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windows. The attention of the crowd of Chalons, send back the maire to relieve my women and children, of lads and old men, had mind. I am on tenterhooks till I know whether been distracted from the half-dozen of Uhlans my six men are garrison or prisoners of war. en factionnaire, to an omnibus-diligence that had And if all goes well, push on to the colonel, and pulled up in the place. A dozen willing arms kill your horse if need be. By this time he were helping out a couple of crippled men. must be within three leagues of us at most. Tell him he will find Mousseux-les-Caves ready to his hand, and covers for twenty laid in the Hotel de Ville. That ought to hasten his Pere Jacques removed his otter skin cap,- movements if anything does, and the sooner I "Some of the wounded from the action of give over the place to him, the better I shall be Longbouchon, M. le Maire. But here is M. de pleased." Joinville, only touched in the arm, to speak for himself."

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"It is the voiture de Chaumont," exclaimed the Maire. 'Whom have you there, Pere Jacques?" he called out to the driver.

That evening at nightfall Bobbinet, De la Tabatiere, and their war-worn column were M. de Joinville dashed off, the situation with bivouacking, begrimed with powder-smoke, ten a vigor worthy of his ancestor the Seneschal. kilometres away on the Chalons road. By The Franc-tireurs posted on the road to Long- midnight a couple of squadrons of Uhlans had bouchon had been charged early in the morning drawn rein on the Place Imperiale of Mousseuxby the Prussian cavalry, whom they had re- les-Caves, and only when it was too late the pulsed with heavy loss. M. de la Tabatiere had maire, the sous-prefet, and the council of deled them on to the assault of the ridge, which fence had learned the strength of the forces who, they had carried finally in face of a heavy fire. in alliance with the fog, had won the battle of Three times the enemy had advanced, three Longbouchon and mastered the fortifications of times they had been driven back into the fog Vauban. But as Lieutenant Sabelschlag oband vineyards with tremendous slaughter. At served to his patriotic friend M. Longbouchon, length, De la Tabatiere had effected his junction in whose town mansion he was billeted, the odds with Bobbinet, who, for his part, had held successful head against overpowering numbers on the other side of the chateau. For the moment, the enemy had withdrawn; but, doubtless, they were massing themselves in immense strength. At least the chivalrous defenders of Mousseuxles-Caves only waited the clearing of the fog to be massacred to a man in their positions. Death was inevitable, but, as Longbouchon was the key of the town, why, "vive la Patrie!"

The council of defence wept hot tears.

The Uhlan leader advanced to the sous-prefet. "Believe me, Monsieur, I profoundly sympathize with your emotion, and know how to reverence a gallant enemy. The position of M. Bobbinet and M. de la Tabatiere is become desperate. Confess it. A whole army corps in their front; I and my troops in their rear. In the interests of humanity I would not drive brave men to extremity. Strict duty whispers me to offer the ultimatum-' Come in, and surrender at discretion, or perish to the last man.' But, as I am strong, I would wish to be merciful.

Quick, before the situation changes, before cowardice becomes clamorous or duty gets the upper hand. Go to Bobbinet, and tell him, as from yourself, The road to Chalons is open. Enough. No word of thanks. Despatch, or Bobbinet may be lost. Nay, more; Herr Kellermann shall accompany you with an orderly in case of your stumbling upon any of our patrols."

He whispered rapidly with Kellermann. "When you see Bobbinet file fairly off towards

had been greater at Rheims and Nancy: so the defenders of Mousseux-les-Caves had no reason whatever to be ashamed of themselves.

Peace and War-Two Autumn Landscapes.

I.

Thin yellow leaves are waving in the sun,
Thin red leaves tremble on the garden wall,
A cold dew beads upon the last pale rose,
That e'er another hour will shake and fall.
Gay past my window, heedless of next frost,
Flit the bright colored wandering butterflies;
The stillness and the calm of Autumn time
Upon the changing misty woodland lies.

And on the yellowing bough of the ash-tree
The little robin with a ruddier breast
Sits singing now with heedless child's delight
Of Autumn's soothing hours of ease and rest.
Peace and Content, like children hand in hand,'
Walk by the woodside through the rustling leaves;
Nature seems dreaming of the golden age,
When joyous days but led to merrier eves.

