The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1912-05-23

Olu Fere CaYal and Jean sat before
the fire talking. On the table the re-
mains Of hastily prepared meal
showed shat Jean had been nearly
famished.
And so, my boy, you have smelt
powder, and have heard the whistle of
the bullets? All, l wish 1 was young
again. 1t is years since these old
bones and limbs OF mine fought for
France. But poor France! My heart
bleeds for her flying armies Did you
say they were encamped towards
Dijon?"
Jeans cheeks Redeemed, and he
lowered his eyes and stared into the
glowing fire.
Eyes. father. Those that were left
after Metz retreated there. My regi-
ment was cut up, so 1 got leave with
out trouble"
1T was good of them to spare YOU.
Jean,P the old man muttered. u
wanted to see you, but you must 20
back tonight, my boy. Every man is
wanted for the needs of France in this
sad hour The war will turn, my son,
and we will smash these uncouth
russians, and crumble their forces as
! crumble this bread Sol"
The crumbs fell from his unsteady
self erect. Jean looked at him with a
strange light in his eyes, and with a
muttered word rose to his feet.
1t was then that a rapping came TO
the door. L was the sound of a sword
nit on wood, and Marie's fresh young
voice could be heard.
Yes, monsieur, here it IS Jean is
within with his father They will
open in a minute"
Mon Dieu!" Jean whispered.
Cavalry"
Old Pere Caval walked toward the
door, but with bound Jean was at his
side.
Not che door, father" he cried in
hoarse whisper. They must not
come in, father"
The old man stood and gazed at his
son in bewilderment. Not come in ?
But 1t is the cavalry of France! Not
come in? What mean you, Jean, when
YOU say noc the door?''
But Jean only chung to him. speech
eSs ana trembling, and slowly the
truth came to the old father.
jean" he cried, clutching his son
with newborn strength chat more
than equalled jeans "Jean,-grace
of God. boy!" In his anguish he threw
Jean from him and strobe to the door.
nlnsing IL open.
Enter, Corporal" he said, and
pointed to Jean, who backed to che
FARTHER wall, his face CHASTITY in the
! sunlight, which streamed in. q sent
my boy to the wars, and he returned
l give him to France again, and Won
muse judge him."
He did not look at Jean, who gave
a cry as he saw Marie enter with the
corporal of hussars. But Marie saw
the black hand of sorrow cloud the old
mans face, and she went to him and
hung to his thin hand. The corporal
walked to the center of the room
were the light from the fire mingled
with the outer light and twinkled on
his sword and scabbard.
You have come for me?" Jean
gasped. Like thisi Marie"
fou will excuse us, father" the
corporal said, turning his back on
jean and addressing old Caval, "but
We have business outside" The old
man made no answer, and the corporal
spoke TO Jean. And you, out there, -"
He pointed at the open door. through
which the people could be seen. and
Jean, with his head bowed on his
breast slouched past the wondering
dry-eyed girl and his father. They
needed him not, and outside two troop-
ers took charge of him. While the
rest Kept back the people of Mirecourt.
After while the corporal came out
or the house of Pere Caval, and MANY
notlced that he was crying softly as
ne closed the door. From within the
SOUND or sobbing was heard, and the
people Kissed Jean as he walked off
between two troopers. The little cav
alcade made for the woods. the cor
poral riding at the rear, pulling at his
mustache. They clattered down the
coDDies, the people watching them
until the dust hid them from sight.
Then all was silent again, while the
cloud of dust settled on the road The
air seemed hard to breathe, and SILL
the villagers stood and waited. And
presently it came.
From the woods a volley rang out.