Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1893-06-05
The Noble officer.

In the IaSb war NuiCu IonOO AOuHne
against Spain, the German subsidiary
troops had garrisoned little town on
the shore of the Spanish river Tago,
but only a weak garrison OF twenty-five
men were left therein. They were sur
rendered by the inhabitants through
the persuasion of the Spanish soldiers.
Only one escaped and brought news OF
the bloody deed into the French camp.
Here they ordered dire Vengeance on &C
count OF the terrible deed. lmmedl-
ately captain of Baden with CON-
pany of his troops received the COM
mand to surround the city, burn II
down and turn it into heap OF stones.
The inhabitants were to remain shut 10
and with idle despair see their goods
consumed by the flames. From this
measure the French expected the best
results. The Germans had been sent
out TO avenge the ignominious death OF
their brethren; their leader was known
In his whole army as one OF the bravest,
most resolute and most courageous OF
officers.
But he was more than that. His
noble, humane heart was filled with
he could not and would not refuse to
carry it out. The terrible approaching
destiny OF so many unhappy persons,
the greater part of whom were innocent
OF the murder, touched his noble soul.
Already he pictured in his mind the
city blazing up, heard the loud lamenta-
tiops OF women, children and aged men,
the groans Of the dying, and his plans
were formed, his resolution fixed. Even
before daybreak he gave his soldiers
the command TO set out. The way
passed by a convent that stood not far
from the threatened city. The wise
and human behavior OF the prior and
all the inmates Of the convent towards
friend and foe gained for them the love
of both, and this true house OF God was
made the asylum for the fugitlves.
Captain H. requested admission and an
interview with the prior. These re-
quests were granted. His most trusted
soldier accompanied him andafter half an
hour he returned, but alone. His COM
panion, unobserved and disguised, had
stolen out through another door and
had soon reached the city, where he
appeared with the writing OF the prior
as heavenly messenger. The wives,
children and sick and aged men were
told to hasten with their goods on the
nearest way to the convent Favored
by moonlight, the procession began.
Mothers with their infants on their
arms headed the train. Grateful sons
bore their aged mothers. Thus they
reached the convent, where the prior
and the monks received them hospita-
bly,. During this time the noble cap
tain had led his soldiers by another
road TO the city. He caused 1t to be
surrounded, but in such way that eV-
cry road leading to the convent remain
ed open, and commanded the men who
had stayed to heap up piles OF wood and
straw. They did so, and soon bright
flames blazed from all sides. But be-
hind the fire stood the houses and huts
untouched, and there was no thought OF
plumber. After the two hours burning a
courier was sent TO the general, In order
to request him to have the burning
stopped. The messenger returned with
the command that the city must burn
till noon. Immediatel the remainder
keep up the fire, and the timbers OF
some of the public houses which had
been torn down that at least something
might, be destroyed were used for the
same purpose. At last the hour struck
twelve ard sign to retreat was given;
it was truly march OF triumph, for
among the thousands there was not one
who did not weep tears of JOY. Accom-
panied by the male inhabitants OF the
city, who carried the soldiers guns and
knapsacks, all the while loading their
rescuerS with thanks and blessings, the
mingled troop reached the convent.
The old men, the women and children,
frightened by the fire in the distance,
rushed upon the newcomers with anx-
ious questions but soon the terrible doubt
became joyful certainty, when they
learned that the brave and thoughtful
captain had we'd not only their lives,
but also their houses and goods. They
fell on their knees before him and
kissed his hands: he could hardly rid
himself of their lively manifestations OF
JOY. Then the prior, a venerable man
with silver hair came with tears in his
eyes to meet him and all respectfully
stepped back. Noble youth" he be-
gan while with trembling arms he
pressed him to his heart, 'for your deed
is every reward too small; in your breast
alone you will find the deserved one.
We are too poor and possess nothing
which we could offer you. | have only