II.

Another scene, and in another land,

A sullen sky of boding thundercloud,
That broods upon the long, long poplar rows,
And gathers hill by hill within its shroud.
Under the vineyard, torn in gaps with shot,

Nestles a cottage, once so trim and neat ;
But now across the shattered smouldering floor
There are the crimson prints of trampling feet.

And by the riven wall that's in a flame,

There lies an old man, with his long grey hair
Steeped in his children's blood. 'Twas well he died
Before he saw red Murder riot there.
And in the distance through the sloping vines,
The bayonets glance, and one quick angry drum
Answers a calling bugle; and a horse,

Now riderless, flies fast from where the foemen come.

Children's Department.

remarked, that the poor brutes could not resist him, he would torture them even when they obeyed his orders. Towards all other creatures he acted in the same way. He stuck needles into butterflies, so that he might amuse himself with the quivering of their wings; he amused himself by drowning flies slowly in water; he delighted in torturing mice and rats, and the cry of a wounded cat was his favorite music. All these cruel deeds, which he remarked w th sorrow, more and more convinced the kind shopkeeper that children should be taught compassion towards the very smallest animals,

EDWARD THE KIND AND STEPHEN because of their own free will they are able to

THE CRUEL.

A STORY OF TWO DUTCH BOYS)

From the German.

IN the last century two men lived as
neighbors in a little Dutch town on
the sea-coast. Each had a son of
about the same age, Edward and
Stephen.

Edward's father was a small shopkeeper, not particularly well off; he worked hard for his family, and was full of kindness of heart for both man and beast.

show kindness or cruelty towards them; for he said to himself, "A boy will take good care not to tease a lion while he can safely torture a mouse to death, and thus, when he grows up to be a man, even if he is no king, he will make life burdensome to all those over whom he can exercise any authority."

Thus the two boys grew up to be youths. Edward was apprenticed to his father. His good parent's principles were deeply impressed in his heart; he was kind to every animal, and much more so towards his fellow-men, and it was striking to observe how most animals loved Stephen's father was a money-lender, a clever him. For instance, one day, when he made an and enterprising speculator; but his love of excursion in the country with some of his young gain made him hard-hearted towards all God's companions, one of whom was accompanied by creatures-naturally, therefore, towards his fel- an old poodle, and the lads, let loose from low-men. Edward's father, to whom the wel- school, thought they might do just as they liked, fare of his son was the one great desire of his and made the poor dog, which Edward treated heart, took all the pains he could to educate kindly, the object of their cruel sport, Edward him into an honest man, who should devote boldly took the dog's part, and declared at last himself to the good of his fellow-creatures. He that he would thrash the first one who repeated often meditated as to how he could best attain this cruelty. Angry words ensued, and two of this great object of his wishes, and at last he the boys fell upon him to pay him out for his became convinced that kindness and sympathy are the sources from which many other virtues flow. He clearly perceived that man, as a child, ought to be compassionate to all God's creatures, in order that when he grows up he may be a blessing to his fellow-citizens; therefore, with the greatest care, he planted the feeling of compassion for all living creatures in Edward's infant heart.

plain speaking. Edward bravely defended himself, but as he was too weak to contend with two, he would surely have been overcome had not the poodle suddenly come to the assistance of his benefactor, giving the two rough lads such sharp bites that they were glad to take to their heels.

Many similar cases occurred in which animals recognized Edward as their friend and protecThe money-lender's thoughts were constantly tor; most men, too, of the better sort were kind occupied with his speculations; he cared for, to him, for his behavior towards high and low nothing but his gains,and it was quite a matter was equally friendly and modest. Everybody. of indifference to him what became of his boy. but especially poor people, who had only a few It was often noticed how Stephen used to try to halfpence to spend, preferred buying of Edward, tease people older than himself, such as servants when he was in his father's shop, than of any and beggars, but he often got the worst of it, one else. Thus Edward's good disposition beand received the drubbing which he so well came a source of profit to his father. deserved. When Stephen once received two Stephen, to whom these principles of Edward's puppies as a present, he amused himself by tor- father seemed very ridiculous, because his menting them, and his father sometimes laughed father, who was so taken up with money specuheartily when he saw the funny, though cruel lations, had forgotten to give him any education, tricks which he played them. As Stephen and who never felt any compassion in his own

heart, according to his own ideas, amused him- and so the misery of the sick soldiers became

self much better. Not a day passed that some animal was not put to the torture by him: and if he could invent nothing new there still remained the town slaughter-house, where he delighted to see oxen, calves, and lambs slain.

