diff options
| author | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-01-22 02:48:31 -0800 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-01-22 02:48:31 -0800 |
| commit | 07b0df3bfe948465eb94a75e4caa1482a03d217b (patch) | |
| tree | f4fe2878b1060abff4ac0dec009d27a41afc167f | |
| parent | d3fce9b89ca6cd31d48a48f37c3e2edaed1e38d4 (diff) | |
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 4 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67647-0.txt | 5154 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67647-0.zip | bin | 96333 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67647-h.zip | bin | 2825714 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67647-h/67647-h.htm | 8402 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67647-h/images/cover.jpg | bin | 260134 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67647-h/images/di_001.jpg | bin | 6112 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67647-h/images/di_053.jpg | bin | 6385 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67647-h/images/di_096.jpg | bin | 6189 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67647-h/images/di_129.jpg | bin | 5832 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67647-h/images/di_220.jpg | bin | 6358 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67647-h/images/di_265.jpg | bin | 6508 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67647-h/images/i_001.jpg | bin | 149315 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67647-h/images/i_048.jpg | bin | 211487 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67647-h/images/i_053.jpg | bin | 159291 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67647-h/images/i_086.jpg | bin | 244886 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67647-h/images/i_096.jpg | bin | 164281 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67647-h/images/i_124.jpg | bin | 211450 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67647-h/images/i_129.jpg | bin | 191808 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67647-h/images/i_220.jpg | bin | 189247 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67647-h/images/i_260.jpg | bin | 225842 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67647-h/images/i_265.jpg | bin | 203839 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67647-h/images/i_288.jpg | bin | 226031 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67647-h/images/i_frontispiece.jpg | bin | 207319 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67647-h/images/title.jpg | bin | 44043 -> 0 bytes |
27 files changed, 17 insertions, 13556 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5bdb263 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #67647 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/67647) diff --git a/old/67647-0.txt b/old/67647-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 57a1f6d..0000000 --- a/old/67647-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,5154 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Deeds of Daring Done by Girls, by N. -Hudson Moore - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: Deeds of Daring Done by Girls - -Author: N. Hudson Moore - -Illustrator: Archie Gunn - -Release Date: March 17, 2022 [eBook #67647] - -Language: English - -Produced by: Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed Proofreading - Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from - images generously made available by The Internet Archive) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DEEDS OF DARING DONE BY -GIRLS *** - - - - - - DEEDS OF DARING - DONE BY GIRLS - - -[Illustration: “SEE, CLEMENCE, A GOOD OMEN. LOOK AT THE NEW MOON.”—_Page -153._] - - - - - DEEDS _of_ DARING DONE BY GIRLS - - - BY N. HUDSON MOORE - - AUTHOR OF “CHILDREN OF OTHER DAYS,” “THE OLD CHINA BOOK,” “THE OLD - FURNITURE BOOK,” “THE LACE BOOK,” “OLD PEWTER, BRASS, COPPER, AND - SHEFFIELD PLATE,” “THE COLLECTOR’S MANUAL,” ETC. - - _With Illustrations in Colour_ - BY ARCHIE GUNN - -[Illustration] - - _NEW YORK_ · FREDERICK A. - STOKES COMPANY · _PUBLISHERS_ - - - - - _Copyright, 1906_ - BY FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY - _All rights reserved_ - - This edition published in October, 1906 - - - THE UNIVERSITY PRESS, CAMBRIDGE, U. S. A. - - - - - AN OPEN LETTER - - -Do not think, dear girls, that because you are girls you may not have as -much courage as your brothers. I believe that quite as stout hearts beat -beneath muslin frocks as under stuff jackets. When you have finished -reading this book about your sisters, perhaps—if you do not already—you -will agree with me, and think that it needs only occasion to call out -the necessary courage. I have been asked which one of these heroines I -think the most daring, but—oh dear—it would never do to have a -favourite, would it? So I leave them to you, and that you will enjoy -learning of their trials and triumphs is the wish of your friend, - - THE AUTHOR. - - - - - CONTENTS - - - PAGE - THE ROBE OF THE DUCHESS 1 - - THE PRINCESS WINS 53 - - DEFENCE OF CASTLE DANGEROUS 96 - - THE PEARL NECKLACE 129 - - DICEY LANGSTON 220 - - THE MAID OF ZARAGOZA 265 - - - - - ILLUSTRATIONS - - - “See, Clemence, a good omen. Look at the new moon” _Frontispiece_ - - FACING PAGE - “None looking on my stately Duchess would deem that she - had but fifteen years” 48 - - “On, for the love of the Daughter of Holland, and death - to those that deny her!” 86 - - “I have commanded this fort, Monsieur, during the - absence of my father” 124 - - “Coward, shoot now if you dare!” 260 - - “What are you doing here, my girl?” 288 - - - - - DEEDS OF DARING - DONE BY GIRLS - - - - -[Illustration] - - THE ROBE OF THE DUCHESS - _As told by Jehan, her Page in the Year of Grace 1392_ - - - I - -“’Tis not so,” quoth she, “and you know it”; and with that she fetched -me a buffet on the ear. - -Now, when the other pages saw me bested like that by a damsel, even -though she were my Lady, they roared and girded at me so loud that I -liked to have choked with rage. - -I ran forward a step; but she cried out,— - -“An you touch me I’ll have you whipped, sir”; and, truth, she would, -which well I knew, for I’d felt ere this old Raoul’s whip curling about -my shoulders, all on her charges too. But that was some years since. -’Twas this wise that the present pother came about. - -Of a joyous afternoon in May, my Lady Eleonore took it into her head to -go into the court to see her hawk. For these many months I’d been -training of it for her, and in all the mews there was not another flew -so true, aimed so swift, and brought back her quarry so little torn. - -My Lady knew right well that the hawk was for her, but she knew not that -I thought to give it her on her fête day, which fell on the morrow. The -bird was in fine feather, not a pinion ruffed, her russet colour showing -redly in the sun,—it was a Barberry bird,—and a new hood of fine leather -on her head. On her feet, fastened by bewits of deer’s hide, hung two -Milan bells of gold,—the one, as is ever the way with choicest bells, a -semi-tone below the other. These bells I had begged from Comte Gaston, -who gave willingly enough when he knew that they were to pleasure my -Lady. - -Now ’twas not my purpose that she should see the bird till next day, but -womenfolk ever contrive to mix matters up. I thought but to stay her, to -keep her jesting for a while; but her anger rose and was greater than I -knew. - -She was down in the broad hall on her way to the mews, and I following -behind, before my wits, which work ever a thought slow, had conjured up -something to say. - -“Pray, mistress,” saith I, “how old be you to-morrow? Let me think, will -it be all of eleven years?” - -To tell truth, I knew her years as well as she. It was nine years since -my Lady’s mother, Dame Eleonore of Comminges, had brought and left her -daughter with my Lord, Gaston Phoebus, Comte de Foix. - -Comte Gaston was my Lady’s cousin, and poor Dame Eleonore, her mother, -fleeing from a cruel husband, knew not where to place the child, so -sought advice from Comte Gaston, a powerful and great lord. - -“Leave her with me,” saith my Lord, who had taken a fancy to my little -Lady, then but a child of three. She was the first bright thing that had -come to the old castle of Orthez, which was but a gloomy tower since in -a rage my Lord Gaston had slain his only son, and driven forth to her -own people his wife, the Princess Agnes. - -Canst thou wonder that we all loved the child? - -None knew nor loved her better than I, being that my Lord Gaston gave me -to be her page and playfellow, since there were but scullery maids and -some rude wenches in the castle since the Princess Agnes went forth. So -who should doubt but that I should know my Lady’s age? Besides this I -was but four years older come Hallowe’en. - -Being well grown and tall, she was ever tender on the subject of her -years. By my Lord’s command, she had been taught to play on the lute, -she could walk a measure, hunt and hawk, and since the new tirewoman had -come, there had been much bravery of apparel. So ’twas but to tease her -and keep her from the mews that I put forth,— - -“All of eleven years?” - -“’Tis not so, and you know it,” quoth she, and then came the buffet. - -I choked down my rage, and turning to those that mocked me, thought to -bring the laugh on her. - -“Varlets,” cried I, “my Lady Eleonore is no longer a child, she chooses -you to know. Twelve years old will she be to-morrow, but two years -younger than our new Queen Isabeau. And who knows what brave suitor -comes to woo?” - -At this they all laughed again, as in truth I hoped they would. With a -black look at me and a stamp of her foot, my Lady turns and goes up the -stair. This pleased me well, since the hawk was forgotten. - -“Wit ye well, ye shall suffer for this,” sneered one of the pages, -between whom and me there was ever discord. “Your mistress wilt have you -soundly swinged, and well I pray my Lord will do it himself.” - -My skin was pricking somewhat at the thought, but it behoved me to show -no signs of it; so I looked him in the eye and flung back,— - -“If my Lord so much as cuffs me, thou mayst do it also”; and with that I -strolled to the mews. - -I stroked the hawk, and thought how pleased my Lady would be on the -morrow to have her and fly her too, since, to pleasure my Lady, my Lord -had passed his word that we all should fly a cast with him on the broad -marches that lay to the west a league or more. - -Long ere cockcrow the next day was I astir. ’Twas a bright day for me, -since my Lord had given me a new livery. For the first time I cast away -my leathern doublet and put on one of soft cloth, and drew on a brave -pair of chausses, a red one on the right leg and a green one on the -left, and tied the points to my doublet. - -It needed but only a sword to make me a man! - -As I stole down the stair, I crept into the great hall to take one look -into the great mirror of purest crystal which had but lately come to my -Lord from a land far over seas, called Venice. - -What I saw therein causeth me to turn hot, since never thought I to look -so fine. Clapping my cap on my head, I ran to the mews, to bathe the -feet of the hawk in fair water, to settle her bells and jesses, and to -see that the hood could be quickly cast aside. Soon I heard the bustle -in the courtyard, and hurried thither with the hawk on hand. - -My faith, but it was a joyous sight! - -There on the highest step stood my Lord and beside him my mistress -Eleonore. My Lord was smiling at her, and well he might, she stood -beside him so straight and tall. She was in a gown of green, made of -Florence cloth, and on her head was a cap bound with many chains of -gold, which, she telleth me later, came from the same far-away country -as the mirror,—Venice. In their midst was set a stone big as a -throstle’s egg and blue as the sky. On her hips hung a girdle of gold -set close with little stones of this same sky-blue. - -All this I saw as I walked from the court’s end. Coming up the steps, -said I in my bravest fashion,— - -“Mistress Eleonore, here is the hawk I trained for thee; and I set the -Barberry bird upon her wrist. - -“Now, Jehan, I forgive thee,” saith she, “and trust thou’lt bear in mind -that I be twelve years, not eleven. My Lord and cousin hath a gift for -thee also, and telleth me to give it thee now.” - -With that she hands me out a sword,—a brave, bright sword! - -And my Lord says kindly,— - -“Have it ever ready in her service, Jehan; she is a lonely maid.” - -I bent and kissed my Lady’s hand, and saith with my heart in my mouth, - -“My Lord, I’ll e’en follow her to the world’s end.” - -“Thou art a good lad, and I trust thee”; and as he spoke, my Lord -smiled. - -True, as I swore fealty to my Lady, I little recked how soon ’t would be -before I rode away behind her! - -Just then the huntsman wound his horn, and we all rode out over the -drawbridge and away into the bright sun and green fields a-hawking. We -made a merry day of it. The hounds sped before, starting up many a -creature that fled affrighted from us. - -My Lady rode, not her own palfrey, which was a gentle animal but of -little speed, but a chestnut mare, one specially cherished by Comte -Gaston, even though she was a thought too light for his bulk. - -For many a day the mare had been but exercised about the court, and -being a high-mettled creature, soon grew fretted by the flapping of my -Lady’s habit,—a thing to which she was ill-used. - -We were pricking along at a good pace, my Lady having her hands full -with holding down the mare, when suddenly from the grass at her very -feet darted out a fallow deer, a little thing scarcely more than a month -old. The mare started, threw up her head, and ere I knew what had -befallen, had wheeled about and started off like the wind. - -“Jehan,” I heard my Lady call; and turning my own horse about, I spurred -him after the flying mare. On we sped; the others, passing through a -copse, had missed seeing our plight. - -“Hold fast, mistress,” shouted I, while I strove with whip and spur to -get beside her. - -Little by little we crept forward, my horse and I, and after that day I -ever forbore to call him a poor thing. First his nose pressed the mare’s -thigh, and then he came up with the saddle-cloth, and then a bit ahead -of that, till I called,— - -“Loose your foot from the stirrup, mistress.” - -Even as I spoke I could see that she did it. - -“Lean towards me and drop the reins, mistress”; and as I spoke I -switched my poor nag and leaned from the saddle, took my mistress about -the waist, and pulled her clear of the mare. It took but a moment more -to set her gently on the ground and start after the mare, since I knew, -if aught befell her, our day of pleasuring would have but an ill ending. -Freed from the flapping of the skirt, she gradually slackened her pace, -and erelong I was leading her back to where my Lady stood with the tall -marsh grasses waving about her feet. - -“Help me to mount, Jehan,” saith she, whilst I was turning about in my -mind how to urge her to let me ride the mare while she took the steadier -horse. - -“Pray, mistress,” I began; but she cut me short with,— - -“Have a care that my cousin knows not of this mishap, since it fairly -shames me to think how the mare bested me. But I was not affrighted.” - -At this she gave a side look at me, but I knew her too well to show that -I had noted her white face. I did not answer, but pondered if it was not -seemlier to guard my mistress even against herself. When she noted me -standing and switching of the grass, she crieth out,— - -“Sure, Jehan, it would be an unkind part to tell that I was like to be -run with on my fête day, since all has come out well. Promise now that -thou wilt hold thy peace.” - -So promise I did, and none guessed how near we had come to grief, though -my Lord, when we drew up with them, wondered why the mare looked so hard -ridden! - -’Twas now well on to noon, and we rested by the side of a clear stream, -and ate of squirrels fresh roasted, and of little fishes drawn from the -brook but half an hour before, and of the honey of the wild bee spread -on cakes of white flour, and of spices and of wine. - -“Hast had a happy day, little one?” saith my Lord, as we sat ’neath the -trees; and my mistress, turning, laid her cheek on his hand and said,— - -“Dear Cousin, never can I thank thee enough for all that thou hast done -for me”; and the tears like to have fallen. - -“To see thee happy gives me all the thanks I crave”; and my Lord fetched -a deep sigh, thinking belike of that son whom his own hand had slain. - -Then, when the sun grew low, homeward we turned, the pages singing as we -rode along,— - - “White as a lily, more ruddy than the rose, - Brilliant as a ruby that with spark of fire glows, - Your beauty and your loveliness to me all peerless shows, - White as a lily, more ruddy than the rose. - My heart for your heart watches; it pleaseth me to know - That to all other lovers the law of love I show. - White as a lily, more ruddy than the rose, - Brilliant as a ruby that with spark of fire glows.” - - - II - -When we came in sight of the castle of Orthez, there rose from the great -chimneys a dark cloud of smoke. The drawbridge fell, and the steward -rode forth to meet us. - -“Lo, my Lord,” he cried, “hasten home. Whilst thou wert absent here hath -come a great lord, the Due de Berry, with messages from the King.” - -“Hath he a great following?” questioned my Lord. - -“Seventy lances and thirty sumpter mules. They are cared for, my Lord, -and all have supped.” - -We hurried forward. As my Lord rode into the court, the Due de Berry -cometh through the door to meet him. He was elder than my Lord, and was -uncle to King Charles, and a powerful and noble lord. Never had I looked -on one so great as he. All France hath heard how he taxed his people and -gathered from them great stores of money that he might have gold to buy -palaces, that he might get from strange and foreign countries noble -pictures with which to deck his walls, and tapestries wrought in -coloured threads and gold. Not only these things did he buy, but books -enriched with jewels and filled with images of saints and others, -coloured with blue, red, and gold. After him rode hundreds of followers -when he went to war or travelled abroad in strange countries. - -As one looked upon him, his face seemeth harsh at first, yet a smile -became it well, and he smiled when he looked on my mistress, as doth -everyone who seeth her. - -One, two, three days he tarried. ’Twas said that his matters were -despatched in one, and true it is that when my mistress was before him, -his eyes ne’er left her face. - -Right seemly she looketh, thought I, as I stood behind her chair when -they supped. Never before had she borne herself so bravely, and rich -were the gauds that tirewoman furnished forth. One evening my Lady came -into the great hall in a gown of cherry red, made from the thread of the -silkworm and wonderous soft and fine. Above this was a long coat with -wide pointed sleeves, and it was bound about her with a sash of cloth -that shone like silver. Her hair was woven with strings of pearls, large -and white, and over her hung a veil like unto a spider’s web, set full -with shining threads. Well do I remember all this, for it was the first -time that ever I had seen such richness of apparel. - -Till now we had been friends together, playmates. The priest whom my -Lord Gaston had brought to dwell in the castle taught us to read, and -when we irked him overmuch sent us packing. Then would we spend the time -running over the great old castle, shooting with the bow and arrow, and -teaching the shagged greyhounds to fetch and carry. - -But from to-day all was different. She was a great lady, and I her page -Jehan, to hand her cup, to do her bidding within doors, and to ride at -her litter’s side or by her saddle when she went abroad, with my sword -loosened and hand steady and prompt at her need. - -On the fourth day my Lord Gaston rode out with the Due de Berry to see -him fare forth. My mistress stood upon the steps as they set out, with -her sky-blue jewel in her hair and her cheeks like maybuds. The Due had -bent and kissed her hand, and of a truth I heard him say,— - -“Farewell, mistress. Thou wilt hear from me again, and that shortly.” - -She saith never a word, but looked into his face and smiled. - -Now once again it was “Jehan here” and “Jehan there,” and we fell back -into our old ways. I digged and tilled for her the garden patch without -the walls of the castle, for this was a year of richness, and my Lady’s -gillyflowers and lavender, lilies and coriander, showed bright beside -the dull potherbs, anise, mustard, and storax, and the beds of leeks, -dittany, lettuces, and garden-cress. We had words over the poppies. - -“Jehan,” saith she, “didst ever see the poppies brighter than they be -this spring?” - -“Fair they be, mistress, and of a size too, so that the seeds will be -choice, and none need suffer for lack of a sleeping draught if they be -ill!” - -“Mean you to save all the flowers for seeds?” - -“Of a truth, yes, mistress, since they be so fine.” - -“But, Jehan, thou knowest that I love the poppies, and sure they were -planted for me.” - -Now this was true, but the flowers were so exceeding fine, and gave -promise of such a crop of seeds, that I fairly loathed to give one up. -So I tried to coax Mistress Eleonore with other buds. - -“Jehan,” suddenly quoth she, “run you to the court and fetch me out a -garden tool. I would help thee myself to-day.” - -I hurried away, as she bade me, and when I got back there she stood in -the midst of the poppy-bed, with a wreath of them in her black hair, and -both hands full! I stopped short, and she began to laugh at me, looking -so like the fairies we hear of dancing in a ring, that though I felt the -loss of the poppy-seeds sore, all I could find to say was,— - -“Oh, mistress, the seeds!” - -“But the flowers are so beautiful, and the seeds but ill-favoured black -things, as thou knowest well, Jehan, wherefore I chose the flowers.” - -There was naught to do but to hope that the buds that were left would -bloom freely; and shortly we went back to the castle, for the day was -growing warm, the birds had ceased their morning songs, and the wind was -no longer sweet and cool. As we reached the gate, there came to us, -faint and far away, the sound of a winded horn. We turned, and out over -the marches we could see coming many knights, their armour glistening in -the sun, and their lances shining like so many points of fire. - -“Who be these, think you, Jehan?” said my mistress, as with her wreath -of poppies she stood and watched them come. But I knew no more than she, -and soon the stranger knights rode by us into the court, each man as he -passed doffing his cap to my mistress, who stood tall and smiling, and -bowing in her turn. - -“Jehan,” quoth she, “run as fast as ever thou canst and find the -tirewoman and send her to me. Perchance my cousin will wish me to come -to the great hall.” - -I was glad to be off, since I was eager to know who the great lord was -that rode so bravely at the head of his vassals. In the court all was -bustle, but I heard it said that he was a friend to the King, and that -he bore the name of Seigneur Bureau de la Rivière. - -What was his mission to my Lord none could guess. But as one day -followed another and yet he tarried, my Lady’s tirewoman could hold her -tongue no longer, and out the secret came. Never could I bide that -woman! ’Twas always touch and go between us. - -“Knave,” quoth she, and “Jade,” say I, till the ill-favoured wench would -to my Lady Eleonore in tears. - -Now the secret that she blabbed was this,—that the Seigneur de la -Rivière had come to ask for the hand of my little mistress at the suit -of the Duc de Berry! - -It seems that the King laughed when he heard that his uncle the Duc, who -had seen a round fifty years and had sons who were men grown, wished to -take to wife “une fillette,” as he calleth her, of twelve years. But the -Duc held fast to his cause, and the King was but a lad of sixteen -himself with a wife two years younger, and many of the court were of -scarce greater age. So the Duc had persevered in his wishes, and the -Seigneur de la Rivière had come to treat with my master, the Comte de -Foix, who did not wish to give up his young cousin to one so much her -elder. So he put off the Seigneur, saying,— - -“The child is too young. Let the marriage wait till she grows up.” - -These days I saw little of my mistress. The flowers and the dogs were -all forgot, and she was housed with that tirewoman all the bright days. -One morning there was an exceeding bustle and rushing hither and yon. -Then was I bidden to put on my bravest suit and attend my mistress to -the great hall. It took me far less time than it took my Lady to put on -all her fine gear, and when we came into the hall, there sat my Lord, -and beside him sat the stranger lord, while all around them were many -score of knights and lances. - -My Lord cometh forward, and taking my mistress by the hand, he leadeth -her to a seat in the great oak chair beside him, whilst I stood but a -step behind her. My Lord looked at her kindly, and then quoth he,— - -“Knowest why I sent for thee, child?” - -My mistress drew up her head quite proud, and answered bravely, though -her cheeks were like poppy buds,— - -“In truth I do, Cousin.” - -“I think that thou art over-young to make a marriage yet,” began my -Lord; but my mistress saith quickly, before he could go further,— - -“Dear Cousin, our new Queen Isabeau had but fourteen years when she -wedded King Charles, and it is said that she hath meaner height than I.” - -Her cousin smiled. - -“Thou knowest that the Duc de Berry is far more in years than thyself?” - -“Yet methinks I could like him well,” saith the Lady Eleonore, “and -indeed this marriage suits me much.” - -She looked so full of spirit, and withal so fair, that the Seigneur de -la Rivière thought it well to take now a part himself. - -“The lady knows her mind,” saith he, “and for a truth the Duc loves her -right well. King Charles, who is a youthful liege himself, will welcome -her, and at Paris she will find all things that a young maid loves.” - -“I had forgot that in my lonely castle the young maid lacked much that -other maids have. Still, child, thou knowest that I have loved thee -well.” - -At this my mistress went to her cousin and knelt by his knee, holding -his hand and kissing of it. - -“Dearest Cousin,” she cried, “there has been naught lacking in all thy -kindness for me, and if it is thy wish that I stay with thee, send the -Seigneur hence.” - -My Lord smiled sadly and shook his head, saying with a sigh,— - -“The child has chosen for herself, my Lord.” - -Then my mistress withdrew, and I followed her. How my head spun! My -mistress to wed a lord almost as great as the King himself, to go to -Paris to dwell, and I, Jehan, to go with her! - -Of a truth I scarce drew breath for the next ten days, since we were to -go forth straightway, and there was hurly-burly to get us furnished -forth. At the end of that time we set out towards Paris, my Lord Comte -sending five hundred lances to safeguard my Lady, and the Duc de Berry -sending as many more, with litters, chariots, jewels, and fine robes to -meet us on our way. I have not speech to tell how fine we fared on that -journey. At every halt great silken tents were spread, my Lord Duc had -sent minstrels for to sing at my Lady’s pleasure, and there were litters -hung with scarlet and gold to carry her when she was a-weary. There were -women to wait on her, pages to run her bidding, and Jehan, chief of them -all, always at hand, with a chain of bright gold about his neck, to show -his new rank. - - - III - -When we came nigh Paris, word came from my Lord Duc that we were to halt -at the Abbey of St. Denis, whither the King and Queen and the Ducs de -Berry and Burgundy, with my Lady’s father, were to come to welcome us. - -When my Lady heard that her father was to come also, she turneth to me, -who knew that she had not seen him since she was a small babe of three. -“By my faith, Jehan,” quoth she, “I fear my own father more than the -lord I am to marry, since he is the greater stranger of the two. Why -think you he cometh?” - -“Truth, I know not, my Lady,” say I; and it was not till later that it -was known that this strange father, hearing of his daughter’s beauty and -that she was to wed his friend the Duc de Berry, came forth from Paris -with the King and Queen to look on her. - -We lay that night at the Abbey, and before we went to rest heard mass in -the cathedral itself. Never had I dreamed that so noble a building had -been made by men’s hands. And this was but the beginning. Gold and -silver statues stood on the great altar; great coloured stones the names -of which I knew not, sparkled on the cups and dishes of gold that were -used for the holy offices, while the books that the holy fathers held in -their hands, as well as their robes and mitres, gave forth sparkles like -unto a rainbow. After the mass they took my Lady to show her the -treasures, and I, following behind, saw with these eyes, that had never -thought to see such things, the great golden sword of King Charlemagne, -and so many other wonders of gold and jewels that my mind could hold -them not. - -What made my blood to stir most amid all that world of rich and holy -things, was a banner that hung high over the great altar. Torn it was, -yet in its folds glowed the colour of flame; and one of the good fathers -turning to me, who stood with mouth agape, I doubt not, asked,— - -“Good lad, knowest thou what banner hangest there?” - -“Nay, father,” answered I, “and how should I, since I am but newly come -from the far-away castle of Orthez, which, as thou knowest, lies in the -lonely marches to the west.” - -“Look, son,” then spoke he, “at the greatest treasure of France. ’Tis -the Oriflamme, that sacred banner which hath led her hosts so oft to -victory.” - -And as I looked on it, and knew how many brave knights had found death -under its folds, my heart was fuller than ever before. For what is more -noble than to give one’s life for one’s country? Even a poor page may do -that, though he may never hope to fall under a banner which may be borne -only by princes and nobles. That night I slept on a monk’s pallet, -spread on the floor of the passage without my Lady’s door, yet were my -dreams always of war and clashings of arms, and there floated ever -through my visions that wonderous banner of flame-colour. - -Next morn we were all astir with the dawn. ’Twas my task to see that my -Lady’s litter had been made fresh and seemly, that the pages were all -point device in their looks, so that we should not bear our part ill -before the nobles coming from Paris to greet us. - -About sunset they arrived. The King rode at the head of them all, with -his two uncles on either hand, the Duc de Berry on the right and the Duc -de Burgoyne on the left. Behind came the Queen and her ladies in an open -car, and on either side rode the great lords, two by two, carrying their -swords and shining in their armour of gold. - -The Duc de Berry cometh forward and, taking my Lady by the hand, led her -to the King, who kissed her on the brow, and then took her to the Queen. -They were so handsome, these two, the Queen and my Lady, that all -marvelled thereat. Queen Isabeau was of a fairness like unto milk and -roses, while my Lady, who stood a full hand taller, was of a dark -brownness, which looked but the darker beside the golden-haired Queen. -Shortly the Queen turneth to a tall and dark noble who stood behind her, -and saith she with a smile,— - -“Well, Comte, hast thou naught to say?” - -Then he came forward, and taking the hand of my Lady in his, looketh her -long in the face. At last he looks less stern, and then he saith, - -“If thou hadst looked like thy mother, child, thou and I hadst not met -to-day. But I see well thou art my own child, and carry in thy brow and -eyes the colour of a true daughter of Auvergne.” - -One needed only to look at them as they stood side by side, to see that -they were of one race. He, like the King, kisseth my Lady on the brow, -and then he turneth to the Duc de Berry, and placing in his hand the -little one of my Lady, he saith,— - -“One may not wonder longer at your choice, my Lord Duc.” - -This night, like the last one, we lay in the Abbey, but there was -feasting and gaiety, at least as much as seemed good in a holy house. -Then next day we took our way to Paris, my Lady riding in the car with -the Queen and her ladies, and I looked on her with marvel to see how one -who had scarce seen aught but a squire’s lady and the wenches about the -castle, and those who had taught us, could bear herself so bravely, as -if all her life she had known aught but courts. - -Then after a brief space cometh the marriage at Paris, where King -Charles himself giveth the bride away. For five days there were masques -and feastings, balls and jousts, in which even the King takes a part. -Many of these balls were at the Palace of St. Pol, where lived the King -and Queen; some there were at the Hôtel de la Reine Blanche, where dwelt -the Queen of Navarre, and there were others yet at the Hôtel de Nesle -which the Duc de Berry gave to my mistress, the Duchess Eleonore, for -her wedding gift. - -Methought we had been merry at Orthez, but at Paris it was like a -minstrel’s tale! - -Who can wonder that my mistress was happy? She sang and danced, my Lord -Duc adored her, everybody loved her for her sweet and gentle ways, and -there were none about the palace but that she knew and cared for. - -“Jehan,” she saith to me one day, “art thou happy here?” - -“Yea, mistress, since this great city is to be my home.” - -“Dost thou never think of those days when we trained the dogs at -Orthez?” - -“Faith an’ I do, mistress, though it is but seldom, and I love the brave -doings here. Besides, where thou goest, there must Jehan follow.” - -The days slipped away and were none too long. I fed the pet squirrel -with its collar of fair pearls which the King had given to my mistress, -and the monkey too, and the flying birds, for my mistress loved ever to -have antic creatures about her. At the hunts I ride close at hand, and -as at Orthez, where my mistress the Duchess goeth, there goeth Jehan. -Once when we chased the deer at Val-la-Reine, the stag, a-weary and -dazed, took refuge in a barn. Our King, the Well-beloved, crieth out,— - -“Spare him, spare him,” for the huntsmen ran into the barn to cut the -poor beast’s throat. Then saith the King from his kind heart,— - -“Never shall this deer be hunted more. His life shall be his own from -this day forth.” - -Saying which, he pulled from his saddle-cloth a splendid fleur-de-lys, -and turned to some of his men for a chain with which to hang it on the -creature’s neck. None had one; so my Duchess took from her own neck a -chain of gold, and it was hanged about the deer’s neck to show that it -was the King’s, and none might do it ill. - -Each day there was some new sport, and I had scant time to do aught but -follow my mistress. As one morn she stood playing with the monkey, a -beast that had no regard for my fingers, but was ever pleased to be -petted by my Duchess, my Lady’s eyes roved to the beds of gay posies -that bloomed without on the terrace. They put to shame the ones we -tended in the old days by the castle wall, but my Duchess cried,— - -“There is not a posy here as bright as the poppies that grew at Orthez, -nor one so white as the gillyflowers. ’Twas a pretty garden, and I