The San Francisco call., 1898-03-03

coated with thin whitewash were now streaked with yellow. and dotted here and there with green mold. Tn one corner hinged like shelf was a prack- ct seat. There was no furniture or bed- ding. The floor, constructed of red crumbling bricks, stood on end, was damp and foul smelling. The first day spent in this awful place found young Joseph less defiant. That night he slept but little. and when for breakfast he was given a pewter bowl of sour and sticky soup. his heart failed him, and be longed for another talk with his brother. His brother had anticipated as much. and when Joseph was taken out in the morning for his daily exer- else the clerk of the Prefect saw him again. and agreed to go to his cell that night When he did go, he told Joseph that at the end of the fifth day he would be taken to the office Of the Pre- lecture of Police, and asked the ques- ton whether or not he would prefer Belgium or America as a place of exile Joseph's face frightened, and he prompt ly replied: T will choose Belgium.
 "No," said his brother; you must not make that reply.
 Why"
 ..Those who prefer Belgium, never reach there,' was the significant an Swer.
 Prom Belgium, 1t is too easy to return to France, and Louis Napoleon does not want his exiles to return
 "I prefer Belgium and will so de- clare" sullenly replied Joseph.
 Very well, then" said his brother, .I have warned you, and if you make that request-
 There was the sound of the firing of guns in the dark corridor.
 'Did you hear that?" Joseph asked.
 "Some poor devil has asked to be sent to Belgium" said his brother, as he left Joseph once more alone.
 Five weary days passed and Joseph had plenty of time to think over the admonition of his brother. No day passed that he did not hear the shots echo through the corridors. When his time came to appear before the pre- lecture of police, and the question of the place of his exile was asked him, he replied-"America.'
 Think what exile to America means to a Frenchman--a Parisian. And think what it must have meant to Routier to come not only to America but to California in '53 with the horde of ad- yenturers who sailed on the ships the French used to call "l'Ingot"-the in eot-for the new Fl Dorado. Think of the wilderness he came to. Think of the height of culture and civilization he left behind, and forever.
 On the night of January 20. 1852. there was a sound of revelry within the Ely see Louis Napoleon was supreme. Gathered around him were those who had contributed to the glory of his achievements, and who now shared his fortunes. About him sabers glistened and drums beat. Presidents of repub- lies now accepted and honored the au thority of his Ambassadors; Kings bowed to him, and all the world ac- knowledged his triumph. On the night of the 20th of this month and year there was to be grand fete at the nslace. All the musicians of Paris had been summoned to the court of Napo- Icon. Among them was beautiful Mme -. the celebrated pianist, the wife of noted lawyer. Her playing charmed Ronaparte He naid her compliment and offered any reward she might claim Without a moments hesitancy ebe nleaded for the freedom of Joseph Ro,,tier de Bullemont. Napoleon called his Minister of the Interior, De Morny. and made some inquiries con- corning Joseph.
 "Mme. -" he said at length -nJo-