The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1895-02-06

a pistol and dagger in my tunio l hur-
ried away. crept along cautiously
when l neared the enemy's lines, for
my plan was to get through the sentries
without being challenged. When
heard the pockets, dropped on the
ground and crawled like q snake. And
yet was nearly caught A German
officer was leaning against a tree, and
/ almost touched him. lay still with
out breathing audibly for long time
how long l cannot say-until he moved
away Then, once inside the lines, /
rose up and fastened to the princes
headquarters. prayed for courage and
then walked up to the door. / trembled
SO that l could hardly speak. Fortu-
nately the officer did not observe my
agitation.
Take me to his highness instantly,
said in my best German. Important
dispatches.
"'Who FROM he began,
ITO his highness instantly. said
boldly. but my knees shook under me,
"He looked at me closely in the dim
light, and felt ready to faint. Then
without q word he took me to the
princes room. Important dispatches,
he said. knocking and showing me in.
From whom?' asked the prince.
In private, may 1t please your
highness, / stammered, but feeling
that ! would not leave without Felix's
life or another for 1t.
oki~a o,d Iaaua uopnk c,,l
the prince, and the officer, closing tho
door behind him, obeyed.
And now, said the prince kindly
You look pale and i'll, sir. What is
your name?
Tho key was in the door, and turn
ed it swiftly. And now, said, pull
ing out my pistol and pointing it full
at his face-my hand did not even
tremble at that supreme moment-'your
highness, said rapidly, If you call
out, You are q dead man.
"Ah, he was German, but he was
SO brave, so bravel He did not even
vince, but he looked straight into my
eyes and smiled.
"'Ah.' he said lightly, "a stratagemi
Who are you, and what do you want?'
Monsieur lie prince said, i am
the daughter of the miller of Penney.
My lover, Felix Larondie, was taken by
your men tonight as a Frano-tireur. If
he is not already dead, he is condemn
ed. want his life or-you lose yours,
monsieur.
ga womanr he said. Well done,
and he smiled, and the pistol almost
dropped from my hand with the pity Of
it till / thought Of Felix. i know
nothing of this, my good woman. No,
bat stay. Here are some papers Elberfeld
has left for me to sign. All, here it is.
Felix Larondie, peasant. taken with
arms. To be shot at a. m.
He shall not die, your highness,
or'-I could not threaten him with
words, but my pistol was steady
But he is an assassin.
mo l cried, he is a soldier,
though he does not wear the uniform.
Imagine, your bighness, said, If ]
should have dared so much for muir
derer.
"'But he has fought as Franc
tireur, not as a soldier.
"What of that, monsieur? And if he
had not fought for France in her hour
would spurn him from me. He must
go free, your highness. II you value
your life.
"'My life is in the hands of God,
mademoiselle, he said, lifting his eyes
to mine Threats do not move me. but
you are brave woman.
"And then my courage left me, mon
sieur, and dropped the pistol and
flung myself sobbing at his feet and
beseeched and entreated him. And he
raised me, monsieur, and made me
drink wine and tell him all the story
All, but be was brave and true gentle
mani And when had told him all he
said, He shall be pardoned. adding,
with a smile, Such devoted woman
must not go husbandless. And then
fell to weeping again, monsieur, and
kissed his hand and tried to thank him.
And he took me to Felix. and he was
released. flung myself on Felix and
cut his bonds myself, and we thanked
the prince together. We women don't
find out II men are worth it till after
ward, monsieur" with q sly look at
her husband. ''Three days later an or
derby came with bracelet from his
highness. and ON 1t was engraved, TO
brave and devoted Frenchwoman.
See. wear it still
''Ah. monsieur. we wept when that
noble prince died. and the great doctor
could not save him. We sent wreath,
and presumed TO write to theempress.
She Is q worthy daughter Of your queen,
monsieur, She sent mo letter writ
ten with her own hand. She was
worthy of that true and brave gentle
man. her husband. Exchange.