The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1892-05-07
MARIE'S REVENGE.

Inc summer DAY was drawing TO LIE
close-a day marked by strife and
shedding OF human blood; but the
scene on which the dying sun looked
down was one which bore no remem-
brance OF the carnage. The white
tents OF the camp were 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 whose little hand
had been pressed in turn by each OF
the rough and hardened palms she
had honored by her touch. Baby
Marie the regiments vivandiere-
Baby Marie, the regiments
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 one 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
1t 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
Yet she ruled them with rod of iron
She 1t was who eilenced the voice OF
complaint or mutiny; she who babe
the thief, shame-faced. restore his
plumber; who babe them bear punish
ment rightfully deserved like men.
shot and shell. held the cup OF water
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 / 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,
GordonP Such ignorance is voted
here close upon treason. She is the
child OF the regiment Not a 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 a life!" exclaimed Cor
don Graham. Here in the midst OF
the rough, untutored men. Think OF
her old age. Clarence. Unloved! I'M
sexed! Poor child! Is there no wom-
ans hand to lead her into other
pathsP'
Hush! She will hear you"
But the admonition came too late.
A dull dark flush mantled the girls
cheek. and two great hot tears welled
Al eho uooP Btay OsOo'
'Unsexed. he calls me! Unsexed!
Why did not call upon some OF my
children to avenge the insult? Cap
tain Gordon Graham. beware! T.
Marie will avenge myself. BY the
stars above swear it! Oh, mother!
mother! In a 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
Marie" he repeated, and turning
she found him at her side.
II have had letter from my sister,.
little one. l wrote her about you
If-if-" he hesitated embarrassed,
you would like to fit yourself for
some life different to this she would
aid you"
Lest become further unsexed. l
suppose. Captain Graham. give your
sister Marie's thanks but tell her
child OF the regiment dies at her post !"
And. with a saucy laugh. she fitted
away in the darkness.
His sister!' The words spoken to
herself came like groan. '.Ie has
a sister! Would he let her take my
hand, I wonderp But could her hand
blind up my chlldren'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 Gomez
Have patience. Marie. II is close
at hand. In the early dawn the camp
is awakened by the drum beating TO
arms All day RACES the fierce strife
OF battle and not until the stars are
iighsing up the sky do they feel the
victory theirs. Everywhere in the
NhfckAsf ~ thu frav has the child