The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1897-02-25
him, for I loved him as ! loved my

uOuSS.
Pierre stood like one perfectly
stunned.
Jean suspected of being a spy.
Jean, who in saving Pierre's life,
had endangered his own.
You may well be overcome by the
intelligence. To think that stripping,
who looked SO innocent, should be
double-eyed villain and traitor? This
afternoon his trial will be resumed.
One thing looks mighty bad for the
youth, he has a smart flesh wound on
his right arm, which had to be attended
to as soon as he was brought in. The
surgeon affirms that it comes from
one OF our own sharp-shooters, and
must have been done few hours be-
to save him, any more than Leroy and
Fontain," said his companion.
Pierre went into his tent.
His mind was in tumult of fear
and anxiety.
Gradually his head sank down upon
his knapsack, and in dreams Jean came
to him and whispered words of peace
and comfort.
De Laneau, you are detailed to ap-
pear before the general at once, said
an aid, who stood over him. You are
one OF the men who are appointed to
carry out the sentence of death on the
two delinquents''
And the man departed.
."Great God! I of all others! /, who
have been guilty of the same charge!
Rather face ten thousand bullets 49, )"
ITO arms! To arms!' rang through
the camp.
In moment every man had sprung
to his feet and fallen into line.
On all sides the enemy poured in
their deadly charge.
Again they pushed forward, only to
see their ranks thinned.
Come on! come on!' shouted Gen
eral LIE Grande, 'The mountain pass is
ours and we shall hold it,
At the head If his followers he rode.
"ScarceT Kissed a voice near LIE
Grande, and dusky hand held in a
vice-like grasp the horses reins.
die, dog Of a Frenchman!' he cried,
In his native tongue, as his saber was
lifted on high, when shot shattered
the arm of The Italian, who fell back
biting the dust at Pierre's feet.
The general paused to give grateful
glance at his preserver
From every rock, from every crag,i
the enemy, with fixed bayonets, seemed
to spring, when suddenly cry rose
from the assailants: "L'Empereur!
L'Empereur!' who, panic-stricken.
could see how they were hemmed in by
the advancing troops, which had so
suddenly appeared upon them.
Though the invaders fought with
desperation, they were completely
routed and cut down.
de Laneau,' said Gen. LIE Grande,
to you owe my life. Your promotion is
we'll deserved. l can never reward you
for your devotion to me, but whatever
you may wish, do not hesitate to ask
for it; believe me, it is granted al
ready"
II beg, petition for the pardon Of
Private Leroy and Fontain.'
The brow Of the officer contracted.
'They merit shame, ignominy,
death" he said 'They must be made
an example Of I would as soon think
of releasing Jean Mountjoy, who, with
out doubt, has more than once carried
news to the enemy. Nothing can save
him"
"On my life, refute the charge
brought against young Jean. It was
to save me from sleeping at my post
that he diso5eyed orders, and was
caught prowling about. Punish me il
you will, but let Jean 60 free"
Corporal advance Let the prisoner.
Jean Mountjoy, be brought hither.'
With measured tread the young man
was conducted to the generals pres
ence.
His ripe, full lips looked more like
those of grieved child, but there was
nothing on the whole face to denote
either treachery or deceit.
Jean Mountjoy, If you can answer
one question to my satisfaction you
will be free. Inform me how you re-
ceived the wound which even now is
far from being healed" said Gen. LIE
Grande.
The rich color mounted to Jeans
face.
Pierre exclaimed:
Il see it all must have caused all
your suffering. It was IT, he continued
addressing the general, who, mistake
ing Jean for some Of the enemy's NUM-
erous spies, discharged the contents
OF my musket on his approach, and yet
he continued, amid his intense suffer
ing, to watch over me-
1T is enough. Henceforth you are 2
"Vivienne! Vivienne!'' exclaimed
Pierre, as Jeen Mountjoy was clasped
in his arms.
Great was the rejoicing among the
soldiers when Leroy and Fontain were
allowed their freedom.
But when Jean Mountjoy should be
sent home was a mystery which puz-
lied them grievously.
When peace was restored Pierre and
LIE Grande, almost equals now in rank,
rode side by side.
Il shall accompany you, De Laneau,
to your village, for you know am to
give away the bride, who is waiting so
impatiently for your return"