Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1913-11-28
CHAPTER XXI.
The Attack on the Mount.

Entering the town, at its base, dark
walls on either side Of them shut out
the broad map of the heavens and left
but narrow open space above; few
lights were visible, so that many of
the houses seemed tenantless; even
at the tavern, unwonted stiffness pre-
vailed. Apparently was the return
welltimed; in twisting street and tor
tuDus byway, where hostile faces had
been prone to frown upon the soldiers
of his Excellency, emerging from, or
ascending to, the stronghold of the
summit, now only chill drafts of air
swept down to greet them; passed on
with shrill whisperings, and died
away in the distance.
Nearing the massive portals that
opened wide into his Excellency's
realm, my lady suppressed shiver;
but the Marquis, in low tone, ven
tured to jest on the depressing and
melancholy aspect of the Mount at
that hour. To these light remarks she
returned no answer, and he had just
begun to rally her on a certain quiet
ness of spirits, apparent on the beach
and irreconcilable with the circum-
stances Of the moment, when sharp
exclamation fell from the girls lips.
In front Of them, between the sol
diers and the entrance to that upper
part of the Mount, many dark forms
had suddenly darted forth; at the
same time from nearby houses came
unmistakable sounds Of life and ac-
fSIrtt tr. T., vi
windows raised. The town they thought
asleep had merely been watching; now
showed it's bright eyes in multitude
of menacing lights around them; be-
low, where likewise a mysterious mar
shaling had occurred, from alleys, cor
ners, and novels, Immediately after
the passing Of the Governors party!
"What does it mean" Again she
heard the Marquis tones, less conf
dent now, as he turned to the COM
mandant.
"Treachery!" The commandments
voice rang out. They've broken faith
with us!"
"Dogs!" My lord gazed uncertainty
ahead; obviously behind. What are
we going to do?"
"Do?" The commandant suppressed
an imprecation. Push on to the up
per gates!"
''To the gates!" cried the Marquis;
then wheeled quickly. "But YOU
Elise!"
Never mind mel" she returned,
with steady lips and eyes.
There was no time for further
words; a sharp order from the COM
mandant and the troopers spurred for
| ward toward the entrance in the wall
and those whose purpose 1t was to
oppose them.
What happened thereafter the girl
was but vaguely cognizant Of; reports
of guns, flashing Of steel surrounded
her; the clattering of hoofs mingled
with the loud shouts of men.
"The Bastile of the North! Down
with It'll"
This was their battle-cry; on every
side she heard it, though hardly real
izing the purport of the words; con-
| fused, she listened to her fathers name
her own-bandied about. She won
dered why those on the wall, the SOL
diers within, did not fire and repel all
these people.
Then almost at once came the an
| swer. The troopers comrades were
mixed in the melee without; she and
| they, too-so adroitly had the moment
for striking been planned-might be
swept down in the volleys from the
| ramparts. A cannon doomed above;
but its deafening reverberations were
answered only with laughter and jeers
| Mon dieu! Did his Excellency
think to frighten them with sound, as
If they were timid children fleeing
from thunder? Was his Excellency
aiming at stars?"
And again that cry: "The Bastile of
the North! We, too, will take our
Bastile!"-dominate the clashing of
arms and the tumult of strife.
For what seemed an interminable
| period, the Governors daughter saw,
through flashes of light, men strug-
| Cling, striking; then launched sudden
ly forward, by an irresistible move
ment Of the horses, found herself with
in the gates. The Marquis who had
early been separated from her in the
strife, was nowhere in sight. Behind
now sounded the fray; short dis
tance from the wall, and she looked
back; fercer than ever, soldiers and
people contended within the entrance /;
beneath the portals. AS she strove to
restrain her horse she heard the voice
of her father.
mon pere! Mon pere!" she cried
eagerly, divining his face in the light
of lamps on that side Of the wall. He
answered only with laconic command
to go at once to the palace; and, re-
garding his features, tragically appeal
ing to her at the moment-so strange
and different they seemed!-she pre-
pared to obey. But ere turning: "You
think the soldiers can hold the gate?'
she asked.