Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1898-03-31

MySSII, ana no OLnef, cnef1S, re
piled the WelI-knoWn voice; then, a!
she would have embraced him-"Takt
care, this right arm of mine is dam
aged"
''Ycu are woundad!" cried Esper
ance, greatly shocked.
"A mere trifie, only a flesh wouad;
| have just had the bullet extracted
Don't speak of it; it makes me
Ehudder,' said Esperance, lighting one
Of the few remaining candles, that she
might feast her eyes with the sight OF
her wounded hero. He looked pale
and exhausted, but seemed to enjoy
talking about the days events.
1t seemed that nothing had been
gained; the losses had been about
equal on both sides, and the battle
had still been raging when he left
the field.
And papa?" asked Esperance.
Quite well when I left, and very
glad that | could take back the news
10 you"
Then there is no chance of his
coming home tonight"
Not the slightest, unless he fol-
lows my example. Tomorrow we will
go up to the Notifications and see
how affairs are prospering."
This was an exciting prospect. and
Esperance had a great longing to be
near her father; she thought in her
Ignorance, that it would be easier to
bear the suspense if she were within
sight of the battle. Gaspard was
much refreshed by a nights rest.
and the brother and sister set out on
their expedition eagerly and hope
fully. The day was warm and bright,
there was holiday feeling in the air,
which proved irresistible to many.
Esperance was startled on reaching
the ramparts to find the spectators
laughing, chatting, smoking, utterly
regardless of the great tragedy that
was going on.
1t was the first time she had seen
any fighting, and even from a distance
the scene was sufficiently terrible to
be forever imprinted on her memory
Gaspard explained to her the positions
OF the different divisions, and she
tried to understand the plan of the
attack, but her attention was soon
drawn away to the long file of ambu-
lances which was constantly passing
into the city by one of the gates close
by.
Terrible havoc was being made
among the French-around the gate
was a crowd Of anxious relatives,
the ambulances eagerly as
they passed; now and then there was
a recognition, which made Esperance
shiver.
Let US come and watch too" she
said, at length; and Gaspard consent
Ing, they took up their position among
the anxious little group.
They had waited long, and Esper-
ance had begun to feel faint with
fatigue, and from the long train of
terrible sights passing before her. She
closed her eyes for minnie when a
ejaculation from Cas-
pard reused her-looking up she saw
d inter being borne past, on it a
National Guard, his uniform covered
with blood. Her heart throbbed wildly
her head swan, but with a kind of
desperation she forced herself to look
at the FACET was indeed that of her
father.
A great mist came before her ewes
she felt Gaspard put his left arm
round her, and was conscious of re-
lief. He spoke to her. She caught
the words Ambulance Americaine. ="
that they were to follow
and moved mechanically through the
crowd.
AT length they reached the Avenue
de llemperatrice, and applied for adj
mlttance at the ambulance; they had
to wait long. however, and Esper-
ance's tears were by this time flowing
last. A young American lady,
touched by the sight, tried to comfort
her.
You are waiting for news OF a.
friend?"
"Of my father" sobbed she; "oh.
when Will they tell u.s."
AS soon as is possible, everything
is done so quickly now. See, here
comes a messenger"
She went forward and received the
whispered message, then turned to
Gaspard.
You must go in at once to see your
father; be prepared for the worst"
He is mortally wounded, them
asked Gaspard, turning pale.
L fear So replied the lady.
Without a. word, Gaspard took his
sister by the hand, and followed the
messenger into a cool, airy tent, where
notwithstanding the fresh cases which
were constantly pouring in, all was
orderly and we'll managed. They
were conducted past rows of pallid
sufferers, to the bed where M. de Ma.
billion lay. Gaspard saw at once
that the end was very near, and was
more overcome than Esperance. Now
that the worst had come, she was
fearless, her grief for the time beine
overpowered by the Joy of seeing hel
father. The nurse made room for her
and she knelt by the bedside, smoothet
his hair carelessly, and whispered his
name. He opened his eyes, smilins
family.
I'VE have come TO see you. deaI
papa, Gaspard and l."
"Gaspard's wound?" asked N. d,
Mabillon with difficulty.
Going on nicely, papa"
He seemed relieved, then lookins