The Central Nevadan. [volume] (Battle Mountain, Nev.) 1885-1907, 1903-07-09

H&A AA0
the finest soldier In Africa. II 1t be
possible for one to be finer than anoth-
er where all are SO great. They know
that. They pick him out for all the
dangerous missions. But the Black
Hawk hates him. and SO France never
hears the truth OF all that he does. All
know Is he calls himself here Louis
Victor"
"Ah, I have heard much Of him. A
fine soldier, but
"a fine soldier without a but" In
terrupted Cigarette, with rebellious in
difference to the rank Of the great man
she corrected, unless you add, but
never done justice by his. chief"
As she spoke her eyes for the first
time glanced over the various person.
ages who were mingled among the ssaf
of the marshal, his invited guests for
the review upon the plains. She saw
n face which, though seen but once be-
fore, she knew instantly again-the
face of "miladl." And she saw 1t
change color and lose Its beautiful hue
and grow grave and troubled as the
last words passed between herself and
the French marshal.
"Ah, can she feel?" wondered Clga-
rette, who with a common error Of
such vehement young democrats as
herself always thought that hearts new
er ached In the patrician order and
thought so still when she saw the list
less, proud tranquility return. not
again to be altered, over the perfect
features that she watched with so
much violent instructive hate.
She scarcely heard the marshal's
voice as it addressed her with a kindly
indulgence as to a valued solcier and
a spoiled pet In one.
"Have no fear, little one. Victor's
claims are not forgotten, though VIC
may await our own time to investigate
and reward them. No otie ever served
the empire and remained unrcwarded.
For yourself. wear your cross proudly.
1t glitters above not only the bravest
but the most generous heart In the
service"
She saluted once again and paced
down the ranks of the assembled divi-
slons. while every lance was carried,
every sword lifted. every bayonet pre-
sehted as she went, greeted as though
she were an empress for that cross
which glittered on her heart, for that
courage wherewith she had saved the
~trlcolor.
The eyes of venetia Corona followed
her with something of ineffable pity.
poor little unsexed childw she thought.
How pretty and how brave she Is
and-how true to him!" :
The Seraph beside her in the group
around the Flagstaff smiled and turned
to her.
Il said that little amazon was In love
with this fellow Victor. How loyalty
she stood up for him! But II he ever
forsake her she will be quite as likely
to run her dirk through him."
"Forsake her! What Is he to herr"
There was a certain impatience In
the tone and something of contempfu-
Gus disbelief that made her brother
look at her in wonder.
what on earth can the loves of n
camp concern herr" he thought as lie
answered. Nothing that | know of.
But this charming little tigress is very
fond of him. By the way. can you
point the man out to met am curious
to see him."
Impossible. There are 10000 faces.
and the cavalry %squadrons ere so far
off,"
She spoke with indifference. but size
grew n little pale as she did so. aud
the eyes that had always met his 80
frankly. so proudly, were turned from
him.
Cecil did not hear the gallant words
spoken In bis behalf by the loyal
lips that he had not cared to caress.
As Cigarette passed down the ranks.
indeed. he saw and smiled on his little
champion. but the smile had only a
weary kindness Of recognition in II.
and 1t wounded Cigarette more than
though he had struck her through the
breast with his lance.
Venetia gave a low. quick breath OF
mingled pain and relief as the last Of
the chasseurs paced by. The Sersph
started and turned his head.
"My darling. are you not well?"
Perfectly"
"You do not look so, and you forgot
10 point me out this special trooper.
/ forgot him too"
"He goes there the tenth from
:erc."
Her brother looked. It was too late.
"He is taller than the others. That is
oil | can see. now that his back is turn
ed. l will seek him nj when
do no such thing"
"And why? 1t was by your own re-
quest that | Inquirer
think me changeable, as you will.
Do nothing to seek him. to inquire for
him
"But why? A man who at Zaralla"-
Never mind. Do not let 1t be said
you noticed a Chnsseur d'Afrique at
my instance"
Meantime in another part Of the camp
the heroine of Zaraila was toasted.
not less distinctlvely, II more noisily
and more fnmillarly. by the young off,
rers of the various regiments. Cipa-