loved -it well. Yet I cannot say but what I love these too.” - -She stepped out on the terrace, and called back over her shoulder,— - -“See that the cup of gold that the monkey broke be mended.” I loved not -this task, since it seemed a shame to me that so grievous a beast should -have his food from so fair a cup, while many of his betters had none. - -Soon after my mistress was wedded to my Lord Duc, the great fair of St. -Denis was set out in the meadow, “Pré aux Clercs.” Thither went we with -the King, Queen, and all the court. Such marvels as were spread out -there for sale! Jewels and stuffs wrought with gold and gems; pictures -and holy books painted in colours and with gold; carvings made from -wood, and from the great white teeth of strange beasts which they saith -live in the sea; cups of gold shaped like unto lilies and roses; swords -and spears, battle-axes and shields, armour and horse-trappings, till -one knew not which way to turn. - -If it was a fine show in daytime, my certes, what a sight it was at -night! Every stall was ablaze with torches, and there were crowds of -strange peoples of divers colours and from far-away lands, with soldiers -and singers on every hand. - -My mistress had never seen before such a sight, no more than I; and she -chose many a rich and curious toy, and my Lord Duc smiled, and gave her -all her heart’s desire. - -Yet think not that my Lady had ever gauds and merry doings in her mind. -Being but young, she loved these well, as what young maid does not? But -her heart was ever loyal to her friends, as presently I shall set forth. - - - IV - -It befell, after we had dwelt three years in Paris, and my Duchess was -just turned of fifteen, that there was tumult at the court. King Charles -the Well-beloved, whose fits of madness caused so much havoc (owing to -the mischief wrought by his uncles when he was too ill of mind and body -to rule himself) was again out of his mind. - -The Seigneur de la Rivière, whom my Duchess had ever loved since he had -arranged her marriage and fetched her to Paris to my Lord the Duc de -Berry, was, by the order of the Duc de Burgundy, seized and held to die. -His friends, lest they too should suffer for’t, feared to help him. The -King, as hath been said, was ill; the Queen cared not what happened so -long as she was not irked. But my Duchess clenched her little hand and -saith,— - -“He shall not die!” - -Just how to serve him she knew not; so she cometh to her Lord, the Duc -de Berry, and cast herself on her knees before him. - -“Oh, dear my lord,” cried she, sobbing, “this man who hath done no -wrong, and whom we know and love, must die, since none but I durst speak -for him.” - -The Duc, who loved her well, raised her and saith,— - -“Take comfort, dear one.” - -“But, my Lord, what comfort is there for me, when one who gave me -happiness and thee, is in danger of his life, and for no wrongdoing, -neither?” - -“Dear heart,” answered my Lord the Due, “I too love him, since he -brought thee to me, and what man can do, that will I for thy sake and -his.” - -“If he be not saved, then will I sorrow always,” wept my Duchess. - -My Lord Duc went forth, and though the King was only at times come to -his wits again, my Lord got from him a command that the Seigneur de la -Rivière should be sent overseas, and not slain. - -This did but half content my mistress. When the King grew well again, my -Duchess plead with him so prettily, that as he loved right well to -pleasure her, he allowed the Seigneur de la Rivière to come home, and to -him restored all his castles and his wealth. Greatly my mistress -rejoiceth, and giveth thanks to both her Lord and the King. - -Now the Seigneur, when once more in honour and in wealth he came to his -home, in token for his thanks for all she had wrought in his behalf, -brought to my mistress a coffer filled with rich gifts. The coffer was -in itself a marvel, since it was painted all over with little flying -boys, who bore in their hands flowers and wreaths. All the rest of it -was like unto gold, and it stood upon four feet cut in the shape of -great paws. - -When the coffer was opened, there seemeth no end to the splendid things -my mistress brought forth,—tissues glistening like moonbeans, wrought -stuffs of many colours, and chains and jewels. Chiefest amongst the rich -treasures was a length of velvet from the great city called Genoa, the -mate to which was not in all the court. It was blue in colour, the which -my mistress ever loveth,—just the shade of the sky of a sunny day at -noon. Wrought all over it in threads of purest silver were flying doves. -My faith, it seemeth as if their long wings fairly moved! - -“Oh,” cried my Duchess Eleonore, “never was such a lovely robe seen -before, and it cometh just in time, too, since the ball that Queen -Blanche giveth to the Queen’s maid on her marriage will be shortly.” - -My Duchess had the velvet fashioned into a robe so splendid that all -marvelled. It fell from her shoulders and flowed three metres’ length -upon the floor, and the doves of silver fluttered and shone with every -step she taketh. Above her brow rose the tall hennin that Queen Isabeau -so loved to wear and to have the ladies of her court wear also, and from -this fell a veil of silver like unto the doves. - -The night of the ball was at hand, and none looking on my stately -Duchess would deem that she had but fifteen years. So heavy was the -robe, and of such length, that as I walked behind I bore it for her. - -The palace shone bravely with torches and flambeaux set in the wall, and -borne in the hands of many lackeys all about the rooms. Our King, the -Well-beloved, no longer ill, was full of pleasure at the masques which -had been planned for this ball. He was scarce older than was I, since he -was but nineteen years, and when he was not ill, ever loved to mingle in -all the sports going forward. - -[Illustration: “NONE LOOKING ON MY STATELY DUCHESS WOULD DEEM THAT SHE -HAD BUT FIFTEEN YEARS.”—_Page 48._] - -The dancing had come to an end. Quickly a space was cleared, and as I -stood behind my Lady, a loud voice crieth out,— - -“The wild men, the wild men! Give the wild men room!” - -Of a truth they were frightful to see,—five chained together, led by a -sixth who leaped along in front shouting, all of them being covered with -long shaggy hair after the manner of some strange beasts. - -As the mummers passed, for they were but dressed to look like wild men, -I tweaked betwixt finger and thumb a bit of the fur, and lo, it was but -ravelled tow. Now I knew right well why the word had been passed that -none with lights should move about the room. With what wild shouts did -the mummers leap here and there amongst the guests! Some were affrighted -and ran screaming away. The leader of them all runneth up to my -mistress. - -“Dost thou know me?” cried he. - -Right firmly she held him by the hand. - -“Not yet,” saith she, “but shall ere I let thee go.” - -Then my blood froze with the horror of a scream I heard, then another -and another. In an instant mummers, guests, room, and all were in a -blaze. One of the company, to see the mummers better, had seized a torch -and held it near them. The tow sprang into flame, and the five men who -were tied together were instantly on fire and shrieking out. One only -loosed himself and ran and plunged into a tank for washing of the -silver, and which happened to be full of water. - -All through the tumult and cries there stood my Duchess mid the flying -brands, which I fought as best I might with cap and hands. - -“Come away,” I cried, “oh, mistress, come.” - -“Nay, help me to save him, Jehan,” was what she whispered back. - -Her fair veil shrivelled with the heat, the flying slivers blistered her -arms and neck. Cries of “The King, the King, save the King,” grew loud -and louder. Queen Isabeau fainted, yet my brave Duchess stood there till -every flying spark had been stamped out, holding gathered about her the -heavy velvet robe. When at last the fire was all subdued, she threw -aside the blue robe that had been so fair, and there under its scorched -folds, in his monstrous suit of tow, knelt the King, safe and unharmed. - -“Hasten, Sire,” cried she, “the Queen waiteth you. Throw over you -Jehan’s cloak lest some wanton spark fly near you.” - -The King hurried away, and then think not but that I hastened to get my -mistress home. And oh, my Lord’s pride in my Lady! - -And oh, the King’s words when he came next morn to thank her, kneeling -on one knee to kiss her hand! - -The sky-blue robe, say you? What became of that? - -My mistress packed it away in the coffer that had brought it from Genoa, -with her own hands, and from that time my Lord taketh for his pennon one -of sky-blue ground with a silver dove set in its midst. - - - - -[Illustration] - - THE PRINCESS WINS - _1417_ - - - I - -In my own youthful days, when turning over the leaves of storybooks, I -used to pause at those tales which began “Once upon a time.” I always -had a feeling that there was something of the fairy-tale about stories -which began in this fashion, and I should like so to begin this day. - -For truly the story I am about to tell you is but one incident in the -life of a girl whose whole career was so full of ups and downs—alas, -most often downs,—that it reads, even in the solemn old Dutch documents, -like the most fanciful tale of the imagination. - -When she died at thirty-seven, it seems as if our Jacqueline had dared -everything and lost,—lost kingdom, home, and friends. Yet even in a life -so full of disaster there were some bright spots, and in this story you -will hear how once at least our Princess wins. - -She was born, our heroine, at her father’s palace at The Hague on St. -James’ Day, 1401. The little girl was baptised Jacoba, in honour of the -holy day of her birth, Jacobus being the Latin form of the name James. -Gradually Jacoba was changed into the French form of Jacqueline, though -in the strange old documents of the times her name is written as Jacob, -or Jacque, or sometimes Madam Jake, and often as Jaque de Bavière. - -Jacqueline was born a princess, and when she was three years old, had -the title given her of “Daughter of Holland,” as she was the sole heir -and successor of her father, William the Sixth, Count of Holland, who on -the death of his father had succeeded him as Count of Zealand and -Hainault. - -In the Middle Ages, when might made right, possessions were held in many -cases by him who had the strongest arm, who could muster the greatest -number of followers and had the most powerful connections. Marriage with -princes who had great possessions of land or would inherit them was one -of the ways by which sovereigns of small states strengthened their -positions, and this was one reason why mere babies were given in -marriage by their parents. You see, the parents could not go to war -against each other when it was arranged that their children were to be -married when they grew up! - -Little Jacqueline was no exception to the rule, and before she was quite -five years old was formally betrothed to John, Duke of Tourraine, second -son of Charles the Sixth of France, called the “Well-beloved.” - -The betrothal of Jacqueline to her bridegroom of nine years old took -place in the old French town of Compiègne, where both the French and -Dutch courts were present. The fine old palace with its great number of -rooms was elegantly furnished for the occasion, and the little -Jacqueline had in her company Staes, Jan, and Hans, her drummer, piper, -and trumpeter! Now these were very important personages in those -times,—they amused the company when there was nothing else to be done, -they had their duties among the soldiers; and in some of the old papers -which are still preserved, and which show the expenses of this betrothal -down to the last groot, it is duly set down that Staes, Jan, and Hans -are each to have six French crowns to cover their travelling expenses. -This would be equal to about nine dollars of our money. - -Neither of the fathers of the two children was present at the betrothal, -for King Charles had one of his attacks of insanity, and Count William -had been bitten by a dog, and was not able to be there, either. - -But the mothers had seen to it that nothing was lacking to make the -ceremony a handsome one. The Dutch expense account tells of new clothes -for everybody connected with Jacqueline, even those who had to stay at -home having wedding garments and fine new hat-bands. - -When the betrothal ceremonies were over, the young bridegroom was handed -over to Jacqueline’s mother, and the two children were taken home to -Holland to be brought up together. - -From time to time they had presents sent to them from their subjects, -which seem more like taxes than free gifts, and which were duly set down -in the archives. For instance, there were fish and wine for John, and -there were many ells of “very fine cloth of silk” for Madam Jake. They -had a special dispensation sent them, too, so that they could eat meat -on fast-days; and this dispensation was extended also to the -napkin-bearer, the cook, and ten other servants who had to taste the -dishes beforehand. - -You see, our Jacqueline lived in the days when people were sometimes -poisoned by their enemies, so that royalty had “tasters,” who ate of -every dish before it was placed on the table for their Majesties to eat, -and if the tasters did not suffer, why then it was deemed safe for their -masters to eat. - -Notwithstanding all these things, the children passed many happy years -studying French, English, and Latin, and in hunting, hawking, riding on -horseback, playing tennis and ball, and, best of all, in skating on the -long winding canals. Perhaps they skated the “Dutch Roll,” and Hans, -Staes, and Jan went along too, to make things merry with the fife, -trumpet, and drum. These were their pleasures. It was a more solemn -matter when they had to learn how to rule their kingdoms and subjects, -for the little bridegroom stood next but one to the great throne of -France, and Jacqueline was heir to her father’s kingdom. - -They were married in 1415, when Jacqueline was fourteen years old. - -Two years later, her young husband, who, by the death of his elder -brother, had become Dauphin and heir to the throne of France, died. The -poor lad breathed his last at Compiègne, in the very palace where he had -been betrothed, whether by poison or from getting overheated at tennis, -none can say, but at any rate while he was away from his wife and from -his family. - -As if this was not enough, just two months later, Count William, the -kind and loving father of Jacqueline, died also. The poor girl, without -father or husband to protect her or her possessions, turned to her -Fatherland to pronounce her sovereign of Zealand and Hainault. - -But there were others who had their eyes and minds fixed on the sturdy -little kingdom, and, truth to tell, they were the last persons one would -suspect of such ideas, since they were Jacqueline’s own kinsfolk. But so -it was; and in order to strengthen her position, and to allow her -subjects to know and love her and to pay her their vows of fealty, -Jacqueline, as was the custom in those times, started on a “progress,” -or tour through her various cities. - -These royal progresses were very splendid affairs, we can hardly imagine -them now, and on this occasion Jacqueline’s mother bore her company, and -there were many of her most powerful nobles as well. - -On June 12, 1417, when the cavalcade rode into Mons, the whole city was -gay to welcome the young girl who came thither to take her vows of -sovereignty. How prettily the city, old even then, must have looked! -From the windows fluttered banners of bright-coloured cloth, many of -them worked with patterns of gold and silver! So large were some of -these banners that they stretched from window to window across the -street. Many were the arches wreathed with flowers and branches under -which Jacqueline passed, and streamers waved everywhere. - -Leaning from the casements were ladies richly dressed and holding chains -of flowers; and children were here, there, and everywhere, come to see -their little Princess, who was scarce more than a child herself. - -Many great lords there were as well, having come forth from their -castles on the wooded hills of Hainault, followed by their retainers and -serfs, the former clad in suits of bright armour and riding on -horseback, while the latter ran on foot beside the men-at-arms, and bore -on their collars the names of their masters, and their doublets were of -leather, and many times their feet were bare. - -Jacqueline on a milk-white palfrey, with her mother at her left hand, -rode at the head of them all. There are a few quaint old pictures which -show her to have been slender and tall, brown-haired, and without the -high cheek bones which are so usual in her countrywomen. On this -occasion her appearance was royal indeed. She wore a gown of cloth of -gold, which glittered in the warm June sunshine. Her coif, or headdress, -was bound by many a chain of gold and jewels, suitable to her rank as -Dauphine of France and Daughter of Holland. - -She had not advanced far within the city before a deputation of young -girls, all dressed in white, stood forth to meet her. - -“Hail, Daughter of Holland, welcome to Mons,” the leader of them said, -and stepping forward, hung her chaplet of flowers on Jacqueline’s arm. -One by one each young girl followed in turn, and Jacqueline, turning -with smiling face to her mother, said,— - -“Our good city of Mons shows its loyalty in pleasing fashion, Madame. If -all our other cities bear themselves like this, we care not for our -uncle of Burgundy, who seeks to take our inheritance from us, nor for -the Egmonts nor Arkels, nor any who are enemies of our house.” - -“In truth all seemeth fair, my daughter. Our good burghers always -respond to our need, though our nobles sometimes think too highly of -their power.” - -“Our loyal burghers! In truth they are our best friends. Yet remember -how many nobles ride with us this day, and have sworn to urge our cause -as though it were their own.” - -They rode slowly forward, the little Princess pleased and happy at the -homage of her subjects, bowing and smiling. At last the church of St. -Waltrude was reached. Here Jacqueline dismounted, and entering the dim -old building, walked slowly up the central aisle till she reached the -high altar. Here she knelt, kissed the holy relics, and swore to -preserve “all usages and privileges of the city, to protect the church, -to uphold the right, to dispel the wrong.” - -Then, seated on a lofty throne that had been set up beside the altar, -she received the homage of her subjects, and their vows of loyalty to -her and to her cause. - -After the solemn ceremonies at the church were over, the royal party had -a banquet given in their honour by the burghers of the city, who had -arranged many festivities to give them pleasure. - -Can you not see our Princess with rosy cheeks and sparkling eyes -standing at the table’s head? Her soft brown hair is tightly bound to -her head and covered with a cap wrought of threads of gold strung with -pearls. Embroidery of threads of gold and coloured silks in which the -Dutch excelled, enrich her gown, which is of the heaviest silk that even -Flanders can produce. Long chains of pearls, which were sold by weight, -hang about her neck, and fur of minever binds and edges the cuts and -slashes in her great sleeves and on the body of her gown. - -Besides the banquet, there was planned a tournament, a favourite -occasion for showing knightly deeds, and it was to be held on a grassy -mead just without the walls of the city, on the day following the paying -of homage, and entry into the city. - -Thither early in the morning trooped the inhabitants of the town. Among -the first to go were groups of apprentices, dressed in the uniforms of -their guilds or trade societies. These trudged on foot, glad enough of a -holiday. Mingling among them were serfs or bondsmen, easily to be told -by their metal collars. Some carried burdens for their masters who -should arrive later in the day, while some merely swung a cudgel, and -hurried on as if conscious of their lowly position. - -As the day wore on, the road was dusty with the men-at-arms, knights, -nobles, and their attendants, with substantial burghers with their -apprentices, and with groups of maidens from the town, eager to see the -gay company, and looking pretty enough themselves in their close-fitting -white caps and scarlet kirtles. - -Only occasionally, walking sedately by her father’s side, shrouded in a -long cloak to keep her clothes fresh from the dust, came some -tradesman’s daughter, her neck encircled with strings of coral beads, -and her gold earrings, handed down through many generations, a trifle -longer than those of the serving maidens, and the inevitable cap edged -with lace, or of finest plaited muslin, while theirs, though snowy -white, were of coarse material. - -Now and again amid the crowd swung covered litters, bearing either the -wife of some dignitary, or some high official who preferred this manner -of travelling to going on horse or mule back. - -At an hour past noon, out from the palace yard rode a troop of men on -horseback, bright in a livery of orange and black. Their business it was -to clear the road of any such as cumbered it, so that the passage to the -field should be kept free, since the Princess Jacqueline would ride -thither on her palfrey, to show herself to her subjects, who had -prepared the tournament in her behalf. - -As the cavalcade issued from the palace yard, there came first twoscore -knights riding two abreast, each in a full suit of armour which sparkled -like silver in the sun, each carrying his shield and a pennon of bright -silk. Then came the members of the council of Mons, in rich robes of -velvet, furred and wrought, and showing on their breasts the heavy gold -chains of their office. They were men who showed on their faces -intelligence and a sense of the importance of their office, slow to -smile and grave, but true as steel to what they deemed the right, and -loyal subjects when once won to their sovereign. - -Next came Jacqueline with her mother beside her, both riding on splendid -horses, whose caparison was as rich as cloth and gold could make it. -Right royally shone our Princess, robed in a gown of damask which showed -in the pattern tulips of many shades, the flower of all others most dear -to the Dutch heart, the which were made richer yet by stitchery of -brilliant silks. Around the neck and long sleeves, which reached almost -to her feet, were bands of ermine fur, and beneath the flowing cap, made -truly in the very shape of those worn by the peasant maidens, her hair -was bound with many a string of pearl. - -Behind her came those who were to take part in the tournament; and never -had Mons, staid old city, seen a sight of such splendour. Forty knights -came ahead at a stately pace, each mounted on a noble steed in trappings -of velvet, for the steeds of the fallen knights became the prizes of the -victors, and it was a matter of pride to have both horse and harness -worthy to be a prize. After the knights rode forty ladies, chosen for -their beauty, all richly dressed in colours of the gayest hues, mounted -on palfreys, each one riding alone, and leading by a silver chain a -knight completely armed for tilting, astride a splendid horse, which -also wore armour, and a plume of feathers. - -Minstrels and trumpeters followed along, blowing on their instruments; -and then came the people, shouting and cheering, and hurrying along so -as not to miss any of the sport at the field. - -It was a lovely sight that met their eyes when the mead was reached. The -grassy sward was dotted with gay and constantly changing groups, bright -awnings and banners were stretched to keep off the sun from spectators -and combatants, and almost encircling the tilting ground were fine -trees, beneath whose shade many horses were tethered, while their -attendants lounged on the grass. So busy were all with the scene before -them, that none noted the cloud rising dark above the horizon, and he -who called attention to it would have been but deemed a churl for his -pains. - -In the little enclosure set apart for the Princess and her immediate -attendants, the hangings were of equal splendour with the rest of the -arrangements. It was hung with gay strips of cloth, and with chains of -flowers, and it was placed midway between the lists, so that the tilting -could be seen to the best advantage. - -All was ready; the heralds rode forth, each with his silver trumpet at -his lips prepared to announce the opening of the fray, when a long -rolling peal of thunder startled alike the spectators in the stands as -well as those who stood upon the greensward pressing eagerly forward to -see the first shock of the encounter. - -The first peal was followed by another and another. The wind whirled -across the wide meadow and tore into shreds the awnings which had been -stretched against the sun. Rain descended in floods, and before -Jacqueline and her party could take shelter in the rude stalls that had -been built below the galleries, and in which the horses were stabled, -they were pelted with hailstones so large, and which came with such -force, that one of them left on Jacqueline’s cheek a cruel bruise. - -Even centuries later, and in our own country, women and girls were -burned as witches, and when our Daughter of Holland lived, many things -which would seem quite natural to us were called “omens,” and were -supposed to foretell either good or ill. - -This hail-storm was judged a bad omen for poor Jacqueline. So strong a -hold did it take on the superstitious people that while many important -transactions and details of history are lost, a full account of this -storm has been left in various Dutch documents, with fabulous tales as -to the size of the hailstones, and that they killed cattle and ruined -crops. Thus sadly ended for Princess Jacqueline the day that had opened -so fair. Right bravely did she bear the hurried ride back into the city. -With her mother she withdrew into their apartments as soon as they -reached Mons, and was seen no more that night. - -Indeed so wrought upon was Jacqueline by the great storm and the -misfortune attending it, that, as soon as they were alone, she exclaimed -to her mother,— - -“Let us away as soon as our train can be made ready.” - -“Nay, dear child, that would but incense our good people of Mons, who -did their best to pleasure and to honour you.” - -“But, mother, that is all past, and see the grievous bruise upon my -cheek. It ill becomes the face of a princess.” - -“That it does, my dearest, but it is but just to remember that, cruel -though it be, unguents and laving it with soft water will heal it, and -by the morrow thy cheek will show no stain. Neither must thou forget -that for this bruise none of thy subjects should be blamed.” - -To this the little Princess made no reply, yet could not her mother -induce her to remain longer in the city; and shortly after sunrise the -next morning, the cavalcade took their way from the city of Mons, -Jacqueline travelling in a litter, since she chose not to show herself -again in that ill-omened place. - - - II - -After the mishap at Mons, the young Princess journeyed to other of her -loyal towns,—to Delft, to Leyden, to Amsterdam and Haarlem. Though all -these cities paid homage to Jacqueline as their sovereign, and supported -her claims to Zealand and Hainault, there was a strong party growing up -against her, chiefly on account of her youth, and because she was a -girl. - -The headquarters of this party was at Dordrecht, the one city which -refused to pay homage to Jacqueline. Here in Dordrecht the leaders of -the opposing party were joined by one of the uncles of Jacqueline, known -as “John the Pitiless,” who was eager to rob his niece of her -inheritance. He proposed to be appointed governor, and in this way -gradually get into his own hands the whole power. - -Now indeed Jacqueline showed that she was strong at heart, for though -but sixteen, she immediately took steps in person to suppress all such -designs on the part of her uncle, and levied troops, gathered supplies, -and started towards rebellious Dordrecht. - -Right bravely she looked, our little Princess, as she rode at the head -of her troops, and ever from time to time she turned to her mother with -a bright smile, and some such word as— - -“Courage, dear Madame, ever saw you troops with braver front than ours?” - -Or, after a pause,— - -“Think you that mine uncle of Burgundy will expect to see us in person, -come to defend our rights?” - -“Thou art my brave girl. Wouldst that thy father wert here to guard and -guide thee!” - -But her mother looked anxious, and as she rode in her litter near her -daughter, it was she who from time to time called to her side those -brave nobles who had espoused her daughter’s cause, and to whose advice -she looked to bring the assault to a successful conclusion. - -After the first day’s march Jacqueline’s bright confidence was shaken. -Wearied with being all day in the saddle and bearing the weight of her -suit of armour, even though the shirt was of the finest Milan steel and -flexible and light, Jacqueline dismissed all her attendants, and begged -her mother to bide with her for a space before going to rest. - -When all were gone and they were alone together and the curtains to the -tent secured, poor Jacqueline, but a tired girl after all, cast herself -down beside her mother, and hid her face in her lap. - -“Oh, mother,” cried she, “methinks I’d give all Dordrecht to be once -more in our own palace in The Hague, safe sheltered in mine own room, -and rid of this armour which chafes me so!” - -“Nay, daughter, speak not so loud, bend thy lips to mine ear, for truly -it would shame you much should the men-at-arms without hear thy -plaints.” - -“But, mother—” - -“Lower, dear child, speak lower. What! weeping? Countess of Hainault and -Daughter of Holland shedding tears?” - -“Thy daughter was I, mother, before I was Daughter of Holland. So -fearsome am I of those cruel men we go to meet, with their spears and -arrows. Methinks that already I feel them in my flesh”; and at the very -thought there were fresh showers of tears. - -“Can this be my brave Princess? Is this the maid of whom her father -said, ‘Brave as a lad, with more wisdom than her years, and better -fitted to rule than many an elder one’? Sure, child, the hailstones have -in truth bewitched thee!” - -“Ah, mother, I will be brave to-morrow, since needs I must. But say thou -wilt not leave me this night? Stay with me; the darkness affrights me, -mother.” - -“Truly I had no thought not to stay with thee, dear child. See, give me -thy hand, and I will sit beside thy couch till thou art fast asleep.” - -Jacqueline threw herself on the couch which had been hastily spread in -her tent, and made soft with the skins of fox and of bear, and drew over -her buckskin doublet a cloak of frieze. - -“Kiss me, mother, as though I were once more thy little daughter, and -leave me not”; and holding her mother’s hand as she had done in -babyhood, our poor little Daughter of Holland, from very weariness, fell -fast asleep. - -Before dawn the next day all the camp was astir. The sound of the -armourers at work, the stamping and neighing of horses, the shouts of -the soldiers as they hurried about their labour, made a din quite at -variance with the quiet of the night, when the only sounds which -disturbed the solitude were the cries of the sentries that all was well, -and the occasional whinny of some restive horse. - -Yet still Jacqueline slept on, and by her side her mother watched, -hoping that the sounds from without would penetrate the deep sleep of -the weary girl. At last, at the door of the tent itself, sounded the -notes of the bugle, and Jacqueline started up, her eyes clear and -flashing, as she turned to the patient watcher at her side. - -“Once more Countess of Hainault, dearest lady,” she cried, “Jacqueline -the little girl has fled back to her childhood.” - -Her mother drew a long breath and smiled in return. - -“Let us praise St. James for that,” she answered, and pushed aside the -hanging folds that covered the opening to the tent, so that the fresh -morning air would sweep within. - -“Hail, Lady, a bright awakening and a joyous day”; and forward pressed -two pages, special attendants to Jacqueline herself, and like her -dressed in suits of bright armour. But while theirs glittered as bravely -as hers, on her helmet, on her shield, and on any smallest spot which -offered a space for the tool of the goldsmith, there were wrought the -various heraldic devices which belonged to the Countess by right of her -great and royal descent. - -The younger of the two pages—so young in fact that his cheek was scarce -less rosy and fair than that of his young mistress—bore her sword and -spear, which gleamed in the cold beams of the wintry sun. The elder of -the two carried her shield and pennon, the last of fine blue silk, -showing the arms of Bavaria quartered with those of Hainault-Holland, -and watching over these was deftly embroidered the image of the Virgin -and Child. - -Jacqueline came to the door of her tent, and as her eyes watched the -busy scene, she looked both rested and well pleased. - -“A fair omen for the Daughter of Holland this day,” she said, and -pointed towards where the lad stood with her pennon. The bright clouds -in the sky had but touched the faces of the Holy Virgin and the Child, -and reflected in the silver threads with which they were wrought, caused -them to glow with almost the colours of true flesh and blood. - -“The Countess speaks well,” said Eberhard, Lord of Hoogtwoude, than whom -Jacqueline had no more faithful follower, and who had just come up from -the camp to see how the young Countess had rested. - -“A fair sleep and a long one, thanks to my lady mother,” said -Jacqueline, turning to her with a loving glance, “who was ever wont to -take upon her own shoulders the burden of my humours.” - -Full well did Jacqueline repay the kindness of her mother, by her love -for that lady which her dignity never caused her for a moment to -conceal. Going once more within the tent, she bathed in water fresh and -cold, and though the air was a thought too keen, she had the armourer -summoned to rivet on her greaves, so that the legs below the knee should -be well protected, lest some who were on foot among the enemy might get -near and do her harm. - -“Bring my helmet,” next she ordered, “and sling it to my saddle bow, for -this cap of velvet shall serve me to wear till we near the troops which -my false uncle hath gathered.” - -Kissing her mother, she whispered in her ear,— - -[Illustration: “ON, FOR THE LOVE OF THE DAUGHTER OF HOLLAND, DEATH TO -THOSE THAT DENY HER.”