Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1905-02-03
CHAPTER XVIII.

=
1t was lucky and stubborn sea-
fight. More blood to the number /
never saw than fell on the Lawrence:
80 of our 102 men having been killed or
laid up for repair. One has to search
a Dit Tor record of a more wicked fire.
But we deserve not all the glory some
histories have bestowed, for we had
larger fleet and better, if fewer, guns.
1t was, however, thing to be proud
OF, that victory of the young captain.
Our men, of whom many were raw re-
cruits-farmers and woodsmen-stood
to their work with splendid valor, and
Tor us in the north, it came near being
decisive. D'ri and l were So put out
OF business that no part of the glory
was ours, albeit We were praised in
orders for valor under fire. But for
both say we had never less pride
OF ourselves In any affair We had had
to do with. Well, as have said be-
fore, we were at our best with sa-
Der. and big guns were out of our
line.
We went into hospital awhile, D'ri
having caught cold and gone out Of his
head with fever. We had need Of a
spell on our backs for what with all
our steeplechasing over yawning
graves-that is the way always think
OF tive were somewhat out of breath.
No news had reached me of the count
or the young ladies', and I took some
worry to bed with me, but was up in
a week and ready for more trouble
I had to sit with D'ri awhile before he
could mount a horse.
September was nearing its last day
when we got of brig at the Har-
Dor. We were no sooner at the dock
than some one began to tell us of a
new plan for the invasion of Canada.
l knew Brown had had no part in it,
for he said in my hearing once that
it was top big chunk to bite off.
There We're letters from the count
and Therese, his daughter. They had
news for me, and would I not ride
over as soon as returned? MY
mother-dearest and best of mothers
had written me, and her tenderness
out me like sword for the way had
neglected her. Well, it is ever so with
. young man whose heart has found
new queen. l took the .missive with
wet eyes to our good farmer-general
Of the north. He read 1t, and spoke
with feeling Of his own mother gone
to her long rest.
Bell" said he, "you are worn out.
After mess in the morning mount your
horses, you and the corporal, and go
and visit them. Report here for duty
On October 49,"
Then. as ever after a kindness, he
renewed his Quid Of tobacco, turning
quickly to the Uttered desk at head
quarters.
We mounted our own horses a fine.
frosty morning. The white earth glim-
mered in the first touch Of sunlight.
All the fairy lanterns Of the frost king,
hanging in the stubble and the dead
grass, glowed brief time, flickered
family, and went out. Then the brown
sward lay bare, save in the shadows of
rock or hill or forest that were still
white. A great glory had fallen over
the far-reaching woods. Looking down
3 long valley, we could see towers of
evergreen, terraces of red and brown,
golden steeple-tops, gilded domes min
areted with lavender and purple and
drared with scarlet banners. 1t seemed
as If the trees were striving after all
the green riot of summer, and making
ready for sackcloth and ashes. Some
stood trembling, and as If drenched in
their own blood. Now and then
lead was bare and bent, and naked
arms were lifted high, as if to implore
mercy.
Fine air." said I, breathing deep as
we rode on slowly.
"T Is sart'n." said D'ri. Mother
used t say at the frost wus only the
breath O. angels, an when it melted
1t gin us leetle o. the the air O.
heaven"
OF earth or heaven, it quickened us
all with new life. The horses fretted
for their heads, and went off at gall
lop, needing no clucls or spur, We
pulled up at the chateau well before
the luncheon hour. D'ri took the
horses. and was shown to the library,
where the count came shortly, to give
me hearty welcome.
And what of the captives?" in
quired, our greeting over.
Alas! 1t is terrible; they have not
returned" said he, land 1 am in great
trouble, for l have not written to
France of their peril. Dieu! 1 hoped
they would be soon released. They are
we'll and now we have good news. Eth
bien, we hope to see them soon. But
OF that Therese shall tell you. And
you have had terrible time on Lake
Erie?"
He had read of the battle, but
wanted my view of 1t. told the story
OF the Lawrence and Perry: of what
D'rt and ] had hoped to do, and of
what had been done to us. My &C.
count Of D'ri-his droll comment his
yalor, his Northumberland and
tickled the count. He laughed, he
clapped his hands, lie shed tears Of en-
thusiasm; then he rang a bell.
The M'sieur Dri-bring him here"
said he to servant.
D'ri came soon with worried look,
his trousers caught on his boot-tops,
an old felt hat in his hand. Somehow
he and the hat We're as king and coro-
nal in their mutual fitness; ii he lost
one, he snapped for another of about
the same shade and shape. His brows
We're lifted, his eyes wide open with
watchful timidity. The count had
opened leather case and taken out
OF 1t shiny disk Of silver. He stepped
to D'ri, and fastened it upon his waist