South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1913-11-13
ARomdle Of neutrality-suspicious.
TIE MARSHAL
By Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews
Ns1N"T Tie Perfect TZbu7e. etc.
Copyright Bobb.Msrru Conpsry,

little Alike. Then he was aware Of
Francois standing before him. The
boy held something in his closed hand,
and with that he opened his fingers
and stretched il To the marquis. The
marquis looked inquiring at the yell
low metal.
What is this?" he asked; he was
prepared now to be surprised by this
boy about once in so often. 50 he sim
ply suspended judgment at a thing
unexpected.
1T is for you, Monsieur the Mar
quis" Francois smiled radiantly and
continued 10 present the ten-franc
piece.
The marquis. astounded. drew back
with a shock Of Indignation. Was this
peasant child offering him money?
Francois went on happily. convinced
that he was doing something worth
while.
But you may take it, Monsieur the
Marquis; it is indeed for you. 1t is
my own; the seigneur gave il TO me
on my birthday, and my father did
not put it with the savings, but said
it was to be mine to do with as
chose. / choose to give il 10 you,
Monsieur the Marquis. So that you
may have plenty of money! know
money. Ii is a bad thing And it is
convenient when on a journey
money" He nodded his head. as man
To man. 80, as il is mine, l give
this to you"
The brown fist was outstretched
the gold piece glittering on ii, ana
still the marquis stared speeches..
Never in his life had any one pre-
sumed to offer him money. He look
ed up at the face of the little peasant;
it shone with peace and good will; he
put out his hand and took the gold
piece and looked at 1t long minute,
and drew a leather casS from his
pocket and placed it within carefully,
and put it away.
Thank you. Francois" said the
marquis And then he considered
again the shining little face. why
have you done this. Francois? ?" he
asked. why do you always-do so
much for me?"
Monsieur the Marquis" Francois
spoke eagerly, lit is not much / have
done before, only little things. This,
l know il. is much, for ii is a large
sum of money and may be a great
help to you. am glad Of that Mon
sieur the Marquis" BY now Francois
of the marquis. Il do ii because you
did that thing"
Then the marquis was entirely be
wildered Did that thing? What
do you mean, Francois"
That thing in Russia, for my seig-
neur. When you saved the life of my
seigneur."
oh" said the marquis and stared
down at the boy anXiOusly explaining.
Il have been afraid that I could
never show you how I thanked you
for the life of my seigneur. 1 am
sorry that my seigneur sabered you
afterward, but that was a mistake.
Monsieur the Marquis you understand
that it was a mistake"
Quite" said Monsieur the Marquis.
You have forgiven my seigneur?"
Francois demanded.
There was nothing to forgive,
Francois. 1t was, as you point out,
a mistake"
Yes Monsieur the Marquis" The
heels of Francois came down on the
sod with a whack of satisfaction as
he sprang to his feet. $50 it is an ar
ranged Only that even the gold is
not enough. But l will do more. I
will be a friend of PietrO. That will
please you. will it not?"
The marquis was silent. But ]
know that. 1t is a good thing to be
friends--with me. Any boy in the
village of Vicques would be glad to
be my friend, you know, Monsieur the
Marquis. So it will be a good thing
for Pietro. He is six months younger
than L: l can teach him how TO climb
and how to fight and how 10 take care
of himself. And L will. because of
that thing you did Because. too, l
think we'll of Pietro and besides be-
cause of your kindness to me-"
My kindness to you %
yes, Monsieur the MarQuis-be-
cause you have been so kind TO me-"
And the marquis, in the silence of
his soul. was ashamed.
The next day he went AS they
stood. gathered in the big carved
doorway, he told them all good-by
and lifted his boy and held him with
out a word. AS he set him down he
turned toward the carriage. but in a
! flash he turned back as if by a sud
| den inspiration, and laid a hand on
! little Francois shoulder
You Will remember that you prom
ised to be a friend TO Pietro Fran
cois?'
Yes, Monsieur the Marquis the
child answered gravely.
The marquis caught Pietro's hand
and put il into Francois and held the
/ two little hands clasped so together
! in his own. Always" he demanded
Always" Francois repeated quiet
/ ~, and those who heard the word
| spoken believed II.
! ITO be continued