—_Page 87._] - -“Fear not, lady, I be a lad this day”; and then placing her spurred foot -on the knee of her page, she mounted easily into her saddle. Once on the -back of her war-horse, her courage rose higher still, and seizing her -pennon in her hand, she drove her horse onward, shouting in her sweet -young voice,— - -“On, for the love of the Daughter of Holland, and death to those that -deny her!” - -Across the low bare fields and through the scrubby woods rode the small -army, which numbered barely a couple of thousand men. When the sun stood -high in the heavens and showed the hour of noon, though the wind was -keen and little comfort was to be had, they rested, for the sake of the -horses as well as the men. - -Whilst they stopped thus, and with fires and food sought to take such -ease as they could command, a band of picked men, less than a score, -rode forward to gain what news they might of the enemy. Soon they could -be seen spurring quickly back, and they brought the welcome news that -“John the Pitiless” was encamped just without the town of Grocum, that -the men were scattered about as if preparing to halt for the remainder -of the day, and that they had learned from some faithful adherents of -the Princess Jacqueline’s, that her uncle had been able to muster scarce -five hundred men more than were in her own little army. - -At this news all sprung to their saddles, since the brief winter’s day -was all too short for that which they had to do, and Jacqueline with -helmet on head and sword in hand, rode at their head. - -Scarce an hour’s brisk riding brought them in sight of the army gathered -from among those who opposed the Princess. There was much confusion -evident among them, and it seemed as if they had but just learned of the -approach of the Daughter of Holland, and were preparing to hold their -own as best they might. - -Straight as an arrow, forward to where his pennon showed the presence of -her uncle, rode Jacqueline. - -No need to shout encouragement to the brave men at her back, yet ever -and again she would turn and call, “For love of Holland,” or “For the -Virgin and St. James,” and ever and anon would come back the answering -cry, “For love of Holland,” “For St. James.” - -When almost within the flight of an arrow from the enemy, once again did -Jacqueline turn, and this time her cry was borne back on the wind with -the clearness of a trumpet,— - -“For love of the Daughter of Holland.” - -At this the hoarse shout that rose among her followers could have been -heard a league away. Still keeping her horse’s head straight for that -pennon she had marked so well, she sent her pages to the right and left, -bidding the soldiers spread in a wide circle, and never draw rein till -they had circled the enemy. - -On they came like a whirlwind; the enemy, seeming not to know what -manner of tactics they were like to meet, formed a compact body. - -The rushing mass of men and horses, with Jacqueline at their head, swept -madly on, nor paused nor swerved till they had flung themselves against -the enemy. In a moment all was frightful confusion, men unhorsed and -being trampled underfoot by the riderless steeds, and in many cases the -horses suffering themselves from wounds that had fallen on them instead -of their masters. - -Twice, above all the tumult and din of metal when spear met shield or -helmet, could be heard the cry, “For the Daughter of Holland,” and each -time it brought the answering shout. At these moments even the enemy -seemed to waver, as if they had not dreamed that their hereditary -Princess could be there in the thick of battle in her own person. - -Surrounded by the noblest of her kin and those of the highest rank among -her party, Jacqueline never gave a thought to her own safety. - -From right to left she flew, encouraging here, supporting there, -bringing up laggards to harass a weak spot among the enemy’s forces, by -the sheer might of her presence striking awe among the foe. - -At last one more stolid or more cruel than the rest rode straight at -her, his lance thrust at her breast. The good mail shirt she wore and -her trusty shield turned aside the blow, but so sharp was the shock that -she fell from her horse. Now indeed came in that training in -horsemanship on which her father had ever insisted, and in which she had -been practised since her earliest years. Still clinging to the bridle, -she managed to keep from falling, and with the aid of her faithful pages -who kept ever at her saddle, she managed to regain her seat. - -“Now, by all I hold dear,” cried she, “no mercy shall be shown the -enemies of Holland and my house.” - -From that moment with voice and example she inspired her weary men, till -with the fall of dusk on that December day they routed those that were -still left alive, and sent them flying over the waste country back to -Dordrecht. - -Many of the enemies of Jacqueline and her house fell during this battle, -the most noted, and the most vindictive as well, being that William of -Arkell to whom her father desired to wed her in the interests of peace, -but who stubbornly refused our little Princess and always remained one -of her most bitter foes. - -Her uncle, “John the Pitiless,” escaped and returned to Dordrecht with -the remnant of his forces. Nor was this the only effort he made to -capture her lands, but for years he pursued her relentlessly, and did -not hesitate at any means to gain his end. - -Involved in endless wars and intrigues both with enemies within her own -land as well as those abroad, the battle at Grocum was the only time -when Jacqueline, Daughter of Holland, led her troops in person, and no -amount of persuasion could induce her to assume command again. - -The night of the victory at Grocum, the little army encamped within the -city which they had wrested from the Burgundian party, and the -celebration of this happy event was accompanied with feasting and much -joy. A thousand healths were drunk to Jacqueline, Countess and -Commander, and there were toasts to future victories, and the rosiest -anticipations of success, the victors imagining that because of one -triumph their enemies would be vanquished. - -When the Daughter of Holland laid herself down to sleep that night, her -mother, with a happy face, bent to kiss her good night. - -“Mother, dear lady,” whispered this victorious Countess of sixteen, “I -pray you tell no one that last night I wept from fear!” - -Her mother smiled as she kissed her, and answered in her gentle voice,— - -“Thou hast my promise.” - - - - -[Illustration] - - DEFENCE OF CASTLE DANGEROUS - _1692_ - - - I - -The sun shone bright and warm on the little frontier settlement of -Verchères one crisp October morning in the year 1692. - -Though the settlement was small, it was pleasantly placed on the south -shore of the St. Lawrence River, not more than twenty miles from -Montreal, which was considered but a short distance from a place of -safety in those days when homes were being hewn out of the wilderness. - -The Seignior or Governor of the place was an old soldier, formerly a -captain in the renowned regiment of Carignan, which was sent to New -France to give aid and protection to the settlers, and to assist them in -repelling the Iroquois. The officers of this great regiment were -rewarded for their services by large grants of land along the rivers, -which were for many years the great highways. The officers in turn -rented out the land to the soldiers under them, and none save the -Colonel himself was allowed to return to France, so anxious was that -country to increase the population of its colonies. - -When our story opens, Seignior Verchères was on military duty at Quebec, -his wife had gone on a visit to Montreal, and they had left the little -family at home in charge of Madelon, the only daughter, a girl about -fourteen years old. There were two young brothers,—Louis, a lad of -twelve, and Alexander, who was about a year younger. There were, -besides, the settlers who looked on Madelon as the representative of her -father. - -We can hardly picture to ourselves what a very rude place the settlement -was, and as it lay near the trail of the Iroquois, it had become known -throughout New France as “Castle Dangerous.” - -At this time the Iroquois, containing the strong and invincible Five -Nations, had two motives which swayed their savage breasts most -powerfully; these were love of fighting and love of gain. They were -dependent on the Dutch and English at Albany for guns, powder, lead, -brandy, and many other things which the white man had brought with him -from the Old World, and which these children of the woods had come to -regard only too quickly as necessary to their comfort. - -True, beaver skins could buy these things which they coveted, but with -the Iroquois the supply was limited. The great forests stretching to the -west and northwest, and those of the upper lakes, were occupied by -tribes who were bound to French interests, and it was the French traders -who controlled their immense annual product of furs. - -Every summer there was a great Fair at Montreal, where the trading for a -whole year took place, and the remote tribes brought in their -accumulated beaver skins. The Iroquois saw and envied these furs and the -strong waters which they enabled their possessors to buy, so they became -more than ever bent on mastering all this traffic by first conquering -the tribes. The Dutch and English urged them on, for the Hurons, -Ottawas, and other tribes were the “children” of the French, working in -their interests and protected by them, while French and Indians alike -were enemies of the Iroquois. - -Thus it was no accidental attack that the French had to fear at “Castle -Dangerous,” but a determined effort by a race that could put nearly -three thousand warriors in the field, and that constantly increased this -force by adopting captives into the tribes. - -The settlement at Castle Dangerous consisted of the blockhouse, a strong -building made of timbers; of the house of the Seignior; some rude -shacks, and the fort itself, which was connected with the blockhouse by -a covered way. All the settlers lived in these buildings for safety, -since their pitiless enemy the Iroquois had always to be guarded -against. There were as well bands of wandering Indians that were -constantly passing up and down the trail that lay along the St. Lawrence -River. - -Rude and dangerous as the place seemed, Madelon loved it, since it was -home to her. She was brave, and had been trained by her father in the -use of firearms, to be cool in the face of danger and quick to meet -emergencies. - -The morning of the twenty-second of October broke fair, the sun rose -amid banks of purple and gold clouds, and as there was still work to be -done in the fields, the men of the settlement started off directly after -the morning meal, leaving the women and children, two soldiers, one old -man of eighty, and Madelon in charge of the fort. - -For a long time Verchères had been unmolested. The settlers had come to -feel that perhaps there was not much further danger to be feared from -the foe, and with this feeling of fancied security they had grown less -vigilant. Madelon, attracted by the beauty of the day, started to go -down to the landing-place, which hung over the river and made an -admirable spot from which to fish, the river being noted for the -excellence and number of fine fish to be found there. - -“Come, Laviolette,” she called to a French half-breed who was hired to -work about the fort, “bring some lines and perhaps we can catch fish -enough to serve for a meal.” - -They were busily engaged in this peaceful sport, when suddenly the sound -of firing was heard in the neighbourhood of the place where the settlers -were at work in the fields. - -“Run, Mademoiselle, run! The Iroquois are coming,” screamed Laviolette, -and taking her by the hand, they fled towards the fort. - -“Can we reach it, dost thou think?” - -“Courage, Mademoiselle! we are almost there,” replied Laviolette; and so -the Iroquois thought also, since they gave up the chase of the flying -girl, and contented themselves with firing at her and her companion. As -the bullets whistled by, she prayed aloud,— - -“Holy Marie, save us!” and as the words inspired her with fresh courage, -she shouted as she neared the fort,— - -“Help, help, to arms!” Her wild call was not heard, and at the very gate -itself were two sobbing women who from the battlement of the fort had -seen their husbands murdered in the field, and stood wringing their -hands in misery. - -“Oh, come within, come in, think of the children”; and as she spoke, -Madelon pushed the two women in before her, and with the aid of -Laviolette shut the heavy gate. - -“Where are the soldiers?” was her next question. - -“Hidden in the blockhouse, sister”; and Louis, the elder of the two -boys, came to meet his sister with a gun in his hand. They ran together -to the blockhouse, and there, sure enough, were the two men, crazed with -fear, and one of them holding in his hand a lighted fuse. - -“What do you with that fuse?” - -“Light the powder and blow us all up,” cried the soldier, while his -companion, huddling in the corner, only moaned. - -“Miserable coward, go from this place at once!” and Madelon’s voice rang -with such determination and command that the man obeyed. - -“See, since none of you dare, I myself will defend this fort, for my -father would have shame if his daughter could not keep it, when there -are arms and powder and those that can use them.” - -“Sister,” said Alexander, “give me a gun, for I too can load and fire -one.” - -“Truly thou shalt have one, little brother. We shall fight to the death. -Remember what our father hath taught us, that men are born to shed their -lives for their country and their king. Though I be but a girl, I shall -do as he would wish, since neither of you is old enough to take command -here.” - -Even the craven soldiers, inspired with some small degree of courage, -agreed to follow their intrepid commander, whose first order was that -they should make a round of the palisades, that high fence of great logs -with pointed ends that surrounded the forts and blockhouses planted in -the wilderness, and to which many owed their safety, since they were -wellnigh impossible to climb, and the garrison within had those that -climbed at their mercy. As they hurried to the palisades, Madelon put on -her head one of the soldier caps which she saw in the blockhouse. - -“Why do you put that cap on, sister?” asked Louis, with a curiosity -which he could not repress even at that critical time. - -“So that the Iroquois shall not think that it is a girl making the -rounds. You put one on also, and give one to Alexander.” - -The feeble band hurried to go around the inside of the palisades to see -that all was secure, for on this defence of heavy logs their very lives -depended. - -“Thank the Holy Virgin that we came,” Madelon exclaimed; for they found -not one, but half a dozen of the logs gone at different places, and had -this been discovered by the Indians, there would have been little chance -for the small band to have escaped being slain. - -“Help, Louis; push, Alexander! We can get this log into place while the -soldiers set up those that have wholly fallen down.” As she spoke, the -brave girl and the two little brothers tugged with might and main, and -got the heavy log in place, and held it while the soldiers drove it into -the ground, so that no opening was left in the palisades. All the other -weak spots were mended under her direction, the two men working as she -ordered, since they seemed incapable of taking charge themselves. When -the palisades were well repaired, and Madelon thought there was no -further danger to be feared from that direction, she said, - -“Now must we make the cowardly Iroquois believe that there is a strong -garrison within, and never let them think that my father is from home. -So let each one in turn fire from the loopholes, and see to it, boys, -that there is no shot wasted.” - -Finding that the firing was scattering but continuous, the Indians, ever -averse to making an attack on a fortified place, withdrew to the woods. - -Shortly, however, they discovered some of the settlers who had escaped -the morning assault, creeping back to the fort, and with horrid yells -the savages pursued and killed them. The women and children in the fort -cried and screamed without ceasing, knowing that their loved ones were -being killed without mercy. At last Madelon, fearing that they would be -heard by the Indians, and their distress taken as a sign of weakness, -ordered them to stop, and tried to busy them about the defence. - -“Load and fire the cannon, Laviolette; it will serve as a warning to any -of the settlers that may have escaped, and I have heard my father say -that Indians ever fear a cannon.” - -So the cannon was fired, and Madelon from her loophole saw the tall, -painted forms of the enemy take refuge in the forest. But this was not -the last duty of the little commander that night. From her place on the -bastions of the fort she saw a canoe with a settler whom she knew well, -named Fontaine, coming towards the landing. He was not alone, but had -his wife and family with him. - -“I must save them if it be the will of God. Laviolette, dost thou see -any of the Indians lurking at the woods’ edge?” - -“There be none very near at hand, Mademoiselle. Perhaps the cannon -affrighted them.” - -“I pray that it may be so, since there is none but thou and I to save -our friends, I fear.” - -“Nay, there are the soldiers. Sure, it is their business to venture to -the dock and bring in Sieur Fontaine.” - -“Listen thou, Laviolette, the while I ask them to do this.” - -The soldiers summoned before their little commander, though testifying -their willingness to follow all her orders within the palisades, -absolutely refused to risk their lives by going beyond its shelter. - -“’Twas as I feared; thou and I must save them, Laviolette. Thou shalt -keep guard at the gate, and I will to the landing and bring them -hither.” - -“Pray, Mademoiselle, bid me to go, and thou stay and keep the gate.” - -“Nay, for I have heard my father say that the Indian is ever wary about -that which he doth not understand. They will marvel why I go alone to -the landing, and doubtless think it but a ruse to draw them hither, so -that we may train the cannon on them again. If they appear, go thou in -and bar the gate, since we must save the fort at any cost, and as many -lives as is possible.” - -So Madelon, with a bravery that might have put to shame the soldiers -skulking within the fort, alone and in full sight, walked down to the -landing, assisted Fontaine to take his family and goods from the canoe, -and placing the party in front of her, marched back to the fort entirely -unmolested. As she hoped, the Indians, seeing her put so bold a face on -the matter, suspected that they had something to fear from the occupants -of the fort; so, while they hesitated, Madelon acted. Once within the -stronghold, how the little party wept and prayed with joy! - -“Now indeed I feel as if there was hope, since thou art here to help me, -Sieur Fontaine. There are enough so that we may divide the watch, and as -long as daylight lasts, to fire on the enemy if ever one is seen to show -himself. Thou, Louis, and Alexander as well, shalt take turns at the -loopholes, and see that thy aim go not astray.” - -The rest of the day was spent in making all the defences as strong as -possible, in which Fontaine gave valuable assistance, for he was a brave -man, accustomed to the wiles of the murderous enemy, and wise in the -ways of border warfare. - -At sunset a fierce northeast wind began to blow, and the first snow of -the season mixed with hail filled the air, making it deadly cold and a -night to try the spirits of the small band who were fighting for their -lives. At first Madelon hoped that the storm would drive the Indians to -shelter for the night, but they were constantly seen appearing at the -edge of the woods, and, as it seemed, making preparations for an attack -under cover of the darkness, and to gain entrance into the fort that -night. - -“Go, Louis, and tell all the men that I would speak with them.” - -When the whole force was mustered, there were but six in all, two of -them boys and one an old man over eighty. Madelon spoke to them thus,— - -“God has saved us to-day from the hands of our enemies, and let us pray -that we shall escape their snares to-night. As for me, know that I am -not afraid. See, I will keep the fort with the old man and my brothers, -whilst you, Pierre Fontaine, and the two soldiers, La Bonté and Gachet, -go into the blockhouse with the women and children, as it is the safest -place. If I am taken, do not you surrender, even if the horrible -Iroquois cut me to pieces and burn me before your eyes. I am but one, -and in the blockhouse they cannot reach you if you care for yourselves -as you should. So all to your places, and may God keep us through the -night.” - -Madelon tramped off to her chosen place of duty, with the old man and -her young brothers. - -“Louis,” she said, “choose thou the place on the bastion where thou wilt -serve, Alexander shall choose next, then the old man, and I shall take -the last.” - -Each did as he was bidden, and all night through the wind and storm the -two little boys, the aged man whose fires of life had burned so low, and -the young girl kept vigil. All night long the cries of “All’s well” rang -from bastion to blockhouse, making it appear as if the place was fully -manned by a large garrison. At about one o’clock the old man who was on -guard at the place on the bastion nearest the gate, called out,— - -“Mademoiselle, I hear something, mayhap the enemy.” - -His voice quavered with fear and fatigue, and as Madelon hurried to him -she feared the worst had come. - -“Where is it that thou hearest something?” asked Madelon, hardly above -her breath. - -“There, just below, at the gate of the fort.” - -“Surely I see them too, and well I know the poor creatures, since for -many a day this summer past have I driven them to pasture.” - -The snow had whitened the ground, so that Madelon’s bright eyes had been -able to distinguish that the dark forms huddled at the gate were the -poor remnant of the cattle that had not been killed or driven off by the -Iroquois. Summoning the others from the blockhouse, they took counsel -together as to whether they should open the gate and let the cattle in. -The men were all anxious to do this, but Madelon feared the crafty foe. - -“How canst thou tell but what we let in the savages also? Such creatures -of wile are they, that we know not if they be not concealed in the hides -of the beasts already slaughtered, and if we are simple enough to open -the gate they may enter the fort.” - -An hour passed, and still the cattle stood there, and there were no -signs that the enemy was among them. So at last Madelon called Louis and -Alexander. - -“Brothers,” she said, “we must get in the cattle if it be possible. You -shall stand on either side of the gate and have your guns cocked, while -I go forth and drive the beasts in. If the Indians make a rush, shoot, -and then shut the gate as quickly as thou canst.” - -The heavy gate was swung back, and Madelon stepped out. It did not take -long for her to drive in the few cattle that remained of the generous -herd that had gone to pasture that morning. - -The remainder of the night passed away without any further alarms, and -when darkness disappeared, many of the fears and anxieties of the small -garrison disappeared also, as it is always easier to face the fears that -may be seen than those that are born of the imagination. - - - II - -With the dawning of the second day of the defence of Castle Dangerous, -the spirits of all rose, all, that is, except one, and this was Dame -Marguerite, the wife of Sieur Fontaine. She, poor soul, had but lately -come from Paris, and was yet a stranger to the difficulties and dangers -of life in the wilderness. - -Her complaints were unceasing, and she gave her husband no rest, -constantly imploring him to carry her to another fort. Her selfish -thought was for herself alone, and she cried,— - -“Save me, Pierre, save me. Was it to expose me to such horrible danger -that you sent for me to come from Paris, where I was safe and happy?” - -“I sent for you and our children, that we might all be together and make -a home in this new free land. But methinks that perhaps it had been best -to let thee remain where thou wast, and where there was nothing to -disturb thy ease.” - -“It is in my heart to wish well that I was there again, Pierre, and had -never seen this hateful wilderness. Oh, wilt thou not take me to some -place of safety ere I die with fright?” - -“Peace, woman, and shame me no further by thy childish plaint, for the -very children are more brave than thou. As for Mademoiselle Madelon, she -has the courage of a man, though she is but a girl, nor will I ever -leave this fort while she is here to defend it.” - -After this the woman subsided into a peevish quiet, which was at least -easier to bear than her complaints. All the others, even those who had -lost fathers, husbands, or brothers, put aside their griefs, and united -in an effort to compass their common safety. The meals were served out -as usual, the work inside the fort progressed as it did each day, since -each one felt that the best way to keep grief at bay was to occupy one’s -self in helping others. During the middle of the afternoon all the -people were called together by Madelon, so that their situation could be -discussed. The soldiers, poor creatures, knew not what to counsel, and -sought only to stay in the blockhouse, the safest spot. Small account -was taken of them, though they were the very ones to whom the others -should have looked for protection. - -Sieur Fontaine, the old man, and the two boys were of course for -staying, and not endeavouring to escape by night down the river. -Encouraged by them, Madelon made a little speech to the garrison and the -women and children under their charge. - -“Dear friends,” said she, “never willingly will I give up the fort. -Rather would I die than that the enemy should gain it. Hear what my -father said to me, that it was of the greatest importance that the -Iroquois should never gain possession of any French fort, since, if they -gained one, soon they would grow more bold, and think they could get -others, and after that all safety would be at an end.” - -“What you say is true enough,” said the Sieur Fontaine, rising in his -turn to encourage the people. “Nor may any of us complain, if a girl be -brave enough to stay on the bastions for a day and a night without rest -or repose, and who ever carries before us a cheerful face. I, for one, -cry, ‘Viva, viva! Long live brave Madelon!’” - -“Viva, viva!” they cried, one and all; and the feeble garrison returned -to their posts, reanimated and hopeful that relief would come to save -them. - -For a weary week they were in constant alarm. Each day showed them the -enemy lurking about, and each night made them fearful that the attack -which had not come during the light would be attempted during the -darkness. But every night dragged itself away at last, and each morning -brought, if not the help so eagerly expected, at least courage to wait -for it. On the eighth night poor weary Madelon was dozing in the fort, -with her head pillowed on a table, and her gun beside her, when she -heard the sentinel on watch call,— - -“Qui vive?” - -She sprang to her feet, and with her gun in her hand ran up on to the -bastion. - -“Why called you?” - -“Listen, Mademoiselle! Dost thou not hear a sound on the river like the -splashing of oars?” - -“Surely yes; there are voices too. Canst thou tell if they be French or -Indian?” - -“No; they breathe so low, Mademoiselle.” - -Madelon put her hands to her mouth, and called low but clear,— - -“Who are you?” - -The answer came back in the loved French accents,— - -“We are Frenchmen. It is La Monnerie, who comes from down the river to -bring you aid.” - -The gate was flung open wide, but even yet Madelon’s caution did not -desert her, for she placed a sentinel on guard, and then alone, as she -had gone before, she marched down to the landing-place to meet the -soldiers. When she came face to face with Lieutenant La Monnerie, she -saluted, and— - -“Monsieur,” said she, “I surrender my arms to you.” - -Being a gallant Frenchman, and as yet hardly understanding the -situation, knowing that there were soldiers within the fort, he -answered,— - -[Illustration: “I HAVE COMMANDED THIS FORT, MONSIEUR, DURING THE ABSENCE -OF MY FATHER.”—_Page 125._] - -“Mademoiselle, they are in good hands”; but he smiled as he said it, -looking on the girlish form before him, with its soldier cap and heavy -gun. Madelon saw the smile, and who can blame her that she answered,— - -“In better hands than you think. Will Monsieur come and inspect the -fort?” - -The Lieutenant and his forty men followed her up to the fort, found -everything in order, and a sentinel on each bastion. He turned with a -look of surprise to Madelon, and asked,— - -“Why does not the commandant of this fort come to receive me?” - -“I have commanded this fort, Monsieur, during the absence of my father, -since there was none other either willing or able to do it. Will -Monsieur give me his orders?” - -The surprised lieutenant, after looking again about him, turned and -bowed. - -“What commands does Mademoiselle wish me to give? For my part, there -seems nothing for me to alter.” - -“If Monsieur will relieve the garrison, it would be well, since none of -us have been off the bastions for a week.” - -We can well imagine that there were deep and peaceful slumbers in Castle -Dangerous that night, and let us hope that the cowardly soldiers had to -take their turn at last at bastion duty. I cannot find in the history -that they did, however. - -Think of the pride and pleasure that Madelon’s father and mother felt in -their daughter when the news of her bravery reached them! - -What they said to her when she told them all about it, history does not -say either; but the facts of the defence were written down as Madelon -herself told them, in obedience to the commands of the Marquis de -Beauharnais, Governor of Canada. - -Even in those dangerous times, when one never knew what peril the next -moment would bring forth, and women as well as men took their share in -guarding homes and firesides, such wonderful bravery and determination -in a girl of fourteen did not pass unnoticed. Through the efforts of -those in power, Madelon was highly commended at the great French court -over seas, and was granted a pension by the King, to be paid to her each -year as long as she should live. - -In another encounter with Indians many years later, she saved the life -of a French gentleman whom she afterward married. All her life was -passed in the midst of peril, and on no occasion when bravery was -demanded was Madelon ever found wanting. - - - - -[Illustration] - - THE PEARL NECKLACE - _1767_ - - - I - -“Good-bye,” she said. - -And then again, “Good-bye.” - -The voice of the young girl was choked with sobs, and tears rolled -slowly down her cheeks. - -“Good-bye, dear garden; good-bye, dear home”; and as she spoke she -stopped and looked up at the old grey chateau which the warm afternoon -sun had made glow with tints of rose and gold. - -She made a pretty picture standing there, even though her eyes were red -with weeping, for her clustering curls were drawn high on her graceful -head with a great comb, the lack of powder letting their bright chestnut -tones shine in the warm evening light. A gaily flowered gown of simple -muslin, less ample in its cut than the style affected by those who lived -nearer the court, was fashioned so as to show a slender white throat. -The delicate ruffles at elbow and neck showed that even in the country -Mechlin, the lace of the hour, had its wearers. - -Looking about, eyes even less partial than hers would cease to be -surprised that parting with so fair a scene should cause such grief. To -Clemence Valvier the chateau was home. There she was born, had grown to -girlhood, and though but seventeen was not only a wife, but the mother -of a tiny child for whose sake she was preparing to leave parents, -country, home, and friends, and seek that little known land across the -sea where so many of her countrymen had gained a footing in the -wilderness. - -The pointed turrets of the chateau stood out sharply against the deep -blue of the afternoon sky, and the glass panes in the small windows -sparkled as the late sunbeams rested on them. On one side huge vines of -ivy clambered up the rough stones till they reached the roof, and amid -their hospitable leaves sheltered many a nest of linnet and of sparrow, -whose cheerful songs made music at morning and at sunset. - -Clemence stood in the garden looking sadly at the roses whose sweet -profusion was due in no small measure to her care. There was the garden -seat; here the sun-dial; yonder, above the wall which bounded the -garden, rose the dove-cote, around which constantly hovered some of her -feathered pets. - -“How can I leave you all!” she cried, as each familiar object rose -before her eyes. “My courage wellnigh fails me”; and she sank on her -knees before the dial,—a grey veteran which gave no hint of time this -afternoon, since it marked only sunny hours, and already the long -shadows cast by the chateau fell across its face of stone. - -Just at that moment, when she was almost willing to abandon the thought -of the long and terrible journey, she heard a footstep on the gravel of -the paths. - -“Ah, Clemence, dear heart, it grieves me almost past endurance to see -your grief. Say but one word, and I will go forth alone, and shall send -back for you and the little one when a home is made ready and when I -have some comforts for you.” - -At the first sound of her husband’s voice Clemence had jumped to her -feet, and running to him had laid her tear-stained face upon his -shoulder. As he finished speaking, she had almost brought a smile to -drive away the tears, and looking into his face she bravely made -answer,— - -“If it wrings my heart to leave dear France, Pierre, it would be a -thousand times worse to have you go and leave me here, me and little -Annette, for whose sake we undertake all these perils.” - -“If I could think that this was really so”; and Pierre, scarce more than -a youth himself, as he yet wanted several months of seeing twenty years, -bore on his face a gravity that is rarely seen on one so young. His dark -eyes were sad, and though he smiled when he comforted his youthful wife, -it seemed as though it was but to cheer her. In truth, all his life he -had comforted and protected her, for Pierre Valvier, like Clemence, had -called the old chateau, the rose garden, the long straight terrace, and -the fertile fields his home. - -Left an orphan at an early age, under the guardianship of Monsieur -Bienville, the father of Clemence, the two children had played together, -studied together, and finally were wedded, and now were preparing to go -forth to the New World together. - -At this time Louis XV sat upon the throne of France. He was a weak -monarch, devoted to his pleasures, and content to let his ministers -rule, although he always took an active part in all the religious -quarrels which disturbed and agitated France. Jealousy, which had long -been smouldering between France and England on account of the various -colonies in America to which each country laid claim, broke out into war -in 1756, and its effects were felt over the whole world. - -The brilliant victory of Admiral Galissonière at Fort St. Philip, the -chief citadel of Port Mahon on the Minorca Islands, the most important -naval victory which France had gained in fifty years, filled the whole -French nation with joy. Yet the succeeding years brought little but -ignominy and defeat, and The Seven Years War, as this struggle was -ultimately called, lost France not only the greater part of her navy, -but, what was even more galling, many of her possessions in the New -World. - -Disapproval of the King and his ministers drove to what was left of -these colonies in America many Frenchmen of high character who foresaw -nothing but disaster left for France herself. Among these was Pierre -Valvier, who sought for himself and