The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1894-04-16
HIS TASK WAS DONE.

The host Of England had fed, smittsr
and shattered, from the fatal rifles of tn,
Americans, and the glad tidings had lcapet
from the red field Of battle to the anxious
hearts OK the citizens of New Orleans.
But no house was SO gay as that of tn,
wealthy and hospitable Robert Dainemert
whose twin born sons had that day ant
ever since the landing Of the foe been fore
most In tho battle and who were nov
fresh from victory to see their only sisto
welded to William Avern, a young ant
distinguished captain Of the Tennessee ri
1es.
Long bffore Paoksnham gave his sol
diers the bandit watchword OF Booty ant
beauty, William AEern and Clara Daine
inert had pledged their vows, and theil
loves having gained the willing consent o
General Robert the day that should SO,
them united had boeu fixed upon, ant
that day was Jan, 8, though, when the tim,
was appointed, none dreamed that 1t wa,
10 be day of battle. Honored and I'm
scathod, the young Tennesseean had ridder
from the field with old white haired Daine
inert, and his warrior boys had hastenet
to bear the happy news to mother, sister
and betrothed.
She shall be yours this night, my deal
William" sald the old general rs They
drew rein before his house on Toulous,
street. What happier date for marriage
anniversary than that which shall be {
notions pridel Ha, the good news is be
fore usp' he continued us his wife anc
daughter sprang from the house to gree
them.
The lovers uttered rot word, but til.
behming of their eyes spoke volumes o.
happiness.
II have promise to fulfill, +" said Tho
general, and we must invite our friend
as fast AZ legs can carry messages. Seno
for your bridesmaids, Clara; my sons shall
BIO your gfoomsinen, William"
This was spoken as the general led the
way into his paI,or, and every word was
heard by dark faced and naughty youna
man, who rose from sofa as they entered
Web, nephew, we won the fight, and
Huron ST Maur was not there" said the
general with severe glance as the young
man mot his eye.
Huron St Maur when taken prisoner
at Detroit" replied his nephew, "pledged
his word not to bear arms against England
during this war. But my heart was with
you, uncle"
IF had been at Detroit " retorted the
old patriot, Hull had died by my hand
before he should have disgraced the name
he won iii tho Revolution, and if ! had
been Huron st. Maur I'd remained cap
tive rather than accept liberty with my
sword in limbo, But make ready, my
beys, for the wedding, Be happy while
you can"
Huron st. Maur had long loved his cous
In Clara both for the wealth that would
be hers and for her lovely person.
He was the son of the general s young
est sister, and his father had been n French
officer, who served under Lafayette.
Both father and mother sprang from @
brave and warlike line but the son had
inherited mono of their noblcr traits.
When left by his uncle in the parlor, as
/ have related he hurried from the house
with a throbbing heart and burning brain.
He had not dreamed that the marring,
was TO he SO sudden.
Ere many minutes had passed he stood
In the private Office of an italian apothe
cary and chemist, bastard who would
have taken thousand human lives for rs
many goldplcces ii no danger of detection
should menace him.
Il have come for the almond, " said HUI.
ron as the chemist raised his small black
eyes to his.
Have you brought tho price, young
mani"
Huron threw q purse upon the table.
Carlo counted out the yellow coins, one by
one, until he had numbered 100.
Carlo Berhi then produced large al
mond, neatly halved and containing twin
kernels, one Of which was Clipped at each
end
Whoever swallows this, said the Ital.
ian, holding up the marked almond, "doe-
himself no harm, but would not be he
who should sat tho other. Do not make u
mistake"
"Nrver fear, laughed Huron as he turn.
cd away,
When he again stood in his unclcs
house, it was tlrorEud with guests, among
whom he soon was scattering Jest and
compliment.
Hap soid his old uncle ms he met him
near the center of the main parlor, "yo,l
are u lagEard again, Absent from the field
and tetdy at the wedding William aud
Clart became man and wife just five min
utes since -
Sparkling vino and wit, over frosted
cake and duinty yiands, ruled the hour.
Then said Huron ST. Aaur as he filled a
plate with almon,ia:
Come, Cousin WIN, since VIC are newly
made kiAsmcn, eat philepena with me,
and who loses shall forfeit to the bride. "
Agreed laughed the joyous bride.
groom. Seek IA double almond -
All, l am sure l have Que hero, " said
Huron crushing the almond for which he
had paid in gold. This is yourt-now
we eat together and forfeit singly
All unsuspectingly the gallant young
warrior nearer death than when British
bullets famed his manly check that morn,
ate the unmarked almond kernel, while
the Judas swallowed the other kernel.
Two hours after Il servant approached
and told him some one wished to see him
ut the door. Huron in,patiently followed
the call, for he hoped to see that hand
some faea grow deadly pale, that manly
form relaxed In sudden death He found
Carlo Bcrbl at the door
~ gu did not eat the unmarked kernUlF"
asked tho old Italian eagerly,
No; | ate theohe Clipped ut the ends, -
replied the traitor
ut Is well, y said Carlo. NOW go read
This, and rs he spoke he placed billet
IN Huron d hand and hurried away.
With her last breath Blanca told me the
nare Of her destroyer. She know not what shr
told, for de!irinm ruled her speech. She said
the true name OF the pretended German count
WIS Huron s.. Maur Of New Orleans sought
that Nliain. found him. Blanca Is avenged
for Huron ST, A1eur has swallowed the poisoned
almond.
When tho next day came, the corpse OF
Huron 81. Maur lay o9ld and stark upon
the ground, and the letter the ley hand
gIsisPcd revealed the myetery.
blanca s father WAS never seen more In
the Crescent City. His task was done
Boston Globe.
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Down on Foreigners.
do you know tie llttle boys that live