Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1902-07-12
The DrurnmerS
ana the Wolf

Jean Potoir and Antoine Savary
were French boys of the depart
ment of the Yonne. They shared
everything-were nearly always TO-
gether. ~~-~~~''": "seAt'~' ''sss~s'"''7~'~.
| Just before the invasion of Rus
bia by the emperor a number of re-
cruits belonging to the village we're
allowed to return home for a visit,
and the two boys heard their sto-
ries of the last campaign.
As Jean could beat the drum and
Antoine was an excellent ffer, the
recruits begged the parents Of the
boys to let them 60 to the army
and share in the glory of taking the
capital of the car.
The parents agreed, and when the
recruits went back the boys went,
Zoo, and were accepted by the mus
tering officer. He said he needed a
good drummer and a ffer and was
glad to see them. Long before they
reached Moscow both had become
prime favorites in the regiment.
1t was a dreary time for the
French army when it started away
on that famous retreat from the
city of the car. Winter had set
in, the earth was white with deep
SHOWS, the air was bitter and cold.
Before they had gone far hundreds
of soldiers froze to death.
At night the wolves would fill the
frosty air with their bowls, and
when a man dropped out of the
ranks they would rush down upon
him and devour him before his com
rades. They were large and fierce,
and they came in great packs and
sometimes could not be driven off,
not even by a fusillade
One evening near shutdown Jean
came to Antoine and said he had
discovered a farmhouse near by.
He thought they might get some
warm milk for themselves by tell
ing the people how exhausted they
were.
The boys stole off, Jean with his
drum and Antoine with a musket
and some ammunition which had
been given him by a soldier who
had been transferred to one Of the
ambulances.
When they reached the place, in
stead of farmhouse they found q
hut nearly ready to crumb]e to
pieces and no sign of any one near.
As they passed into the hut some
thing rushed out with a snarl, and
the boys found they had disturbed a
large gray wolf.
Suddenly there entered the cabin |
a long, low howl that startled the |
young musicians.
'The wolves have Gomez cried |
Antoine, springing up and running |
to the door, which they had shut.
On the snow stood a huge wolf |
whose sides shone like silver, show
ing that lie wore a gray coat. He
seemed to head the pack. He had
brought them all on the boys track.
Antoine was for firing at the
wolf, but Jean said it would only
precipitate an attack They had
hopes that some Of Prince Nurat's
horsemen would come along and
rescue them without further dam
gers.
BY and by the wolves became
bol6cr- The boys saw them come
almost close enough to be struck
with a stone. They had discovered
the young musicians, and now they
began to set up their long, peculiar
howl.
Jean seized the drumsticAS and
beat the rataplan in hopes Of fright
9ning the beasts off, but the music
made them howl the more.
"Here they come, Jean'' eyclaim-
ed Antoine. '1Look to the door! If
they throw themselves against it in
4 body, it will not keep them out"
The pack in front had risen and |
rere rushing forward, Antoine
thrust the muzzie of his musket
through a crack and fired into the
struggling mass.
Several yeIps of pain attested the
power Of the shot. The wolves
brew off. carrying with them dead
and Icvoured him before
he boys eyes.
Antoine had reloaded. They
stood against the door and awaited
another attack.
Jean seized his drum. The little
musician Of the Ionne played as he
lad never played before. His drum
sticks flew, warming his half frozen
fingers and filling the old shaDty
With strange music, the roll call of
ARMY.
'i'he hut was not high. and its
.4I