his little family a home in that new -country where liberty of person and creed was assured. They were to -start on the morrow for Calais, and thence take ship for New Orleans. - -The old chateau—old even in 1756—stood upon a gentle slope looking down -upon the little fishing village of Étaples. Such a tiny village it was, -with its one-story huts,—you could scarcely call them more,—set upon the -banks of the Canache, a broad shallow river so influenced by the ocean -that when the tide was low the fisher-girls kilted up their scant skirts -and waded across with their baskets of shrimps upon their strong young -shoulders. - -Such a little village, and so poor! - -“Petit sou, petit sou, donnez-moi un petit sou!” That was the cry heard -on every side. There was hardly a hand in the hamlet which would not be -held out in expectation of a small copper coin, should anyone from the -chateau chance to pass through its one ill-paved street. - -Every year the poverty seemed to increase. Every year the revenues of -the chateau grew less,—which was but another reason why Pierre, young -and strong, should seek a home where those of gentle birth were made -welcome, and where the Crown gave broad acres of land to each and all -who would go and settle there. - -Still, even with Hope and Courage beckoning, the parting was sad for -all. Monsieur Bienville, the father of Clemence, was a soldier of the -old régime. Tall, elegant, with the true air of grandeur which is born, -not bred, he watched with sad eyes the preparations for departure. -Madame his wife could not suppress her grief, and declared that never, -never again should she see her loved ones. - -“Ah,” cried she, “the poor children will be devoured by frightful -beasts, I know it well,—if not by those that roam on land, by those more -awful ones which dwell in the sea!” - -The distant land was to her a wilderness, a desert; and, in truth, a few -miles away from the city of New Orleans it was little else. - - - II - -The rain was falling heavily as the old travelling carriage, drawn by -four horses, lumbered up to the door of the chateau the next morning. -Into it had been packed the necessaries for the journey to Calais, and -two heavy wains had been sent off some days previously, laden with such -goods as the young people were to take with them to the New World. - -Within doors the daughter was taking leave of her parents, and as if to -shorten the sad moment, her father took her hand, and placed within it a -packet carefully bound in silk. - -“Dear daughter,” said he, “see that this packet is carefully guarded. In -it is thy heritance, the pearl necklace which my mother had from her -mother, and which in its turn must go to thy daughter, the little -Annette.” - -“Oh, father, why give to me that most precious thing? Safeguard it till -we come again, as, if God is willing, we shall.” - -“It is yours, and then the daughter’s, and,” he whispered in her ear, “I -have added all the jewels which were my mother’s portion. Keep them till -time of need.” - -The impatient stamping of the horses on the cobblestones of the court, -warned them all that they must part, and Pierre led Clemence to the -carriage, where little Annette was sleeping on the broad lap of old -Marie, who had petted and scolded her mother through her babyhood and -was now going with her on that long journey to the land of which they -knew so little and feared so much. - -As if desirous of making up for lost time, Jacques cracked his whip, and -with the words, “Farewell, farewell,” ringing in the air, the coach -passed quickly down the long drive and through the gates leading to the -highroad, and turned in the direction of Boulogne, where they were to -pass that night. - -The familiar scenes of her childhood never seemed so fair to Clemence as -at this moment when she was parting from them. Here was the little -church nestling among the trees, where she had received her first -communion, and there stood Père Joseph, waving adieux from the old grey -porch, the unfamiliar tear stealing down his wrinkled cheek. - -Farther along on the other side of the road was the Rose d’Or, the -quaint old inn, before whose hospitable door the village yokels were -wont to gather of a summer’s evening and play at bowls upon the green. -The very signboard as it hung above the door and swung in the wind -seemed to creak “farewell,” and as the travelling chariot rolled by, -Clemence hid her face upon her husband’s shoulder. - -At last her sobs grew less violent, and as if to call attention from her -grief, little Annette awoke, and lying comfortable and rosy upon the lap -of her nurse, cooed out her satisfaction as only a healthy, happy baby -can. Pierre took the child in his arms, and the baby stretched out her -hands towards her mother, who, turning to take her, found neglected in -her own lap the parcel of jewels so carefully wrapped and handed to her -by her father as a parting gift. - -“See, Pierre, my father gave to me the pearl necklace which I wore on my -wedding day, and it is to be the portion of little Annette, when she too -marries.” - -Hardly had the words passed her lips, when rude shouts were heard, and -the coach gradually came to a standstill. - -“Halt!” cried a voice almost beside the window, and old Jacques the -coachman could be heard saying,— - -“But, messieurs, my master and mistress—” - -“Peace, knave, let thy betters speak for themselves.” - -At this a rude leering face was thrust into the window, and a man pulled -roughly at the carriage door and cried,— - -“Step out, and quickly too, and bring out your valuables with you.” - -“But we are travellers, and have with us barely enough to carry us to -Calais, where our ship lies at anchor,” said Pierre, trying not to let -his voice show his anger and disgust. - -“What will serve you will serve us also at a pinch. Is it not so, Jean?” -and he turned to a third ruffian who stood at hand, holding by the -bridle some sorry-looking horses. - -“Truth, if we take all they have, ’t will be enough, but do not wait too -long,” answered the one named Jean, who wore a soldier’s cap with a -soiled and broken feather trailing over one ear. - -At the first appearance of the highwaymen at the carriage window, -Clemence had handed little Annette to Marie, and in so doing had managed -to slip among her clothes the precious packet of jewels. She gave Marie -a warning look, and when they were commanded to step from the coach, she -begged, for the sake of the child, that it and the nurse might sit -within. - -“You can see for yourselves that neither the infant nor the aged woman -has aught of value,” said she. - -After hurriedly searching through the coach and finding nothing more, -the highwaymen contented themselves with carrying off Pierre’s sword and -a fair pearl ring which Clemence wore upon her finger, and a small bag -of golden doubloons which Pierre had in the pocket of his travelling -coat. The villainous trio had scarcely got safely away, when the reason -of their haste became apparent, for a captain and four men-at-arms came -around a turn in the road, urging their horses to a smart trot, when -they saw the travelling carriage drawn up by the side of the ditch. - -“Have three renegadoes passed this way?” called the leader, as they drew -rein. - -“Truly, but a few moments since,” said Pierre, with a rueful face, as he -thought of his bag of gold. “It would have pleased me much had you come -this way but a few moments earlier, since I then had been the richer for -a purse of doubloons.” - -“Stole they aught beside?” asked the captain, as he put spurs to his -horse and hardly waited for Pierre’s answer as they rode hastily away in -the direction the robbers had taken. - -When once more the coach was in motion, Clemence turned to Annette and -clasped her in her arms, saying,— - -“Of a truth, little one, ’twas fortunate indeed that you saved your -inheritance this time,—you and Marie.” - -“Let us hide the packet better, Madame,” said Marie. “Who can tell when -another band of cutthroats may be upon us, and truly, as thou saidst, it -was but chance that saved us this time.” - -Without any delay the packet was carefully tied among the long skirts of -little Annette, and Marie hardly ceased to tremble till the coach rolled -into the yard of the inn at Boulogne, and the red light streaming from -the open door showed them that warmth and shelter were to be had within. - -Early astir the next morning, refreshed and cheered because the rain had -ceased and the sun shone cheerfully abroad, our travellers during the -late afternoon of the next day entered the grey old town of Calais, the -little Annette unconsciously guarding the packet which held her -inheritance as well as the jewels which Monsieur Bienville had given as -a parting token to his daughter. - -It was quite dark when the carriage was at last unpacked, and not till -then did Pierre draw from behind a secret panel in the side of the coach -the store of gold which was to suffice for their needs on board ship, -and till they were established in the new home which awaited them on the -other side of the ocean. - - - III - -In the harbour of Calais rode at anchor the ship “Espérance,” which was -taking on passengers and their goods for the long voyage to New Orleans. -Owing to the shallow water, the ship could not approach the quay, and -all the watermen of the town were busy carrying back and forth those -who, like our travellers, were outward bound, or those who came merely -to say a last farewell. - -On the walls of the town were gathered a motley crew, who, not having -friends on board, sought to gain some excitement by watching the -partings of others; and as from time to time the chimes rang out from -the belfry behind the citadel, the little craft in the harbour became -even more animated, since they now carried out to the “Espérance” some -who had been belated on their way thither, and sought to get themselves -and their goods safely aboard before the turn of the tide should serve -to carry the ship out through the Straits into the English Channel. - -Watching this scene from the cramped deck of the ship, Clemence and -Pierre stood together, the former giving free vent to her tears, which -rolled unheeded down her cheeks at the thought that she was leaving -behind her so much which had hitherto made her life joyful. - -Her sadness was reflected in her husband’s face, and at last he spoke. - -“Dear wife, ’tis not yet too late to return. Say one word, and I can -call one of those dingeys which shall carry us back to shore.” - -“Nay, Pierre, I would go with you. But indeed I must weep, since never -again do these eyes expect to look on my beautiful France.” - -“I pray your sacrifice may not cost too dear,” said Pierre, pressing her -hand; and as she wept she whispered,— - -“The grief I feel at parting from France is naught compared to what I -should feel at parting from you.” - -Even as she spoke, there began such a scene of bustle and confusion that -Clemence perforce dried her eyes to gaze upon it. The sailors were -running to and fro stowing the goods of passengers away, and piled on -the deck were feather-beds and pallets of straw, each passenger -providing such beds and covering as his station in life permitted, since -the ship provided only the room in which these might be laid. Boatloads -of people were leaving the ship, some merry, some grave, and above all -the noise rose the sharp commands of the Captain. At last sounded the -shrill notes of the boatswain’s whistle, and the crew began to man the -capstan bars. One of the sailors commenced to sing to ease the labour -off a bit, and at the sound of the well-known chorus, - - “Ho, ho, batelier, batelier, - Tirez, tirez, - Ancre de flot, - Tirez Roget, tirez Notet,” - -the crew joined in, so that the bars worked like magic, and the anchor -rose into sight, then came short up, and finally, with another drive of -the bars, swung all wet and dripping at the bows. - -Ere this the huge sails had been bent into place, and now with the fresh -evening breeze began to draw, while from every side came the curious -creak and tugging noise which is present in every sailing craft. ’Twas -not many moments ere the “Espérance” had her nose pointed seaward, and -was bowling along with the white foam flying in her wake. All too -quickly the shores and buildings of the town receded from the sight of -those who gazed on them with tears, and even the belfry chimes had a -melancholy sound as they floated out over the water. - -Pierre and Clemence stood by the rail, rather apart from the other -passengers, and when the purple twilight had swallowed up France, Pierre -said,— - -“See, Clemence, a good omen. Look at the new moon.” - -“It is a happy sign, and glad am I to see it. How silvery it looks, and -see the horn dips not at all, which argues well for a smooth voyage.” - -Though the “Espérance” was not a swift craft, she was a steady one. -There were three weary months spent on board of her, and the moon proved -a false prophet, since they encountered storms and head winds, and in -addition had the alarm of pirates and the heat of the tropics. Worse -even than the perils of the Atlantic were those encountered when they -entered the Gulf of Mexico, where also pirates lay in wait, where there -were contrary currents, and worse than all, sandbars, upon which the -ship grounded. Many manœuvres were tried to ease her off, and there was -despair felt on all sides when it was ordered that the baggage should be -thrown overboard. Fortunately this sacrifice became unnecessary, as the -second high-tide floated her off, and slowly the “Espérance” glided into -deeper water. Pierre and Clemence heard with joy the rattle of the chain -as the anchor was thrown overboard in the harbour of the Belize, -thinking, poor souls, that the sufferings of the journey were over. -Clemence turned with a bright smile to poor Marie, who sat upon a pile -of bedding which lay on the deck, where it had been thrown in order to -be ready for departure from the ship. The old nurse had suffered greatly -during the long, tedious journey, and even now she looked sad and worn -as she sat there in the sunshine, holding little Annette on her knees. - -“Come, Marie, look less sad; soon will we reach the spot where our home -is to be. Let me hold the little one.” - -“Oh, Madame, little did I know of the horrors before us! Praise God that -we still live, we and the little cat.” - -“Truly the little cat and Annette seem to have fared better than the -rest of us,” said Clemence, laughing. “Let us hope there will be fewer -mice than you expect.” - -“But, Madame, a cat is so comfortable, and in this wild land there be -few enough comforts, I well know.” - -Just at this moment Pierre hurried up to them, and said,— - -“Come, Clemence, bring Annette, while Marie helps me, for the Captain -says we are to go ashore and wait at the house of the Commandant till -boats come for us from New Orleans.” - -It was with scant ceremony that our little party and some of the other -passengers were packed into the ship’s boats and taken to Dauphin -Island. Here they were made comfortable, and during the week of their -stay recovered somewhat from the sufferings on shipboard. - -It was in two pirogues and two barges that they at last started on the -trip up the river to New Orleans, and for discomfort the seven days -passed in this journey far outdid all the fatigues sustained in the -“Espérance.” - -“Oh, Madame,” said Marie, “who ever saw ‘Messieurs les Maringouins’ of -such size and with such stings before?” and as she spoke she waved again -the huge fan with which she tried to protect Annette from the ravages of -the mosquitoes. - -An hour before sunset the rowers stopped each day, and the whole party -encamped on shore, so as to get safely tucked in beneath the mosquito -bars before “les Messieurs” should begin operations. - -If the nights were dreadful, the days were scarcely better, since the -boats were piled high with goods, so that the passengers were cramped in -narrow spaces and hardly dared to move. In fact, the little cat in its -wicker basket, and Annette carried on the broad breast of Marie, were -the most comfortable members of the party. They had no fears of going to -feed the fishes, as had some of their elders. - -At length the weary trip was over, and when at length the boats drew up -at the landing much of the discomfort was forgotten. - -The Crescent City lay before them, the white-walled houses gleaming in -the sunshine, while the bells of the Ursuline Convent pealed a welcome, -and there burned before the chapel of “Our Lady of Prompt Succour” -votive candles, to commemorate the safe arrival of another band of -travellers from the distant land which every one in his heart called -“home.” - -“Pierre,” cried Clemence, surprise showing in every tone of her clear -voice, “but what a beautiful city! And oh, Pierre, behold the lovely -ladies! Scarce ever in my life have I seen such brave apparel.” - -Her eyes were fixed, as she spoke, on a group which came idly down -towards the landing, the ladies elegant in robes of damask silk loaded -with lace and ribbons, while beside them lounged officers in rich court -suits, both men and women wearing powdered hair and having their faces -decorated with black patches. - -Louisiana was passing through an interesting period of its growth, a -changing from the pioneer days when the young officers from Canadian -forts came down and made things lively with their merry pranks and -boyish larks, their ceremonies and festivals. The Marquis de Vaudreuil -was governor now, and brought with him the elegances and dignity which -he had learned in years of life at the French court. The French and -Swiss officers, but newly arrived, bore also the stamp of continental -training; and the house of the Marquis, reflecting as well as might be -the elegance of Versailles, was the centre of all that was most refined -in the city. - -Tradition chatters yet of the gracious manners of the Marquis, and there -are still drawn from chests and carved presses robes which once figured -at his balls, when court dress was the only wear. Though these gowns are -now faded and tarnished, in the time when they were first worn they -flaunted brilliant flowers on a ground of gold. The yellow bits of lace -at elbow and corsage are frail now as a spider’s web, but then they were -the latest patterns from Alençon and Flanders, and fit companions for -the jewels which sparkled amongst them. - -It was at this time, when New Orleans boasted the greatest beauty and -elegance of any city in the New World, that our little family landed on -its quay. - -It is hard to conceive that while within the limits of the city there -flowed such gay life as that seen in the Governor’s mansion, without, -and but a few miles away, were untrod wildernesses. - -But so it was. - -Pierre and Clemence rested but a few days before they sought out the -plantation where they so fondly hoped to raise a home and enjoy the -fruits of the rich country which they had chosen as their own. - -The roads were poor, horses high in price and not at all plenty, so that -Pierre bought some pirogues, a species of small boat, to take them and -their goods the twenty miles up the Bayou Gentilly, to where their -plantation lay. - -Poor Clemence, how gloomy looked the cypress swamps which stretched away -on either hand as the heavily laden boats moved slowly along! Strange -and unfamiliar were the long curtains of grey moss which swung back and -forth from the branches of the trees, seeming to wave in a ghostly -fashion even when there was no wind, and creeping up to the tops of the -tallest trees in its silent fashion, but ever turning aside from the -bunches of mistletoe which stood out, great rosettes of bright green -where all else seemed marked for decay. - -Even the brilliant-hued birds which flitted cheerfully from one twig to -another, and sang from time to time, did not cheer her, for they seemed -so unfamiliar, her mind clinging more to those modest-coated friends, -the linnets and finches, which she had fed in the rose garden at the -chateau at Étaples. - -Ever anxious to cheer her, Pierre said at last,— - -“Sing, dearest Clemence. It seems so long since I heard your voice.” - -“How can I sing when my heart is sad?” But even as she spoke she was -sorry, since she knew that the good spirits of the little party depended -largely on herself. - -“What shall I sing, Pierre?” she asked, after a moment’s pause, and -then, as if it had been on the tip of her tongue all the while, began,— - - “Chante, rossignol, chante, - Toi qu’as le cœur tant gai. - - “Pour moi, je ne l’ai guère, - Mon amant m’a quittée, - - “Pour un bouton de rose - Que trop tôt j’ai donné. - - “Je voudrais que la rose - Fût encore au rosier; - - “Et que la rosier même - Fût encore a planter; - - “Et que mon ami Pierre - Fût encore a m’aimer. - - “Tra la la, la la lere, - Tra la lere, de la ri ra.” - -No doubt it was the mocking-bird’s song which rang from the trees which -brought to the mind of Clemence this song, which had been a favourite of -theirs at home, and which told so musically of the nightingale’s song, -of the red of the rose, and of the love of “Pierre.” - -In five minutes the scene seemed to change from gloom to gaiety. Annette -was cooing, Marie kept time to the gay little tune with the great fan -which seldom left her hand, while the little cat in her efforts to gain -her freedom tipped over her basket and set them all laughing. - -The Bayou Gentilly, up which they were travelling in the pirogues, which -were hardly more than dug-out canoes, was bordered at intervals on -either side by the plantations of settlers who had owned the land for -fifty years and over in some cases. - -“Why, Pierre, how is this?” said Clemence, breaking off her song; “first -the wilderness, then, see, the fields are planted!” - -“These plantations are worked by the order of the King,” answered -Pierre, “and the little shrubs with berries which have such fresh green -leaves are the myrtle-wax bushes, from which wax for candles is made. We -ourselves will have our plantation bordering on the Bayou set with such -bushes as these; it is so directed.” - -“But I thought indigo and sugar-cane were what we were to plant. I know -that I could not bring half the things I wished, lest there should not -be room for the indigo seeds and the little canes.” - -Pierre smiled and said,— - -“Truly a house, dear girl, is the first thing to be considered, and that -may best be obtained by a good crop of indigo seed, since the planters -hereabouts must needs get their seed from France, unless some are -willing to raise seed only.” - -On the forenoon of the second day the boats drew up to the shore, and -Pierre, anxious, but looking cheerful, said,— - -“Welcome to your new home, Clemence. Give me the little Annette, Marie, -since she, with her mother, must be the first to step on shore.” - -“Home, say you, Pierre?” and Clemence laughed, and looked ruefully, too, -at the little log-cabin which had been hastily built by the negroes sent -on in advance by Pierre. - -“Patience but for a little while, and in place of that rude home you -shall see a house as fair as any in these plantations.” - -Laughing like two children, the young parents hastened to touch to the -ground one of Annette’s tiny feet cased in its sandal, and as Monsieur -Valvier handed the child back to its mother, he said,— - -“What is that which makes the child’s garments so stiff?” - -A warning glance from Clemence and a smothered exclamation from Marie -made him remember that it was the precious packet with the pearl -necklace and jewels, of which the little girl was still the unconscious -custodian. - -In New Orleans, indeed, they had been forced to draw on the packet, -since it was necessary to have slaves to help them build and plant, and -though there were frequent importations of them from Africa, the value -of one working slave was equal to a thousand dollars of our money, and -while it was generally paid in rice, Pierre, a new-comer, was obliged to -pay in money. In order to do this, and also buy the precious seed which -was so necessary, his own store was more than exhausted, and but for the -packet so thoughtfully provided by Monsieur Bienville they would have -been obliged to start out ill provided. - - - IV - -Although the log-cabin was far different from the old chateau, and the -garden planted with indigo and young sugar-canes a great contrast to the -rose garden with its sun-dial at Étaples, the young couple were not -unhappy, and little Annette grew apace. - -The only person who took the change sadly to heart was old Marie, and -her love for her mistress and the little one was all that kept her -alive. - -The fertile soil, so rich on the shores of the Bayou that it was fairly -black, was soon heavily planted. There were rice fields in addition to -those of indigo and sugar-cane, and for the home were planted -watermelons, potatoes, peas, and beans; figs and bananas as well as -pumpkins were abundant, and there were wild grapes and pecans to be had -for the gathering. - -With a gun the larder could be kept supplied with ducks, geese, wild -swan, venison, pheasants, and partridges, and, most curious of all, wild -beef, for unbranded cattle were considered common property, and many of -them escaped from the ranges and roamed the forests in increasing -companies. - -The second year the plantation showed the results of Monsieur Valvier’s -unceasing care, and he carried to New Orleans a crop of indigo seed -which exceeded by many bushels his greatest hopes. - -As the slaves pushed off from the landing, Pierre, standing in the stern -of the boat, called out,— - -“What shall I bring thee back, Clemence?” - -“Whatever you think I shall like best,” she answered, waving her hand in -farewell. - -“What for the little daughter?” and as if she had only been waiting for -the chance, Annette called out gaily,— - -“Dolly.” - -“How shall I get a dolly? Would you not rather have something else, a -toy or a new frock?” - -“No, papa, a dolly”; and Annette pressed in her arms the bit of stick -enveloped in a piece of gay calico which served her as a substitute for -the dearest of all toys. - -Two days later, when the little girl was helping her mother to gather -the wax berries from the twigs, so that the yearly supply of candles -might be made, they heard from the Bayou the cheerful song of the -negroes as they rowed homeward. - -“Come, mamma, oh, come and see my dolly”; and Annette ran away, while -her mother followed more slowly, talking to old Marie, who was carrying -in her arms a young Pierre, Annette’s little brother, who had been born -since they had lived in the new home. - -With a pleased face Monsieur Valvier leaped ashore, hardly waiting for -the boat to reach the landing. In his arms he held two parcels carefully -wrapped in silver paper. - -“Now, mamma shall guess first what is in her parcel,” he said; but -Annette could not wait for that, and stood close at his side, saying -over softly to herself,— - -“My dolly, my pretty, pretty dolly.” - -“Give Annette hers first,” said Madame Valvier; “it will take me much -time to guess what my parcel contains.” - -Annette sat soberly down and brought forth from many wrappings a -beautiful doll, with red cheeks and blue eyes, dressed like a court -lady, and newly come from France, as her father explained. - -“She is most too beautiful to love,” exclaimed the little girl, as she -gently held the gay lady; and the father and mother could only smile at -the serious face of the child as she regarded the doll she had so fondly -desired. - -“Now look at your gift, dear wife. I hope it will please you as much as -Annette’s pleases her”; and Monsieur Valvier put into his wife’s hands -the second packet. With almost as much excitement as Annette, her mother -unrolled her gift, and exclaimed with pleasure at the length of shining -silk which greeted her delighted eyes. - -“Oh, but, Pierre,” she began; but he stopped her with,— - -“Yes, I know what you would say, silks and a log-cabin. But I have good -news. The indigo seed brought such a high price that I have bought all -that was needful for a house, and already it is loaded on barges and on -its way hither.” - -“Good news, indeed, that is. Marie, did you hear that we are to have a -house at last? Who knows, perhaps it may be ready for the little -Pierre’s christening.” - -The parish in which lay the Valviers’ plantation also contained the -homes of several other planters. These were either earlier settlers or -blessed with greater riches than the Valviers, and their plantations -were dignified with dwellings which seemed commodious enough in those -days, simple as they would appear in our eyes now. - -The planters’ homes were often built in what was called the “Italian -style,” with pillars supporting the galleries, which were in reality -roomy piazzas. The houses were surrounded by gardens of gorgeous -flowering plants, and approached by avenues of wild orange trees. - -It was such a house which soon rose on the bank of the Bayou Gentilly, -among the trees which flourished in that teeming soil, and the rude -cabin was moved into the background to serve as the quarters for the -slaves. Nor were there gaieties wanting, for the planters visited among -their neighbours, the ladies coming in huge lumbering coaches drawn by -many horses, or by pirogue, while the men almost always rode, the -saddle-horse for the master being almost a necessity. - -The succeeding years passed quickly, if not too prosperously, and -tobacco was added to the productions of the Valvier plantation. Pierre -had made himself honoured and respected among the men in his own and the -neighbouring parishes, and his ardent love for France kept him ever a -Frenchman, even though his home lay across the sea. - -Annette was by this time eight years old, quite a little mother, as -Clemence fondly called her, since, grave beyond her years, she looked -out for the little brothers and sister who had been born at the Bayou -Gentilly. Poor Marie had died, a victim to an attack of the fever which -hangs like a dark pall over that enchanting region, and more care had -fallen on the shoulders of little Annette than really belonged there. -She saw not only to the welfare of the children, but ruled the blacks -and looked after the house in a fashion which astonished her mother, -whose health had sadly failed, and upon whose natural energy the -relaxing climate had laid its enervating spell. The French thrift which -is so marked a quality in the women of that nation seemed to have passed -by the mother and bloomed in the nature of the daughter, and Annette’s -efforts were all which kept the home from being better than a cabin, -left to the mercies of the negligent slaves. - - - V - -There was one thing for which Annette’s mother never lacked strength or -energy, and that was the celebration of the birthdays—“fête days,” she -called them—of the little family. There was always some little gift -forthcoming, were it only a basket of fine figs or a garland of flowers; -and for Annette particularly her mother always made an extra effort. - -The birthday of the little girl fell in June, that month when all the -world is dressed in flowers, and when the sky above seems to bend its -bluest arch. On this occasion Annette was to have a party, her very -first, and all the children from the neighbouring plantations had been -bidden; and papa had made a special trip to New Orleans and come home -with some wonderful and mysterious packages, which had been quickly -hidden away. At last the day arrived, and Annette felt it to be the -happiest one she had ever known. - -“To be nine years old and to have a party! Just think of that, Auguste!” -she cried, as she helped the little boy to dress. - -Auguste was thinking of it with so much glee that it made the dressing -of him more than usually difficult, and Annette turned to little Pierre; -but his whole attention was given to “keeping a secret,” for mamma had -said that Annette was not to know what her present was to be till they -were all gathered at the table for breakfast. - -But he knew, did little Pierre, and it was a hard burden not to tell -sister Annette. At last the little ones were ready, and Annette had seen -that the simple fare which formed the breakfast—fruit and hominy, with -coffee for the father and mother—was on the table. - -Such a clamour as arose. - -“Oh, mother, let me tell.” - -“No, let me.” - -“Oh, sister Annette—” But they got no further, for Annette herself -pulled the cover off a big box which was laid on her chair, and there -within lay a white dress—oh, such a pretty one!