The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1898-04-15
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Ol NIiu Wa IS. ttAiS ASilii1ulta, kndt ttCll-
,rni Morlllo. then commanding a span.
i,h army, about 1000 sirons. passed
down the Portuguese frontier TO the
lower Guardlana, intending to fall on
Seville as soon as Marshal soult should
advance to the succor OF Badajoy. In
the beginning OF April. while the French
we're dlsheartcncd by the sudden news Of
the fall o.. that city, Morlllo, issuing GU,
OF Portugal. crossed the lower Guar
diana and marched toward Seville.
But the hopes OF the Spaniards OF be-
ing speedily In possession OF Seville
wcrc cut on by piece OF deceit. False
Information, adroitly given by n Span.
lard In the French interest, led Morillo
10 believe that Soult was close at hand.
whereupon he Immediately retired to
Gibraleau. Est sas II .tif
The disappointment and failure in tho
execution of favoritcl project, cher
.shed for many months. irrltated beyond
control the naturally severe temper OF
General Morillo.
1t was evening, and the division OF the
army under him were cncamped some
hours march ON their retreat. Prepa-
rations might have been seen for a mil
i,ary execution; a couple Of French
prisoners captured In the last skirmish
were. according to the cruel practice OF
many chiefs In those times, to be put to
death. Tho capuves were guarded BY a
fllc OF soldiers. and the exccut!oners,
waiting the word Of command to draw
up, were leaning on their weapons and
talking OF the events OF the last two
days. iif'
Just then. one OF the inferior officers
returning 10 his tent. afler giving some
orders 10 tho mon, was interrupted by a
boy, apparently ten years OF age, who
eeiz!ns his hand and speaking in an ac-
cent slightly foreign, besought him.
with pltcous .cnticatics, to procure him
pdmittance TO tho general. The officer
found. on inquiry. that he was the son
OF one OF the prisoners, q soldier dis
.inguished for his eminent personal
bravery, who had not been taken. even
when overwhelmed by numbers, without
giving and receiving many severe
wounds. Il
This soldier, wearied and wounded,
but invlncible in courage and spirit,
scorned to ask clemency OF his con-
dueror. and was now to suffer death
with his companions in misfortune. The
terrible order had been given, for Mo-
rIIlo would not be impeded in his march
by prisoners, and he so hated the
French that the brarest and most gen.
erous among them would have found no
mercy at his hands. Tho prisoners lit
tie son. refusing to be separated from
his father, had been suffered by the
Spaniards to follow him. ~
You shall see the general, boy, since
YOU wish it." said the officer in reply to
the child's passionate entreaties: "but
he will not grant your fathers life. San
Lucas! but these French dogs have
given US too much trouble already"
They entered the generals tent Mo-
rillo, by the light OF a lamp burning on
the table. was reading a dispatch that
he had Just received. Two Of his off,
GERS stood next him; there was no one
else In the tent The brow of the chief
was contracted. and his eyes flashed as
II what he read was displeasins to him;
he looked UP with an impatient excla-
nation as the officer entered with the
boy. The child, as soon as Morillo was
pointed out to him. rushed forward, and
knelt at his feet. $50 !
What does this meant" demanded
the general angrily.
Spare him! Spare my father!" SOB
bed the frightened boy.
The officer explained his relationship
10 one OF the prisoners about to be ex-
rcuted. 50. : :
"Ah. that reminds me-" said the chief
boxing at his watch; "Pero, nine is the
hour. Let them be punctual, and have
the business soon over"
Again. with moving entrcatles the
Child besought his fathers life.
DID your father send you hither?"
asked the general.
No, senior. he did not"
And how dare you, them"
My father has done nothing to de-
serve DEATH" answered the lad. HE is
prisoner OF war" -
"Ha! Who taught you to question my
justice! Answer me, presuming young
ster." - - - . z
NO one. senior. but brave! generals do
not always kill their prisoners"
u kill whom I choose!." Numbered
Morillo; land hate the French. Boy.
your father shall die! I have said Ii:
BECOME from my sight"
The officer made n silent sign TO the
petitioner. TO intimate there was no
hope, and he must be gone. But the
ooys countenance suddenly changed.
He walked up to the general, who had
turned away, and placed himself direct
y before him. with look Of calm reso-
luton worthy OF martyr.
Hear me. senor." said he; 'ny father
Is Sray-haired: he Is wounded; his
strength Is falling even now. though ne
STANDS up to receive the fire OF your
men. am young and strong and we'll.
Let them shoot me in his place and let
my father 20 free"
IL was impossible 10 doubt the SINGER
ny OF this offer, for the face of the de-
voted son was kindled with a holy en-
,husiasm. \ dark flush rushed to the
nio" OF Morillo. and for a moment he
ioohed on the boy in silence.
LOU are willing to die" at length he
scid, Tor your father. Then to suffer
pam Tor MIN Will be nothing. VIII YOU
lose one or your ears 10 save him?"
u VIII. was the firm reply.
Lelu me your sword, Pabla," and In
IN instant, ut one blow, this inhuman
2pahlard struck off the brave boys ear.
nc rictim wept, but resisted not: nor
'a is: MS hand to wipe away the blood.
SO 30 far good; will you lose the other
A., ! WIZ 10 save my father" answered
me boy convulsivcly. :.
Mofillo's eyes flashed with an unf,oIy
nsnt; The heroism Of this child COM
ncIlcd his admiration; but unmoved
from his cruel purpose he, smote on the
o' ne car with his still reclsIng sword.
There was dead silence. .7'...
ana now, senor," said the boy
,h Isatnins quickly and looking up into
And now" answered SIoriIIo "do.