The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-01-14

subjected TO SINH examination, when
the old woman hercely interpose6, ex-
claiming that IL was the generals linen,
In time to save the heap from perforatiop
and the secret from discovery.
Margot, meanwhile, stood by, silent
and almost senseless with fright, until
she saw the soldiers, still pursued by her
grandmother's tongue, leave the Sottage.
Then, with q deep sigh of relief, and q
great heart throb OF Thanksgiving, she
turned again to her work.
v.
Margot had to resort to many and
| strange devices in order to keep from her
grandmother the secret of her guest. The
old lady marveled greatly at her grand
daug hter's sudden prodigious access Of
appetite, which Margot tried to persuade
her was the effect of her increased exer-
tions. The anxious girl employed her.
self in unceasing efforts on behalf of her
protege. Night after night she wore her.
self out in altering the appearance OF
every article of his attire. She cut his
soldiers coat into the jacket OF a civilian;
stripped it of it's military ornaments and
turned the skirts into cap.
Meanwhile, daily skirmishes were TAX
ing place between the Royalists and Re-
publican troops, and a great battle was
expected. Atlength, La Crosse could en-
dure confinement and inaction no longer.
One dark night, amid heavy rain, he
took leave OF his protectress, who forced
upon him her last remaining coins, and
cautiously made his way to the Republic
can Army.
Lot f.h a n r. y
the eve OF the battle. Margot was awak-
ened the next morning by the cannon's
roar. Where was her friendf was her
first thought. Making q hasty toilet, she
flung open the cottage door, and ran at
her utmost speed to the nearest rising
ground in the direction Of the battle.
There is no need to describe the terrible
scene.
For time victory seemed to smile upon
the Royalists. But suddenly their oppo-
nents made general and overwhelming
charge, which carried before it the
broken parties of the Vendeans like the
debris upon the bosom OF flooded
stream. On toward the village swept the
mingled mass, and Margot, stunned and
almost stified, was hurried along with in.
All the cottages OF the place were speed
lily set on fire by the ruthless victors, that
of our heroine being one of the first to
perish. Never again did Margot see her
poor old grandmother, or learn for GER
tain OF her fatel The church itself, in
which numbers OF the pursued had taken
refuge, was soon in flames.
When at last the tide of battle had
ebbed away from the wrecked village,
Margot having marvelously escaped all
personal injury, but nearly dead with
horror, was free to weep in solitude over
the smoking heap which was all that re-
mained OF her home. With q burst OF
agony she buried her face in her hands
and sanR almost unconscious upon the
ground.
She was aroused by a voice that seemed
familiar-it was calling Margot" She
lifted her head. IL was La Crosse, who
fearing lest harm might befsll his bene-
factress, had come in search Of her. With
suddenly renewed vigor she sprang to
her feet, and was fastening to meet him
when she saw him fall He had been shot
by party of three or four Vendeans,
who had caught sight of the detested Re-
publican uniform, which he had now re-
assumed. Margot rushed to his side
the Vendeans did the same. They wore
strangers to Margot-men from another
village. Two of them, with a rough
curse, forced her with them into the
wood, whilst another rified the body.
"Dead!" the girl heard them say.
VIII.
When evening fell Margot tsok advan-
tage Of the dusk to escape from her cap
tors. With heavy yet eager heart she
sought the spot where La Crosse had
fallen. No trace of his body was to be
seen. The heart broken girl wandered
aimlessly on until, in the peig ghborhood
of the chateau, she was stopped by Re-
publican soldier of ruffianly appearance.
son which side are you?" demanded he,
in fierce tone. "Royalist," murmured
Margot, too utterly spent to think of the
peril which she incurred by such an an
swer. She eswas instantly made prisoner,
and passed the night, with many other
unfortunates, in an clubhouse belonging
scanty meal, the party of captives was
sent of on the road to Nantes.
TX.
We will not dwell upon the sadness of
Margot's farewell look upon the ruins of
her beloved village, or on the miseries of
the journey to Nantes, where hooting
rtNHiuk BIcctcu tuc urTlNhl OF tne
hapless Vendeans. Our poor Margot,
nearly dropping with fatigue, covered
with dust, and at no time OF a prepos-
sessing appearance, was singled out as
the principal butt OF ribaldry and sar-
casm.
Several of the prisoners died during
the first night in the dungeon of Nantes. |
In the morning q strange scene was en-
acted. For the women of the newly ar
rived band one chance Of life and doubt
full liberty remained. Each Repu blican
soldier was permitted to chose from
among the condemned one woman to be
acknowledged as his wife. All were
chosen but one. Need We say this one
was Margots
Margot was sentenced to transporta-
tion, but weeks passed before the sem
tence was carried out. At length, on the
appointed day, she WAS conducted from
the prison to the boat. Her face was be-
smeared with dust and tears; her clothes
were disordered and torn. her hair HING