The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1895-10-19

thatNhe was afraid--horribly afraid. E.
could read it from his quick steps and
his bent shoulders, as he ran among
the barrels, like Il rat making for it's
hole And of course it must have been
he +yhS had held the door against me,
and not some packing case or wine
casls, as had imagined. He was the
pursued then. and the pursuer. Aha,
felt my whiskers bristle as advanced
upon him through the darkness! He
would find that he had no chicken to
deal with, this robber from the north.
For the moment was magnificent.
At first had feared to light my can
die. lest should make mark Of my
self. but now, after cracking my shin
over box.and catching my spurs in
some canvas. I thought the bolder
course the wiser. I lit it, therefore,
and then ] advanced with long strides,
my sword in my hand. "Comc out, you
rascal I cried. Nothing can save
YOU. You will at last meet with your
deserts"
] held my candle high, and presently
I caught g glimpse of the mans head,
staring / me over a barrel. He had a
gold chevron on his black cap, and the
expression of his face told me in an in
slant that he was an officer and man
of refinement.
s'Mopsiaur,' he cried, in excellent
French, 81 surrender myself upon the
promise of quarter. But if do not
have your promise will then sell my
a life as dearly as I cam
ssSir," said I. IA Frenchman knows
how to treat an unfortunate enemy,
Your life is safer' With that he handed
the sword over the top Of the barrel
and I bowed with the candle upon my
heart s.Whom have the honoring of
capturing?' I asked.
81 am the Count Boutkine, of the
emperor's own Don Cossacks, said he.
81 came out with my troop to recon-
.noitre Senlis, and, as we found no sign
of your people, we determined to spend
the night, here" u
''And would it be an indiscretion,"
asked, ''if were to inquire how you
came into the back cellar?"
Nothing more simple" said he. 1T
was our intention to start at early
dawn. Feeling chilled after dressing,
/ Thought that a cup of wine would do
me no harm, SO came down to see
what could find. As was rummaging
about, the house was suddenly carried ;
by assault SO rapidly that by the time
! had climbed the stairs it was all over.
1t only remained for me to save myself,
SO came down here and hid myself in
the back cellar where you have found
me-"
- | thought of how old Bouvet had be-
haved under the same conditions, and
the tears sprang to my eyes as / con-
templated the glory of France. Then
/ had to consider what should do
next. 1t was clear that this Russian
count, being in the back cellar, while
we were in the front one, had not heard
the sounds which would have told him
that the house. was once again in;the
hands of his own allies If he should
once understand this the tables would
be turned, and should be his prisoner
instead ofhe being mine. What was
to do? 1 was at my wits end, when
suddenly there came to me an idea so
brilliant that could not but be amazed
at my own invention.
Count Boutl1ine,,' said I, 81 find my
self in a most difficult position
"Whv?" he asked.
"A because have promised you your
life"
His jaw dropped little. s'You
would not withdraw your promise?"
he cried.
''If the worst comes to the worst, I
can die in your defense" said I, 'sbut
the. difficulties are great
s.What is it, then?" he asked.
ST will be frank with you" said /.
s.You must know that our fellows, and
especially the Poles, are SO incensed
.sagainst the Cossacks that the mere fact
Of the uniform drives them mad! They
precipitate themselves instantly upon
the wearer, and tear him limb from
limb Even their officers cannot re-
, strain them" a5i
The Russian grew pale at my words
and the way in which 1 said them. .s
But this is terrible" said he. VI
"Horrible!" said I. ss1f we were to
/ go up together at this moment Icannot
II am in your hands," he cried.
"What would you suggest that we
should do? Would it not be best that
/ should remain here?" 55s$545,
u ''That worst of ALL"
''And why?' #
Because our fellows will ransack
the house presently, and then you
would be cut to pieces. No, no, must
90 up and break it to them, But even
then, when once they see that accursed
uniform, do not know what may hap
pen"
Should then take the uniform
:, offa"
Excellent Excellentln / cried.
Hold! We have it! You will take
your uniform off and put on mine. That
will make you sacred to every French
soldier Sss$ss sss
Tits not the French that 4. fear SO
much as the Poles. =
..lsnt my uniform viii be q safeguard
against either" Ill e
How can 1 thank your he cried
''3ut What are you to wear??'''.
81 will wear yours. Z rs 55S
And perhaps fall a victim to your
generosity s5 Ssh iss Sc
TT is my, duty to take the risk q
answered But / have no fears. ~
will ascend IN your niform hum
ared swords will be turned BON me-.
.Holdr / will Shot 81 II I am rigaf1ieri
Gerard Then they will see my face.
rhcJ lx,ssnvS mo md T M tall