Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1914-02-12

of joy come down; then it flashed 10
his mind that this dazzling gift had a
price. With whole soul Francois cast
away the brilliant dream and hardly
felt an effort. .. ..s
Il thank you a thousand times, my
seigneur," he answered with decision
Il cannot go with you. | must stay
and work for my father and my moth
err"
There was silence for a minute ii
the sunshiny garden; the children had
wandered away; the men did not
speak; one heard only the more Lis.
cite whom Francois held, who stamped
her light forefoot and whinnied impa,
tiently. Then the generals grave
voice sounded. more gravely than ever
Francois Beaupre. you own a fine
lad" he threw at the dropping peasant
Il would like to have him for mine,
Since ] cannot, shall try at least to
be his friend. Monsieur the Marshal,
II must be as you say. But come to
see me at the chateau soon. shall
have things to talk over with YOU"
On morning Francois was busy al
the new garden, digging beds for the
plants which the neighbors had eager.
ly given them, and which. put in the
ground now. in the autumn, would rise
above them in brightness next spring.
Into this contentment came, gallop.
ing gloriously, hoof beats of horse
The busy spade, several sizes too big,
stopped, and Francois leaned his chin
on the handle. the boy out OF drawing
for the tool. The general stopped
which was a heavenly surprise to
Francois each time that it happened.
Good morning. marshal. WIN you
ask your mother II may speak to
herr"
Mother, mother. the seigneur wish.
es you" Francois whispered piercing.
ly but Claire was already on the little
front walk by the new garden.
In moment she stood at the gate
in her fresh calico dress, with a white
fichu over her head. and the big man
lowered and growled sentences friend.
lily. Then the general trotted with
jingling stirrup down the village street
and Claire stood with eyes folio wing
for moment
What did the selgneur say, my
mother?" Francois demanded. did
he say might come to the chateau
tomorrow? May l? Am | to know
what the general said, my mother?"
After his father came home to din
ner he knew. He was to go each
morning to the chateau and do work In
copying for the general. The general
was writing book. nothing less than
a history OF Napoleon himself. The
boys great dreamy eyes glowed.
So the little lad. in his clean.
patched. peasant clothes. went up to
the chateau the next morning serious
and important, and was given a table
and corner in the library and words
to copy which thrilled his soul
Often the general talked to him.
"Eh bien, there. the marshall" would
come laundering from the great table
across the room: and the scribe would
drop his pen and scuttle over the dim
wide place.
Yes, Monsieur the seigneur. am
here"
Listen then. my soldier. am un.
certain II this that have written is of
Importance. It Is interesting to me,
because Gaspard Gourgaud was there,
yet do not wish to ram Gaspard
Gourgaud down q readers throat"
Francois sQuatted on stool exactly
In front Of the general. with his kneea
together and his elbows on them, his
chin In the hollow OF his hands. Hls
eyes we're glued ON the generals face.
In deep voice the general read. It
was an account or that world-tragedy,
the retreat from Moscow. First came
a list OF regiments and OF oEicers. with
detailed accounts Of early service In
both; 1t was exact, accurate. For FIVE
minutes the general read this; then
his black eyebrows lifted and he
glared over the paper.