Connecticut western news., 1897-09-02

without even throwing away his ciga- rette, moved away slowly toward his comrades, murmuring in low voice:
 "I knew it would come to that sooner or later"
 The Parisian was imprisoned while waiting his trial by court martial. The captain, on hearing of what serious mis- demeanor he had been guilty, judged it necessary to make an example of him, and so he was sentenced to await in prison the day of his trial at Hanoi.
 He made the best of his situation, and when he answered the questions which were put to him by the officer who had been appointed to make the preliminary inquiries about the affair he appeared to be quite resigned to whatever fate might be awaiting him.
 It happened to be the lieutenant in command of the section to which the Parisian belonged, and, though be was sorry in his heart for the culprit, the officer knew that military discipline had to be maintained, particularly during Q campaign.
 One night toward 10 o'clock firing was heard in the distance, and almost at the same moment the sentinels gave the alarm to the little troop. Then, all at once, fierce, deafening volley of fir ing was heard, and fearful shouts and yelling seemed to come from all sides at once. .r
 In few seconds every man of the little company was on foot, and, with his gun placed in the gap of the bam- boo palings, was firing recklessly on the enemy, who had surrounded the fort. At the very first shot the Parisian, knowing that under present circum- stances no one would trouble about him, escaped from his prison, rushed for gun and cartridges and, mounting the slope, began to fire with all his en- ergy.
 His lieutenant in passing by recog- nized him and said:
 That's right, my good fellow. Get wounded, and I'll answer for your other affair."
 "I'm sure to, lieutenant" answered the trooper, smiling bitterly, and then, without troubling himself about the
 
 fast, the Parisian continued shooting. It was very evident that his one desire was to meet his death there rather than to be shot dead by his comrades by or der of the court martial.
 After an hours desperate firing the assailants, numerous though they were, gave up their attempt to take the post and beat a retreat in all directions. The captain, wishing to teach them a lesson, went out in pursuit of them with part of his troop, and, following them up across the ricefields, caused them a considerable loss of men.
 Then, on seeing that he was himself some 500 yards outside the fort and fearing to have his retreat cut off, he gave the order to return. On arriving within their own Qualifications and aft CT having the gate closed securely, he kept his men in their ranks.
 Sergeant Butin," he said, "call over the names.
 The sergeant did not appear in an swer to his chiefs command, and a shudder or hcrror ran through the little troop. If he were still out on.4 the plaini *~ : The enemy never had mer- cy, and prisoners and wounded would have to endure long and cruel martyr dom before death released them. < ' The soldiers disbandcd, and search was made everywhere within the camp, and then little band of men went round outside the Notifications.
 It was all in vain. Sergeant Butin had not returned with the others, and soldiers and officers all hoped that, at any rate, be had been killed outright shot through the heart by ball.
 "Poor fellow," they said to each other as they were moving toward their quarters for the night.
 Just at this moment loud shout was heard outside.
 The sentinel raised his gun and called out, "Qui yive?"
 "Open the gater' replied the voice Of some one gasping for breath. "QuIck Quick! It is Sergeant Butinl"
 The soldiers rushed to the gate and flung it wide open, and then, dark though the night was, they could dis tinguish the form of man almost bent double, carrying on bis back soldier on whose sleeves the gold lace glittered.
 No sooner had he passed through the gate than he staggered and fell. The soldiers crowded round, and by the flickering light of lantern they recog- nized the Parisian. He was deadly pale and covered with blood. One hand was pressed tightly to his side, and with the other he still grasped the sergeant s arm.
 "Youp' exclaimed the captain on recognizing him. "Who let you out of your prison!"
 ''I let myself out, captain, answered the Parisian in weak, broken voice. "I should have gone back when the shooting was over. I found the sergeant out there on the plain-he was wound ed in the leg-and wanted to get him back. I've managed it, but-I've got a bullet in my side. I don't think l shall go-to Hanoi-captain. It's better, though-than-hav French bull lets through my skin. There-goodby- all of you''- And with these words he expired. From the French of Paul d'Argency in Strand.
 | q seaside Romance