Rocky Ford enterprise., 1895-01-03


pointed to the lord OF the chateau as a
shining example. The immediate re-
suit was seen in the formation eof q
large number OF volunteers from the
district, many OF them being men who
had already served their time, and
were otherwise exempt from conscrip-
tion. The excitement knew no bounds,
and even Blanche began to share 1t.
Fondly as she loved her father, she
rejoiced in the last proof OF his nobili-
ty and self-sacrifce.
"If were only man, she thought,
'.that I too might offer my life for
France"
The day Of parting arrived, and,
followed by those whom his example
had inspired, the chevalier loft his
homo. A few days later word came
that the Norman recruits, with others
from the neighboring districts. had
been formed into company of the
line. OF which Gavrolles was consti-
tuted captain.
Courage, my darling!" wrote the
chevalier to his daughter. 1--WE arc
ordered to the front at once" He ad-
ded in postscript to his letter: ..Tho
medallion, with your mothers picture
and yours lies on my heart. Every
night before lie down to rest look
at the pictures, and bless both
the living and the dead. May God
have you in his keeping. and speedily
reunite us!"
One morning, as Blanche sat in her
boudoir, there was knock at the
door. and Hubert entered. the very
picture of CONSERVATION.
News, mademoiselle, horrible
news!" he cried. THE Germans arc
close by!''
Blanche started in amazement.
at is quite true. mademoiselle,"
continued the old man. II had it
from the mouth Of Monsieur Dud devant,
the school-master, who has seen them
with his own eyes. Oh, that tho
earth would open and swallow them
up alive, the cannibals! They arc
coming hero, and we shall soon be
eaten up alive!"
The news was not without founda-
ton. A portion Of the advanced COL
umus OF the enemy had entered Nor
mandy and taken possession OF the
capital. The whole district was in a
panic. The widest and most hideous
stories were in circulation, and it was
asserted on every hand that the Ger
mans were committing the most in
human crimes. Reports OF mon mas
sacred, women insulted, villages razed
to the ground, arrived every moment
Among the charges made against the
enemy, was the one made so fire.
quently against cavaliers in England
during the great civil war-that OF
actual cannibalism. According to old
Hubert, it was the common practice
OF foreign demons to take einfants from
their mothers arms, toast them on
the end of their bayonets, and devour
them! Even Father Andre, an edu-
Gated man who should have known
better, was willing to believe any ac-
cusation, however preposterous,
against the abominable invaders.
They were not men, they were not
human beings; but demons, exulting
in outrage!
Meantime. Blanche de Gavrolles was
agonized with anxiety, for nearly a
fortnight had elapsed, and there was
neither letter nor message from
VIC ChCNdilSE. Ills laoL leGtcE, nuF-
riedly written on the scrap Of an old
envelope, had been sent from q dis
tant town in tho north, where some
sharp business had been going on
with the enemy's skirmisher's. It had
contained one passage, which after
ward formed source Of hope and
comfort.
II do not know if this will ever
reach you," the chevalier wrote, "but
II 1t does SO, do not be alarmed If you
do not hear from me speedily again;
for it is now exceedingly difficult to
pass letters beyond the lines. Keep
up good heart, my Blanche, for I
think these horrors will soon be ovcr;
it is the beginning of tho end"
Another bomb Of alarming intelli-
gence was presently exploded by old
Hubert.