The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1893-07-22
A GENERALS LEGACY.

jacques DeSmoullnS was once soldier
in the French army, but having allied
himself with tho republican forces he
was spotted by the secret police and
thrust into La Conciergerio, one of the
oldest prisons in the empire.
He had been in cell No. 10 for So many
years that he had almost forgotten why
he was there, and it was only now and
then that tho 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 for counting
Che passage of time. Day and night were
nearly the same to him, excepting that
when he heard the evening bell at s
o'clock he generally rolled himself in the
one old blanket and stretched his limbs
upon rough cot in the corner Of the
cell. Tho faint streak of sunlight, which
barely found an entrance through the
little barred window which looked out
over desolate plain in the rear Of the
prison, told him that without it was
daylight, and accordingly no would arise
and sit with his face between his hands
and arms upon his knees until his at
tendant brought his morning meal.
After this had been eaten he passed
the time until noon drawing pictures
with stick upon the graveled floor of
the cell, working out problems and now
and then composing few words of
song A nap in the afternoon, with a
view of the guards as they were called
out for parade at o'clock, which could
be seen from his window, comprised tho
monotonous features of each day, and
with few exceptions they occurred reg
ularly with nothing to break the same
ness.
Jacques Desmoulins was at times filled
with Il strong desire to escape from the
prison, but when he looked at the heavy
stone walls, the huge iron door and re-
membered that a guard was always kept
over tho place the idea of such II thing
appeared 80 improbable that he was
Obliged to give it up However, he
passed many hours trying to solve this
question, but as one plan after another
presented itself it was discarded. There
was still a faint glimmer of hope in the
breast of Jacques Desmoulins, and often
he said to himself "Some day ] will
leave these cruel walls and be II free
man again" That day was destined to
come, but the circumstances leading TO
1T were of n nature of which the poor
prisoner never dreamed.
AS Jacques Desmoulins sat in his cell
ono 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 moro than one subject to tho
story writers of today. A strong desire
came over him to learn something of tho
former occupant of cell No. 10, and he
was planning way by which to ap-
proach the attendant when he heard the
key grating in the iron door, and a mo-
ment later it swung open and Jean Ca
botier entered with tray on which was
some water, bread and meat. After lie
had placed his burden on tho table he
turned toward the prisoner, as though
awaiting some remarks from him. for
having brought food to No. 10 for so
many years he felt as though no was en-
titled to q certain familiarity with the
occupant which no ono had a right to
dispute
Monsieur" he said, noticing the
thoughtful face before him, "ycu appear
troubled. Are you unwell? If so, Marie
will 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 few
moments and talk with me2"
Il see no harm, monsieur. Yours is
tho last CELL visit, and all the Others
have received their rations. And what
.isit you would talk with mo about2"
How long, Carbotier, have you beer
at La Conciergerie?"
"How long, monsieur? Why, ever since
can remember. When l first looked
beyond my mothers arms, it was al
these walls, and they have ever sine,
been my home"
Then you must remember those who
have occupied this cell before wa,
brought here"
Jean Cabotier remained in thought fol
a few moments. Hewas trying to recall
some faint memory Of the past, but there
seemed broken link in tho connection
AT last he turned to the prisoner.
Monsieur, do not remember of an,
one in cell No. 10 before 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