The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1898-06-22
SACRIFICE.

dull light of November sky glim-
mered through the panes of the only
window. Out of the obscurity there
arose a woman, pitiful object,
with her little kerchief knotted be-
meath her chin, her face bathed in
tears. She threw herself at the feet
of the priest, crying out, "They are
going to shoot himl'
"Shoot himl Whoa" asked the
priest
1.-The Prussians-my husbandl
and sob choked the unfortunate
creature. Very much affected, the
priest quickly set down his chalice
on table and, taking the hands of
the poor woman in his own, made
her stand up.
"But how-your husbandf"
"Yes; on account of the uhlans
that were killed yesterday by the
sharpshooters. The Prussians have
had lots drawn this morning, and
three men are to be shot-Vincert,
Laideur and my husband. Save him,
reverend sirl"
"But / can do nothing, replied
the priest, with a discouraging ges-
ture, and then, his bowed head rest
ing on his hands, he began to reflect.
The thought Of the misfortune that
was about to befall his parishioners
and his own inability to avert it
grieved him deeply. Not to be able
to help them, his Aock--for whom
he spent himself increasingly, de-
voted even to sacrifice Should he
allow her to depart thus, this weep
ing woman who had come to ask
him for her husbands II must save
him at any price," he said to him
self, and, turning to the woman,
"Take courage" he said, land
hope"
Hastily he took off his priestly
ornaments and directed his steps to
the mayors residence, where was
installed the captain commanding a
platoon of uhlans sent as an ad
vance guard. The naturally pale
face of the priest grew paler and
paler as the road shortened. The
idea of this formidable interview
made him quiver with excitement.
but his excitement banished his
timidity. He was conducted into the
council room. Seated at table. the
captain was signing some papers
He looked the priest full in the
face, and, in order to anticipate a
request that he dreaded, said in
French, in an abrupt manner:
''What do you want, sira"
"I have come to ask-pardon for
the people of this village. They are
innocent, " stammered out the priest.
"War has terrible necessities, re
piled the captain. "Your sharp
shooters kill a number Of our men
every day. Wemust have done with
them. So much the worse for the
villages that harbor them. +"
The priest tried to argue the mat
ter, but all his reasons were shat
tered against the pitiless logic of
the German officer. At length, con-
vinced of his inability, he tried only
to save one Of his prisoners.
"Grant me at least the pardon OF
Leroy. He has three little chill
dren."
The captain showed some sign of
pity, but, pointing to the table on
which his papers lay, he said: 1.-The
orders are explicit. / would be un.
true to my duty as a soldier. You
ought to understand me, Sir, you
who are a priest. Three of our
uhlans have been killed. We must
have three victims.
Nothing was left for the priest to
do but to depart. However, he did
not stir. After a somewhat pro-
tracted silence the captain raised
his head from the papers with which
he was busy and snapped his fin
gers with a gesture of impatience.
Suddenly the priest advanced, and,
as if almost ashamed, he murmured
II have neither wife nor children.
Will you accept meG'
The officer fixed his eyes upon the
priest with look of sympathy
After a moments silence he said:
"This is serious thing that you
ask of me. You are young yet.
Think of it we'll. F"
II beg you to grant it, :" said the
priest.
Without replying, the captain be-
gan to write. Then he arose and,
holding out sheet of paper, said,
"Here is the order to set the man
Leroy at liberty and put you in bis
place" And in grave tone he add
ed, Reverend sir, will you do me
the great honor to give me your
handf"
The priest extended his hand and
heartily clasped the hand OF the
German officer
With light step, so happy at the
thought of his sacrifice that, regard
less Of his dignity, he was disposed