Capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1893-1895, 1893-09-15

al y pCAhtpS Oiit 1lOSb dSDOQlStllIlG III
the history of the empire, decided the
victory
The next day the emperor, in order
to honor in some special manner the
heroic squadrons of Murat, wished to
survey the front of this admirable
company of hoIsemen. Grave and
somber, after victory SO hotly dis
puted, he passed at a slow gallop be-
fore the soldiers, saluting the flag
lowered before him. Arriving OPP
posite the eighth regiment of dra-
goons, he slackened his pace and said
to Grouchy, who followed him:
who is that cavalier in the first
rank, who holds his sword in the left
hand4 He strangely resembles Cal
viniac."
"Ho is a Polish volunteer" re-
sponded Grouchy. He was engaged
several days ago and has fought
like lion. saw him at work, and
do not know of one more worthy a
reward"
The emperor approached the pre-
tended Polander.
"Well, my brave fellow" said he,
II have the pleasure of congratulate
ing you upon your courage. One of
my generals, Calviniac, recently
took the liberty Of criticising my ac-
tions. l have deposed him. You
may replace him. / shall have then
at the head of my dragons an of
ficer worthy of them, whom i con-
slider compatriot and friend"
He resumed his course, followed
by his escort of superbly uniformed
generals.
The days which followed this bat
tie were employed in removing the
dead to the shore of the Vistula near
Warsaw. They were transported on
sledges across the vast plains, fol
lowed by fiocks of crows. Some,
whom the guard would not permit
to be moved, remained in the con-
vent of Eylau, now transformed into
hospital.
Among them was General Calvin
lac, who was very i'll with q fever
He had abused his strength. After
having fought all day, his arm in a
sling, he was still at his post of hon
or, but at night, when the excite
ment of the struggle and the emotion
of triumph were somewhat calmed,
his wound, which had reopened,
caused him violent pain. Fever set
in. The surgeons thought amputa-
ton would be necessary, but know
ing that the ball had not remained in
the flesh and that the bone was not
injured they decided to wait a few
days.
Happily, woman watched near
him. A young and beautiful Polish
girl, wearing the graceful costume of
the peasants of Ukraine, had pre-.
sented herself to the outposts, saying
that she sought her brother, vol
unteer in the cavalry of Murat. The
Countess Zelinska, for it was she,
had had presentiment of the result
of the battle. and following her fem
inine instincts she sought among the
wounded for her lover
After day of vain search, worn
out and anxious, almost desperate,
she conceived the idea of seeking
shelter in the convent of the Bene-
dictines. Seeing that it was occupied
by the wounded French, she still had
strength enough to search the large
halls. Asking explanations, giving
details, she finally discovered the lit
tie room where upon a camp bed was
extended, not her brother, as she |
said, but he whom she loved more
dearly than brother, since she had
witnessed his chivalry and patriot |
ism.
The countess was not recognized |
by Calviniac. Delirium had robbed !
him of his reason. This condition |
lasted for several days, during which |
his devoted nurse watched over him |
constantly. Finally the fever abat-
ed, and the surgeons declared that II |
he avoided all imprudence recovery
was certain.
One morning Calviniac, while tax
ing some nouTishment, regarded with
attention the young woman who
served him with 50 much devotion.
He thought that he recognized her
features, but her dress puzzled him.
He feared that It was dream or
hallucipation. However, hearing
her speak, he trembled and remem-
bered the sweet interviews at the
fireside in the palace Of Warsaw. He
made an effort to collect his confused
ideas, and raising himself upon his
couch called feebly:
"AlYisl"
The countess unable to repress an
instructive movement, turned toward
the sick man. She approached him;
their eyes met They regarded each
other a long time without speaking.
but this mute language told the
story, and Joy radiated from their
faces.
How came you herei" asked Cal
viniac. 1T is you who have cared
a 10. |