But as he got older, to torture horses became his pastime. He would beat them till the blood trickled from their side; he would force them up steep hills, along rough roads, dragging carts too heavy for their strength; if one chanced to stumble and fall, he would lash it furiously till it would lift itself up again.

Stephen's nature grew more and more cruel. His life, he thought, was of a very different and superior kind from Edward's stupid one, who had to attend to his father's shop, and stand behind his counter, and serve every beggar who asked him.

an excellent occasion for his wit and mockery. They had nearly reached the Azores when the sky suddenly grew dark, the wind got up, and at last grew into a hurricane, which lashed the sea into fury. Then many a man, whose conscience was not clear, felt heavy at heart and frightened. Stephen was very silent, but he took care not to let others see his weakness. His wit and high spirits both vanished, and at last he crept into the lowest cabin, and hid himself among some bales, in order not to hear the howling of the wind, and the fearful and increasing beating of the waves against the vessel. But now Edward began to revive; the seasickness had left him, and so he was able to display that courage and presence of mind which were so natural to him. He busied himself everywhere, and sought to encourage his Thus, very differently brought up, the two lads companions, who helped him as much as they reached their twentieth year. Just at this time were able, for he was a favorite with them now, the Dutch colonies in the East Indies were as they noticed how kind he had been in trying threatened by war from a neighboring state. to attend to them when he was sick himself. The affair bore a very serious aspect. Ships Thus he helped materially to save the ship, were fitted out, and sailors pressed into the which, through the want of courage and expeservice; many soldiers, too, were required, and rience of the young soldiers and sailors, who so it happened that both these young men were had been collected together in haste, was near enrolled as marines for the fleet. Edward being lost. loved his father and mother with all his heart, and took leave of them with many tears; he did not even know whether he should ever see his beloved parents again. But Stephen made himself very merry at this tender-heartedness. "One can see very well," he said to Edward, "that you are not half a man. A fellow who would nearly fall into fainting fit at the sight of a cockchafer spinning on a needle will never make a brave soldier."

Most of his new companions regarded Stephen with some degree of respect, as they took all these big words for signs of real courQuietly, and despised by many, Edward entered on his duties on board ship.

age.

At last the storm subsided, and, to the joy of all on board, land was discovered at dawn of day. The captain ordered the ship to be steered thither, in order to repair the shattered vessel. The joy of the crew knew no bounds. Stephen, who had now crept out of his hiding-place, was the noisiest of all. Only a few, among whom was Edward, thanked God for their merciful preservation. Edward thought the best way of showing his gratitude to his heavenly Father was to undertake the care of some poor fellows, who had been injured by the falling of a mast in the storm. The captain went on shore, and brought a fresh stock of provisions on board to cheer up the men. Among other things a couple of live goats and a calf came on board. When Stephen saw these animals he exclaimed with joy, that he would be their butcher; for," he added, with a loud laugh, and a speech which he thought to be witty, "there is no one on board who understands as I do to make fun and amusement out of these stupid animals before they are eaten."

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It was glorious weather when they weighed anchor. Everything went on prosperously. When, however, the ship reached the ocean it began to roll, and many of the soldiers, who were now at sea for the first time, became seasick. Any one who has suffered from this malady knows the wretched feeling which it produces. Edward, too, was not exempted from it, though he had made short voyages before; still he was not so bad as many of his companions, and soon overcame the sickness, and at once set to work to comfort and assist his comrades as well as he could. This won for him the affection of most of them, and even the roughest were touched by his kindness. Ste- terribly, and made them to spring about in pain phen was more fortunate, the sea-sickness did to the amusement of most of those present, not affect him. His spirits were always good, Edward, who heard all this noise, hastened on

As most of the crew were rough, uneducated men, and a cruelly-disposed corporal commanded at that moment, Stephen was proclaimed with shouts of joy to be the butcher of the day.

