Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1903-11-24

All yincennes stood breathless, con-
templating the irreparable accident. NJ.
Roussillon had lost the effect Of great
period in his speech, but he was quick.
Lifting the watch to his ear he listened
a moment with superb dignity, then
slowly elevating his head and spread
ing his free hand over his heart he said:
"The faithful timepiece still tells OF
the seconds, and the loyal heart of Its
owner still throbs with patriotism"
Oncle Jazon, who stood In front OF
the speaker, swung his shapeless cap as
high as he could and yelled like n saw
age. Then the crowd went wild for
time.
"vive la France! A bas rAngle-
terrew Everybody shouted at the top
Of his voice.
what France does We all do" con-
tinued NJ. RoussiIlon, when the noise
subsided. France has cIasped hands
with George Washington and his brave
compatriots. So do We"
"Vive ZhorZh Vasintonw shrieked
Oncle Jazon in a piercing treble. tip
tOeing and shaking his cap recklessly
under NJ. Roussilons nose.
The orator WINGED and jerked his
head back. but nobody saw It. save per-
haps Father Gibault. who laughed
heartily. In conclusion II. EoussillOn
said:
"Frenchmen. America is the garden
spot of the world and will one day rule
II. as did Rome Of old. Where freedom
makes her home there is the center Of
| power"
When VI. Roussillon ceased speaking
the audience again exhausted It's vocal
resources. and then Father Gibault
called upon each man to come forward
and solemnly pledge his loyalty to the
American cause Not one Of them hest-
tatcd.
Meantime a woman was doing her
part In the transformation Of Post Vim
cennes from a French-English picket to
full hedged American fort and town.
Nine. Godere. finding out what was
about to happen, fell to work making
. fag in ipitation Of that under which
ieorge Washington was fighting. Alice
chanced to be In the GOdere home at
the time and joined enthusiastically In
| the sewing. 1t was an exciting task.
Their fingers trembled while they work
ed. and the thread. heavily coated with
beeswax, squeaked as they drew 1t
| through the cloth.
I'VE shall not be I'm time" said Nine.
Godere Il know we shall not. Every
thing hinders me. My thread breaks
or gets tangled and my needles so
rusty can hardly stick it through the
cloth. Oh, DEAR
Alice encouraged her with both words
and work. and they had almost finished
when Rene came with Il staff which lie
had brought from the fort.
"Mon Dieu, but we have had great
meetingw he cried. He was perspiring
with excitement and fast walking.
Leaning on the staff. he mopped hi
face with blue handkerchief.
I've heard much shouting and noise
said Nine. GCdere. IN. ROussillon's
voice rose loud above the rest. He
roared like a lion
"Ah, he was speaking to us; he was
very eloquent" Rene replied. But
now they are waiting ut the fort for
the new flag l have come for IL
ut IL ready" said Mime. GOdere.
With flying fingers Alice sewed IT to
the staff.
"Voiciw she cried. "Vive la re-
publiaue Americainew She lifted the
staff and let the flag droop over her
from head to foot.
Give it to me-" said Rene, holding
forth hand for 1t, "and I'll run to the
fort with It,"
NO" said Alice, her face suddenly
lighting up with resolve. mo, am
going to take it myself" And without
q moments delay off she went.
Rene was so caught by surprise that
he stood gazing after her until she
passed behind house. where the way
turned. the shining flag ripping around
her and her moccasins twinklinS rs she
ran.