The Farmville herald. [volume] (Farmville, Va.) 1890-1934, 1899-01-20
A. B. BOYD, MayfGId, Ky.

teers and the Spahis. Some of the un-
fortunate wretches advanced boldly
against the marines, killing one Of
them and wounding two others, but
, they could not withstand the heavy
fire directed against them. and the
few who were left alive fell upon their
knees and prostrated themselves, cry
ing for quarter.
The French officers, 10y dint of driy-
ing back their anies with threats and
blows, even shooting a few OF them,
managed 10 save the lives of a small
remnant Of the gallant foe, but most of
them lay dead or desperately wounded
by the time the firing had ceased. Gas
pard was sick at heart as he marched
past those groaning or silent bodies;
his comrades cheered and laughed, but
il had come home 10 him with appall-
ing directness that he was murderer
Never before had he seen his position
clearly. In the excitement and the
confusion he had fired as he had been
taught TO do and two men, at least,
ne had seen fall after he had aimed
at them. The fisher lad had not the
heart Of a soldier for all his courage
and in his mird perpetually was the
cry: II have siain a man TO my wound
Ing. and young man 10 my hurt
That day the yictors rested I'm the
captured village. and toward night the
women came frcm the country outside
and tried 10 carry of the bodies OF
their men. wailiug out their death
chants with an awful piteous monot-
ony that depressed the most eXuber-
ant Of the marines. Fascinated, yet
horrifeG, Gaspard watched their 1.-the
dark forms as they tore their hair and
flung their arms above their heads in
gestures OF wild grief, and wept over
their dead. One OF the women, who
was crouched beside the body Of fine
young warrior. turned upon Gaspard
as he passed and spa' al him, uttering
words which, from her manner Of de-
liyering them. seemed 10 be curses.
Gaspsrd looked AT the woman; he
met the full gaze Of her eyes of hatred,
OF savage agony and savage love, and
he flung down his rifle with a clatter
and marched on.
"Priynte Meudon. what means this?"
shouted Sergt. croix "Go, pick mp
your rihe."
81 shall not use it again. sergeant.
Look at that woman!"
What have the black cattle 20 do
wish you2 You have done your duty;
It is enough. Pick up your rihe!"
Gaspsrd strobe on and never an
swered, and so the sergeant picked up
the rife himself. and reported Private
Meudon TO the lieutenant. and the cul-
prit was sent for.
do you know what you deserve
asked Lieut.. Yallon. who was a kindly
man. although a severe disciplinarian,
end who had no wish 20 be severe with
& man who had fought his first battle
Rsllantly.
Gaspard was silent
death is the punishment" hazard
ed the lieutenant lie had no exact .
knowledge OF what the punishment
was for such unprecedented be hayior
Clearly, however, Gaspard had been
guilty of disobedience Of orders while
in an enemy's country.
Gaspard was unmoyed. 1t was evil f
dent to the officer that this man was
no coward and so he tried TO reason .
with him.
"You must have had some motive for .
throwing away your rife. Come. out
with it. my lad"
81 have killed men" The words
came out slowly, reluctantly. and .
Lieut.. yallon laughed outright at the
answer.
You know nothing, you fool.