Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1904-11-10

suit useless II was too late for even
a man Of his courage to effect anything
Of Importance then. His knowledge
Of British affairs would be OF no ser
vice now.
In the natural course of events, too.
dc Wire would fall into the hands OF
the English again in few days.
Meanwhile. as he was a pleasant fellow,
agreeable and debonair. his captors
were rather glad that he had the privi-
lege Of few hours of liberty, especial.
~ as IT was known that the inspiration
of his escape was the most beautiful
woman in New France.
Dc Wire had met with no opportun-
lty of escaping from the English lines
until the battle was Joined He had
been compelled by the exigencies of the
situation to point his gun at his own
countrymen. and though he took care
II was not loaded with ball, the mere
motion gave him exquisite anguish.
In the smoke and confusion of the
battlefield. however, he at last found
occasion to mingle with the retreatng
French. In the panic terror of their
retreat no one in the crOwdins, push
ing mob paid any attention to him,
and he gained the city with the rest of
the fugitives through the ST. Louis
gate Forcing his way through the
multitude he ran rapidly down the
street toward the place where dwelt
ihe object of his alteration. He found
her in the doorway Of her house,
e
small man in tho blue and white uni
form OF the British navy.
'Mademoisellc de Rohan," he cried
IL great surprise. stopping short at the
sight. What is the meaning Of this?"
The young woman looked up as he
called her name, rose to her feet as she
recognized him. and with an expression
of whitening scorn and contempt de-
libera'ely turned her back upon him.
For the moment the stranger was for
gotten. De Wire gasped and turned
pale with astonishment
"Mademoiselle de Rohan," ne cried
ngan. do you not know me-
Il know no ono" she answered. half
turning toward him with the contempt
isepering upon her beautiful features
"A,o. born in France. wears that uni.
form. which even you disgrace"
Disgrace. madcmoiselle," he cried
Strengthening himself up, his fac,
flushing. What mean you? Oh, thi.
why i"
ny Cod" exclaimed course rough
voice at lis side, its de Nitre!"
The young Frenchman faced abou
and saw himself confronted BY
grenadier Of the regiment La Sarr,
who had stopped and was ookin
menacingly at him. He was followe
by three regular soldiers from the val
ious regiments and sailor fror
VauQuein's squadron.
DE Wire, the traitor" cried an
other.
fIe who ploted the English ship
up the river" exclaimed the sailor.
The man who betrayed Ne'
France" shouted third
The fleeing soldiery stopped and wit
several gathered about the little grou
In the doorway.
Well. we are beaten now" remarke
the soldier who had first spoken. VIII
held the rank of sergeant. but
guess we can hold the town Ion
enough to hang you. monsieur. say
You in the English ranks when the.
charged upon us-curse them, AM
you brought up the ships"
It's lie. dastardly lie!" cried d
Wire desperately. 4"
What are YOU doing with that Eng
lish uniform on?" asked another. ami
murmurs of Indignation from tn
crowd, for the street was now blocke
with people.
De Wire. seeing the hopelessness {
his situation, backed up against tn
wall and nstinctiyely felt for hi
sword Unfortunately for him he wa
wearing private soldiers uniform
and he had thrown away his gun i
hat mad rush for the St Louis gat'
He was alone. unarmed and helples
before the mob.
, It's fearful mistalte.' he shouted
, MY friends. | am innocent! | can ea
plain Hear me-"
His voice was drowned in yells an
, cXecratiOns The soldiers and peopl