Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1897-02-26
IS he, too, is confined IA the guard.

Jean, who in saving Pierrc's life,
hau endangered his own.
You may we'll be overcome by the
intelligence. To think that STRIPPING,
who looked so innocent, should be a
double-eyed villain and traitor? This
afternoon his trial will DO resumed.
One thing looks mighty bad for the
youth, he has 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 a few hours be-
fore he saw him. I do not see what is
to save him, any more than Leroy and
Fontain," said his companion.
Pierre went into his tent.
Ills mind was in q 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! I, who
have been guilty of the same charge!
Rather face ten thousand bullets"
ITO arms! To arms!" rang through
the camp.
In a 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 onw shouted Gen.
eral LIE Grande, "The mountain pass is
ours and we shall hold it,
At the head IT his followers he rode.
"Scarce!" Kissed a voice near LIE
Grande, and dusky hand held in
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.
the enemy, With fixed bayonets, seemed
to spring, when suddenly cry rose
from the assailants: "L'Empereur!
L'Empereur!' who, panic-stricken,
could sec 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. 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, I 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. would as soon think
of releasing Jean Mountjoy, who. with
out doubt, has more than once carried
news to tue enemy. Nothing can save
him."
ION my life, I refute the charge
brought against young Jean. 1t was
to save me from sleeping at my post
that he diso5eyed orders, and was
caught prowling about. Punish me II
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. l must have caused all
your suffering. 1t was l." he continued
addressing the general, "who, mistak-
ng Jean for some of the enemy's num-
,rous spies. discharged the contents
If my musket on his approach, and yet
,e continued, amid his intense suffer-
ng, to watch over me-"
1T is enough. Henceforth you are"
"Vivienne! Vivienne" exclaimed
Pierre, as Jean Mountjoy was clasped
n his arms.
Great was the rejoicing among the
soldiers when Leroy and Fontain were
lllowed their freedom.
But when Jean Mountjoy should be
;ent home was mystery which puz-
led them grievously.
When peace was restored Pierre and
4e Grande, almost equals now in rank,
ode side by side.
II shall accompany you, De Laneau,
o your village, for you know am to
i've away the bride, who is waiting so
mpatiently for your return"