Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1903-08-29

Again the hawk-like eyes Of the great
leader flashed and seemed to pierce Ga
vairre through and through.
Then came silence.
at is unfortunate, my corporal
There was no answer, save for the
jerky, labored breathing of Gavairre.
The tone of voice in which .Ie last
words were spoken meant volumes. The
corporal could have borne a torrent of
abuse. The singing, biting sarcasm was
worse than anything.
Repeat all you know" said the EN-
peror coldly.
"A corps of your imperial guards at
the entrance of the Somossierra pass in
the early hours of yesterday morning"
began the corporal, in halting measured
tones. a volley of musketry rang out,
followed by another and another, right
down the ravine. The guards paused
and drew back. Then drummer
stepped slowly forward, quickly beating
the charge. 4 cheer rang out, and the
men, daunted for while, We're thrilled.
They began to advance. The drummer
still beat the charge with his right hand
his left was shot away. The men steadi-
ly marched on, and then they saw their
beloved Emperor on his charger That
instilled them with fresh courage They
rushed the ravine. In the excitement
and melee the drummer, in the thick of
the shot and shell, lost his head--and.
well. sire, you know the rest" concluded
Gavairre, white as death.
The hitherto impressive countenance of
the Emperor Hndled with momentary
enthusiasm.
Il remember the incident, corporal.
Who was the drummer
My son. sir.
Your son is brave fellow. How
came he to desertf'
u-oS his fret foc+o el,o+
confesses he tried TO run away
Does Gen. LaZelle know of the So
mossierra incident!"
"Yes, my Emperor"
\ look of anger passed over Napo-
Icons face. He remembered the gener-
ais intensely satisfied expression when
the death warrant was handed him.
He never mentioned it to me, my cor
poral. 1t was an important omission. 1t
was unjust Gavairre," put in the En-
peror suddenly, what | ask you is for no
ears but yours. Perhaps il may be irrel.
evGnt to the subject and contrary to
strict military discipline, butt am EN-
peror."
The last words We're proudly said.
Listen! Do you know if your son has
offended Gen. Lazelle in any way?"
Lazelle had risen from the ranks. In
those days promotion was swift, however
humble the soldiers birth.
Sire, they are rivals in the game of
love-. answered Gavairre.
All"
The exclamation escaped the Emperor
almost unawares. In moment he
gained complete self-possession. and was
orSe more calm, intiexibie, rmpassive.
Sire, sirer' cried the corporal sudden
Is. forgetting all save his son. or in whose
presence he was. and fiinging military
discipline TO the winds by kneeling at the
Emperor's feet; "a word from you, my
Emperor"
'Gavairre! You forget you are cor
poral in my guard" said Napoleon, icily.
In moment the man rose, and once
more stood at the salute, pale. motionless.
heard but the humping of the corpo-
rails heart, which beat rs fast as his
sons drumsticks.
The warrant for his execution has
been sent in. | signed il half an hour
ago, my corporal" began Napoleon at
length. He must pay the penalty, if
only as an example to Others.
AS YOU say, my Emperor
That's all. cornorS!"
The man turned to GO.
lone moment Gavairre."
Napoleon wrote hurried note, signed
and sealed it.
Deliver this to the head of your sons
guards AT once, / promise nothing, mind
you-hold out no hope, Capt. Gavairre."
Captain, sire
You are captain from this moment
Go.
The gray shadows of the early dawn
crept Stealthily over the camp. Faint
sounds Of life once more began to be
heard men moved about and guards
were changed. Presently the steady but
mutfled tramp, tramp of eight men. with
loaded rifles, captain and a prisoner
with his right arm bound. his left in a
rough sling, and eyes bandaged. ap-
preached ready-duG grave, near which
stood group Of silent men. among whom
were Napoleon and Gen. Lazalle, there