The Republican. [volume] (Mountain Home, Idaho) 1903-1909, 1906-06-26


many feet above the sea.
1t consisted of fair-sized building
and several smaller ones, all of wood,
enclosed within stockade; ana a
few cannon protected the feet-now
consisting of two brigatnes, some
small schooners and sloops and
large number of smaller eraft-an'
chored in the harbor at the rear of the
island
Outside the stockade were many
huts, constructed Of logs, and with
matched roofs, where were always
domiciled a small army OF Latitte's
retainers. while he-when at Grande
Terre-and a few of his sub-leaders
had their quarters inside,
Shell Island already mentioned, up
one of the almost inaccessible bayous
was his most frequent abode, where
he kept about him only few devoted
followers; and here, amid impene
tr8ble forests, was conducted the
building of vessels,
War between the United States ano
Great Britain had been waging for
year or more; but il had not yel
threatened Louisiana, nor had any
preparations been made at New Or
leans to resist an attack from the
enemy.
But, in the summer Of 1873, occurred
the horrible massacre at Fort Minis
in the Mississippi valley, occupied by
some two hundred and seventy per
sons, many of them women and chill
dren, of whom all but seventeen were
put to death by the Creeks, one of the
tribes which the English had won
over for allies.
Gov Claiborne had foreseen this
threatened peril, but was powerless to
| avert it, for his forces were few and
scattered, while the Indians seemed in
| Vulnerable. and moved with wonderful
activity. But the governor did all in
| his power to restore confidence, ana
not long afterward Gen. Jackson ut
| terly destroyed the Creeks at ITALIA
| dega.
my heart may be telling me wrong
| fully, Pierre" Jean said, as the two sat
| talking in their abode at Grande Terre
"a cabin outside, but luxurious with
| in, "but | have feel1i.g that If now
go to the emperor | MAJ find the OPP
portunity for serving him, and that
this may prove to him the ave that
has never died"
Perhaps" answered Pierre, hest
tatingly. But what is it that makes
you think you may be of service to the
emperor and France?"
ITO say truth, have no idea that
Is definite; but feel an irresistible in
clination to go, and see If the oppor'
tunity offers
"If you should find service over
there-then what?"
why" replied Jean, then you can
wind up our matters here, and come
over to join me. Why not?"
why not, indeed? That is assured
ly what would do, if" and Pierre
hesitated for an instant-"I could"
And what can prevent?"
I'm such a case" Pierre replied de-
liberately, there would be valuable
cargo to come with me, and watchful
enemies here to blind. Then possibly
or most probably by summer or fall
with the English vessels patrolling the
waters around us, the safe getting
away might not be so easy matter"
Summer and fall are not now" was
the oracular declaration; land by the
time they come, it may be that the
English will have been made to stink
home again, as once before"
81 don't feel at all sure as to that,
Pierre commented, as he rose to cover
the embers upon the hearth Then
turning to Jean, he continued, as
though there had been no Interrupt
ton, 81 tell thee, lad, that Louisiana
has always possessed a great attrac
ton for Great Britain"
Grant it, said Jean, rising and
stretching himself. Then all the more
reason why, in case they succeed In
obtaining it, that we should wish tc
live somewhere else"
"Ah but | am not saying that they
will rule here!" exclaimed Pierre, with
showing of anger at thought of the
possibility suggested by Jeans words
God forbid"
amen to that" said Jean, laughing
at the quick change in his foster
brothers manner and look; and they
soon parted for the night.
1t was bright morning in May that
the "Black Petrel,' with Jean LATTE
and a picked crew, and bearing car
go Of rich merchandise, sailed from
Barataria; and Pierre, his heart filled
with loneliness and misgivings, sat or
the bluff, watching her sails until they