Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-12-15

rid heads at the windows, heads bearded to
the temples, with tangled hair and sheep
skin caps. and silly, gaping mouths;
"Hourra! hourrs!' they shrieked, and fired
with their carbines, but r-fellows were
into the house and at their threats before
they had wiped the sleep outiof their eyes.
1t was dreadful to see how the Poles
flung themselves upon them, like starving
wolves upon herd of fat bucks-for, as
you know, the Poles have a blood feud
against the Cossacks. The most were kill
for shelter, and the blood was pouring
down into the hall like rain upon roof.
They are terrible soldiers, these Poles,
though think they are trife heavy for
the their horses; Man for man, they are re, as
big as Kellermann's c4irassiers. Their
equipment, however, is, Of course, much
lighter, since they ara without the cuirass
backplate ard helmet ".
Well, 1t was at this point that / made an
error-a very serious error, it must be ad-
mltted. Up to this moment / had carried
out my mission in a manner which only
my modesty prevents me from describing
as remarkable. Bat now L did that which
an official would condemn and a soldier ex-
cuse.
There is no doubt that the mare was
spent but still it is true that might have
gailoped on through Senlis and reached the
country, where should have had no enemy
between me and Paris. But what hussar
can ride past a fight and never draw rein?
1t is to ask too much of him. Besides
l might be three hours the better at the
other end. Then on the top of 1t came
those heads at the windows with their
sheepskin hats and their barbarous cries
l sprang from my saddle, threw Violette
bride over nail post and ran into the
house with the rest. 1t Is true that was
too late to be of service, and that l was
nearly wounded by a lance thrust from one
OF these dying savaSeS. Still 1t Is pity 10
miss even the smallest affair, for one never
knows what opportunity for advancement
may present itself. / have seen more sol
dierly work in outpost skirmishes ana little
gallop-and-hack affairs of the kind than In
any of the emperor's big battles.
When the house was cleared took
bucket of water out for Violette, ana our
peasant guide showed me where the good
mayor kept his fodder. My faith, but the
little sweetheart was ready for it. Then l
sponged down her legs, and, leaving her
still tethered. L went back into the house
to find a mouthful for myself, so that
should not need to halt again until was
in Paris.
And now 1 come to the part of my story
which may seem singular to you, although
could tell you at least ten things every
bit as queer which have happened to me
In my lifetime. You can understand that
to a man who spends his life in scouting
and vedette duties ON the bloody ground
which lies between two great armies there
are many chances of strange experiences.
I'll tell you, however, exactly what oc-
Cured.
Ola BouVet was waiting in the passage
when l entered, and he asked me whether
we might not crack bottle of wine to-
gether. My faith, we must not be long"
said he There are ten thousand of Thell-
mans Prussians in the woods up yonder."
Where is the wine?" L asked.
"Ahl you may trust two hussars to find
where the wine u.s." said he, and, taking a
candle In his hand, he led the way down
the stone stairs which led to the kitchen.
When got there found another
which nDpnp1 n winding stairs
with the cellar at the bottom. The Cos
sacks had been there before us, as was
easily seen by the broken bottles Uttered
all over it, However, the mayor was a bon
vivant, and do not wish to have a better
set of bins to pick from. Chambertin,
Graves, Alicant, white wine and red, spark
ling and STILL they lay in pyramids, peep
ing coyiy out of the sawdust. Old Bouvet