He was now in his element. He first formed a circle of the spectators, and beat the animals

The hostile vessel had now approached quite

deck, and although he was himself wounded in the hand, he stood in the way and prevented close, and fired a terrible broadside, which the Stephen from striking an unhappy goat, which captain did not fail to return. A fearful battle was trying to escape from him. "What means followed, in which Edward fought with courage all this cruel game with the poor animals?" he and presence of mind; he manfully faced the exclaimed. "Kill them and eat their flesh, danger, and was wounded, too, while Stephen, but do not torture them!" who thought only of his own safety, shrank "What does the cowardly simpleton want?" away whenever it was possible, and hid himself, replied Stephen, furious at this interruption; thinking neither of his parents, his country, nor "stay below, and look after your sheep. You his comrades. Wherever the enemy pressed are so soft-hearted that you can not understand the thickest and strongest, Edward might be a good joke." seen fighting and cheering on his comrades to

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How is it," cried Edward, that you can persevere. The enemy's privateer was at last now talk so bravely and loudly? why did no one obliged to sheer off, in spite of the superior see you the day before yesterday, when the numbers of her crew. To this victory Edward mast fell down and so many poor men were hurt and needed help?"

Stephen tried to make a joke, but it fell very flat, and just then voices exclaimed, "The captain is coming."

re

The

had greatly helped. The Dutch ship, however, was so much injured in the conflict that she was unable to continue her course, and was forced to seek land at once. There were many dead and wounded, and the brave captain, too, died When the captain came on board, and the next day of his wounds. All were anxious marked the disorder and confusion everywhere, and discouraged, when suddenly the cabin-boy he at once inquired the reason. Being as com- discovered land from the mast-head. passionate as he was brave, he was very angry, giddy and unthinking rejoiced, but the more and gave orders that the corporal and Stephen thoughtful were not so merry, as they knew, should both be confined in the hold, and fed on from what their last captain had told them, that bread and water. This embittered Stephen probably very savage people inhabited these greatly against Edward, whom he now regarded coasts. Still there was no help for it, they as the cause of his punishment, though, in fact, must steer to this land. he had not said a word to the captain about the cruel conduct.

When they had dropped anchor, the boat was launched for some of the men to go on shore and search for fresh water. Edward was only slightly wounded, so he was left behind to attend to the other sick and wounded on board. Stephen was one of the first to get into the boat; he was eager to go on shore. As soon as they landed, the men incautiously separated, in order to look out for men, animals fit for food, and good water. Stephen went with the corporal and a sailor; all three were well armed.

When the ship had been repaired, they again put out to sea, and steered to the Cape of Good Hope. Contrary winds drove them in the direction of Madagascar. The captain did not exactly know where they were, so he ascended the main-mast with his telescope in his hand, in order to look out for the land which he imagined could not be very far off. But on the horizon he perceived the sail of a privateer. The wind was unfavorable, and the privateer! At first the country was barren and swampy, rapidly gained upon them, and soon had ap- but they forced a way through a forest, in which proached so close to them that her flag could they lost themselves, and, in spite of all their be recognized. All hearts were filled with con- signals, could not be heard. After they had sternation when it was discovered that the wandered about for the whole day in the greatprivateer belonged to a hostile nation. The est fear and without food, they at last fell asleep. brave captain at once made every preparation Suddenly were they sharply awoke; they felt boldly to resist the enemy. Edward and Ste- themselves seized and bound; and, oh, horror! phen were both at their posts awaiting their their captors were savages, who expressed their first battle. Edward even did not feel quite joy by the strangest gestures. happy or easy in his mind. The thought of his When most of the soldiers had returned from beloved parents lay heavy on his heart; but he their expedition, and had remarked by the was full of love for his country, and burning plainest signs that the coast was inhabited by with the desire of doing honor to his brave cannibals, they all implored the lieutenant in parents and filling their hearts with joy. These command to set sail at once, although Stephen thoughts raised his spirits, and he soon began to and his two companions were still missing. look the danger more calmly in the face. Not Edward alone, who still felt compassion for so Stephen; he seized a bottle of brandy, which Stephen and his rough companions, begged that he drank, in order to drown his feelings of fear some men might first be sent out to look for and terror. them. The noble-hearted lieutenant permitted

