The Elbert County tribune., 1905-03-30

commissioner. who happened to he alb
sent for a day from Porto Ferrajo.
This was fortunate circumstance for
LATTE and GreIoire, as the commits
sioner was supposed to keep a watch
full eye upon the emperor, and report
his observations to the English cab
met
Stili-as Greloire had said--it was
no uncommon thing for travellers to
visit Elba with the object OF paying
their respects to Napoleon; and Muir
Ter. after laying Greloire's request be-
fore him. was to ascertain II he would
consent to receive his former soldier
and the American captain that same
evening.
Thus had It been settled when Muir
Ter and Greloire came out of the house
and joined the two who were chatting
on the shaded veranda.
When their hostess took her depart
ure, LATTE turned to Murier and
asked abruptly, How does your EN-
peror bear his exile? Seems he happy
at all, or even coptent?'
Have you ever seen him? You
speak as one who admires-yes, loves
him." Murier spoke rapidly and his
searching eyes showed certain sur
prise at the eagerness manifested in
the younger mans face.
Il surely admire and love him." was
the answer. hearty and yet evasive
OF Murier's question. Cannot one do
this without having seen him?"
Ter, in tone of strong emotion. Are
there many hearts in America. may
ask, who hold him thus?"
LATTE hesitated a moment before
answering with an emphasis that left
nothing for Murier to desire, IF they
knew him as do |. every heart would
feel as does mine. AS 1t is, nowhere
in France is his name held more
sacred than in Louisiana. Now,
M'sieur Murier, will you not answer
my question:
Certainly, M'sieur lie Capitaine; |
will answer you frankly. Whenever |
have seen the emperor. which of late
has been frequently, it has been to see
him tranquil, almost to Indifference"
Here Greloire, who had been listen
ing with growing indignation. broke
into the conversation.
And think you, Murier. that such a
state of affairs Is to continue? Can
you believe that his wonderful powers
are crushed-lost in this Indifference
of which you speak? No! l believe
that. sooner or later, he will rise
and"
"Sh-b!" warned Murier, with a
quick. imperative gesture. This is a
time and place, old comrade, when it
is wise to do no believing aloud Let
us talk no more of such matters, but
learn from M'sieur lie Capitaine some
thing of that wonderful country of his
The talk was interrupted by the re-
appearance of Madame Teche. who
summoned them to dinner; and Gre
loire and Laftte-the former more
especially-who had found little en-
joyment in the cuisine OF the fishing
smack, were not slow in accepting the
invitation.
By the time full justice had been
done to the generous meal, the hour
had come for Murier to report for
duty; and, promising to return with
all possible speed. he left the guests
to be entertained by his sister.
The twilight was near, with the
glow of sunset paled in the valley and
the shadows climbing the hills out
lined sharply against the liquid glory
of the cloudless sky, when he returned
with the information that the emperor
would at s o'clock, receive Grelore
and his friend. the American gentle
man: and shortly afterward they
guided by Muricr. took their way
across the darkening valley, and en-
tered grassy road that wound
through gateway of the hills.
ha