—and a little pair of -slippers, with long, narrow ribbons to lace them criss-cross about the -ankles, and, most lovely of all, a long blue sash, which had on its two -ends a fringe of gold. - -“Oh, dearest mother,” cried Annette, “was there ever anything so lovely; -and the little brodequins,” pointing to the little slippers, “and a fan! -Oh, mother, and you, too, father, how can I thank you both enough?” - -Her father kissed her fondly and said,— - -“My little daughter repays me every day.” - -The mother was well contented with Annette’s pleasure for all the pains -she had taken. - -“And, sister Annette, see, I gave you the fan.” - -“And oh, sister, look at the pretty mouchoir; that is from me.” - -And the happy Annette kissed and thanked, and they were all so pleased -that breakfast was quite forgotten and would have grown cold if black -Mimi had not put her head in at the door to remind them of it. - -When Annette had put on the new birthday dress, laced the slippers -around her slender ankles, and held the fan and kerchief, she ran into -her mother’s room to show her the effect. - -“See, mamma, it just fits me”; and she gave the small skirts a toss and -a pat, while her mother turned from the table where she had been -standing with a small casket in her hand. - -“Dearest Annette,” said she, in quite a solemn voice, “I shall let you -wear to-day what my father gave to me, saying that one day it was to be -thine. When you are grown to be a big girl, it shall be yours to have -always, but to-day you shall wear it because you are my good child, and -I love you fondly.” - -As Madame Valvier spoke, she clasped about Annette’s neck the pearl -necklace, the only remnant of the packet of jewels which had come from -France, and which had been drawn on when crops failed, or for the -purchase of slaves, or for some of the many needs in a new country where -money is scarce. - -“Oh, mamma!” and Annette’s voice was low with pleasure as she gently -touched the rows of shining pearls which seemed far too costly a jewel -for the neck of a little girl, and quite out of place over the modest -frock. - -“Are these really for me some day? Did grandpère say it should be so?” -and Annette listened while her mother told her of her grandfather’s -injunction, and how old Marie had hidden them in Annette’s own clothes -and saved them from the highwaymen. - -The time passed quickly before the little guests began to arrive, for it -was to be an afternoon party, and some were brought by boat on the -Bayou, while others rode on pillions behind black Philippe or Jean, as -the case might be, sitting very still so that the best frocks would not -be rumpled. - -Many games they played in the long, cool galleries, or on the grass -before the house. Ball was one of them, and when they were tired of this -they played at hide-and-seek, finding many good and secret nooks among -the trees and wax-myrtle shrubs, which were so bushy and so green. - -“What shall we play next?” asked Annette, anxious that her guests should -have a good time, and some one suggested “Hugh, Sweet Hugh,” that game -of many verses which has been played by high and low through so many -centuries and in all countries. - -The children made a pretty sight as, circling in a ring, they sang -merrily,— - - “Come up, sweet Hugh, come up, dear Hugh, - Come up and get the ball.” - “I will not come, I may not come, - Without my bonny boys all.” - -Even after the tragic death of Sweet Hugh their voices rang out clearly -till the last verse,— - - “And all the bells of merry France - Without men’s hands were rung; - And all the books of merry France - Were read without men’s tongue. - Never was such a burial - Since Adam’s days begun.” - -Then, half frightened at their own game, they scampered into the house, -where Madame Valvier was awaiting them, and where, spread on -trestle-boards, were all the dainties so loved of children,—fresh figs -with cream, sweet chocolate, little cakes made of nuts and honey, and -right in the centre a great round birthday cake with a dove on the very -top. - -At this last touch Annette was as much surprised as the other children, -and in answer to her wondering look her mother said,— - -“Your father brought it from New Orleans; it is his gift to you.” - -After it had been admired, Annette cut the first piece, and the merry -meal seemed over all too quickly for the children who had to take their -way homewards, reluctant to have an end put to such unusual festivities, -and not half aware of the necessity of being safe in their own homes -before nightfall. - -When the last one had gone, Annette took off her unaccustomed finery, -and, holding in her hands the splendid necklace, looked with wonder on -the round globes of pearls, which showed on their satiny faces the -shifting tones of rose, blue, pale green, and yellow. - -“Ah, mother,” she sighed, “to think that so beautiful a thing should be -mine!” - -“Remember always, little daughter, that it was first my mother’s -portion, then mine, and shall be yours, never to part with.” - -“Of a truth, dear mother, I should wish to keep it always. But,” and -here she hesitated, “you know the other jewels which grandpère gave have -all gone.” - -“Those were my own, but this is different, and should be kept always, -except in case of gravest need.” - -“Gravest need—what is that, mamma?” and Annette’s blue eyes looked up -solemnly into her mother’s face. - -“Does it mean to save a life, mamma?” - -Madame Valvier, hardly appreciating the earnest little soul which was -listening to her words, answered,— - -“Yes, to save life or honour. Now, put it in its box, and come with me -till I show you where it is hidden.” - -In a small room where the children kept their few playthings, some rude -toys and some bright shells and beans, Madame Valvier paused, and, -stooping, took from beneath the window a small board, which disclosed a -box-like cupboard lined with lead. - -“Here it is kept with the rest of our treasures, Annette, the papers -which belong to your father and the grants of our land. I show this -place to you because you have a wisdom beyond your years, and are indeed -my little comfort.” - -Annette’s face grew rosy with pleasure at these words, and holding her -mother’s hand, she whispered,— - -“I love you truly, dearest mamma, and I am the happiest girl in the -world.” - -When the little ones were in bed, Annette crept up on her father’s lap -and had the crowning joy of the day, a long story of his childhood’s -days in France; and she listened entranced, as she had hundreds of times -before, to his descriptions of the old grey chateau at Étaples, the rose -garden with its sun-dial, and, best of all, to the tales of how he and -her mother used to scull down the broad shallow Canache, and then at the -river’s mouth search among the rocks and seaweed for shrimps, while out -at sea the big ships went sailing past, with their white or brown sails -swelling with the fresh wind. - -Even with the interest she felt in the story, poor Annette, tired with -so much pleasure, nestled lower and lower in her father’s arms, and -finally her head fell on his shoulder. - -“She sleeps,” he said, “poor little girl, fairly tired out with too much -happiness”; and taking her in his strong arms, he carried her off to her -room, where she was soon settled in her bed, the process of undressing -hardly waking her. - - - VI - -With each succeeding year there were more and more settlers coming to -the flowery land of Louisiana. If they had flocked thither in the time -of the Regent, that clever and witty intriguer, they came more eagerly -during the reign of Louis XV, so shallow a king that it is hard to -conceive how he won the name of “The Well-beloved.” - -It was a strange company which made up the population of the Crescent -City, not only those from Paris with their elegances and velvet coats, -beneath which beat such loyal hearts, but rubbing shoulders with them in -street and café were many of far rougher exterior, who had come down -from the settlements in Canada, and learned to adore the little city -which was so different from the homes which they had left in the cold -North. - -Yet each and every one of these, marquis from France or pioneer from -Canada, or even the sad-faced Acadian refugee who had been welcomed to -these hospitable shores, had a heart which beat for France alone. - -With but the least assistance they would have swept the Gulf and made -themselves masters of that inland sea, and not only held the possessions -of the mother country on land, but added to them. - -Frenchmen in language and in their hearts, they put up with the -expulsion of their beloved Ursuline sisters, since the mother country so -willed it, only allowing themselves the liberty of giving vent to their -feelings by indulging in an unlimited number of satirical songs, -burlesques, and pasquinades, as they were called. Little did they know, -as they trod the white streets of the city, the deadly blow to those -same stout hearts which France was plotting,—France, whom they loved so -fondly and in whom they trusted so implicitly. - -Completely dominated by his prime minister, Choiseul, Louis XV followed -where this ugly, brilliant, inconstant man led, and trafficked first -with Austria and then with Spain, till in 1761 Choiseul put in shape his -famous “Pacte de Famille,” which united all the royalties of Bourbon -blood and which formed into one great band the thrones of France, Spain, -Turin, Naples, and Sicily. - -Although Choiseul had the audacity to frame this agreement, and Louis XV -had the folly to sign it, they did not have the courage to proclaim it, -and so it remained a secret for several years. - -It was not till October, 1764, that the news arrived at New Orleans that -Louisiana had, by secret treaty, been ceded to Spain, and instructions -were sent to Monsieur D’Abadie, the Governor, to hand over to the envoy -of Spain, who would shortly arrive, the whole colony and its -possessions. - -The blow was stunning! - -At first it could not be credited. To be tossed like a plaything from -France to Spain, that cowardly Spain who had never assisted them in any -way, who had not even fought to get them, whom they had outwitted and -overmatched in every contest,—this was too much! - -Not many hours elapsed before the city was in a ferment. Groups gathered -on the street corners and loudly denounced the proceedings. The -wine-shops held excited bands who declaimed in passionate language -against both king and country that could treat a colony in such fashion, -and the chorus which rose and swelled protested that it could not be -borne. - -Swift pirogues carried the news among the plantations which lay along -the Bayous, while men on horseback went to those in the interior. - -Meetings were called in the parishes first, and then a convention was -planned in New Orleans itself, to which every parish in the State was to -send delegates. The subject was to be discussed, and then the King was -to be informed of this cruel, this awful thing that he was doing, and he -was to be petitioned to listen to the voice which echoed his own tongue, -and which under every trial had spoken but loyal words of him. - -Every parish sent its most notable men, and of these Monsieur Valvier, -Annette’s father, was one. The meeting at New Orleans was a gathering of -all that was wise and distinguished throughout the whole State, and it -was unanimously decided to send to France a delegation of three men, to -bear to the King himself their petition. - -These three men left for France on the first vessel which sailed, and -one can imagine the passionate nature of the appeal which they carried -with them, in which the whole colony besought the King to let them die -as they had lived,—Frenchmen to their hearts’ core. - -Think of the feeling of relief which swelled every heart as the crowds -gathered to see the envoys depart bearing the message to France and to -their King! - -Not one doubted but that the eloquence of Jean Milhet, who headed it, -would win back their loved State from the hated Spaniard, and that he -would speedily return with the joyful news, and that once more it would -be French land for French men. - -To the doors of France are laid many acts of cruelty and oppression, but -there is no sadder story than the grief and humiliation to which this -little delegation was subjected. For one whole year they waited, were -put off from day to day with first one excuse and then another, and at -last, sick and heart-broken, sailed back to New Orleans without ever -having seen the King nor presented their petition! - -Even though their chief envoy did not return, and there was no news of -the success of their petition, the people of Louisiana seemed to have no -doubt as to its success. Judge then of the fever of excitement into -which they were thrown when a letter arrived in July, 1766, saying that -Don Antonio de Ulloa, the Spanish envoy, was on his way to take -possession. - -What should be done? - -Whither should they turn? New meetings were called, the militia was -strengthened as much as possible; but month after month passed away and -Don Antonio did not arrive, so that the people quieted down and hope -bubbled up afresh. - -One morning in February, 1767, when the Commandant awoke, he found -anchored below the Belize, that old fortress at the mouth of the river, -a large frigate flying the Spanish colours. On board was Don Antonio -with his personal suite, two companies of Spanish infantry, and some -Capuchin monks. - -In March, in a frightful storm of wind and rain, they landed on the -levee in New Orleans, and were met by a sullen crowd of citizens and by -a mass of unwilling French troops. - -The Spanish envoy, haughty, severe in aspect, and a martinet in -demanding that deferential ceremonial etiquette which was so firmly -engrafted into Spanish nature, either could not or would not understand -the feelings which prompted the ardent Louisianians to cling to their -nationality. He expected the people to change at his coming their flag -and their allegiance, the soldiers their service, and all to hasten to -assume the Spanish yoke. He could not understand their refusal to do so, -and when the Superior Council of the city requested him to show his -credentials, he abruptly refused, although he agreed to defer taking -possession till more Spanish soldiers were sent to him. - -This was at least the form to which he agreed; but he proceeded to get -control as far as possible, visiting in turn all the military posts, and -replacing the French flag and the French commanders with Spanish ones. - -Over New Orleans alone did the French flag still wave. - -It may be easily understood that such high-handed deeds were not -accomplished without protest on the part of the people of Louisiana. -Curtailed of their possessions on every side, for by the “Treaty of -Paris” much had been ceded to the English, they proposed to make as -stubborn a resistance as possible. - -In the remote parishes the feeling flamed almost higher than at New -Orleans itself, since the sight of the detested Spanish flag was an -ever-present insult. - -During the year which had passed since the deputation had been sent to -Paris bearing the memorial to the King, Monsieur Valvier had wasted -neither time nor effort to arouse those with whom he came in contact, -and keep them rigorously opposed to Spanish rule. - -There were stormy meetings in the parish to which he belonged, in which -he was always an impassioned leader. There were secret meetings at his -and the neighbouring plantations. He became gloomy, a man with but one -thought in his head,—the disgrace of belonging to Spain. - -It was small wonder that with its head so distraught the plantation fell -into neglect. The crops of indigo and tobacco failed, since the master’s -eye no longer kept watch on careless servants. - -Madame Valvier’s ill-health increased as the winter season approached, -and on little Annette fell more and more the care of the family and -home. Scant crops made scant money, and it was only by unceasing care -that Annette kept the active little brothers clothed and fed, and saw -that the languid mother had her fresh fruit and café au lait, and that -her favourite gowns of delicate white were kept mended and ever fresh. - -Nor were these all her duties. - -At evening, when her father returned depressed and miserable from a -never-ending discussion with neighbouring planters as to the ignominy of -their lot, it was Annette who met and tried to cheer him. She had ever -something ready for him, were it only a bowl of fresh figs; and the -earnest child at last became the confidant of the despairing man. - -One memorable evening he returned later than usual, and to Annette’s -surprise and pleasure his eyes were bright and shining, and he carried -his head proudly and with confidence. Tenderly embracing Annette, he -cried,— - -“At last, at last have I prevailed on these neighbours who hate and yet -fear the Spanish. All is ready, and to-morrow we at least will show Don -Ulloa that there are loyal Frenchmen enough in Louisiana to refuse to -live under the Spanish flag and his detestable rule.” - -“But, father, what is it you would do?” - -“Lean closer, my child, for none here must learn of this till everything -is ready and we leave for the city.” - -“Does mother know, dear father?” - -“No, Annette, I dare not tell her; her constant illness makes her -timorous.” - -The young girl pressed closer to his knee, her large, serious eyes fixed -on his face. So wrapped was the man in his own thoughts that he knew not -the heavy burden he was laying on the already overcrowded young -shoulders. - -To her the father unfolded his plans. - -“Well you know the cruel blow that has been dealt to us from France, and -how the Spaniard Don Antonio has sought to make Spaniards of us -all,—true-born Frenchmen that we are; how he has hoisted the Spanish -flag, and manned all our forts with Spanish soldiers. To-morrow evening -there will start from this plantation Monsieur Biron, myself, and all -the owners of the plantations in this parish, with such of their men as -they can arm, and by boat we will go down the Bayou, stopping at each -plantation as we go, and gathering men together till we reach New -Orleans.” - -“Oh, father!” interrupted Annette, breathlessly, “will you take an army -into the city?” - -“So I hope; and these, with the loyal French Guard and the citizens, -will enable us to sweep onwards, and Don Antonio will find what manner -of men he has to deal with, and we will not rest till he is safely -confined within the walls of the Belize.” - -In the excitement of his story Monsieur Valvier’s voice rose till there -came from the room beyond, where Madame Valvier lay, the sleepy question -as to why they talked so late. - -Putting his finger to his lip to warn Annette, he replied,— - -“I but tell a tale to Annette, who will go now to bed.” Kissing her -fondly good night, he whispered in her ear,— - -“Remember to tell not a word, Annette, and lest I do not see you alone -again, I say farewell, till we put the hated Spaniard where he will do -no further harm.” - -Although Annette crept to bed, her eyes for a long time stared into the -darkness. She feared, not for the success of her father’s mission, but -lest in some way he be hurt. She saw, as he described it, Don Ulloa -safely confined in the dreaded Belize, and she rejoiced in her childish -heart over the grand part her father was to take in keeping Louisiana -for the French. - -When the next night came, she peeped cautiously out from between the -casements, and saw dark figures take their places in the pirogues drawn -up at the landing and silently paddle down the Bayou. - -She saw her father in the leading boat, and with him were several of -their own men, and in the flaring light of the single torch she saw the -gleaming of the guns. - -In a silent adieu she waved her hand, even though she knew that her -father could not see her, and confiding on his belief and assurance of -success, she fell into a deep and dreamless sleep, and over the whole -plantation rested an absolute quiet. - -But her father—Ah, the sadness of that night trip! - -The few men who had started with him from the plantation in the hope -that they would be joined by many more of wealth and power were cruelly -disabused of their beliefs. There was but a handful more; but in the -small group was the spirit of an army, and it was hoped that Don Ulloa -could be surprised just before dawn, and with the first successful blow -many would hasten to join the victorious party. - -It was the old story of a forlorn hope. - -In some way Don Ulloa had been apprised of the uprising, and the party -had barely set foot on the levee at New Orleans before they were -surrounded and taken prisoners by a strong party of Spanish soldiers. - -Monsieur Valvier, as the leader, was not detained in the city, but sent -up the Bayou to Fort St. John, a desolate spot on the shores of Lake -Pontchartrain, at the head of Bayou St. John. - -During the first two days of his imprisonment Monsieur Valvier was -stunned. He seemed incapable of realising the misfortune which had -befallen not himself alone, but the little family at home. Too late he -saw that the lukewarm policy of the others whom he had tried to induce -to join him was not all selfish, and as happens so often to the -enthusiast, he saw too late the folly of his actions. - -It was the stinging thought of these helpless sufferers at home which at -last aroused him, and spurred him on to see if their welfare could not -be in some way assured. The intendant in charge of the fort was hard and -cold, but, as Monsieur Valvier soon learned, was not averse to accepting -a ransom. - -Indeed, he informed Monsieur Valvier of this fact himself, and allowed -him to send a letter home telling of his personal safety, and that his -liberty could be bought. Till this letter arrived the plantation on the -Bayou Gentilly had been a sad place. - -When, as one day after another passed and Monsieur Valvier did not -return, Annette, not knowing what to do, told her mother of the -uprising, and Madame Valvier, with health already undermined, became so -seriously ill that poor Annette knew not which way to turn. - -One or two of the slaves had strayed home, and from them Annette had -learned that at least her father was alive, and at last came the letter -which told that he could be ransomed if a sufficient sum of money could -be raised. The letter ended,— - -“Alas, dear child, I know too well that there is naught left which may -be turned into money to procure my freedom. I see too late that I have -been led away from my duties to my little ones and their mother. God -grant that they may be kept in safety; as for me my heart is breaking!” - -Madame Valvier was too ill to give Annette any counsel. All day long the -child kept saying to herself,— - -“My father must be ransomed, but how? Where shall I get the gold? Oh, -mamma, if you could but help me!” - -At last, passing through the children’s room while waiting on her -mother, Annette’s eyes fell upon the boards which concealed the -leaden-lined box containing the papers and necklace. - -“The pearl necklace,” she cried softly to herself, “why have I not -thought of it before?” Removing the cover, she felt hurriedly within the -enclosure to assure herself that it was safe. - -The rest of that day, as she went about her duties, her one thought was -of the way to get it to her father, and at last she decided that she -must go with it herself. There was no one whom she could trust with this -price of her father’s freedom, and her heart was full of the thought of -saving him, so that there was no room for fear. - -She determined to start that night, and, used from infancy to the -management of a boat, she did not hesitate as to the means of -travelling. - -But her mother—how to leave her? - -She called the woman from the kitchen, an old slave but a faithful one, -and bade her sleep within the next room, so that if Madame called she -should hear her. - -“For,” said Annette, “see, Tignon, I must go on a message for my father. -When my mother wakens, tell her that I shall soon return,—remember, -Tignon, soon return.” - -As soon as it was dark, Annette took from its hiding-place the necklace, -and as the cool, milky globes slipped through her fingers, she kissed -them, saying,— - -“Dear father, to think that these may save thy life. I remember my -mother said that they were never to be parted with save ‘for life or -honour.’ Perhaps this time it may be both, but I cannot tell.” - -For a moment she was at a loss how to carry them, and then putting them -about her neck she snapped the clasp securely and drew over them the -waist of her gown, which was fashioned to come high in the neck. - -“’Tis the easiest and the simplest way, and certainly none would think -that such a thing lay beneath my calico frock.” - -She kissed the little brothers and sister, and bade Pierre take good -care of them till she should return, whispering in his ear,— - -“I go for father, but tell of this to no one till I return.” - -And Pierre, with his wide-staring eyes fixed on her face, could only -say,— - -“I will promise.” - -At the landing Annette chose the smallest and lightest pirogue, and, -with the caution one would have expected from an older and wiser head, -put in the bottom an extra paddle and a small basket of food. She pushed -off the little dug-out, and turning its head down stream looked back -with confidence, saying in her brave young heart,— - -“Shortly I shall return, and with my father.” - -All night the child floated and paddled down the silent and lonely -Bayou, often terrified by the strange night sounds which came from the -swamps, and occasionally cheered by the light glimmering in the window -of some of the planters’ homes on the shore. When she was most alarmed, -she would reassure her little trembling heart by putting her hand on the -breast of her frock, beneath which lay the necklace, and by whispering -to herself the beloved name of “father.” - -The rising sun saw her heading her boat into the small channel which led -into Bayou St. John, and it was late afternoon when the weary Annette -saw frowning before her the rough palisades which enclosed Fort St. -John. - -The soldier on duty could scarcely believe his eyes when the little -pirogue came alongside the quay, and was still more astonished when with -trembling voice Annette said,— - -“Sir, may I please see the Governor?” - -“The Governor! why, what should the Governor do here? Who are you, and -what would you with the Governor?” - -“I have business with the Governor, sir.” - -At this reply the man laughed long and loud, and poor Annette was ready -to weep with disappointment and fatigue. Then remembering that at any -rate her father was within those walls, she plucked up courage and began -again. - -“If Monsieur the Governor is not here, is there any great general here?” -The soldier laughed again, and said below his breath,— - -“Great general—no; but the great Sir Intendant is here, if you can do -your business with him”; and there was another burst of laughter as the -burly man looked at the slender form standing before him. - -“Take me to him, please,” said she, and she gave one touch to the frock -below which lay the precious heirloom as the soldier turned to lead the -way within the enclosure. - -“Ho, Roget!” he called, “this lady comes on business with Monsieur the -Intendant”; and poor frightened Annette was passed along mid the rude -jests of the soldiers, till she reached an ante-room to which was -attached the small office of the Intendant. At last a voice said,— - -“You may enter”; and Annette, who between fright and fatigue was ready -to weep, found herself standing before a man with flashing eyes and a -brilliant scarlet and gold uniform, who was looking at her with -unconcealed interest. - -“Well, child, what would you with me?” and Annette, raising her head, -bravely answered,— - -“I come to ransom my father, Monsieur Valvier.” - -The Intendant frowned; and surely the pale child before him, in a simple -calico gown, with empty hands and eyes full of unshed tears, hardly -seemed able to ransom a bird, much less a political prisoner. - -The Intendant’s voice was harsh and cold as he said,— - -“Ransom means gold, child,—gold, or lands.” - -“Alas, Monsieur, I have neither,” said the trembling little girl, “but I -thought perhaps—” And she drew from its place of concealment the -splendid necklace. - -The Intendant could scarcely conceal a start. - -“How came you by this?” he asked, letting the rich strings glide through -his fingers. - -“’Twas the marriage portion of my grandmother in France, then of my -mother also, and was to be mine. I will give it to you for my father, -Monsieur Valvier.” - -The sight of the jewels recalled to the Intendant scenes in his native -Spain, where the Spanish grandees loved to ruffle it in laces and jewels -of the choicest description, and where the dusky Spanish beauties often -chose pearls, since these milky gems but served to throw out the fire of -their eyes and the rich tones of their olive skins. As he mused, passing -the pearls between his fingers, poor Annette was torn with anxiety lest -the necklace should fall short of the ransom desired. - -“Oh, Monsieur, is it not enough?” she cried, one trembling hand holding -the other; “we have naught else, my mother is ill,—I came alone”; and -the tears so bravely held back now fell in showers. - -The Intendant had no idea of giving up the necklace, yet was not wholly -cruel; so, striking on a bell, he called to the orderly who answered -it,— - -“Bring Valvier hither.” - -The sound of the words caused Annette to wipe her eyes, and in a moment, -with a little scream of joy, she rushed into the arms of her father, -whose wonder at her presence froze the words on his lips. - -“Monsieur Valvier,” said the Intendant, “you are free. The ransom -provided by your daughter is sufficient. But you must give me your -parole that you will never again bear arms against the Spanish flag, and -that you will accept such regulations as Spain deems best for her -colonies.” - -“I give my parole,” answered Monsieur Valvier; “but, Annette, -ransom—what had you, poor child?” - -Annette’s face was wreathed in smiles as she whispered in his ear, “The -pearl necklace, dearest father.” - - - - -[Illustration] - - DICEY LANGSTON - _1787_ - -There was a pleasant mellow glow in the great low-ceiled kitchen, and -the absolute quiet was unbroken save for an occasional crackling of the -sticks which made a bright fire on the hearth. Yet, if the room was -still, it was but because Dicey chose it so, and as she stood beside the -huge wheel which a few moments before had been whirling merrily, she -looked with thoughtful eyes at the fire. - -Now, to tell the truth, Dicey did not like to be alone, nor was it usual -for her to be silent. The every-day Dicey was singing if she was not -talking, or spinning if she was not busy about the house, or flying here -and there on errands for her father, or hunting up the brothers to do -this or that,—to play or ride, or come to meals or something,—for Dicey -was quite a little queen, as a girl with five big brothers has a right -to be. - -A father and five big brothers, but no mother, poor little girl! and she -had grown to be sixteen years old, the pet of her brothers and the -darling of her father’s heart, and, as you may guess, somewhat spoiled -and self-willed. Yet I would not have you think for a moment that she -was selfish, for she was not so; but she had grown to depend very much -on herself, and to decide for herself many questions which other girls -who had mothers to turn to would have left to them. - -Dicey’s father was no longer a young man. Indeed, he was almost past -middle life when, ten years before, he had left his home near -Charleston, shattered in spirit by the death of his wife, and gone to -the “Up Country,” as the northern part of the State of South Carolina -was called, and started life anew. Dicey hardly remembered the old home -at all. Her thoughts and her affections were all centred about the -comfortable home in whose kitchen she now stood, and over whose comfort -she reigned. - -She stood for many minutes as we saw her first, quite motionless, and -then, as the evening air brought to her ear a sound so slight that you -or I might not have noticed it, she ran to the window and looked out. - -The house stood in the centre of a clearing on the top of a gentle -ridge, and flowing out on either hand were dales and hills still covered -with the forests through which the hunters and cow-drivers had wandered -years before. Through this country the Catawbas and the Cherokees -roamed, and but a short distance from the little settlement of which -Solomon Langston’s house was a part, lay that well-known Indian trail -called the “Cherokee Path,” which led from the Cherokee country on the -west to the lands of the Catawbas on the east. - -On the flat lands below the hills stretched wide plains destitute of -trees and rich in fine grass and gay with flowers. Here roamed the -buffalo, elk, and deer. Here also were wild horses in many a herd, and -it was from one of these wandering bands of horses that Dicey’s own -little pony had been captured by brother Tom, before he married and went -to live at “Elder Settlement” across the Tyger River, a deep and -boisterous stream, between which and the Enoree lay the plantation where -Dicey’s father had made his home. - -All this time she has been standing at the window, looking out over a -landscape which lay clear and white before her in the moonlight. The -slight sound which had caught her ear was getting louder every moment, -and at last two figures came into view, her father and one of her -brothers, who had ridden early that morning to the settlement -“Ninety-six” to hear the latest tidings about the War, and to gain some -news regarding the revolutionary movement which hitherto had been -largely confined to the southern portion of the State. - -For Dicey it had been a long and weary day. Her father’s last words -were: “Let no one know where we have ridden, Dicey, for in such days as -these it is best to keep one’s own counsel, and you know, little -daughter, that most of our neighbours belong to the King’s party.” - -And Dicey had remembered, even though Eliza Gordon had come over that -afternoon with her sewing, and the two girls had worked on their new -kerchiefs, fagoting and stitching and edging them with some Mignonette -lace which Eliza’s mother had brought from Charleston when last she went -to town. Such silence was hard enough for Dicey, who was used to tell -whatever thoughts came into her mind, particularly to Eliza, who was her -very “dearest friend.” - -When Mr. Langston had dismounted, and Dicey had taken one look into his -face, she cried out,— - -“Oh, father, is the news bad? I can see by your face it is none of the -best. Is that cruel King over seas never going to stop his taxing? Shall -I throw out the tea?” - -“S’hush, Dicey, my girl. Remember what I told you this morning. There -are none others about us who think as we do, and it behoves us to be -careful both in what we say and do.” - -As he spoke, he drew Dicey into the house, and Henry followed, the -horses having been taken to the stables by one of the slaves, who, like -Dicey, had heard the sound of the riders and come forward to meet them. -Once within doors Dicey forgot for a moment her eagerness for news, and -ran forward to stir up the fire which had fallen low while she mused, -and to light the candle which hung from its iron bracket on the back of -her father’s chair. She set the kettle on the arm of the crane to boil, -and put close at her father’s elbow his long clay pipe and box of -tobacco, then brought out a tray with glasses and a generous bowl, into -which she put spices and lemon, together with sugar and a measure of -wine which she poured from a jug which was fashioned in the form of a -fat old man with a very red face and a blue coat. - -Kneeling on the hearth, she watched to see the steam come from the -kettle’s nose, and as it seemed o’er long to her impatient spirit, she -cast another billet of wood upon the dancing flames. - -“Come, come, little daughter,” her father said, “Henry and I have ridden -far, and your impatience does but delay matters. In truth, I am so weary -and chilled that I am thirsting for the spiced wine, which your -treatment of the fire does but delay.” - -Now Dicey seized the poker and hastily endeavoured to make up for her -error in putting on the new log, the only effect of her efforts being to -make Henry laugh and take the poker from her hand, while he said,— - -“Keep the little patriot quiet, father, since, if a watched pot never -boils, this one is like to stay ever simmering.” - -Mr. Langston held Dicey’s hand, and all fixed their eyes on the kettle, -and as the first slender trickle of steam came from its nose, Dicey -caught it from the iron arm, and soon had two fragrant glasses of hot -wine ready for the travellers. - -“Now, father,” she said, as she seated herself at his knee,—“now, -father, the news!” - -“’Tis true, Dicey, that at Gowan’s Fort many of our people have been -horribly murdered.” - -“Oh, father, not by Indians,” cried the girl, who well knew what this -would mean. - -“By worse than Indians,” answered Mr. Langston,—“by white men painted as -Indians, who were even more cruel than the savages, if that can be.” - -Dicey sprang to her feet and turned to her brother. - -“Do you know if ‘Bloody Bates’ had anything to do with this, Henry?” - -“Yes, he was the leader, and it is said that he boasted that his next -raid should be in the country of the Enoree, where he said ‘dwelt so -many fat Whigs.’” - -“Just let him come this way,” cried Dicey, “and he will find that the -fat Whigs are ready for him.” - -Even though the case was grave enough, Henry and his father could not -forbear a smile at the thought of Dicey, little Dicey, setting up as a -match for the cruel bully who had made himself such a terror to the -country-side by his midnight maraudings and treacherous killings that he -had come to bear the name of “Bloody Bates.” - -But Dicey, even though she was a girl, had a secret, and, what was -stranger yet, she kept it, but in her brave little heart she resolved -that if it were possible she would make it serve her friends. - -So the next day she went forth in the afternoon carrying her work with -her. Henry, who saw her start, little dreaming of the plans in that -curly head, called out in a loud, cheerful voice,— - -“I wager I know what is in that bag, Dicey. A new frock for dolly, made -in the latest mode. But, Dicey, see