The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1901-03-25

During the war Of 1870. when the
German troops were marching on Paris,
faiippe Lerouge. a young French girl
mad pet COW. Fanchette, which was
almost the only support Of her family.
70 save the animal from the Germans
she was. under the care Of Fnippe. al
lowed to Craze only at night and kept
hidden ia the daytime, and here we
commence the story.
Y was fIlippe's task every night, as
soon as she had cleared away the sup
per things, to come with Fanchette to
the meadow where she grazed, and
stand guard over her for the hours
necessary 20 give her sufficient time for
her meal. It was a lonely and dreary
vigil, and many times Filippe felt her
heart sink while undergoing it.
One night. when the new moon gave
just enough light 10 make out objects
clearly Filippe was suddenly startled
by the sound Of many horses feet com
ing along the road. Itnceded no glance
n that direction to know that a body
of horsemen were approaching at a
slow gallop. With the swiftness Of the
wind she flew to Fanchettes side. and
with her hand on the gentle creatures
shoulder, was about to push her away
toward a clump Of tall bushes But
alas, through some carelessness the bell |
had not been removed, and either It
gave out a tinkling sound at this mo-
ment or Filippe's swift running had /
drawn attention to herself At any
rate, before she could move the COW, a
grun voice called to her in her own |
tongue, Hold on therel We see youl |
Don't be trying to get that COW awayls
Overcome with terror, Filippe could |
only stand with her hand against the
cows shoulder, looking in the direction
whence the gruif voice had come
The soldiers had now halted. Some
had already dlsmounted and were
climbing the fence Others tore wide
gap and entered through it on their
horses. How their guns and sabers
glittered in the moonlight
20 Fanchettei" exclaimed Filippe
with a burst Of tears. as she threw her
arms around her dear cows neck. u
am afraid they are going to kill you"
Then with a sudden determination she
cried, "But if they do, they'll have to
kin me frsti"
LET 90 that COW, girl" said the
same harsh voice, now unpleasantly
near to her I'VE must have her"
what do you want Of her?' asked
Finppe. raising her head at this point,
and wondering at her own bravery.
ITO eat" was the grun response.
At these words Filippe burst into
tears.
To eatl Her beautiful Fanchette?
No. no, no.
Are you going to get away or not?"
The man questioned again. III you do
not IN have you taken away by force
-omei"
She did not move. but stood with
her arms firmly clasped about the neck
If Fanchette. The officer turned to two
lf the men who had dismounted and
we're standing near Seize her!" he
aid.
They started TO obey orders. Fllippe =
Jaw them coming, and her screams
.ung far and near. They were echoed
~ an angry exclamation from the di-
ection of the road. and the next mo I
nent a horseman on a powerful horse
anne galioping through the gap into :
he field. He was a man in the prime !
# life, with an air that bespoke the
Under his glance the men
Who had been about to seize Filippe !,
Junk away Only the officer held his
round. and he dropped his head, look
ng confused. !.
what does this mean2' sternly de-
handed the newcomer. But he didn't
rait for an answer: he seemed to COM 4
rehend the situation at a glance. !
There. little girl, do not cry" he !
aid in the kindest tone. They shall
ot take your COW. Return home with p
er It Is late for a little gil like you
b be out"
Then while Filippe. smiling through
er tears and courtesying. drew Fanch- 4
tie away. the commander turned to a
1e men. and she could hear him. after a
he had gone some distance, angrily p
-primanding the soldiers. p
Filippe ala not know until long aft "
rward that the noble-looking horse 81
ian who had come just Ii time to save az
er dear Fanchette was no less a per- 4
lnage than Frederick William. crown d.
rince Of Germany-the good "Unser Il
ritz. who died SO universally loved a.
"a regretted.