The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-04-19


 -oHARrrx FOB THB WOUNDED. KH?" like rooster on your very threshold. my cousin?'
 .sHe has insoIence enough" said De Valette grimly.
 Of a sudden came from outside the sound of a woman's voice in song-a song that matched in melody the air of fife and drum and that gave it words as well; came with it the sound of dancing feet and the cltnking of tambourtne.
 .sWhat's this ?" cried Father O'Mara. He rose to his feet and went to the door. throwing it open. As he did so there dashed into the room a woman. Laughing. head held high, she pi- rouetted across the floor. finishing song and dance together, and. with flourish of the tambourine. she stood gazing in mocking .merriment upon the three men.
 strange, wild, dark woman she was, with full. insoient red lips. great black eyes and figure graceful and sinuOus and 1.-the. A colored handker- chief was wound turbanwise around the loose masses Of her black hair. She wore skirt of vivid red. and her rounded arms were bare to the elbow. Large gold ear ornaments she had. and xaany rings upon her fingers. and her shoes were dust laden
 At De Valette she looked and at the priest. But upon Raoul she looked longer. He turned a little. She laughed
 '-sVho are you're demanded De Va letfe coldly.
 ..Men cali me IYAcadienne-and oth- CT things she said. She looked again at RaouI, and again she laughed. She went on: eEh, then, messieursl A lit tie silver to carry on the war? Char1- ty for the wounded, ehY'
 O'Mara asked quickly:
 tsWhat are you doing here, my girl?''
 ssMe9" she asked ''I'm a wanderer, M'sieur L'Abbe Today find your viii lage and some soldiers. I dance for them. Shall dance for you, messieurs ?'' Her dark eyes flew to Raoul. She one who would like it No? His face is so kind" She turned to him de hberately. Shall I dance fo& you. m'sieur ?''
 He answered quickly:
 ssNog'
 Came from outside a hail. De Va lette turned.
 sDo they summon me?'' he demand ed. He started swiftly toward the door. But ere he could reach 1t there had walked into the room tall man of bone and blood and sinew, clad in the dress of woodsman. A powderhorn was slung over his shoulder, and he carried in his hand a long barreled rife At his heels there followed a shrinking youth of tweuty-a youth with a great shock of straw colored hair and scared eyes. who carried awkwardIy a gun that reached from feet to neck.
 The first of the two with long strides advanced to the center of the room. surveying coo1ly those therein
 I'm Wolft'' he cried. His voice was deep and resonant, his manner the loose, independent swagger of those who fear not and are feared. sI'm Wolff he repeated. 'fI want re- crlaits-voIunteers to serve in General Jackson's army Who'll strike one blow for liberty? Who'll join Wolf's sharpshooters? I'll promise you fight ing enough within twenty-four hours
 De Valette turned upon him coldly. haughtily.
 Sooner, sir,'' he said grimly. eff I had any dogs left in the kennels of vaIette.' 2
 "so. hor' cried Wolf, unperturbed ssE'renchtes, are you? No one here to come and help us lick the British?' He Indicated the shrinking youth at his heels. Heres a young recruit that I wanted to show some patriot ism to. But if that's the way it is''- He turned to his follower. "'Bout face, CrawIeyr' he commanded. s.Shoulder arms! Can't force a man to volunteer. No patriots here. so off with you. Forward! Marchp'
 As they passed out the door he turned To De va1ette he said:
 @Don't ri1e the American eagle. French. It's got sting in it's tail"
 De Valette watched them go, and when they had passed beyond his vi- mioD he turned to LAcadienne.
 sAn of you," he said coldly. There's nothing for you here"
 The woman tossed her head. Her lips curved in mocking smile. Across che room she went and even to the doorway. Yet she did not go through De Yalette. eyes from her, thinking ahe had gone, turned to Raoul and the prtaAt.
 sEaughl CanailleTs he exclaimed in disgust Get us join my sister, gen GIemen.v He left the room. Father o'Mara 3paowed. But Raoul de vaIette re 'saalnsd behind