that it be not of red, since our -enemies are far too partial to that colour to suit me.” - -“No such foolishness as you think, brother! I am to finish my kerchief -which Eliza and I have been sewing on these three or four days. Maybe it -will be all done when I come home.” - -Dicey hurried on, almost afraid that she would let out the secret if -Henry talked much longer about dolls. Dolls, indeed! why, she hadn’t -looked at one for years! - -Eliza saw her coming and ran to meet her. - -“Come within doors,” said Eliza, when their greetings were over, drawing -Dicey with her. But this did not suit our little patriot’s plans at all, -and holding back, she said,— - -“Let’s go and sit in the tree-seat, Eliza. ’Tis so pleasant out of doors -to-day, and then you know we can talk over things there.” - -“Go you there and I will come when I get my reticule,” answered Eliza, -who, like Dicey, was glad to escape from the keen eyes of mother and -elder sister, neither of whom had much sympathy for over-long stitches -or puckered work. - -Dicey did as she was bid, and climbed into the tree-seat where for years -the children had been used to play, and, now that they had grown older, -to which retreat they took their sewing or a book, though these latter -came to hand rarely enough, the Bible and some books of devotion being -thought quite enough reading for young people in those days. - -When both girls were comfortably seated and thimbles and needles were -ready, Dicey fetched a great sigh. - -“What is the matter with you, Dicey? Have you aught ailing you?” - -“No,” said Dicey, “nothing very much. I was wondering if, when this -horrible war was ended, you and I should ever go to some great city like -Charleston or Fredericksburg, as did your sister Miriam. Think of it, -Eliza, to go to some great town where there are many houses and -carriages, and a play-house, and, best of all, balls!” - -At this magic word Dicey tossed into the air the little kerchief, and, -ere it fell, was on the ground holding the skirts of her calico frock, -bowing and smiling to an imaginary partner, now toeing this way and -that, as if she were going through the dance, though, to tell the truth, -the little minx had never seen anything of the kind, but had got her -information from Eliza’s sister Miriam. All of Miriam’s knowledge had -been acquired in safer and happier days, when she had made a visit to -Fredericksburg, and astonished the young girls on her return with -marvellous tales of what she had seen and heard, and the gaieties she -had taken part in. Dicey and Eliza had often practised in secret, and -though their steps would not have passed muster in a drawing-room, they -had furnished them with pleasure for many an hour. - -“Oh, Dicey, come up again! If mother sees you, she would make us come -right away into the house; you know that she thinks that such things as -dancing but waste the time of young maids like you and me.” - -Thus urged, Dicey with a sigh took up the sewing again, and sat once -more beside Eliza in the tree. But her thoughts were flying all about, -and Eliza spoke twice ere Dicey noticed what she said. - -“When father comes home to-night, he brings with him Colonel Williams.” - -The remark seemed simple enough, but a sudden light flooded Dicey’s -mind. - -“Coming home,” echoed she; “why, you told me a day or two since that he -would not be home till after harvest.” - -“Yes, but things have come about differently,” answered Eliza, with an -important air. “My father has been in a great battle, and he is coming -with Colonel Williams to stay for a day or two till Captain Bates gets -here too.” - -“Captain Bates! Do you mean ‘Bloody Bates’?” asked Dicey, pale with -horror. - -“My father says that is but a Whig name for him, and that he has done -good service to the King in subduing pestilent Whigs,” answered Eliza, -bridling, and secretly pleased at the easy way the long words tripped -from her tongue. - -“That awful, cruel man coming here!” and Dicey half looked round to see -if the mere speaking of his name had not brought upon the scene one of -the most cruel bandits who under the name of scout had wrought endless -cruelties. In a moment the importance of the information had shot into -her mind! If she could find out something more! Sure, whatever Eliza -knew were easy enough to learn also. - -“Comes he here to rest too, and at your house, Eliza?” - -If Eliza had given a thought to the low voice and shaking hands of her -friend, she might have paused ere she told news which was of the -greatest importance to such Whig families as lived in the neighbourhood, -and more particularly to those who dwelt in the “Elder Settlement” on -the other side of the river, and were entirely unprotected. Among them -was Dicey’s eldest brother with his young wife and little family. - -“Comes he here to rest too?” and Eliza, proud of her information, and -entirely forgetting that she had been told to impart it to no one, -answered briskly,— - -“No, but he stops here to meet some of the soldiers who go with him, and -only think, ’tis at our house that they will paint themselves just like -the Cherokees!” At the mere thought Eliza clapped her hands. “Think how -comical they will look,” she went on, while every moment Dicey felt -herself getting colder and colder with fear. “And sister Miriam has done -naught but scurry about and turn things topsy-turvy. It’s Captain Bates -this and Captain Bates that, till one feels ruffed all the wrong way. -You know I told you that he was coming here one day, and you laughed and -said he dare not!” - -Yes, Dicey remembered. This was the secret she had withheld, thinking -that, like enough, it was but some of Miriam’s boasting that this savage -man should seek her at her home. It was true, however, and like to be -soon. How was she, Dicey, to warn those who were so unprotected? - -Thinking more deeply than ever she had thought before, Eliza babbled on, -her silent companion taking no note of what she said. - -“Well, Dicey, if you cannot listen to what I say, and not even answer -me, I shall go into the house. Besides, my kerchief is all done, and -mother told me to bring it to her when the stitches were all set. How -does it become me?” - -As she spoke, Eliza threw it about her round white throat, and tossed -her head, the exact copy of sister Miriam. - -But Dicey was too absorbed to notice her companion’s small frivolities. -Her thoughts were solely on how to get word to her brother of the -impending arrival of “Bloody Bates” in the neighbourhood. Fears for the -safety of her own home were not wanting, since Henry, the only brother -left at the old homestead, was but waiting the summons to go and join -the command of Colonel Hugh Middleton. - -As Dicey walked slowly home along the bridle path which served for a -road in that sparsely settled region, her mind had not thought of any -plan by which her message was to be sent to her brother and his friends. -Yet over and over the words formed themselves in her brain, “They must -be told, they must be told.” - -Her father was feeble, and these years of anxiety and of hard work since -his sons had been called away from home to bear their share of hardships -in the War to which there seemed no end, had enfeebled him still more. -From him the news must be kept at any risk. Perhaps brother Henry would -go; but while this thought passed through her mind, she saw him coming -through the wood on his horse. - -“I have ridden this way to tell you good-bye, little sister. Even now -word was brought that I must join my company. Come hither”; and as Dicey -ran to his side he bent down, saying, “Set thy foot on my stirrup, I -have that to say which must not be spoken aloud.” - -As Dicey did as he bade her, and stood poised on his stirrup leather, -holding tightly to his hand, he whispered in her ear,— - -“Be brave, little sister, and take the best care you can of father. He -is ill and weak, and it vexes me sorely to leave such a child as you -with no one stronger to protect you. Yet go I must, and I trust that -before long Thomas may come for you and my father, or that Batty will -return.” - -As Dicey looked into her brother’s troubled face, the thought that he -must not be told rushed upon her. Go he must, and they must take such -care of themselves as they could. So she leaned forward, and said as -cheerfully as possible,— - -“Never fear for us, brother. There is no danger for father and me, for -sure none would attack an old man and a young maid. See, I am not in the -least afraid.” - -“I could leave you with a better heart if I thought that were the truth, -yet even as we have spoken thy cheeks have grown as white as milk, and -see, your hand trembles like a leaf in the wind!” - -Dicey pulled away that telltale member and jumped down from the horse. - -“When the time comes, I’ll prove as good a soldier as any of the -Langston boys, rest you assured of that,” she cried. - -“Farewell, then, brother Dicey”; and Henry tried to cheer her by making -her smile. Then, with his own face set in a look far too grave for one -so young, he rode down the path in the flickering light, little dreaming -of the desperate resolution which was forming in the mind of his sister. -As she got the supper ready, and talked brightly as was her wont with -her father, she had decided that she must be the one to take the news -across to brother Tom at the Elder Settlement; and oh dear, oh dear, she -must go that very night, for who could tell, perhaps “Bloody Bates” -would stop there on his way, for she knew not which direction he was -coming from. Yet for her father’s sake she was as much like her own -cheerful self as she could be, and she forced herself to eat, as the way -would be long and difficult. Twice she almost gave way to tears in the -safe shelter of the pantry; yet do not blame my little Dicey, for though -she felt fear, she never once thought of giving up her mission. - -When her duties for the night were all done, and the hot coals in the -fireplace carefully covered so that a few chips of light wood would set -them blazing in the morning, Dicey sat down and tried to think out how -she should manage. Her father was sleeping in his great chair by the -fireplace, and he looked so worn and old that she resolved to take on -her own slender shoulders the whole responsibility. - -Perhaps it was her steadfast gaze, or perhaps it was his thoughts, which -wakened Mr. Langston with a start, caused him to look quickly round and -ask,— - -“Where is Henry?” - -“Why, father dear, Henry rode forth this afternoon to join Colonel -Middleton. You have been napping, I think.” - -“True, Dicey, I did but dream. ’Tis late enough for an old man like me, -so light the candle, and I’ll to bed.” - -As she handed the rude candlestick to him, Dicey threw her arms about -his neck and swallowed hard to keep the tears that were so close to the -surface from welling over. - -“Why, child, what ails thee? One would think that I was to start on a -journey too, whereas all I can do is to bide at home”; and Mr. Langston -heaved a deep sigh as he said it. - -“Brother Henry bid me take care of you, and I mean to, dearest father. -Since you have sent five sons to this cruel war, it seems as if it might -be that you and I were left at peace.” - -“Yes, yes, daughter. I do but pray that I may live to see all my brave -boys come home to me once more.” With bowed head Mr. Langston took his -way to the small chamber opening off the living-room. - -“Now,” thought Dicey, “must I plan and act. First must I write a few -lines to father, lest he think that I too have followed brother Henry.” - -She hunted about for a fragment of paper,—a thing not too common in a -frontier farmhouse,—then she dashed some water into the dried-up -ink-horn, and mended a pen as well as she could. - -Will you think any the less of her if I tell you that poor Dicey was a -wretched penman? Her days at school had been very few, since the nearest -one was at Ninety-six, and her father could ill spare his little -housekeeper. Yet he had taught her a bit, and as she sat and wrote by -the flaring rushlight, I am afraid that her tongue was put through as -much action as her pen. Poor Dicey! the little billet which caused her -so much labour was intended to allay her father’s anxiety as well as to -let him know where she had gone. Of the object of her mission there was -never a word. That she would tell him on her return. The little scrawl -was set on the table with one end beneath the candlestick, where he -would be sure to see it in the morning. - -“Dear Father,” it began. “I go to carry a message to brother Tom. I -leave early in the morning, and will return as soon as might be. There -is naught to fear for me. Your loving Dicey.” - -“’Tis better,” she mused, half aloud, “to say ‘morning’ than to have him -think that I was forced to go at night, lest I fall into the hands of -some of these bandits on their way here. But I must not think of that, -for I must be off as soon as I can get ready, and the faster I work the -less afraid I am.” - -She hurriedly put some food in a packet, and then crept up the stairs to -her own tiny room under the eaves. You would hardly have known her when -she came softly down a few moments later. Her hair was bound and knotted -close to her head, for well she knew how the bushes and trees would -catch the flowing curls. Her stuff gown was kilted high and held -securely in place, while on her feet she had drawn a pair of boots which -were her brother Batty’s, and, though large, they were stout and strong -and came nigh to her knees. A heavy shawl covered her shoulders and was -tied behind, and into the front of it she thrust the packet of food. - -As she went softly out of the door, she gave a last look toward her -father’s room and then hastened on, anxious to give her warning and then -hurry home. Dicey knew the way well, having been to visit her brother a -number of times. But in her haste and excitement she had not thought -that a path by day with company is a very different thing from the same -path by night and alone. - -Yet this did not daunt her, even though there were strange noises in the -forest and elfin fingers seemed to reach out from the bushes and pluck -at her as she tried to hurry on. Each twig which snapped as she trod on -it brought her heart uncomfortably to her mouth, in a way she did not -like at all. The woods were bad enough, but infinitely worse were the -marshes where there was not even a foot-log, much less a bridge to take -her over the worst places, and but for Batty’s boots she would have -suffered cruelly from roots and stones. - -Still she pressed bravely on. She gripped her hands and kept repeating, -“Every step takes me nearer, every step takes me nearer,” till it made -itself into a kind of tune. She dared not think that the worst was yet -to come, and that the Tyger River with its brawling current had still to -be crossed. When at last she heard a faint murmuring, it seemed to give -her new strength, and she turned in that direction. - -Just as the first gleams of dawn lighted the sky, she stood on the muddy -banks of the river. She looked about her in the dim light and thought -that she recognised the place as the ford where they usually crossed. -So, quite exhausted, she threw herself upon the ground, saying to -herself, “I will rest a few moments and take a bite of pone, for well I -know that the water of the Tyger is deadly cold and muddy too.” - -As she thought, she acted, and in a brief time rose to her feet, not -with that springy lightness which was customary with her, but slowly and -with effort. The long hard walk, the chafing of the boots which were too -large for her, all made her feel stiff and lame, and as she waded into -the water, it took all her courage to keep from screaming out. - -In she went, a step at a time, thrusting one foot before the other to -feel her way in the rushing water, and bewildered by the grey light and -the heavy fog which lay above the water and hid the other shore. It -seemed to her that the water was getting very deep, surely much deeper -than when she went through it before, though on that occasion she was -mounted safely on the back of her little pony. - -“Oh, dear Molly, if only you were here with me now instead of safe at -home in your stall”; and one or two tears rolled over Dicey’s cheeks to -be immediately swallowed up in the swirling waters which every moment -grew deeper around her. - -She went forward, step by step, never once thinking of turning back; and -now the wavelets reached her waist, and now they were breast high and so -heavy that they threatened to draw her from her feet. Completely -bewildered, not quite sure of her course since the opposite bank could -not be seen through the low-lying fog, Dicey lost her track and wandered -up stream instead of across. She noticed that the water, now just below -her armpits, kept at the same height, and fearing that every moment it -would grow deep enough to engulf her, she stopped a moment in her -difficult course and looked about her. - -What was that which she could dimly discern apparently advancing towards -her? To her mind, already overwrought, it seemed “Bloody Bates” himself, -as indeed it might have been, and with a shriek which she vainly tried -to smother, she turned abruptly to the left and plunged with all the -speed she could muster through the water. - -Oh, joyful thought! The black stream was getting lower, it was but -breast high now, and as she leaped and plunged along, with every -movement it receded, till at last she stumbled on the bank, and lay -there sobbing with fright and exhaustion. She heard a soft swish in the -river, and hastily raised her head to find that what had so terrified -her was a huge buck, which was now half swimming and half wading to -shore himself. - -Cold and wet, half dead with fright and fatigue, Dicey, at sight of her -supposed enemy, laid her head on her arms and had a good cry. - -“Only a deer,” she sobbed, and then began to laugh, and with the laugh, -feeling better, she scrambled to her feet, saying to herself, “’Tis but -two miles to brother Tom’s and then I am safe.” - -The way was easier now, for it was a travelled path, made by Indians, it -is true, and their cruel allies the British, but still it was daylight, -and away from the river the air was clear and fresh,—too fresh for -comfort to the shivering girl, who ran and stumbled in her haste to get -her message delivered. The two miles dragged themselves away at last, -and through the trees Dicey saw the group of rude houses which made the -Elder Settlement, and ah! there was brother Tom already out of doors -about his work. - -As soon as Dicey saw him, she shouted, and when he looked up, he seized -his gun, for a weapon lay ever within reach in those days. Little wonder -was it that he did not recognise the small figure which ran towards him -waving its arms and shouting words which he did but half catch. At the -sound of the commotion Elie, his wife, came to the door, and at the -first glance cried out,— - -“Why, Tom, ’tis Dicey!” and ran out to meet her, fearful of bad tidings, -since it was easy to see that the girl was almost at the limit of her -strength. As soon as Tom realised who it was, he ran forward and caught -her in his arms, and hurried into the house, his lips forming themselves -into the one word, “Father?” - -Dicey shook her head, and when Tom set her down on the stone hearth, she -slipped down into a little wet heap with a pale face and eager eyes. - -“Oh, brother Tom,” she began, as soon as she caught her breath. - -“Stay,” said her brother, “is aught wrong with my father or brothers?” - -“No,” said Dicey, “I came—” - -“Then thy news will wait till thou art dry and warm, else we are like to -have a dead Dicey instead of a living one. Elie, take and give her dry -clothes, and I will make for her a mug of hot cider which will warm her -through and through. From her clothes, the Tyger seems at flood these -days.” - -When Dicey, warm and dry once more, poured out her tale of warning, Tom -hurried away to call the men of the settlement together. As the small -handful of grave settlers came and heard the news, Dicey felt in their -few words of thanks ample payment for what she had undertaken in their -behalf. Nor did they hesitate in their course. Packing together what -possessions were most valued, and driving before them the few cattle -which remained, they and their families that very afternoon crossed the -Tyger at the ford which poor Dicey had missed, and sought the protection -of the fort at Ninety-six. The next day Dicey was left at her own home -and in the arms of her anxious father. - -She told her tale to him, sitting by his side and holding his hand, for -he could hardly realise that his little girl, his Dicey, had been -through an experience at which even a man might have hesitated. - -“My child,” said he, “it seems but yesterday that I held you in my arms, -and here you are a woman grown ere I thought it.” - -Fondly stroking her soft hair, he looked into the fire and spoke half to -himself,— - -“’Tis like her mother; but a child to look on, yet with a heart of -steel.” - -“Why, father, you think too much of it; ’twas not so much after all. At -least it seems so now that once more I am safe at home with you, though -truly in the doing I was much afeared.” Looking round as she spoke, she -caught sight of the noon-mark on the window, and, jumping up, -exclaimed,— - -“Why, father, here have we sat gossiping till it is nearly midday and -not a thing made ready for dinner! Shame on me for a bad housekeeper!” -and with that she bustled away to prepare the simple meal which was the -daily fare of many a family living far from the towns. A pudding made of -the white corn meal did not take long to stir together, and in a pot was -soon stewing some bits of venison from the last deer which Henry had -shot, part of which had been salted down for their winter supply. A -portion of the pudding with a pinch of salt added, and baked on a hot -iron shovel with a long handle, served instead of bread, and what was -left would answer for their supper, with some of the cheese in the -making of which Dicey was well skilled. There was always plenty of milk -from their small herd of cattle. - -After all had been settled for the afternoon, the trenchers washed and -the pewter cups polished and set on their shelves, Dicey drew out her -wheel and set herself at her spinning. The low whir and the comfortable -ditty which Dicey hummed hardly above her breath set her father to -dozing in his chair, and neither of the occupants of the kitchen was -prepared for the crashing knock which came on the heavy door. - -Before Dicey could reach it to set it open, a harsh voice cried out,— - -“If you open not that door and quickly, we’ll smoke out all of you!” - -Dicey drew back, looking at her father for counsel. - -“Draw the bolt, child,” he said; “we have no strength to withstand them. -Our very weakness must be our protection.” - -Dicey pulled back the great oaken bar which served as a lock, and in -pushed half a dozen men heavily armed, none of whom she had ever seen -before. - -[Illustration: “COWARD, SHOOT NOW IF YOU DARE!”—_Page 261._] - -“So the Whig cub has gone, has he?” asked the one who seemed the leader, -a tall man dressed in buckskin trousers of Indian make, over which the -red coat of the British officer seemed odd enough. - -“It is true that my son has gone forth to serve his country,” said Mr. -Langston, in a quiet voice. - -At the reply, which seemed to enrage the ruffian, he strode a step -forward, cocking his pistol as he advanced. - -“I’ll show him how to serve his country when I find him, and as for you, -old man, long enough have you hampered the King’s service.” - -He pointed the weapon at Mr. Langston, when with a cry Dicey threw her -arms about her father’s neck, and, shielding him with her body, called -out over her shoulder,— - -“Coward, shoot now if you dare!” - -Bloody Bates, for indeed it was he, raised his pistol once more, and -with a wicked scowl was preparing to fire, when one of the men who had -stood silently by till now knocked up the weapon, saying,— - -“As long as the cub we came for has fled, let us on, Bates. We have no -war with dotards and children.” The others murmured surly assent, and -bidding Dicey and her father beware how they harboured traitors, the -whole party withdrew. - -It took Dicey scarce a moment to fly to the door and bar it, and then -hurry back to her father, who was lying back in his chair, pale with the -excitement and the peril which they had undergone, and only too thankful -that one among the company had respected his grey hairs and Dicey’s -youth. - -For many a day they lived in hourly fear of their lives, even after -Bloody Bates had taken himself off on his raids and the neighbourhood -was comparatively peaceful. - -Did Dicey undergo any more special perils, you ask? - -Yes; once again she faced grave danger, being met by a scouting party as -she was coming from a trip to the nearest town. They questioned her as -to the whereabouts of her brothers and other Whigs in the vicinity, but -she refused to tell what she knew. The leader threatened to shoot her, -but she faced him bravely, crying,— - -“Well, here am I; shoot!” opening her neckerchief at the same time. He -was ashamed apparently, for the band rode on, leaving her to make her -way home. - -She lived to see all her brothers but one return from their duties in -the army, and by her loving care and devotion made her father’s life a -happy one. She was only a little Southern girl living in a lonely spot, -and long since dead; but her courageous acts live on and shine, as do -all “good deeds in a naughty world.” - - - - -[Illustration] - - THE MAID OF ZARAGOZA - _1808_ - -The notes of a hymn swept up the street,—a hymn so sung that it seemed a -call to battle rather than a sacred song. It rose, it fell, it stirred -the blood, the plaintive tones of the women’s voices rising high above -the fuller notes of the men, while soaring above all the others were the -shrill, sweet voices of the altar boys. - -On they came, with banners waving and with clouds of smoke rising from -the swinging censers. But the music, strong as it rose on the morning -air, did not blot out the clang of the alarm bells which were constantly -rung in every quarter of the city. Nor could it drown the boom, boom, -boom of the bombardment which had been slowly wrecking the city for so -long. - -Augustina kneeled on the balcony with her bent head on her hands, her -heart swelling as she listened. - -“Ah,” said she to herself, “if I were but a man! If I could but help to -save the city. Yet here must I sit and do nothing better than weave -lace, while our brave men are dropping before those cruel guns.” - -As the music grew fainter, she rose and stood watching the procession. -At the head of the long narrow street in which she lived, towered the -spires of the lovely old cathedral of the Virgin of the Pillar, and the -procession which had just passed was of men and women who sought to -petition the Holy Mother for her aid in the desperate war which was -being waged against their city. - -Although the sun had been up some hours, the tall convents which were -set among the houses made the street still dim, and as Augustina looked -up towards the cathedral, the people in the procession seemed hardly -larger than children moving slowly and singing as they went. - -Every day in some part of the city was to be seen such a procession as -had just passed, for although Napoleon and his soldiers had been -besieging the town for forty days, never once did the people lose -courage in their power to come out victorious from the struggle. - -Yes, to triumph at last, though hunger, sickness, and ill-trained -soldiers were evils with which they had to struggle, as well as the -enemy without their walls. - -As the last singer entered the cathedral, Augustina seemed to wake from -a dream, and a look of anxiety came over her face as she looked up the -street. Leaning as far forward over the balcony as she dared, she could -see nothing but some figures of men wrapped in dull brown cloaks, the -only spots of colour being the gay kerchiefs bound about their heads. - -“Augustina!” From within the house came the call, prolonged and whining, -as if the patience of the caller were nearly exhausted. - -“Yes, dear mother, just one moment longer.” - -Again she leaned out and peered up the street, but whoever or whatever -she looked for did not come in sight. With a sigh she drew back and -entered the house. - -The street in which Augustina lived was no whit worse than most of the -thoroughfares in the old city of Zaragoza. The houses covered with -balconies looked at each other across streets so narrow that in some of -them a horse and cart filled the space from side to side, and the -cobblestones were so rough and irregular that walking was difficult. Yet -Augustina had found the city fair enough to look upon before so many -doors and windows were walled up on account of the bombardment, and -before such numbers of the houses had been crumbled by the cannon balls. - -Though her face was not as cheerful as was its wont when she turned to -go in, she shook her shoulders as if to get rid of some disagreeable -thought, pushed back from her forehead the heavy black hair, and was -able to show quite a presentable face to her mother when she reached her -side. - -“Why did you stay so long when you knew that I waited for you?” asked -the invalid in a peevish tone. - -“Did it seem long? Why, mother, ’twas only five minutes after all; just -look at the clock. After the procession passed I only looked to see if -Felipe came this way and if he had any news to tell.” - -“Felipe, Felipe, everything is Felipe, while I sit here day after day, -and only get what is thrown to me, as one throws a bone to a dog.” - -“Ah, I see that the fever is bad again this morning, else you would -never say a thing like that, mother dear. Now just look at me and say -that again!” - -Her mother turned to speak, but as she looked at the bright face, saw -the love which filled the large dark eyes, passed her hand over the rosy -cheeks, and felt the pressure of the strong young arms, she could not -help but soften into a look of pleasure, and her words dwindled into— - -“Well, well, it did seem long, but you are a good child, Augustina, and -I love you well, as you know. But what with the fever and this dreadful -war and the sound of the cannon, I spoke sharper than I meant.” - -“Dearest, let me give you the cup of chocolate and the bit of bread, for -I ate my breakfast long ago, before you woke.” She did not tell her -mother how scant that meal had been. - -“I hardly know if I wish for it,” her mother was beginning; but -Augustina was already in the next room, which served them as a kitchen, -and soon hurried back bearing a small tray on which was the cup of -chocolate and the bit of crusty bread which is the breakfast of every -true Spaniard. Food was scant enough in more households than this. -Augustina’s mother, a widow with barely enough to scrape along on, was -aided in peaceful days by the sale of the lace which Augustina’s skilful -fingers made. Everybody in Spain loves lace, and every woman wore it, -having her whole mantilla of it if she could afford it, and trimmed with -it if she could do no better. Her holiday skirt was flounced with it, -her pretty little aprons edged with it, her snowy chemisette trimmed -with it, so that there was always a demand for what Augustina’s skilful -fingers could make. - -But now—what was the use of working at the pillow? - -The siege which had lasted so long showed no signs of being broken, and -no one had any coins to spare on such slight things as lace, when famine -was staring the city in the face, and all day long, if one but looked -from the window, the wounded could be seen being carried into the -convents, or any other place where they could be tended and safe from -the cannon balls. - -“Is the chocolate sweet enough, mother?” asked Augustina anxiously. She -had stirred into it the last spoonful of sugar which they had, and as -the purse was running so low she hardly dared to buy any more. - -“Sweet enough; and, Augustina, when you go out to-day, go first of all -to the cathedral and say an Ave for me. I had hoped before this to be -able to go myself. Say, too, a prayer for our brave men who are holding -the city against those wicked French.” - -“I am going now to Our Lady of the Pillar, mother, and I will stop on -the Prado and ask if, by any chance, there has been a call for lace. I -have a fine piece ready; the lilies in it seem fairly to grow, do they -not, mother?” - -Augustina held up with pride a long strip of snowy lace into which were -wrought lilies and roses so lifelike that it was almost as if they -blossomed. - -“I wish that we could afford to keep that piece, Augustina. I have -watched it grow under your fingers for so long that I shall miss it when -it is no longer here.” - -“I shall hate to sell it, mother; yet the money for it would not come -amiss, eh, dearest?” - -The widow sighed and glanced at the pillow as it lay on the table -covered from dust, only the gay beads which tipped the bobbins being -visible. - -Augustina bustled about, making the house ready for the day, drawing the -shade across the window so that her mother’s siesta should not be -disturbed in case she did not return immediately, and then she went into -the kitchen. Here she packed into a small basket some little cakes and -such simple food as their home afforded, and covered it with a napkin. -Then, with her mantilla drawn over her head, she went into her mother’s -room and said,— - -“Adios, mother, till I return. I may be late, so do not worry. Be sure -that I will not forget your Ave at the cathedral.” - -Kissing her fondly, she went down the stone stairs which led to their -rooms, treading softly so as not to rouse any of the neighbours who -might come out and ask whither she was going. - -She walked quickly up the quiet street, and, with a corner of her -mantilla drawn over her face, looked neither to the right nor left. Few -people were about, and every moment came the boom of the cannon, now a -little louder and now less so,—as they were fired from the walls, or -from the distant cannon of the enemy. - -She kept bravely on, for she had a purpose before her. She wished to -make a prayer for herself as well as for her mother, and turned to the -cathedral, whither were also others hurrying, bound on the same errand -as herself. - -As the leather curtain of the door fell behind her, the dusky light of -the great cathedral was pointed here and there by hundreds of twinkling -lights, and side by side on the pavement kneeled noble lady or ragged -beggar, all intent on their devotions, whispering prayers for the -deliverance of their beloved city and for the safety of her defenders. -The solemn tones of the organ and the voices of the chanting priests -were the only sounds to be heard, save from time to time a sob from some -mourner who prayed for the dead. - -As Augustina stood once more in the sunshine on the great steps of the -church, she looked up and down the street, hardly able to realise that -while the sky was so bright, such misery was in many homes, and such -cruel fighting on the walls. - -“On the walls!” Yes; that was the place whither she was bound! Felipe -had not been to their home since the day before yesterday. Something -must have happened to detain him, for as he left he had called back,— - -“Look for me to-morrow, Augustina”; and when Felipe said a thing he -always kept his word; no one knew that better than she. It had