Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1892-05-06
MARES REVENGE.

"
brance OF the carnage. The white
tents OF the camp wore scattered here
and there upon the green sward
swords were sheathed. muskets laid at
rest while tired men stretched them
selves at length or quietly watched
the preparation OF the evening meal.
IN the center OF one group OF soldiers
was tiny figure on which every eye
rested in love, and who little hand
had been pressed in turn by each OF
the rough and hardened palms she
had honorod by her touch. Baby
Marie the regiments vivandiere-
Baby Marie, the regiment s
adopted child. Sixteen years
before she had been born amongst
them; her father killed in a
sortie on the day OF her birth; her
mother unable TO bear the cruel shock.
speedily followed him. leaving the lit
tie ono an orphan ere three days had
passed over her unconscious head. 1t
was strange trust for these rough.
uncouth men TO adopt but they kept
it royalty. Baby Marie she was TO
them still in the dignity of her sixteen
years; Baby Marie she would be when
the chestnut curls had faded into gray.
let she ruled them with q rod of iron.
She it was who s.lenced the voice OF
complaint or mutiny; she who babe
the thief. shame-face restore his
plumber; who babe them bear punish
ment rightfully deserved like men.
But she it was who. in the midst OF
q nd hnl ho -
TO the thirsty lips bound up the bleed
ing wounds, or bent her plying head
to catch the last whispered message to
mother or sweetheart from lips fast
growing cold.
did l not tell you we would win
the dayP" now rang out the clear
young voice, as the slight figure
sprang upon the bench beside her.
that she might better look into each
bronzed. rugged face.
My children. | am proud of you. ="
AS she spoke the words. two young
officers arm in arm, sauntered by.
WHO IS that child who calls these
men her childrenp" questioned one,
the younger OF the pair whose pro-
motion had but recently transferred
him to the camp.
You do not know Baby Marie,
Gordon? Such ignorance is voted
here close upon treason. She is the
child of the regiment Not man be-
longs to it but would lay down his
life for her. They say her life is
charmed, and to see her vending her
way in the thick of the battle. succor-
ing the wounded one might readily
believe it,
but what life!" exclaimed Cor
don Graham. Here in the midst OF
the rough. untutorod men. Think OF
her old age. Clarence. Unlovedl I'm
soxedi Poor child! Is there no wom-
ans hand to lead her into other
pathsP'
flush! She will hear you"
But the admonition came too late.
A dull, dark flush mantled the girls
cheek, and two great hot tears welled
in the deep gray eyes.
''UnseXed. he calls mel Unsexed!
Why did not call upon some of my
children to avenge the insult? Cap
tain Gordon Graham. beware, l.,
Marie will avenge myself BY tbs
stars above swear it! Oh. mother!
mother" liz burst of bitter sobbing
the little figure. In Its bright fan
tastic dress canteen slung about the
slender waist threw itself upon the
ground.
Marie" The voice which breathed
her name was one whose music she
had learned to know in those long
weeks since she had made her vow OF
vengeance TO herself and the stars.
'.AIarie" he repea ed. and turning
she found him at her side.
Il have had letter from my sister
little one l wrote her about you.
| lift" he hesitated embarrassed,
you would like to fit yourself for
some life different to this she would
aid you"
! Lest | become further unsexed,
suppose. Captain Graham give your
sister Marie's thanks. but tell her a
child of the regiment dies at her post "
And. with saucy laugh. she fitted
away in the darkness.
His sister" The words spoken 10
herself came like a groan. ''1e has
| IL SlSJer! w Quiz ne let 0ef take my
hand, | wonder? But could her hand
blind up my children's wounds as this
hand has doneP 1t is brown and hard.
Hers must be white and soft sparkling
with diamonds. bathed in cosmetics;
mine bathed in blood; her lips pressed
by his kisses. Oh. will my revenge
never comep'
Have patience, Marie. 1t is close
at hand. In the early dawn the camp
is awakened by tho drum beating to
arms. All day RACES the fierce strife
OF battle, and not until the stars are
lighoing up the sky do they feel the
victory theirs. Everywt ere, in the
thickest OF the fray. has the child
vivandiere been. now uttering some
word OF encouragement or command.
or anon STOPPING with gentle haste to
wet the parched lips of one OF her
children. Like some fitful freely. with
the lantern buckled to her belt now
that the fight is ended she treads her
way among the many forms with
which the ground is strewn, as though
seeking some one her watchful eyes
had missed. A groan arrests her
steps At her very feet helpless,
wounded, lies the man on whom she
had sworn to be avenged. The faii
hair is streaked with blood a heavy