turned
his eyes again upon her.
The Doctor thought was insensible,
he murmured; but IL was listening.
Now that We are alone, accept my blessing
and my thanks for your sweet charity.
Hush! compose yourself, replied the
girl. DO rot excite yourself, monsieur.
Your life perhaps depends on perfect rest.
-Msy-msy kiss your handp"
Without hesitation she placed her hand
close to his lips and suffered him to touch
It with them. She could feel his warm
tears and her own began to flow again in
Heaven bless yout" he said. "Yonder.
beyond the Rhine, maiden like yourself
Is waiting and watching for her brother
o pretty maiden, with sunny golden hair
like yours, frsulein. ="
DO not weep" said Blanche; soon you
will be we'll, and then-you will return to
her, monsieur"
His eyes closed and his head fell back
upon the pillow, muttering and murmur-
ing to himself in his own tongue. Blanche
saw that he was in much pain. Obeying
the Doctors instructions, she carefully
sponged the wounded arm, and very soon
the young officer fell into tranquil sleep.
Meantime there was much excitement
! and grumbling down below. Houzel stood
in the porch, leaning on his gun, and sur
rounded by his dogs, interviewing Hubert
and the other servants. There was but
one opinion-that this entertainment OF
one Of the enemy was an ugly and an un.
lucky business.
There is but one way to serve such
canaille!" cried Hubert. He should have
been knocked on the head at once.
"They should have left me to take care
of bim!" growled the keeper. i know
how to settle vermin."
He started and changed color; for his
young mistress stood on the threshold,
pale and indignant.
s}t Silence, Houzel!" she cried. If my
father were here he would do as have
done. Hubert, 60 to the kitchen-go, all
pt yot."
Muttering among themselves, the SER
wants retired. Houzel kept his position.
! leaning against the porch, and looking
black as thunder.
.As for you, Houzel, you should know
better You are better educated, and
should have more compassion"
Il have no compassion for hlm!" re-
turned the keeper. He has no right to
be in this house..
And shouldering his fowling- piece, he
made q movement to leave the place,
then, turning suddenly and encounterine
the eyes Of his young mistress, he added,
regretfully: ,
sForgive me, mademoiselle. I know
have made you angry. But l shall be
close at hand in case you need protection. :
And lifting his hat, the keeper moved
from the door, followed by his dogs:
The night was an exciting one to
(. Blanche. She scarcely closed her eyes.
Next morning DR.. Huet looked in, full
Of excitement.
The wounded man sat propped up with
pillows, wide-awake and submitted quiet
" and without murmur while the Doc.
tor made his examination.
Come, it is not SO bad as / thought. =
muttered Huet.
Il suppose I must consider myself 8
prisoner" proceeded the German.
Certainly; and that reminds me-the
commanding officer of the dis.-.ct insists
on removing you under guard unless you
give your parole not to attempt to escape
or to communicate with the enemy"
.IE Just so," returned the German, wear
ily. You have my parole"
Il. Blanche followed the Doctor to the door.
Your generosity was little over the
mark, he said, answering the question on
her face. That fellow will be on his legs
in day or two, and then you will be rid
of him, hope"
The Doctors prediction turned out per-
fectly correct Within three days the
German rose from his bed and descended
the stairs. He looked pale and worn, and
carried his left arm in o sling, but othtr.
wise handsome fellow.
Standing tareheaded a. the porch, he
quietly smoked his pipe and surveyed the
country prospect around him. AS he did
7 90 he became conscious CT q powerful fig
s nre seated some fifty yards from the
chateau, leaning on fowling- piece and
Regarding him intently. Descending the
Bteps, the German was approaching him,
? when Houzel (for it was he) sprang to his
feet and waved him Lack with an angry
eestura.
what ls the meter, my friend?" asked
the officer, quietly, n the French tongue.
Houzels only reply was scowl of saw
age dislike; but when the other made q
fresh movement toward him the keeper
again ordered him back.
see, he mutteie ed in German. II am
prisoner, after all, and this surly dog is
my Cerberus.
Turning somewhat feebly toward the
K chateau, he came face to face with
Blanche, who was descending the terrace
He saluted her with deep respect. She
bowed to him nervously and was passing
by, when his voice arrested her.
4 DO not think me impertinent, fraulein;
but mayI speak to you? If SO. should
like to thank you for the great service you
have done me-"
do not speak of it, monsieur" she re-
piled. Il have only done what my father
would have done had he been here"
-Ys.'I father is from home frauleinp"
Yes; ne Is with the army
May God bring him back to you safe
1y! He should be proud and happy
man to have 30 good and beautiful 9
daughter"
He glanced round as he spoke and met
the eyes of Houzel, who had reseated
himself and was straining his ears to
catch the words of the conversation.
/, II am under guard, perceive, said the
German, with quiet smile. May ask,
js that gentleman q soldier? By his
dress-"
THAT is only Eouzel," interrupted
Blanche. He is my fathers forester;
and IT he Is guarding any one it is my