The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1895-01-24

turing that, woman1ike, she would 70
home and weep in her helplessness and
despair But did not know her then.
She was working for me with all the
energy and wit of woman. Jeanne,
Jeanne, ma petite, come here"
Jeanne came to the door.
Come and tell monsieur how you
saved me, ma petite.
A blush overspread Jeanne's features.
What, that foolish story again?''
Certainly not foolish" Iinterposed
Il should deem it q kindness if you
aould oblige me-"
IF monsieur wishes it.. and monsieur
will allow me, Twill get my knitting"
Certainly" said.
when l saw him carried off,
Jeanne began as soon as she was seated,
Il was in despair, for knew what his
fate would be. And then the good Vir-
gin put an idea into my head, and I
prayed to her to give me the strength
and GINNING to carry it out. There had
been sharp fight week before, and
l knew Jacques Pellot had possessed
himself of some German uniforms that
he had taken from the dead. So de-
manded them from him and threatened
him till he produced them. A sous lieu
tenants uniform fitted me nicely, and
after cutting off my hair and concealing
a pistol and dagger in my tunic hur-
ried away. I crept along cautiously
when I neared the enemy's lines, for
my plan was to get through the sentries
without being challenged. When l
heard the pickets, dropped on the
ground and crawled like snake. And
yet was nearly caught. A German
officer was leaning against tree, and
l almost touched him. I lay still with
out breathing audibly for long time
how long cannot say-until he moved
away. Then, once inside the lines. I
rose up and fastened to the princes
headquarters. prayed for courage and
then walked up to the door. trembled
so that I could hardly speak. Fortu-
nately the officer did not observe my
agitation.
Take me to his highness instantly, ;
l said in my best German. Important
dispatches.
who from?' he began.
"'To 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 a 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 it please your
highness,' I stammered, but feeling
that would not leave without Felix s
life or another for it.
Retire and leave us, Haupt, said
the prince, and the officer, closing the
door behind him, obeyed.
"'And now, said the prince kindly.
You look pale and i'll, sir. What is
your Manner
1.-The key was in the door, and turn
ed it swiftly. And now,' I 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 dead man.
"Ah, he was German, but he was
so brave, so brave! He did not even
vince, but he looked straight into my
eyes and smiled.
"'Ah, he said lightly, a stratagem
Who are you, and what do you want?'
Monsieur lie prince I said, I am
the daughter of the miller Of Penney.
My lover, Felix Larondie, was taken by
your men tonight as Franc-tireur. If
he is not already dead, he is condemn
ed. I want his life or-you lose yours,
monsieur
ga woman' he said. Well done,
and he smiled, and the pistol almost
dropped from my hand with the pity Of
it till l 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 5 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.
"'No,' / cried, he is soldier,
though he does not wear the uniform.
Imagine, your highness,.' / said, If ]
should have dared so much for a muir.
derer.
"'But he has fought as a Franc
tireur, not as soldier
"'What of that, monsieur? And if hi
had not fought for France in her hour
would spurn him from me- He must
go free, your highness, if you value
your life. -.
"'My life is in the hands Of God
mademoiselle, be said, lifting his eye
to mine. Threats do not move me, bu
You are brave woman
"And then my courage left me, mon
sieur, and I dropped the pistol ant
flung myself sobbing at his feet ant
beseeohed and entreated him. And b.
raised me, monsieur, and made nj
drink wine and tell him all the story
All, but he was brave and true gentle
mani And when I had told him all b.
said, He shall be pardoned, adding
with a smile. Such devoted woman