been so -from the days when they were little children together. When Felipe said, -“I will do this,” or “I will not do that,” it always fell out just as he -said. So now she was going to see for herself what had happened to keep -him away. A horrid idea rose before her mind of Felipe wounded, but she -drove it away, and thought only of how young he was and strong, so proud -of being chosen by his townsmen to serve on the walls, so delighted with -his uniform. - -The mere thought of how she had seen him thus made her hurry all the -faster; and she hoped he would like the things which she had brought him -to eat, for, poor boy, he had complained of being hungry the last time -he came to them; and food was getting more scarce each day. - -She reached the walls at last, and at the gate near the great convent of -Santa Engracia, where Felipe had a gun, she was stopped by a sentinel -who asked her business there. - -“I come to see Felipe,” she answered briefly. - -“A brother of thine, little one?” asked the soldier, as he noticed her -basket, and tried to get a glimpse of her face through the mantilla. - -“No, a friend,” was all she answered; for how could she tell this man -that some day, when this war was over, she and Felipe were to be -betrothed? - -“Just a friend,” the man mimicked, and then, seeing her bent head, he -said more gently: “Well, ’tis not allowed for friends to mount to the -walls, but as it seems that you have something to eat, go you up. You -will find Felipe at the gun at the second turn to the right.” - -Up the rude steps to the top of the walls, Augustina hurried, past one, -two, three guns. At the fourth stood Felipe! - -“Oh, Felipe!” she cried, “where have you been these last two days? In -truth I could wait no longer to know what had befallen you. See, here is -a bit of meat, and all the bread that I could spare, for mother must not -suffer, you know, else had I brought more.” - -Felipe had just cleaned the gun for another charge, and as he stood -beside it, he turned his weary and blackened face towards Augustina. - -“I could not come,” he whispered hoarsely. “I have served this gun day -and night since I saw you last, save for a few hours at night when those -dastardly French had to rest too.” - -“Poor Felipe!” murmured Augustina. “Here is some wine; take it, for you -look worn and tired”; and as she spoke, she gave him a glass of the sour -wine which is so esteemed by the Spaniard, and in which Felipe moistened -some bits of bread, standing beside his gun all the while so as to be -ready to load and fire as soon as he had finished. - -The tumult was appalling. Orders were being shouted out from either -side, clouds of smoke obscured the walls as well as the broad and grassy -vega where the French camp was established. The noise was deafening, and -every few moments a ball, screaming as it went, flew over their heads, -and burst somewhere in the city behind them, killing and destroying, and -often leaving in its wake fiery embers which burst into flame. - -Augustina steadied herself by putting her hand on the gun, and as Felipe -turned to it once more he shouted to her,— - -“Hear the Signorina speak, Augustina; she is the bravest lady on the -walls!” and he thrust into the gaping mouth of the gun a huge iron case -which he took from a pile near at hand, and which held within it many -small iron balls. - -“Now hear my lady’s voice!” turning towards Augustina with a look of -triumph on his face. - -There was a deafening roar, a cloud of smoke, and even as it floated -about them out of its midst seemed to come a great thing that flew -towards them,—a whirling, screaming thing that never wavered in its -track! Before she could realise what it was, there was a deafening roar, -Augustina was thrown on her face, and heard all about her a sound as of -falling stones. She knew in a moment, as soon as the noise had died -away, that she was not hurt. She slowly scrambled to her feet, and -looked about for Felipe. - -Ah, he had been thrown down like herself! - -“Felipe!” she called. - -Amid the tumult her voice seemed but a whisper. - -“Felipe!” Still there was no answer, and as she looked again she saw -that on his breast lay a large bit of something that looked like a -stone. She hurried to him and pushed it off, trying to raise him as she -did so; but he fell back, and she threw herself on her knees, lifting -his head in her arms, and saying softly,— - -“Felipe, dear one, where are you hurt? Answer me, I pray; ’tis I, -Augustina, who calls you.” - -But there was no answer. The iron fragment from the cannon ball had hit -Felipe above the heart, and struck out in a moment the life of a brave -soldier. Again and again Augustina called to him, stroking the curling -black hair, and smoothing the hands all stained from his work. How long -she sat there with Felipe’s head in her lap, she never knew. Slowly in -her mind the idea grew that some one must take his place. No one must -think that Felipe’s gun was silent because he had deserted; the faith of -his townsfolk in his courage must not be destroyed. - -Besides, what was that she had heard? It was Felipe himself who had told -her of the dreadful thing which happened every night on the walls. She -could hardly bear to think of it,—but at dusk gibbets were set up, and -on them were hung all deserters and cowards. - -Oh, if they should think that Felipe was a coward! - -Somebody must take his place, but who—who was to do it? - -There were far too few men now, able to fill the places of danger on the -walls. - -“Then must even I,” said Augustina to herself; and she laid poor Felipe -down tenderly, and threw her mantilla over the quiet face. There was no -time for tears. She had watched him as he loaded the gun, and now tried -to do it herself. - -“Now may Our Lady of the Pillar help me!” and as she breathed the -prayer, Augustina dragged the heavy case which held so many -death-dealing balls to the mouth of the gun, lifted and pushed it into -place. After firing the charge, she dropped on her knees, and with her -hands covering her face waited through an awful moment! - -Suddenly there was a tearing, crashing sound, an explosion so loud that -it took away her breath, and then Augustina knew that the gun of Felipe -spoke as if he still stood at its side. A sob broke from her lips, but -she crushed it down, and with one look at the still form beneath the -mantilla, she rose to her feet and turned to the gun. Her slender hands -had difficulty in managing the heavy cases, but she kept at it bravely, -murmuring to herself,— - -“For Felipe and for Spain!” - -It was for her country, too, that Augustina worked and toiled; for to -the tips of her toes she was of Aragon. Her father and his father before -him had watched the Ebro as it flows through the city; they had loved -the olive groves by which it was surrounded, and they had stood in the -arcades and market-places, their sad eyes watching the slow decay of a -city which had once been the home of kings. - -Cold and proud to the stranger, the Aragonese when aroused are fairly -heroic in the way they fight for their country; and in 1808, when -Augustina manned the gun for the sake of her playmate and lover who was -slain, the same spirit burned in her heart as had in those of her -ancestors centuries before, when the Berbers came and conquered. - -The time crept along, but Augustina never faltered. Her clothes were -torn with the unusual labour, and her hands, more used to the threads of -flax and the smooth wooden bobbins, were cut and bleeding from the rough -metal of the cannon. Her long black hair became loosened and hung like a -veil down her back. She worked like one possessed of man-like strength. -Hardly did she allow the great cannon to cool before she thrust the -charge into it, and dragged another iron case to its mouth, so as to -have it ready at the first moment. - -It seemed to her as if she had been the whole day at her post, when -there hurried along an officer making his rounds to observe the -condition of things on the walls. - -At sight of Augustina he stopped and looked at her with amazement. - -[Illustration: “WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE, MY GIRL?”—_Page 289._] - -“What are you doing here, my girl?” he asked in no gentle tones, hardly -able to credit what his eyes told him, and thinking that Augustina might -perhaps be keeping watch over a sleeping soldier, and anxious to know -the truth. - -“I have but taken Felipe’s place, Signor Captain,” pointing with her -hand to the figure lying on the stones beside the gun. - -“Does—” The Captain paused in his question. Something in the still -figure seemed to tell him that it was not the sleep of fatigue that held -Felipe while this slender girl worked his gun. - -He stooped and lifted the end of the mantilla which covered the face. -There was no need for further question. He rose and touched Augustina’s -small stained hand. - -“Poor girl!” he said; “was he your brother?” - -“No, signor; he was Felipe. Since we were children we had played -together. His father and mine were old comrades, and when Felipe was -left alone on his father’s death, my mother told him to think that our -home was his when he wanted it. But Felipe was brave, signor. He knew -that we had little, and he worked hard for himself and me, too, since -when we came of age we were to be married. Then came this war; he was -chosen to serve, and, as the signor sees, he served as long as life -lasted. Now I serve for him.” - -“Brave girl that you are! I would that we had more men like you, and -like poor Felipe here! Stay but a little longer and I will send some one -to relieve you.” - -“No, signor; I will stay in place of Felipe, if but you will send word -to my mother that I am safe and will see her to-night.” - -“I can promise that, surely; and if your example does not shame those -who lurk in safety behind the walls, I shall lose all faith in Aragon.” -Saying which, the Captain passed on his way, saluting as he went, with -bowed head and lifted hat, both the girl and the still figure under the -mantilla. - -All through the long afternoon Augustina worked. No cannon on the walls -spoke more often than hers. Faint and weary, she ate what remained of -the food she had brought to Felipe, and would not allow herself to think -of anything but the duty before her. Not a tear fell from her eyes, and -she kept whispering to herself,— - -“I must make the Signorina speak!” and every time the cannon roared she -looked down at Felipe and cried out, “Ah, Felipe, that was for you; she -spoke for you!” - -It was night before the promised relief arrived,—a soldier who looked -hardly able to do the work, so pale was he. - -“Have you been ill?” asked Augustina, as she made ready to go. - -“But two days from the hospital,” said he; “yet every one who can stand -has need to fight if we wish to save Zaragoza and Our Lady of the -Pillar.” - -“If you can bear through the night, I will come again in the morning. If -it were not for my mother, I would not leave here now.” - -“Surely you have done your best. No one could ask more; and as for the -poor lad whose place you took, there are few who have been more faithful -than he.” - -“It is for that very reason that I come again,” said Augustina. “Never -shall it be said that Felipe’s gun was silent while I am able to stand -beside it—and while Felipe guards it himself,” she added in a lower -tone. She kneeled and looked long into the face of her dead comrade, and -leaving the mantilla still covering his face, walked steadily off, -wiping away with her tired hand the few tears that fell over her cheeks. - -Bareheaded and alone, she walked to her home, climbed to the door of -their rooms, and then, overcome with sorrow and fatigue, rushed in and -threw herself on her knees beside her mother. - -“Oh, my child, my dearest child!” and fondling and kissing her, her -mother tried to give comfort and cheer to the weeping girl. - -“To think that my little girl should be so brave! and, child, how came -you to know how to load and fire one of those fearful guns?” - -“I saw Felipe do it, mother, and he said that his gun spoke oftenest of -any on the walls. So I saw to it that it did not become silent, that was -all!” - -“Sit here, loved one”; and Augustina’s mother put the tired girl into -her own chair, and hurried away to get something for her to eat, and to -light the brazier to warm her chilled frame, all her own weakness -forgotten in the sight of her child’s sorrow. Nearly all the night they -talked, the mother trying in vain to keep Augustina from her resolve to -return and serve the cannon the next day. But Augustina simply said,— - -“I promised Felipe before I left him, mother dear, and I must go. -Besides, I must do my share, and there are few enough to help on the -walls.” - -Seeing that the girl could not be won away from her idea of her duty, -both to the dead and to her country, her mother at last gave up trying -to dissuade her, and made her go to bed and try to sleep, so as to have -strength for the coming day. - -But although Augustina lay quite still with closed eyes, she did not -sleep. All through the hours she went over her childhood, and always, in -everything, was Felipe. Each little pleasure which they had enjoyed -together came vividly to her mind,—how they had studied and worked and -played; and now—Even the very bobbins on her lace pillow were the work -of his skilful fingers, and many of the comforts of their little home -had been made or bought by him for her mother or herself. - -She could not bear to think of him lying on the rough stones of the -wall, but the Captain had promised that the boy soldier should be laid -to rest within the convent yard. - -“Would that we could do as much for each brave man who gives his life -for his country!” the message ran. - -The grey dawn had hardly broken before Augustina had crept from her bed -and down the stairs, and was hurrying towards her cannon and place on -the walls. She was trying to forget her unhappy thoughts in the work -which lay before her. The soldier who had taken her place was in worse -condition than he had been the evening before, since the chill of the -night and the strain of the work were far more than he, with wounds -hardly healed, could stand. - -“I am shamed to give the place to you,” he said; “yet if I stay longer, -I fear that I shall be of no use at all. I will report to the Captain -and see that some one is sent here.” - -“It will be no use. I shall serve this gun to-day and every day, as long -as God wills, or till we conquer. I promised Felipe, and the Captain -said it should be so.” - -Augustina turned away as if further argument was useless, and so it -proved. Each day she took her place beside the gun where Felipe had met -his death, and not only worked it with the skill and courage of a man, -but inspired others, less stout of heart than she, to hold their places -too. Indeed on more than one occasion she held the men in position by -her words and her bravery, though, alas! poor Zaragoza had to yield at -last to a power stronger than her own. - -After sixty days of incredible bravery, after countless repulses and -endless suffering, they were overcome. Right beside the great convent of -Santa Engracia, near which was the cannon which was Augustina’s charge, -the enemy made a breach in the walls. The French soldiers who worked at -it were partially protected by the convent, and had wrought the mischief -before the Spaniards were fully aware of what had happened. Augustina -heard the noise of crumbling masonry at a distance, and ran along the -wall in the direction of the sound. - -“Ah!” She caught her breath, for there, even as she looked, a score of -the hated French were through. On they came, silent at first, leaping -through the hole which the workers every moment made larger. They rushed -in like a stream swollen by the spring rains, till ten thousand men at -least had flowed into the city. - -But do not think that these sons and daughters of Aragon gave in even -then! Driven from the walls, they used the housetops and the balconies -as vantage grounds. Inch by inch only did they yield, and held off the -enemy for twenty-one days longer, only giving in at last because they -had actually no more soldiers left to fight. Such bravery and -determination impressed even the victorious French, and the terms of -capitulation granted were most honourable and generous. - -Augustina lived through all these perils and many more, and was among -the last to yield. Nor were her courage and her services to her country -forgotten; all through Spain her name was known and loved. Nor was her -fame confined to her own country, for her daring has been celebrated in -many tongues. - -She lived full fifty years after her brave exploits on the walls of -Zaragoza (she died in 1867), and by command of the government walked -each fine day upon the Prado, her breast covered with medals and -decorations, showing the esteem and honour in which she was held. - - Ye who shall marvel when you hear her tale, - Oh! had you known her in her softer hour, - Mark’d her black eye that mocks her coal-black veil, - Heard her light, lively tones in Lady’s bower, - Seen her long locks that foil the painter’s power, - Her fairy form, with more than female grace, - Scarce would you deem that Zaragoza’s tower - Beheld her smile in danger’s Gorgon face, - Thin the closed ranks, and lead in Glory’s fearful chase. - CHILDE HAROLD. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES - - - 1. Silently corrected obvious typographical errors and variations in - spelling. - 2. Retained archaic, non-standard, and uncertain spellings as printed. - 3. Enclosed italics font in _underscores_. - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DEEDS OF DARING DONE BY -GIRLS *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following -the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use -of the Project Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for -copies of this eBook, complying with the trademark license is very -easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation -of derivative works, reports, performances and research. Project -Gutenberg eBooks may be modified and printed and given away--you may -do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected -by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark -license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country other than the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and - most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no - restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it - under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this - eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the - United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where - you are located before using this eBook. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm website -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that: - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the manager of -the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the Foundation as set -forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non-profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, -Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up -to date contact information can be found at the Foundation's website -and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without -widespread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine-readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our website which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This website includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/old/67647-0.zip b/old/67647-0.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 0452b90..0000000 --- a/old/67647-0.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/67647-h.zip b/old/67647-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index beb1f4b..0000000 --- a/old/67647-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/67647-h/67647-h.htm b/old/67647-h/67647-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 83689c4..0000000 --- a/old/67647-h/67647-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8402 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta charset="UTF-8" /> - <title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Deeds of Daring Done by Girls, by N. Hudson Moore</title> - <link rel="icon" href="images/cover.jpg" type="image/x-cover" /> - <style> /* <![CDATA[ */ - body { margin-left: 8%; margin-right: 10%; } - h1 { text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: xx-large; } - h2 { text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: x-large; } - h3 { text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: large; } - .pageno { right: 1%; font-size: x-small; background-color: inherit; color: silver; - text-indent: 0em; text-align: right; position: absolute; - border: thin solid silver; padding: .1em .2em; font-style: normal; - font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; } - p { text-indent: 0; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; text-align: justify; } - .fss { font-size: 75%; } - .sc { font-variant: small-caps; } - .large { font-size: large; } - .xlarge { font-size: x-large; } - .small { font-size: small; } - .lg-container-b { text-align: center; } - .x-ebookmaker .lg-container-b { clear: both; } - .lg-container-r { text-align: right; } - .x-ebookmaker .lg-container-r { clear: both; } - .linegroup { display: inline-block; text-align: justify; } - .x-ebookmaker .linegroup { display: block; margin-left: 1.5em; } - .linegroup .group { margin: 1em auto; } - .linegroup .line { text-indent: -3em; padding-left: 3em; } - div.linegroup > :first-child { margin-top: 0; } - .linegroup .in2 { padding-left: 4.0em; } - .linegroup .in30 { padding-left: 18.0em; } - .ol_1 li {padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em; } - ol.ol_1 {padding-left: 0; margin-left: 2.78%; margin-top: .5em; - margin-bottom: .5em; list-style-type: decimal; } - div.pbb { page-break-before: always; } - hr.pb { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-bottom: 1em; } - .x-ebookmaker hr.pb { display: none; } - .chapter { clear: both; page-break-before: always; } - .figcenter { clear: both; max-width: 100%; margin: 2em auto; text-align: center; } - div.figcenter p { text-align: center; text-indent: 0; } - .figcenter img { max-width: 100%; height: auto; } - .id001 { width:40%; } - .id002 { width:10%; } - .id003 { width:80%; } - .x-ebookmaker .id001 { margin-left:30%; width:40%; } - .x-ebookmaker .id002 { margin-left:45%; width:10%; } - .x-ebookmaker .id003 { margin-left:10%; width:80%; } - .ic001 { width:100%; } - .ig001 { width:100%; } - .table0 { margin: auto; margin-top: 2em; } - .nf-center { text-align: center; } - .nf-center-c0 { text-align: justify; margin: 0.5em 0; } - img.drop-capi { float: left; margin: 0 0.5em 0 0; position: relative; z-index: 1; } - p.drop-capi_8 { text-indent: 0; margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0.25em; } - p.drop-capi_8:first-letter { color: transparent; visibility: hidden; - margin-left: -.8em; } - .x-ebookmaker img.drop-capi { display: none; visibility: hidden; } - .x-ebookmaker p.drop-capi_8:first-letter { color: inherit; visibility: visible; - margin-left: 0em; } - p.drop-capa0_0_6 { text-indent: -0em; } - p.drop-capa0_0_6:first-letter { float: left; margin: 0.100em 0.100em 0em 0em; - font-size: 250%; line-height: 0.6em; text-indent: 0; } - .x-ebookmaker p.drop-capa0_0_6 { text-indent: 0; } - .x-ebookmaker p.drop-capa0_0_6:first-letter { float: none; margin: 0; font-size: 100%; } - .c000 { margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c001 { margin-top: 4em; } - .c002 { page-break-before: always; margin-top: 4em; } - .c003 { margin-top: 2em; } - .c004 { margin-top: 1em; } - .c005 { page-break-before:auto; margin-top: 4em; } - .c006 { margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 0.25em; } - .c007 { vertical-align: top; text-align: justify; text-indent: -1em; - padding-left: 1em; padding-right: 1em; } - .c008 { vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right; } - .c009 { page-break-before: always; margin-top: 2em; } - .c010 { margin-top: 1em; text-indent: 1em; margin-bottom: 0.25em; } - .c011 { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0.25em; } - .c012 { margin-top: 1em; font-size: .9em; } - .c013 { page-break-before: auto; margin-top: 2em; } - .c014 { text-indent: 0; margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom: 0.25em; } - .c015 { margin-top: 2em; text-indent: 1em; margin-bottom: 0.25em; } - div.tnotes { padding-left:1em;padding-right:1em;background-color:#E3E4FA; - border:thin solid silver; margin:2em 10% 0 10%; font-family: Georgia, serif; - } - .covernote { visibility: hidden; display: none; } - div.tnotes p { text-align: justify; } - .x-ebookmaker .covernote { visibility: visible; display: block; } - .figcenter {font-size: .9em; page-break-inside: avoid; max-width: 100%; } - .x-ebookmaker img {max-height: 30em; max-width: 100%; } - .chapter { clear: both; page-break-before: always; } - .ol_1 li {font-size: .9em; } - .x-ebookmaker .ol_1 li {padding-left: 1em; text-indent: 0em; } - body {font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: justify; } - table {font-size: .9em; padding: 1.5em .5em 1em; page-break-inside: avoid; - clear: both; } - div.titlepage {text-align: center; page-break-before: always; - page-break-after: always; } - div.titlepage p {text-align: center; text-indent: 0em; font-weight: bold; - line-height: 1.5; margin-top: 3em; } - .ph1 { text-indent: 0em; font-weight: bold; font-size: xx-large; - margin: .67em auto; page-break-before: always; } - .ph2 { text-indent: 0em; font-weight: bold; font-size: x-large; margin: .75em auto; - page-break-before: always; } - .double {border-style: double;border-width: 4px; } - .x-ebookmaker p.dropcap:first-letter { float: left; } - /* ]]> */ </style> - </head> - <body> -<p style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Deeds of Daring Done by Girls, by N. Hudson Moore</p> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Deeds of Daring Done by Girls</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: N. Hudson Moore</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Illustrator: Archie Gunn</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: March 17, 2022 [eBook #67647]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)</p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DEEDS OF DARING DONE BY GIRLS ***</div> - -<div class='tnotes covernote'> - -<p class='c000'><strong>Transcriber’s Note:</strong></p> - -<p class='c000'>The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.</p> - -</div> - -<div class='chapter ph1'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div>DEEDS OF DARING</div> - <div>DONE BY GIRLS</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> -<div id='Frontispiece' class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_frontispiece.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>“SEE, CLEMENCE, A GOOD OMEN. LOOK AT THE NEW MOON.”—<i>Page <a href='#Page_153'>153</a>.</i></p> -</div> -</div> - -<div class='double titlepage'> - -<div> - <h1 class='c002'>DEEDS <i>of</i> DARING DONE BY GIRLS</h1> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div><span class='xlarge'><span class='sc'>By</span> N. HUDSON MOORE</span></div> - <div class='c004'><span class='small'>AUTHOR OF “CHILDREN OF OTHER DAYS,” “THE OLD CHINA BOOK,” “THE OLD FURNITURE BOOK,” “THE LACE BOOK,” “OLD PEWTER, BRASS, COPPER, AND SHEFFIELD PLATE,” “THE COLLECTOR’S MANUAL,” ETC.</span></div> - <div class='c004'><i>With Illustrations in Colour</i></div> - <div>BY ARCHIE GUNN</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id002'> -<img src='images/title.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='large'><i>NEW YORK</i> · FREDERICK A.</span></div> - <div><span class='large'>STOKES COMPANY · <i>PUBLISHERS</i></span></div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div><span class='small'><i>Copyright, 1906</i></span></div> - <div><span class='small'><span class='sc'>By Frederick A. Stokes Company</span></span></div> - <div><span class='small'><i>All rights reserved</i></span></div> - <div class='c004'><span class='small'>This edition published in October, 1906</span></div> - <div class='c003'><span class='small'>THE UNIVERSITY PRESS, CAMBRIDGE, U. S. A.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c005'>AN OPEN LETTER</h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c006'>Do not think, dear girls, -that because you are girls you may not -have as much courage as your brothers. -I believe that quite as stout hearts beat beneath -muslin frocks as under stuff jackets. When you -have finished reading this book about your sisters, -perhaps—if you do not already—you will agree -with me, and think that it needs only occasion to -call out the necessary courage. I have been asked -which one of these heroines I think the most daring, -but—oh dear—it would never do to have a -favourite, would it? So I leave them to you, and -that you will enjoy learning of their trials and -triumphs is the wish of your friend,</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>THE AUTHOR.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c005'>CONTENTS</h2> -</div> - -<table class='table0'> - <tr> - <th class='c007'></th> - <th class='c008'><span class='small'>PAGE</span></th> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'><span class='sc'>The Robe of the Duchess</span></td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_1'>1</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'> </td> - <td class='c008'> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'><span class='sc'>The Princess Wins</span></td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_53'>53</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'> </td> - <td class='c008'> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'><span class='sc'>Defence of Castle Dangerous</span></td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_96'>96</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'> </td> - <td class='c008'> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'><span class='sc'>The Pearl Necklace</span></td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_129'>129</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'> </td> - <td class='c008'> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'><span class='sc'>Dicey Langston</span></td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_220'>220</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'> </td> - <td class='c008'> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'><span class='sc'>The Maid of Zaragoza</span></td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_265'>265</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c005'>ILLUSTRATIONS</h2> -</div> - -<table class='table0'> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>“See, Clemence, a good omen. Look at the new moon”</td> - <td class='c008'><i><a href='#Frontispiece'>Frontispiece</a></i></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'> </td> - <td class='c008'> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <th class='c007'></th> - <th class='c008'><span class='small'>FACING PAGE</span></th> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>“None looking on my stately Duchess would deem that she had but fifteen years”</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_48'>48</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'> </td> - <td class='c008'> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>“On, for the love of the Daughter of Holland, and death to those that deny her!”</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_86'>86</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'> </td> - <td class='c008'> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>“I have commanded this fort, Monsieur, during the absence of my father”</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_124'>124</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'> </td> - <td class='c008'> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>“Coward, shoot now if you dare!”</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_260'>260</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'> </td> - <td class='c008'> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>“What are you doing here, my girl?”</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_288'>288</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='chapter ph1'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div>DEEDS OF DARING</div> - <div>DONE BY GIRLS</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_1'>1</span> -<img src='images/i_001.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c005'><span class='sc'>The Robe of the Duchess</span><br /> <span class='large'><i>As told by Jehan, her Page in the Year of Grace 1392</i></span></h2> -</div> - -<h3 class='c009'>I</h3> - -<div class='c010'> - <img class='drop-capi' src='images/di_001.jpg' width='100' alt='' /> -</div><p class='drop-capi_8'> -“’Tis not so,” quoth -she, “and you know -it”; and with that she -fetched me a buffet on -the ear.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Now, when the other pages saw me -bested like that by a damsel, even -though she were my Lady, they roared -and girded at me so loud that I liked -to have choked with rage.</p> - -<p class='c011'>I ran forward a step; but she cried -out,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“An you touch me I’ll have you -whipped, sir”; and, truth, she would, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_2'>2</span>which well I knew, for I’d felt ere -this old Raoul’s whip curling about -my shoulders, all on her charges too. -But that was some years since. ’Twas -this wise that the present pother came -about.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Of a joyous afternoon in May, my -Lady Eleonore took it into her head -to go into the court to see her hawk. -For these many months I’d been training -of it for her, and in all the mews -there was not another flew so true, -aimed so swift, and brought back her -quarry so little torn.</p> - -<p class='c011'>My Lady knew right well that the -hawk was for her, but she knew not -that I thought to give it her on her -fête day, which fell on the morrow. -The bird was in fine feather, not a -pinion ruffed, her russet colour showing -redly in the sun,—it was a Barberry -bird,—and a new hood of fine -<span class='pageno' id='Page_3'>3</span>leather on her head. On her feet, fastened -by bewits of deer’s hide, hung -two Milan bells of gold,—the one, as -is ever the way with choicest bells, -a semi-tone below the other. These -bells I had begged from Comte Gaston, -who gave willingly enough when he -knew that they were to pleasure my -Lady.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Now ’twas not my purpose that she -should see the bird till next day, but -womenfolk ever contrive to mix matters -up. I thought but to stay her, to -keep her jesting for a while; but her -anger rose and was greater than I -knew.</p> - -<p class='c011'>She was down in the broad hall on -her way to the mews, and I following -behind, before my wits, which work -ever a thought slow, had conjured up -something to say.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Pray, mistress,” saith I, “how old -<span class='pageno' id='Page_4'>4</span>be you to-morrow? Let me think, will -it be all of eleven years?