The morning call., 1893-04-09


day, and with few exceptions they oc-
CURED regularly with nothing to break the
sameness.
Jacques Desmoulins was, at times, filed
with strong desire TO escape from the
prison, but when he looked at the heavy
stone walls, the huge iron door and remem-
bered that guard was always kept over the
place. the idea of such Il thing appeared so
improbable that he was obliged TO give it
up. However, he passed many hours try
ing to solve this question, but as one plan
after another presented Itself it was dis
carded. There was still a faint glimmer of
hope in the breast OF jacques Desmoulins
and often lie said to himself, "Some day
Will leave these cruel walls and be a free
man again" That day was destined to
come, but the circumstances leading TO it
were of nature of which the poor prisoner
never dreamed.
As jacques Desmoulins sat 10 his cell one
forenoon looking ct the walls and low cell
ing, he wondered what the story would be
could those cold stones speak of what had
passed within their sight. BE allowed his
thoughts TO run in this channel for awhile,
and the pictures which his imagina ton
drew would have offered more than one
subject to the story-wliters OF to-day. A
strong desire came over HIM to learn some
thing of the former occupants of cell Is,
and he was planning a way by which to
approach the attendant when he heard the
key grating in the iron door and moment
later 1t swung open and Jean Cab0tier
entered with tray on which was some
water, bread and meat. After he had
placed his burden on the table he turned
toward the prisoner as though awaiting
some remarks from him, for having brought
food to No. Is for so many years he felt as
though he was entitled TO & certain famil-
iarty with the occupant which no one had
right to dispute.
Monsieur" he said, noticing he thought
full face before him, you appear troubled.
Are YOU unwell? Ii so, Marie will cook
you something different from this" point
ing TO the tray at his right.
mo, Cabotier, l am not unwell, and
Marie need not trouble herself. although
you are very kind. Can you stop few
moments and talk with me2'
II see no hahn, monsieur. Youss is the
last cell | visit, and all the others have re-
ceived their rati0ns. And what is it you
would talk with me a6out?"
How long, Cabotier. have you been al
La ConciergeTie?"
How long, monsieur? Why. ever since
1 car remember. When l first looked
beyond my mothers arms it was at these
walls, and they have ever since been my
home"
''Then you must remember who have
occupied this cell before l Was brought
here"
Jean CabOtier remained in thought for
few moments. He was trying to recall some
faint memory of the past. but there seemed a
broken link in the connection. At last he
turned to the prisoner.
Monsieur, ! do not remember of any one
in cell No. - before YOU came. I never
visited it, yet l believe some great general
was once here when Marie'S father was
warden. Perhaps she can tell who it was
There can be no harm. monsieur, and if
she knows L will bring you the story to-
night"
After Jean CRbotier had gone the pris-
oner 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 introduced by the few
words of his attendant
"A great general" he said to himself,
land once he looked upon these cruel walls
with feelings the same as mine. Yes, I
might have been a great general to-day
were IL not for La Conciergerie, but alas
there is no hope for me now. They say
that the revolution Is at an end and we
have failed. France kneeis again TO mon
archical rule; her brave sons will drench
the soil with blood. Would that l were
among them to-day, 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 reyerie
int which he had fallen.
II was Jean Cabotier who entered In
one hand he carried some food and in the
other was pair OF old cavalry boots.
When he saw the untasted meal on the
table and the sad look of the prisoner he
stopped. Upon his face was an expression
of sympathy. and he thus aceosted the
lonely occupant of the cell:
"Monieur, you are i'll to-day. Let me
bring you something from Marie's own little
kitchen-some broth or fresh eggs"
The prisoner raised his head. Upon see
ing the cavalry boots his face lightened up,
and he forgot the inquiry made by Jean
Cabotier.
''Have you learned something" he asked,
about the general who was once in this
cell?"
''Yes, monsieur, Marie remembered the
story as told by her father. and here are the
boots which General Louispierre Dumourier
left when he was called before the tribunal
of the convention"
"What, General Louispierre Dumou-
rier?" asked the prisoner in excited tones.
WAS il at La COncergerie, In cell 13, that
he was imprisoned p'
YES, monsieur in this same place, and
Marie thought there'd be no harm in bring
ing this to you" he said, placing the boots
on the floor before Jacques Desmoulins.
81 did not ask the warden, for surely there
can be no harm, aud you may care for them
as their imprints were long ago left on this
floor. And, monsieur. you need new pair.
for you have had none since you came
here"
Jacques Desmoulins took the boots and
looked at them with feeling of deep in
terest.
"Yes," he said. ~ can wear a generals