The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1902-09-24


HE suffered death for murder OF
which they found him guilty." timidly
suggested Pierre.
"And can | look 10 you TO avenge
him." asked the old woman, in derlS-
ion. "No-no: my handsome Jacques
will that one OF these days. He's
no mi!llsop. Nothing frightens him.
NO. not even the sight of blood.'
answered Pierre, with a ShudGer-
Shut up. You arc good for nothing
but TO be honest screamed Mother
Frochard. in a fury. Il hate honest
people. scum that impose on the poor
At this moment the old wOman's IT,
rade was interrupted by the appear
ance Of several people who were COM
! ing toward them, and changing her
voice suddenly from one Of the deepest
anger for whining tone habitual to
professional beggarS, she went toward
them with outstretched hands, repeat
| inc the words she had so vainly endea-
vored to force Pierre to repeat.
Charity, good people. Charity, for
the love of Heaven.'
The poor cripple went back to the
machine with a desponden0 air, and
poured out his troubles in an under
| tone to that companion.
perhaps she is right. I am good for
nothing except to be honest. Alas! |
have never had any one to teach me-
Pierre's musings were destined to be
disturbed on this evening. for he heard
loud, rough voice behind him, which
caused him to start with fear.
1t W that of his brother Jacques.
The handsome Jacques, as his
mother had called him, ana if good
specimen Of rutlian may be called
handsome, then Jacques was perfect
beauty.
He was a tall, strong, well-formed
| fellow of some twenty-fOur years, with
face that betokened brutality in
every feature.
He was dressed witha a view to effect,
wearing the Aowered waistcoat so
much in vogue at that period: red
handkerchief was bound around his
head, and on it was a wide-brimned
hat. blue stockings reaching to his
knees, and in his ears hung large gold
hoops, which were supposed to lend an
air Of fdistinction to the whole costume.
In his month was a black clay pipe,
and his whole bearing was that OF a
man who iswell satisfied with himself,
and who expected the rest of the world
| to admire him.
Halo, Here is the old woman and
her precious abortion of a son." was
his first greeting, as he laughed
heartily at the sight of poor Pierre,
bending over his work. HAS Marianne
come yet, mother?"
"Not yet, my son. replied the old
woman, gazing at him in admiration.
Never mind, she'll come in time y
he said, half to himself and half to his
mother. Then as he heard a noise
from the crowd he had Just left in the
cabaret, he cried out: You can order
everything you want, wine, brandy,
anything, I'll stand it."
Alarmed at this outbreak of liberia
lity on her sons part, Mother Frochard
asked, quickly:
My son, are going to pay? Have
you found purse?"
NO but Marianne has. I have Or
dered her to bring me some money,
and she'll do it,"
This answer appeared to please the
old woman, for she clasped her hands
as if in ecstasy Of JOY and admiration,
and exclaimed, in low voice:
Isn't he in good humor?"
"Come here, Pierre" ordered
Jacques, in stern voice.
The cripple looked up, and for an
instant seemed hesitating whether to
obey or not: but a warning look from
his brother decided him, and he went
slowly toward the man who knew
neither pity nor love for his afflicted
brother.
"Look here, cripple! Good children
always give an account of their earn
ings to their parents" said Jacques, in
a sarcastic tone. Then turning to the
| old woman, he asked: Isn't that so,
mOther?'
Certainly, my lamb. You have ex-
cellent principles" and again the old
woman compared one son with the
other, as she had done hundreds OF
times since their birth.
But poor Pierre looked up piteously
at his brother, and said:
when l give you an account OF my
earningsyou pocket all"
"Well, what if 1 do:" was JacQnes'
brutal answer.
Its unjust" said Pierre. Its so
"That,s enough" interrupted JAG
ques. II want your money, but none
Of your fine Speechs. How much have
you got?'
And he made a gesture as though to
strike his brother, should his demand
not be complied with quickly enough.
Pierre saw that it was useless to
resist, and drawing out a handful of
small coin he proceeded to count them.
"Twenty-twO livres, seven sous, and
six deniers." he answered, as soon as
he ascertained the amount.
Jacques took the money from Pierre'S
hand with motion which caused the
cripple to vince with pain, and as he
put them in his capacious pocket, ne
said, with the tone of man who has
been defrauded out Of his dues:
And all this fuss about that. Why,
what have you been doing for whole
week with those spindle legs and
armS?"
Il have walked the streets from
morning until night, with my wheel
upon my back" answered Pierre, as
if eager to convince his brother that
he had not been idle. Il have lived
upon bread and water. could do no
more"
well, your trade don't pay was
Jacques rough answer. Il must lind
you something BETTER"
Something better? You? Mono"
exclaimed Pierre, as he moSed away,
trembling in every limb at the thought
Of being obliged to work after his
brothers fashion.
Jacques did not fancy Pierre's re-
ioinder, and would have heaped some
fresh insult upon the cripple, had not
La Frochard came forward, anxious to
show her fayorite how we'll she had
done.
Il have saved three livres and eight
sous. Put them with Pierre's. and