The Press., 1897-12-30

arm useless, put saw what passed near mel saw very we'll. though the gray mist seemed turning red.
 "Young Leon was the next. A bullet struck him below the breast just above the belt, a little to the side-a disa- greeable spot that r Strike yourself with your fist, monsieur, so-- just there. and you will know what I mean. I heard him groan 70 1esnl': and saw. him throw out both his hands into the air. Then I knew what had happened.
 ''In another instant he would fall backward over his horses launches and lie on the ground with a Prussian bullet in his internals and his com- rades' horses trampling the beauty in his young face. On went, the blood trickling down on to my saddle, my teeth gritting together and pretty strong resolve in my soul to see some Prussian fluid very soon.
 Holy Virginr Jean Joseph Cam bert's voice reached me through the screaming and the missing of the bull let's He was speaking grimly. .Cour- age, comrade, he said; you win your wager, for you ride before me toward the enemy's line And, monsieur, it was sol Leon St Paul had been caught as he fell, and lay across the saddle of his rival, supported by his left arm. "What followed then? You must pic ture it for yourself, for I cannot. Some of us never reached the hop vines, some never returned, but those who left us had Prussian comrades on their journey to the other world, be sure of that. An, ha, on that journey good soldier of France is comforted by the presence of a detest- ed Prussian, though in life no road is broad enough for them to travel amica- ply. y - -.~ ~ "When it was over we returned, and we three, Cambert, St. Paul and l. were still together. "Cambert bore St. Paul to the place where M. Vendnme and Marie Emman uel were at work. They were both GOV, cred with blood and sweat. The surgeon groaned as we brought the youth in, for, as I have said, he loved St. Paul, but Marie uttered cry which was hard on Cambert and made him look more grim than ever.
 T was in very great haste to part company with my right arm, but stood aside to give young Leon his chance. A right arm is good friend and sticketh closer than brother. But even the best friend is sometimes de trop: :-s "The surgeon ripped the garments uI with his scissors aud tore them from the wound, disclosing the white flesh of the patients body, but just, then Leon reused and tried to drag himself on tc his side, away from the healer's hand muttering something that seemed to i'm ply that, exclusive to the last, he would not be touched or haHdled in our pres ence.
 "The surgeon drew back irresolute which was indeed strange with mo mehts so precious and gaping, wounds waiting for him on every side. d.. ;.
 fThen it was that the vivandiert spoke, turning to those who stood with in the door of the hut, moved by sucl curiosity as men can feel who are use6 to sceues of blood. ...> v
 Go, go, my friends she said | monsieur must find that bullet, anC this is no place for you. You all hav' had mothers, women of France, sisters some of you wives or sweethearts l Retire, beg. If I come to the door O the hut and say, My friends, it is tn, death'-here her strong voice broke then pray-pray for the soul of brav' daughter of France. -:
 "We who had called the young sol dier comrade and loved or hated hin for his smiling, handsome face cast { strange look upon the silent figure un der the doctors hands. We saw witt opened eyes, and every head was bar in an instant, for patriotism and tn, courage which God himself gives some times to his weakest commanded ou respect as no other earthly attribut might.
 "The doctor, with a gasping sob turned to us as we drew toward tn door of the hut. T loved the youth, h. said. I find that have loved our sis ter. It is well that you should go-sh wishes it-but courage, my brothers, tn time has not yet come to say of ,ou brave comrade in arms-may the sou of the faithful departed rest in peace.
 "Well, monsieur, my arm was takel of and l did we'll enough. They ex tracted that bullet from young Leon body, and the doctor kept it. A bit 0 German lead,T of course, but made pre- cieus by 8 oountrywoman's s blood: The moved us to. the house of wealthy pa triot, and she lay in the. temporar. ward among the men, but separated b 8 screen. My bed was next to it.
 "Cambert came to visit us, cleai shaven, and not half so fierce and grin without his mustache. When he left he was weeping like child.
 "One day 1 heurd Marie Emmanue talking to the patient behind the screen and then heard the voice of Leontin St. Paul.
 "'How shall face my comrades, she said; how meet them, now I Il longer dare to wear the dress in whic they knew me?' ~~, : | .>=. ', -.
 "And the vivandiere answered: Nice them, dear friend, as the wife of ou brave surgeon. .., He loves you-I hay said it Surely such women as you wer meant to be the mothers of our futur heroes '""' ;a+-> s! "
 "And what became of Gambertg'' demanded. ,.. s~ ! s:' >s'
 "Oh, he married," said the. old sol dier. He has sons and daughters. Pel haps he married Marie Emmanuel.
 have. seen his daughter. She is yer like Marie. Cora Langlois in Ne' York Journal
 ..,yRussis's Future. ..s. .G. All. that Russia requires is @ farsigh ed. heroic czar who. comprehendIng tt