Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-08-30


loved courage and resolution even in
his enemies. AS his intercession wac
seconded by the influence of Gen
Wolfe, to whose request Admiral
Saunders graciously deferred, 1t was
efflcacious in releasing Monsieur de
Wire from his appalling and unpleas-
ant predicament
Other mon were found with less ex.
allied views OF their duty to their coun.
try who could be persuaded by the
means which failed 50 signally in the
case Of de Wire, and the ships were ac-
cordingly piloted up the river. Mean
WHILE his quality having been demon
strated by his heroism, de Wire was
held close prisoner in the fleet. He
had refused to give his parole, and &C
cordingly had been closely confined,
and was carefully guarded.
A winning tongue, a little money,
and specious promises Of ultimate re-
ward had made friend for him
among his guards, and the suborned
soldier had at last found means to
supply him with q British uniform.
In the hurry and confusion of the de-
barkation of the soldiery for the at
tempt on the Plains of Abraham, de
Wire had succeeded in joining himself
to one Of the landing parties without
attracting attention. The captain of
the Sutherland, on which he had been
held prisoner, was surprised the next
morning to find the sentry bound and
gagged-by his own collision, of
course, though that was unknown-in
de Wires room and his prisoner gone.
However, there was so much busi-
ness Of moment on hand the day Of
the battle that no search was made
for him; indeed, none could be made,
and the certain fall of Quebec, which
everybody realized must take place
when the news of the victory was
brought to the fleet rei1dered his pur-
suit useless. 1t was too late for even
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 sourse of events, too,
de Wire would fall into the hands Of
the English again in a few days.
Meanwhile, as he was pleasant fellow,
agreeable and debonair, his captors
were rather glad that he had the privi-
lege of few hours of liberty, especial
ly as it was known that the inspiration
of his escape was the most beautiful
woman in New France.
De Wire had met with no opportun-
fly of escaping from the English lines
until the battle was Joined. He had
been compelled by the exigencies of tn g
situation to point his gun at his own
countrymen, and though he took care
1t 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 retreating
French. In the panic terror of their
retreat no one in the crowding, push
ing mob paid any attention to him,
and he gained the city with tho 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
the object Of hts alteration. He found
her in the doorway of her house,
bending over the PROSTATE form of a
small man in the blue and white uni
form Of the British navy.
"Mademoiselle de Rohan!" he cried
In great surprise, stopping short at the
sight What is the meaning of this?'
The young woman looked up as be
called her name rose to her feet as she
recognized him, and with an expression
OF whitening scorn and contempt de.
Hberately turned her back upon him
For the moment the stranger was for.
gotten. De Wire gasped and turned
pale wSth establishment.
"Mademolselle de Rohan!" he cried
again. "do you not know me?'
II know no one," she answered half
turning toward him with the contempt
deepening upon her beautiful features
who. born in France, wears that uni
form. which even you disgrace!"
Disgrace, mademoiselle!" he cried
Strengthening himself up, his face
flushing. What mean you? Oh, this
-why-I-''
by God!" exclaimed course, rough
voice at his side cts dc Vitrel"
The young Frenchman faced about
and saw himself confronted by a
grenadier of the regiment La Sarre,
who had stopped and was looking
menacingly at him. He was followed
by three regular soldiers from the var
1ous regiments and sailor from
VauQuelin's squadron.
DE Wire, the traitor!" cried an
other.
"Eie who piloted the English ships
up the river" exclaimed the sailor.
The MAJ who betrayed New
France!" shouted third.
The fleeing soldiery stopped and with
several gathered about the little group
in the doorway.
We'll, we are beaten now" remarked
the soldier who had first spoken, who
held the rank of sergeant, "but |
guess we can hold the town long
enough 10 hang you. monsieur. I saw
you In the English ranks when they
charged upon us-curse them! And