Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1893-07-13
\ GENERALS LEGACY.

Jacques Desmoulins was once a soldier
IN the French army. but having allied
himself with the republican forces he
was spotted by the secret police anl
prust into La Conciergerie, one Of tine
Ildest prisons in the empire.
He had been in cell No. l3 for SO many
years that he had almost forgotten WHY
he was there, and il was only now and
then that the cruel injustice which had
been done him presented itself with any
feelings which gave rise TO rebellion.
He had never once stepped from the
damp cell into which he had been thrust
how long ago he knew not for in that
place there was no means fur counting
the passage Of time. Day ana night were
nearly the same 10 him. excepting that
when he heard the evening l,ell at :
o'clock he generally rolled himself in the
ono old blanket arl stretched Ills limbs
upon "A rough cot IN the corner If the
cell. Tro FAINT strclk of sunlight, which
barely fpund ~ entrance through the
little barred window which looked out
over desolate PLAIN III the rear Of the
prison. told him that without it was
daylight. and accordingly he would aris.,
ana sit with his face between his hands
and arms upn his knees until his at
tendant brought LIS morning meal
After this had been eaten he passed
the timc uni,l noon drawing pictures
with sick upon the grayeled floor Of
the crll, working ont problems aud now
mad flr..1
song a nap in the afternoon. with
view of the Euards as they were called
ont for parade at 1 o'clock. which could
he sen from his window. comprised the
monotonous features Of each day. and
with few exceptions they occurred reg
ularlv with nothing 10 break the same
ness
jacques Dcsmoulins was at times filled
with strong desire to escape from the
prison. but when he looked at the heavy
stone walls. the huge iron door and r.
memberei THAI guard was always kept
over the place the idea Of such thing
appeared 50 improbable that he was
obliged To give 1t up. However. he
passed many hours trying 10 solve this
presented itself il was discarded. There
was still FAINT glimmer Of hope in the
breast 81 Jacques Dcsmoullns. and often
he sail to himself. Some day Will
leave these cruel walls and be free
man again. That day was destined to
come. bnt the circumstances leading TO
il were " nature Of which tie poor
prisoner never dreamed.
As Jacques Desmoulins sat in his cell
one forenoon looking at the walls and
low ceiling he wondered what the story
would be could these cold stones speak
Of what had passed within their sight.
He had allowed his thoughts TO run in
this channel for awhile, and the pictures
which his Imagination drew would have
offered more than one subject 10 the
story writers Of today. 4 strong desire
came over him 70 learn something of the
former occupant of cell No l3, and he
was planning a way by which to ap-
proach the attendant when he heard the
key grating i'll the iron door, and mo
ment later 1t swung open and Jean Ca
bother entered with a tray on which was
HOIl!t N1Atlp bltdl anu -AllfE lie
had placed his burden on the table he
turned toward the prisoner, as though
awaiting some remarks from him, for
having brought food 10 No. 10 for so
many years he felt as though he was en-
titled to certain familiaritS with the
occupant which no one had right to
dispute
Monsieur" he said, noticing the
thoughtful face before him, You appear
troubled Are You unwell? If SO, Marie
VIII cook you something different from
this" pointing to the tray at his right
No, Cabotier. | am not unwell, and
Marie need not trouble herself, although
you are very kind. Can you stop a few
moments and talk with me!"
Il see no harm, monsieur. Yours is
the last cell | visit, and all the others
have received their rations. And what
is it you would talk with me about?'
How long. Carbotier, have you been
at La Conciergerie?'
How long, monsieur? Why, ever since
l can remember. When | first looked
beyond my mothers arms, it was at
these walls. and they have ever since
been my home"
Then you must remember those who
have occupied this cell before I was
brought here
Jean Cabotier remained in thought for
a few moments. Hewas trying to recall
some faint memory of the past, but there
seemed broken link in the connection.
A = L. l.. 80 @la
Monsieur, do not remember of any
one in cell No. 13 befoEe you came. !
never visited it, yet believe some great
general was once here when Maries IA
ther was warden. Perhaps she can tell
who it was. There can be no harm,
monsieur, and if she knows will bring
you the story tonight"
After Jean Cabotier had gone the
prisoner remained seated on the little
stool plunged in deep thought. He had
forgotten the tray of food on the table.
SO engrossed was he in the subject in
troduced by the few words of his attend
ent
"A great general" he said to himself,
"and once he looked upon these cruel
walls with feelings the same as mine.
Yes, might have been great general
today We're it not for La Conciergerie,
but, alas, there is no hope for me now!
They say that the revolution is at an
sld and we have failed. France kneels
axlin to monarchical rule. Her brave
fons will drench the soil with blood.
Would that l were among them today,
for this arm would WELD the sword as
it did in former days"
jacques Desmoulins sat there during
the long hours of the afternoon, and it
was not until he heard the key grating in
the iron door that he reused himself
from the reverie into which he had
fallau