The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1899-04-20

more cause to be afraid of nc than I Of
him. And then suddenly I understood
that he was afraid-horribly afraid. I
could read it from his quick steps and
his bent shoulders, as he ran among
the barrels, like a rat making for its
hole. And of course it must have been
he who had held the door against me,
and not some packing case or wine
cask, as 1 had imagined. He was the
pursued, then, and the pursuer. Aha,
I felt my whiskers bristle as advanced
upon him through the darkness! He
would find that he had no chicken to
deal with, this robber from the north.
For the moment was magnificent.
At first had feared to light my can
die, lest should make mark of N.Y.
self, but now, after cracking my shin
over a box and catching my spurs in
some canvas, thought the bolder
course the wiser. I lit it, therefore,
and then advanced with long strides,
my sword in my hand. "Come out, you
rascal!' cried. Nothing can save
you. You will at last meet with your
deserts
I held my candle high, and presently
I caught a glimpse of the mans head,
staring at me over a barrel He had a
gold chevron on his black cap, and the
expression of his face told me in an in
slant that he was an officer and a man
of refinement.
Monsieur" he cried, in excellent
French, 81 surrender myself upon the
promise of quarter. But if I do not
have your promise will then sell my
life as dearly as cam
''Sir," said l. "A Frenchman knows
how to treat an unfortunate enemy,
Your life is safe!" With that he handed
the sword over the top of the barrel
and bowed with the candle upon my
heart "Whom have 7 the honoring of
capturing"' I asked.
Il am the Count Boutkine, of the
emperor's own Don Cossacks," said he.
II came out with my troop to recon-
noitre Senlis, and, as we found no sign
of your people, we determined to spend
the night here"
"And would it be an indiscretion,"
asked, IF were to inquire how you
came into the back cellar?'
Nothing more SIMPLE" said he. ut
was our intention to start at early
dawn. Feeling chilled after dressing,
I thought that a cup of wine would do
me no harm, so I came down to see
what could find. AS I was rummaging
about, the house was suddenly carried
by assault so rapidly that by the time
had climbed the stairs it was all over.
It only remained for me to save myself,
so came down here and hid myself in
the back cellar where you have found
me-"
thought of how old Bouvet had be-
haved under the same conditions, and
the tears sprang to my eyes as I con-
templated the glory of France. Then
had to consider what should do
| next. It was clear that this Russian
count, being in the back cellar, while
we were in the front one, had not heard
| the sounds which would have told him
! hands of his own allies. If he should
once understand this the tables would
Returned, and I should be his prisoner
instead Of he being mine. What was
| to do? was at my wits end, when
suddenly there came to me an idea so
brilliant that could not but be amazed
at my own invention.
| count Boutkine," said I, II find my
self in most difficult position.''
/ ''Why?" he asked.
because have promised you your
life"
His jaw dropped little. "You
would not withdraw your promise?"
he cried.
IF the worst comes to the worst, l
can die in your Defense" said I, but
the difficulties are great"
What is it, then?" he asked.
Il will be frank with you," said I:
''You must know that our fellows, and
+ especially the Poles, are so incensed
against the Cossacks that the mere fact
of the uniform drives them mad! They
precipitate themselves instantly upon
the wearer, and tear him limb from
limb. Even their officers cannot re-
strain them"
The Russian grow pale at my words
and the way in which said them.
s:But this is terrible!" said he.
Horrible" said I. IF we were to
go up together at this moment cannot
promise how far I could protect you"
II am in your hands," he cried.
"What would you suggest that we
should do? Would it not be best that
I should remain here?"
'"That worst of ALL
'And why?"
because our fellows will ransack
the house presently, and then you
would be cut to pieces. No, no, must
go up and break it to them. But even
then, when once they see that accursed
uniform, do not know what may hap
pen"
''Should I then take the uniform
Off"
Excellent! Excellentv cried.
"Hold! We have it! You will take
your uniform off and put on mine. That
will make you sacred to every French
SOLDIER
1T is not the French that fear Sc
much as the Poles" -
"But my uniform will be safeguard
against either"