The evening times., 1895-08-17
His Recommendation.

Il
An expanse Of Fnow covered the earth;
the wind w1istled through the leafless trees, !,
and even in the middle OF the Cay the coun-
try-side was deserted. One pedestrian fol.
lowed the main road which led from
| Vaiognes He was pleasant, ftill young,
robust, and with an open face pleasing at
the first glance. His Sunday attire gave
sufficient proof that no was not going to
work, but to make q visit in the neighbor-
| hood.
Antoine Merry in fact, was proceeding to
the chateau of II. de Rabon, who had a
vacant farm which he desired to lease But
the applicants were many and the young
farmer had not much hope of success ex-
ceptthrough the recommendationso Of Master
Rovere "a notary ofvalognes, who had given
him letter to the proprietor
Aside from this recommendation, Antoine
merited that bis application should be taken
into consideration, for II the capital at bis
disposal was small, il was supplemented by
Zeal, Intelligence and probity.
Already he perceived in the distance the
roofs Of the chateau, when eome plaintive
barking struck his ear. 1t came from an
abandoned quarry off from the right Of the
road. Antoine approached it, and dis
tinguishcd at the bottom a little black dog,
nearly buried in the snow On perceivine
him the little animal raised himself upon
his hind legs and redoubled his appeals for
assistance. .
Merry was possessed Of that Instructive
sympathy which leads US to succor those
In distress. He thought also that he recog-
nized the dog as belonging to poor woman,
his neighbor. His loss would appear to be
more painful, as he was her sole COM
panion.
In order to assure hin,seIfhe called, "Brts.
quet!" The animal wagged his tail and re-
doubled his barking. Antoine, having no
more doubts, looked about him and dis
cerned sort OF winding path by which, per
chance, one might descend into the rayine,
though not without scme danger, for this
ravine was steep, and the frost made it slip.
perry. Two or three times his footing failed
him and he rolled in the snow but he ar
rived at last near to Brisquet, who doubt |
less had fallen into the hollow for two of
his paws were bleeding and the cold mad |
brought him TO the point almost Of fdepriying
him Of motion.
Taking him under one arm Antoine re- |
mounted and continued on his way to ward |
the residence of NJ. de Rabon
This gentleman, who had Sc rved for long |
time In the ma rines, where he held the rank |
ofvice admiral had lived i'll the country but /
few months. Nevertheless, his brusque !
hunior, irritable, changeable, was already |
known. His native kindness was enveloped |
In garb OF rudeness His contradic;oriness
easily aroused, he became inaccessible, and
the qualities OF his heart were, as we may
tls.h btyf bx.f f,,,l
ter.
antoine, who knew him by reputation, |
was careful 10 leave Brisquet in the ante
chamber and to announce himself as COLI
ng on the part OF Master Rovere The ser
rant was absent while; finally he re-
urned, opened the admiraI's door and
notioned the farmer to enter. But Antoine
paused upon the threshold on hearing NJ
lie RADON raging like a nladman.
May five hundred devils burn himi" the
Did mariner was saying. Can not have
ny breakfast In quiet?"
Iarsh tone:
We'll, what fs IL you want?"
Pray, excuse me, admiral" said An
oine, bowling low and preparing TO retire.
i Will return later"
W. SPSoA sAuec yOu dfc heIe, ISturneU l
donsieur aboD. You come on the part of |
be notary of Valognes?"
Yes, SIR"
And you bring letter to me?"
Here II is"
The old sailor took 1t with a certain aIac
ity.
Il am curious to know If he has concluded
nat affair of the wood lot he growled Il
\ ,,
ctually signed"
He had opened the letter and commenced
} read ii; then ran his eye hastily over it
the end.
Monsieur de abon threw the letter upon !,
lie table and struck II with his fist
And / relied upon hirnl' he cried II
isht 10 have acted by myself III the matter
Will act-yes, win go to-day to the bar
rs house. Order my cabriolet 10 be har-
.ssed, Firmin" =
The servant denar rfed and tho ,drntror