him with six soldiers, whom he placed under man who had rescued him. Nevertheless, he his command, to go on shore; they at once chose walked, or rather staggered, onwards towards the route through the wood which, according to the ship, sullen and silent, leaning on a soldier. the report of the others, the missing men had The dreadful story excited universal horror on taken. For several hours they searched the board. All were loud in their praise of Edward's forest in vain, till suddenly they perceived bravery; the officers seemed as if they could smoke; they followed it, and reached an open not speak too highly of his noble conduct. But space. But what a spectacle they beheld here! They saw from twenty to twenty-five savages performing their cannibal dances round a fire, and they recognized in one of the victims, who was already cut in pieces, the corporal of their vessel !

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this filled Stephen with renewed hatred against Edward, and he was furious at feeling himself under an obligation of gratitude to one he so heartily detested.

The ship now sailed under the command of the lieutenant, who raised Edward to the rank The savages had bound and gagged Stephen of corporal. They took part in many land and and his companions, and had, it appeared, kept sea-fights. In the course of a year, the lieutenthem for a great feast, to which they had invited ant was made captain and Edward lieutenant, their friends. But during all this time the a new cause for Stephen's rage and envy. prisoners were kept exposed to the burning heat Edward's courage greatly contributed to a of the sun, tormented by insects, which, as they victory which they won over a much larger fleet. were bound hand and foot, they could not drive His soldiers obeyed his orders well, for they away. The cords were so tight that they caused loved him, and love is stronger than fear. When them the greatest pain; they suffered too from the captain sank down struck by a cannon-ball hunger, thirst, and the dread of an approaching the admiral appointed Edward to fill his post, cruel death. Ah!" sighed Stephen now, and gave him the command of the vessel. When “savages, do you not know that I am one of the battle was over he steered his ship homeGod's creatures? Who has given you the right wards again. to torture me thus? Kill me, but . . . .' Stephen and a couple of the most desperate Here his voice was choked, and Edward's villains on board had on several occasions conwords came up to his mind, "Kill them and ducted themselves so disgracefully that they eat their flesh, but do not torture them." Then were often obliged to be punished. Added to he said to himself, "Were not the calves and this were Stephen's long and deeply-rooted lambs which lay bound and gagged day and hatred of Edward, the fear of his strict discipnight just as I do, and in whose pains I took line, and the shame and jealousy of having to such delight, God's creatures, too?" return home under the command of one who This was the first sentiment of self-accusation had so distinguished himself and risen to such and penitence. But while he lay there he could an important post by his bravery and steadiness; not help seeing how the sailor and the corporal so they resolved to rise against their captain. were slain at his side, while the savages danced They wished secretly to assassinate him in the wildly round them, just as he had done round night, and throw his body overboard, that no the poor animals on board the ship. What one might find out what had become of him. would he not now have given to have wiped One night, when everybody was fast asleep, away that recollection from his memory! In Stephen crept gently into the captain's cabin and the midst of this deadly, despairing anguish, approached him with a sharp dagger; both his just as a few cannibals were appaoaching him companions waited close by, in order to be with gestures which only too plainly announced ready to carry off the corpse. Stephen had his approaching fate, several shots were heard: already raised his arm to deal the fatal blow some of the savages fell down dead, others against the companion of his youth, when he seized their weapons, but most of them took to was suddenly thrown to the ground. The noise flight, and a few moments after Edward appeared, awoke the captain. His faithful dog, who lay in the man whom, not long ago, he had called a the corner, had sprung upon the intended murcoward and a simpleton; he fought with and derer of his master; the assassins were seized. slew the few savages who offered any resistance, Edward was deeply grieved at the fearful and released Stephen from his terrible position. degradation to which his former comrade had But, alas! for him who in early youth has sunk, and represented to him the greatness of closed his heart against every tender feeling of his crime. "Unhappy man, now I can no pity, compassion, and sympathy. Stephen's longer save you," he said. Stephen seized an penitence lasted only as long as his danger. opportunity when there was some confusion on Scarcely was he set at liberty than his evil dis- board to break loose and jump into the sea; his position afresh gained the mastery over him, and two companions followed his example, and all he felt spiteful and envious against the very three swam towards an island. The soldiers

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