Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1914-07-01
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TIE MARSHAL
ByMary Raymond Shipman Andrews
aa4Hor The Perfect HLHuze. eE
Copyright The BobbsMeum ce~rn

money" He nodded his head. as man
to man. so. as 1t is mine, 1 give this
to you"
Tho brown fist was outstretched, the
gold piece glittering in 1t, and still the
marquis stared speeches.. Never In
MS life had any one presumed to offer
him money. He looked up at the face
Of the little peasant; it shone with
peace and good will; he put out his
hand and took he gold piece and
looked at it a long minute, and drew a
leather Ease from his pocket M placed
it within carefully, and put it away.
Thank you, Francois" said the mar
quis. 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 l nave
done before. only little things. This. l
of money and may be a great help to
you. l am glad OF that, Monsieur the
Marquis" BY now Francois was
squatting cross legged at the feet of
the marquis. II do it because you did
that thing"
Then the marquis was entirely be-
wildered. Did that thing? What do
you mean. FRANCHISE"
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 1 thanked you for the
life Of my seigneur. I am sorry that
but that was a mistake. Monsieur the
Marquis, you understand that it was a
mistaken"
quite" said Monsieur the Marquis.
You have forgiven my seigneur?'
Francois demanded.
There was nothing to forgive, Fran
co.'s. 1t was, as you point out, a mis-
take"
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 all ar
ranged. Only that eve the gold is not
enough. But I will do more. / will
be a friend of Pietro. That will please
you. will it not?"
The marquis was silent. "But I 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 1; I can
teach him how to climb and how to
fight and how to take care of himself.
And I will. because of that thing you
did. Because. too. I think we'll of Pie
tro and besides because of your kind
ness to me-"
My kindness to you?"
Yes. monsieur the MISUNDERSTANDING
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 doorway. he told
them all goodbye and lifted his boy
without a word. AS he set him down
he turned toward the carriage. but in a
flash he turned back Is IL by a sudden
inspiration. and laid a hand on little
Francois shoulder.
you will remember that you prom
Used to be a friend to Pietro. Francois? 2"
Eyes. monsieur the marquis" the
child answered gravely.
The marquis caught Pietro's hand
and put 1t into Francois and held the
two little hands clasped SO together
in his own. "Always?" he demanded.
ALWAYS" Francois repeated quietly.
and those who heard the word spoken
believed 1t.
Xr