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>To tell truth, I knew her years as -well as she. It was nine years since -my Lady’s mother, Dame Eleonore of -Comminges, had brought and left her -daughter with my Lord, Gaston Phoebus, -Comte de Foix.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Comte Gaston was my Lady’s cousin, -and poor Dame Eleonore, her mother, -fleeing from a cruel husband, knew not -where to place the child, so sought advice -from Comte Gaston, a powerful -and great lord.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Leave her with me,” saith my -Lord, who had taken a fancy to my -little Lady, then but a child of three. -She was the first bright thing that had -come to the old castle of Orthez, which -was but a gloomy tower since in a -rage my Lord Gaston had slain his -only son, and driven forth to her -<span class='pageno' id='Page_5'>5</span>own people his wife, the Princess -Agnes.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Canst thou wonder that we all loved -the child?</p> - -<p class='c011'>None knew nor loved her better -than I, being that my Lord Gaston -gave me to be her page and playfellow, -since there were but scullery maids -and some rude wenches in the castle -since the Princess Agnes went forth. -So who should doubt but that I should -know my Lady’s age? Besides this I -was but four years older come Hallowe’en.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Being well grown and tall, she was -ever tender on the subject of her years. -By my Lord’s command, she had been -taught to play on the lute, she could -walk a measure, hunt and hawk, and -since the new tirewoman had come, -there had been much bravery of apparel. -So ’twas but to tease her and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_6'>6</span>keep her from the mews that I put -forth,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“All of eleven years?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“’Tis not so, and you know it,” -quoth she, and then came the buffet.</p> - -<p class='c011'>I choked down my rage, and turning -to those that mocked me, thought to -bring the laugh on her.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Varlets,” cried I, “my Lady Eleonore -is no longer a child, she chooses -you to know. Twelve years old will -she be to-morrow, but two years younger -than our new Queen Isabeau. And -who knows what brave suitor comes -to woo?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>At this they all laughed again, as in -truth I hoped they would. With a -black look at me and a stamp of her -foot, my Lady turns and goes up the -stair. This pleased me well, since -the hawk was forgotten.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Wit ye well, ye shall suffer for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_7'>7</span>this,” sneered one of the pages, between -whom and me there was ever -discord. “Your mistress wilt have -you soundly swinged, and well I pray -my Lord will do it himself.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>My skin was pricking somewhat at -the thought, but it behoved me to show -no signs of it; so I looked him in the -eye and flung back,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“If my Lord so much as cuffs me, -thou mayst do it also”; and with that -I strolled to the mews.</p> - -<p class='c011'>I stroked the hawk, and thought -how pleased my Lady would be on the -morrow to have her and fly her too, -since, to pleasure my Lady, my Lord -had passed his word that we all should -fly a cast with him on the broad -marches that lay to the west a league -or more.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Long ere cockcrow the next day -was I astir. ’Twas a bright day -<span class='pageno' id='Page_8'>8</span>for me, since my Lord had given -me a new livery. For the first time -I cast away my leathern doublet -and put on one of soft cloth, and drew -on a brave pair of chausses, a red one -on the right leg and a green one on -the left, and tied the points to my -doublet.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It needed but only a sword to make -me a man!</p> - -<p class='c011'>As I stole down the stair, I crept into -the great hall to take one look into the -great mirror of purest crystal which -had but lately come to my Lord from -a land far over seas, called Venice.</p> - -<p class='c011'>What I saw therein causeth me to -turn hot, since never thought I to look -so fine. Clapping my cap on my head, -I ran to the mews, to bathe the feet of -the hawk in fair water, to settle her -bells and jesses, and to see that the -hood could be quickly cast aside. Soon -<span class='pageno' id='Page_9'>9</span>I heard the bustle in the courtyard, -and hurried thither with the hawk on -hand.</p> - -<p class='c011'>My faith, but it was a joyous sight!</p> - -<p class='c011'>There on the highest step stood my -Lord and beside him my mistress Eleonore. -My Lord was smiling at her, -and well he might, she stood beside -him so straight and tall. She was in a -gown of green, made of Florence cloth, -and on her head was a cap bound with -many chains of gold, which, she telleth -me later, came from the same far-away -country as the mirror,—Venice. In -their midst was set a stone big as a -throstle’s egg and blue as the sky. On -her hips hung a girdle of gold set -close with little stones of this same -sky-blue.</p> - -<p class='c011'>All this I saw as I walked from the -court’s end. Coming up the steps, -said I in my bravest fashion,—</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_10'>10</span>“Mistress Eleonore, here is the hawk -I trained for thee; and I set the Barberry -bird upon her wrist.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Now, Jehan, I forgive thee,” saith -she, “and trust thou’lt bear in mind -that I be twelve years, not eleven. -My Lord and cousin hath a gift for -thee also, and telleth me to give it thee -now.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>With that she hands me out a sword,—a -brave, bright sword!</p> - -<p class='c011'>And my Lord says kindly,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Have it ever ready in her service, -Jehan; she is a lonely maid.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>I bent and kissed my Lady’s hand, -and saith with my heart in my mouth,</p> - -<p class='c011'>“My Lord, I’ll e’en follow her to -the world’s end.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Thou art a good lad, and I trust -thee”; and as he spoke, my Lord -smiled.</p> - -<p class='c011'>True, as I swore fealty to my Lady, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_11'>11</span>I little recked how soon ’t would be -before I rode away behind her!</p> - -<p class='c011'>Just then the huntsman wound his -horn, and we all rode out over the -drawbridge and away into the bright -sun and green fields a-hawking. We -made a merry day of it. The hounds -sped before, starting up many a creature -that fled affrighted from us.</p> - -<p class='c011'>My Lady rode, not her own palfrey, -which was a gentle animal but of -little speed, but a chestnut mare, one -specially cherished by Comte Gaston, -even though she was a thought too -light for his bulk.</p> - -<p class='c011'>For many a day the mare had been -but exercised about the court, and being -a high-mettled creature, soon grew -fretted by the flapping of my Lady’s -habit,—a thing to which she was ill-used.</p> - -<p class='c011'>We were pricking along at a good -<span class='pageno' id='Page_12'>12</span>pace, my Lady having her hands full -with holding down the mare, when -suddenly from the grass at her very -feet darted out a fallow deer, a little -thing scarcely more than a month old. -The mare started, threw up her head, -and ere I knew what had befallen, had -wheeled about and started off like the -wind.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Jehan,” I heard my Lady call; and -turning my own horse about, I spurred -him after the flying mare. On we -sped; the others, passing through a -copse, had missed seeing our plight.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Hold fast, mistress,” shouted I, -while I strove with whip and spur to -get beside her.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Little by little we crept forward, my -horse and I, and after that day I ever -forbore to call him a poor thing. -First his nose pressed the mare’s thigh, -and then he came up with the saddle-cloth, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_13'>13</span>and then a bit ahead of that, till -I called,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Loose your foot from the stirrup, -mistress.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Even as I spoke I could see that she -did it.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Lean towards me and drop the -reins, mistress”; and as I spoke I -switched my poor nag and leaned from -the saddle, took my mistress about the -waist, and pulled her clear of the mare. -It took but a moment more to set her -gently on the ground and start after -the mare, since I knew, if aught befell -her, our day of pleasuring would have -but an ill ending. Freed from the -flapping of the skirt, she gradually -slackened her pace, and erelong I was -leading her back to where my Lady -stood with the tall marsh grasses waving -about her feet.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Help me to mount, Jehan,” saith -<span class='pageno' id='Page_14'>14</span>she, whilst I was turning about in my -mind how to urge her to let me ride the -mare while she took the steadier horse.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Pray, mistress,” I began; but she -cut me short with,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Have a care that my cousin knows -not of this mishap, since it fairly -shames me to think how the mare -bested me. But I was not affrighted.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>At this she gave a side look at me, -but I knew her too well to show that I -had noted her white face. I did not -answer, but pondered if it was not -seemlier to guard my mistress even -against herself. When she noted me -standing and switching of the grass, -she crieth out,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Sure, Jehan, it would be an unkind -part to tell that I was like to be run -with on my fête day, since all has come -out well. Promise now that thou wilt -hold thy peace.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_15'>15</span>So promise I did, and none guessed -how near we had come to grief, though -my Lord, when we drew up with them, -wondered why the mare looked so hard -ridden!</p> - -<p class='c011'>’Twas now well on to noon, and we -rested by the side of a clear stream, and -ate of squirrels fresh roasted, and of -little fishes drawn from the brook but -half an hour before, and of the honey of -the wild bee spread on cakes of white -flour, and of spices and of wine.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Hast had a happy day, little one?” -saith my Lord, as we sat ’neath the -trees; and my mistress, turning, laid -her cheek on his hand and said,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Dear Cousin, never can I thank -thee enough for all that thou hast done -for me”; and the tears like to have -fallen.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“To see thee happy gives me all the -thanks I crave”; and my Lord fetched -<span class='pageno' id='Page_16'>16</span>a deep sigh, thinking belike of that son -whom his own hand had slain.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Then, when the sun grew low, homeward -we turned, the pages singing as -we rode along,—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“White as a lily, more ruddy than the rose,</div> - <div class='line'>Brilliant as a ruby that with spark of fire glows,</div> - <div class='line'>Your beauty and your loveliness to me all peerless shows,</div> - <div class='line'>White as a lily, more ruddy than the rose.</div> - <div class='line'>My heart for your heart watches; it pleaseth me to know</div> - <div class='line'>That to all other lovers the law of love I show.</div> - <div class='line'>White as a lily, more ruddy than the rose,</div> - <div class='line'>Brilliant as a ruby that with spark of fire glows.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<h3 class='c009'>II</h3> - -<p class='c010'>When we came in sight of the castle -of Orthez, there rose from the great -chimneys a dark cloud of smoke. The -drawbridge fell, and the steward rode -forth to meet us.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_17'>17</span>“Lo, my Lord,” he cried, “hasten -home. Whilst thou wert absent here -hath come a great lord, the Due -de Berry, with messages from the -King.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Hath he a great following?” questioned -my Lord.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Seventy lances and thirty sumpter -mules. They are cared for, my Lord, -and all have supped.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>We hurried forward. As my Lord -rode into the court, the Due de Berry -cometh through the door to meet him. -He was elder than my Lord, and was -uncle to King Charles, and a powerful -and noble lord. Never had I looked -on one so great as he. All France hath -heard how he taxed his people and -gathered from them great stores of -money that he might have gold to buy -palaces, that he might get from strange -and foreign countries noble pictures -<span class='pageno' id='Page_18'>18</span>with which to deck his walls, and tapestries -wrought in coloured threads -and gold. Not only these things did -he buy, but books enriched with jewels -and filled with images of saints and -others, coloured with blue, red, and -gold. After him rode hundreds of followers -when he went to war or travelled -abroad in strange countries.</p> - -<p class='c011'>As one looked upon him, his face -seemeth harsh at first, yet a smile became -it well, and he smiled when he -looked on my mistress, as doth everyone -who seeth her.</p> - -<p class='c011'>One, two, three days he tarried. -’Twas said that his matters were despatched -in one, and true it is that -when my mistress was before him, his -eyes ne’er left her face.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Right seemly she looketh, thought I, -as I stood behind her chair when they -supped. Never before had she borne -<span class='pageno' id='Page_19'>19</span>herself so bravely, and rich were the -gauds that tirewoman furnished forth. -One evening my Lady came into the -great hall in a gown of cherry red, -made from the thread of the silkworm -and wonderous soft and fine. Above -this was a long coat with wide pointed -sleeves, and it was bound about her -with a sash of cloth that shone like -silver. Her hair was woven with -strings of pearls, large and white, and -over her hung a veil like unto a spider’s -web, set full with shining threads. -Well do I remember all this, for it was -the first time that ever I had seen such -richness of apparel.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Till now we had been friends together, -playmates. The priest whom -my Lord Gaston had brought to dwell -in the castle taught us to read, and -when we irked him overmuch sent us -packing. Then would we spend the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_20'>20</span>time running over the great old castle, -shooting with the bow and arrow, and -teaching the shagged greyhounds to -fetch and carry.</p> - -<p class='c011'>But from to-day all was different. -She was a great lady, and I her page -Jehan, to hand her cup, to do her bidding -within doors, and to ride at her -litter’s side or by her saddle when she -went abroad, with my sword loosened -and hand steady and prompt at her -need.</p> - -<p class='c011'>On the fourth day my Lord Gaston -rode out with the Due de Berry to see -him fare forth. My mistress stood -upon the steps as they set out, with her -sky-blue jewel in her hair and her -cheeks like maybuds. The Due had -bent and kissed her hand, and of a -truth I heard him say,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Farewell, mistress. Thou wilt hear -from me again, and that shortly.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span>She saith never a word, but looked -into his face and smiled.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Now once again it was “Jehan here” -and “Jehan there,” and we fell back -into our old ways. I digged and tilled -for her the garden patch without the -walls of the castle, for this was a year -of richness, and my Lady’s gillyflowers -and lavender, lilies and coriander, -showed bright beside the dull potherbs, -anise, mustard, and storax, and -the beds of leeks, dittany, lettuces, and -garden-cress. We had words over the -poppies.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Jehan,” saith she, “didst ever see -the poppies brighter than they be this -spring?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Fair they be, mistress, and of a -size too, so that the seeds will be -choice, and none need suffer for -lack of a sleeping draught if they -be ill!”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_22'>22</span>“Mean you to save all the flowers -for seeds?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Of a truth, yes, mistress, since they -be so fine.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“But, Jehan, thou knowest that I -love the poppies, and sure they were -planted for me.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Now this was true, but the flowers -were so exceeding fine, and gave promise -of such a crop of seeds, that I -fairly loathed to give one up. So I -tried to coax Mistress Eleonore with -other buds.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Jehan,” suddenly quoth she, “run -you to the court and fetch me out a -garden tool. I would help thee myself -to-day.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>I hurried away, as she bade me, and -when I got back there she stood in the -midst of the poppy-bed, with a wreath -of them in her black hair, and both -hands full! I stopped short, and she -<span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span>began to laugh at me, looking so like -the fairies we hear of dancing in a -ring, that though I felt the loss of the -poppy-seeds sore, all I could find to say -was,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, mistress, the seeds!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“But the flowers are so beautiful, -and the seeds but ill-favoured black -things, as thou knowest well, Jehan, -wherefore I chose the flowers.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>There was naught to do but to hope -that the buds that were left would -bloom freely; and shortly we went back -to the castle, for the day was growing -warm, the birds had ceased their morning -songs, and the wind was no longer -sweet and cool. As we reached the -gate, there came to us, faint and far -away, the sound of a winded horn. -We turned, and out over the marches -we could see coming many knights, -their armour glistening in the sun, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_24'>24</span>their lances shining like so many points -of fire.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Who be these, think you, Jehan?” -said my mistress, as with her wreath of -poppies she stood and watched them -come. But I knew no more than she, -and soon the stranger knights rode by -us into the court, each man as he passed -doffing his cap to my mistress, who -stood tall and smiling, and bowing in -her turn.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Jehan,” quoth she, “run as fast as -ever thou canst and find the tirewoman -and send her to me. Perchance my -cousin will wish me to come to the -great hall.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>I was glad to be off, since I was eager -to know who the great lord was that -rode so bravely at the head of his -vassals. In the court all was bustle, -but I heard it said that he was a -friend to the King, and that he bore -<span class='pageno' id='Page_25'>25</span>the name of Seigneur Bureau de la -Rivière.</p> - -<p class='c011'>What was his mission to my Lord -none could guess. But as one day followed -another and yet he tarried, my -Lady’s tirewoman could hold her -tongue no longer, and out the secret -came. Never could I bide that woman! -’Twas always touch and go between -us.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Knave,” quoth she, and “Jade,” -say I, till the ill-favoured wench would -to my Lady Eleonore in tears.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Now the secret that she blabbed was -this,—that the Seigneur de la Rivière -had come to ask for the hand of my -little mistress at the suit of the Duc -de Berry!</p> - -<p class='c011'>It seems that the King laughed when -he heard that his uncle the Duc, who -had seen a round fifty years and had -sons who were men grown, wished to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_26'>26</span>take to wife “une fillette,” as he calleth -her, of twelve years. But the Duc -held fast to his cause, and the King -was but a lad of sixteen himself with -a wife two years younger, and many of -the court were of scarce greater age. -So the Duc had persevered in his -wishes, and the Seigneur de la Rivière -had come to treat with my master, the -Comte de Foix, who did not wish to -give up his young cousin to one so -much her elder. So he put off the -Seigneur, saying,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“The child is too young. Let the -marriage wait till she grows up.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>These days I saw little of my mistress. -The flowers and the dogs were -all forgot, and she was housed with that -tirewoman all the bright days. One -morning there was an exceeding bustle -and rushing hither and yon. Then -was I bidden to put on my bravest suit -<span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span>and attend my mistress to the great -hall. It took me far less time than it -took my Lady to put on all her fine -gear, and when we came into the hall, -there sat my Lord, and beside him -sat the stranger lord, while all around -them were many score of knights and -lances.</p> - -<p class='c011'>My Lord cometh forward, and taking -my mistress by the hand, he leadeth -her to a seat in the great oak chair beside -him, whilst I stood but a step behind -her. My Lord looked at her -kindly, and then quoth he,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Knowest why I sent for thee, -child?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>My mistress drew up her head -quite proud, and answered bravely, -though her cheeks were like poppy -buds,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“In truth I do, Cousin.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I think that thou art over-young to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span>make a marriage yet,” began my Lord; -but my mistress saith quickly, before -he could go further,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Dear Cousin, our new Queen Isabeau -had but fourteen years when she -wedded King Charles, and it is said -that she hath meaner height than I.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Her cousin smiled.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Thou knowest that the Duc de -Berry is far more in years than thyself?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yet methinks I could like him -well,” saith the Lady Eleonore, “and -indeed this marriage suits me much.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>She looked so full of spirit, and -withal so fair, that the Seigneur de la -Rivière thought it well to take now a -part himself.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“The lady knows her mind,” saith -he, “and for a truth the Duc loves her -right well. King Charles, who is a -youthful liege himself, will welcome -<span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span>her, and at Paris she will find all -things that a young maid loves.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I had forgot that in my lonely -castle the young maid lacked much -that other maids have. Still, child, -thou knowest that I have loved thee -well.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>At this my mistress went to her -cousin and knelt by his knee, holding -his hand and kissing of it.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Dearest Cousin,” she cried, “there -has been naught lacking in all thy -kindness for me, and if it is thy wish -that I stay with thee, send the Seigneur -hence.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>My Lord smiled sadly and shook his -head, saying with a sigh,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“The child has chosen for herself, -my Lord.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Then my mistress withdrew, and I -followed her. How my head spun! -My mistress to wed a lord almost as -<span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span>great as the King himself, to go to -Paris to dwell, and I, Jehan, to go -with her!</p> - -<p class='c011'>Of a truth I scarce drew breath for -the next ten days, since we were to -go forth straightway, and there was -hurly-burly to get us furnished forth. -At the end of that time we set out -towards Paris, my Lord Comte sending -five hundred lances to safeguard my -Lady, and the Duc de Berry sending -as many more, with litters, chariots, -jewels, and fine robes to meet us on -our way. I have not speech to tell -how fine we fared on that journey. At -every halt great silken tents were -spread, my Lord Duc had sent minstrels -for to sing at my Lady’s pleasure, and -there were litters hung with scarlet -and gold to carry her when she was -a-weary. There were women to wait -on her, pages to run her bidding, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span>Jehan, chief of them all, always at -hand, with a chain of bright gold about -his neck, to show his new rank.</p> - -<h3 class='c009'>III</h3> - -<p class='c010'>When we came nigh Paris, word -came from my Lord Duc that we were -to halt at the Abbey of St. Denis, -whither the King and Queen and the -Ducs de Berry and Burgundy, with -my Lady’s father, were to come to -welcome us.</p> - -<p class='c011'>When my Lady heard that her father -was to come also, she turneth to me, -who knew that she had not seen him -since she was a small babe of three. -“By my faith, Jehan,” quoth she, “I -fear my own father more than the -lord I am to marry, since he is the -greater stranger of the two. Why -think you he cometh?”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_32'>32</span>“Truth, I know not, my Lady,” say -I; and it was not till later that it was -known that this strange father, hearing -of his daughter’s beauty and that she -was to wed his friend the Duc de -Berry, came forth from Paris with the -King and Queen to look on her.</p> - -<p class='c011'>We lay that night at the Abbey, -and before we went to rest heard mass -in the cathedral itself. Never had I -dreamed that so noble a building had -been made by men’s hands. And this -was but the beginning. Gold and silver -statues stood on the great altar; great -coloured stones the names of which -I knew not, sparkled on the cups and -dishes of gold that were used for the -holy offices, while the books that the -holy fathers held in their hands, as well -as their robes and mitres, gave forth -sparkles like unto a rainbow. After -the mass they took my Lady to show -<span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span>her the treasures, and I, following behind, -saw with these eyes, that had -never thought to see such things, the -great golden sword of King Charlemagne, -and so many other wonders of -gold and jewels that my mind could -hold them not.</p> - -<p class='c011'>What made my blood to stir most -amid all that world of rich and holy -things, was a banner that hung high -over the great altar. Torn it was, yet -in its folds glowed the colour of flame; -and one of the good fathers turning to -me, who stood with mouth agape, I -doubt not, asked,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Good lad, knowest thou what banner -hangest there?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Nay, father,” answered I, “and how -should I, since I am but newly come -from the far-away castle of Orthez, -which, as thou knowest, lies in the -lonely marches to the west.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_34'>34</span>“Look, son,” then spoke he, “at the -greatest treasure of France. ’Tis the -Oriflamme, that sacred banner which -hath led her hosts so oft to victory.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>And as I looked on it, and knew -how many brave knights had found -death under its folds, my heart was -fuller than ever before. For what is -more noble than to give one’s life for -one’s country? Even a poor page may -do that, though he may never hope to -fall under a banner which may be -borne only by princes and nobles. -That night I slept on a monk’s pallet, -spread on the floor of the passage -without my Lady’s door, yet were my -dreams always of war and clashings of -arms, and there floated ever through -my visions that wonderous banner of -flame-colour.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Next morn we were all astir with -the dawn. ’Twas my task to see that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_35'>35</span>my Lady’s litter had been made fresh -and seemly, that the pages were all -point device in their looks, so that we -should not bear our part ill before the -nobles coming from Paris to greet us.</p> - -<p class='c011'>About sunset they arrived. The -King rode at the head of them all, with -his two uncles on either hand, the Duc -de Berry on the right and the Duc de -Burgoyne on the left. Behind came -the Queen and her ladies in an open -car, and on either side rode the great -lords, two by two, carrying their swords -and shining in their armour of gold.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The Duc de Berry cometh forward -and, taking my Lady by the hand, led -her to the King, who kissed her on the -brow, and then took her to the Queen. -They were so handsome, these two, the -Queen and my Lady, that all marvelled -thereat. Queen Isabeau was of a fairness -like unto milk and roses, while my -<span class='pageno' id='Page_36'>36</span>Lady, who stood a full hand taller, was -of a dark brownness, which looked but -the darker beside the golden-haired -Queen. Shortly the Queen turneth to -a tall and dark noble who stood behind -her, and saith she with a smile,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Well, Comte, hast thou naught to -say?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Then he came forward, and taking -the hand of my Lady in his, looketh -her long in the face. At last he looks -less stern, and then he saith,</p> - -<p class='c011'>“If thou hadst looked like thy mother, -child, thou and I hadst not met to-day. -But I see well thou art my own child, -and carry in thy brow and eyes the -colour of a true daughter of Auvergne.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>One needed only to look at them as -they stood side by side, to see that they -were of one race. He, like the King, -kisseth my Lady on the brow, and then -he turneth to the Duc de Berry, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span>placing in his hand the little one of -my Lady, he saith,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“One may not wonder longer at your -choice, my Lord Duc.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>This night, like the last one, we lay -in the Abbey, but there was feasting -and gaiety, at least as much as seemed -good in a holy house. Then next day -we took our way to Paris, my Lady -riding in the car with the Queen and -her ladies, and I looked on her with -marvel to see how one who had scarce -seen aught but a squire’s lady and the -wenches about the castle, and those -who had taught us, could bear herself -so bravely, as if all her life she had -known aught but courts.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Then after a brief space cometh the -marriage at Paris, where King Charles -himself giveth the bride away. For -five days there were masques and feastings, -balls and jousts, in which even -<span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span>the King takes a part. Many of these -balls were at the Palace of St. Pol, -where lived the King and Queen; some -there were at the Hôtel de la Reine -Blanche, where dwelt the Queen of -Navarre, and there were others yet at -the Hôtel de Nesle which the Duc de -Berry gave to my mistress, the Duchess -Eleonore, for her wedding gift.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Methought we had been merry at -Orthez, but at Paris it was like a minstrel’s -tale!</p> - -<p class='c011'>Who can wonder that my mistress -was happy? She sang and danced, my -Lord Duc adored her, everybody loved -her for her sweet and gentle ways, and -there were none about the palace but -that she knew and cared for.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Jehan,” she saith to me one day, -“art thou happy here?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yea, mistress, since this great city -is to be my home.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span>“Dost thou never think of those -days when we trained the dogs at -Orthez?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Faith an’ I do, mistress, though it -is but seldom, and I love the brave doings -here. Besides, where thou goest, -there must Jehan follow.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The days slipped away and were -none too long. I fed the pet squirrel -with its collar of fair pearls which the -King had given to my mistress, and -the monkey too, and the flying birds, -for my mistress loved ever to have antic -creatures about her. At the hunts -I ride close at hand, and as at Orthez, -where my mistress the Duchess goeth, -there goeth Jehan. Once when we -chased the deer at Val-la-Reine, the -stag, a-weary and dazed, took refuge in -a barn. Our King, the Well-beloved, -crieth out,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Spare him, spare him,” for the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span>huntsmen ran into the barn to cut -the poor beast’s throat. Then saith -the King from his kind heart,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Never shall this deer be hunted -more. His life shall be his own from -this day forth.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Saying which, he pulled from his -saddle-cloth a splendid fleur-de-lys, and -turned to some of his men for a chain -with which to hang it on the creature’s -neck. None had one; so my Duchess -took from her own neck a chain of -gold, and it was hanged about the -deer’s neck to show that it was the -King’s, and none might do it ill.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Each day there was some new sport, -and I had scant time to do aught but -follow my mistress. As one morn she -stood playing with the monkey, a beast -that had no regard for my fingers, but -was ever pleased to be petted by my -Duchess, my Lady’s eyes roved to the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span>beds of gay posies that bloomed without -on the terrace. They put to shame the -ones we tended in the old days by the -castle wall, but my Duchess cried,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“There is not a posy here as bright -as the poppies that grew at Orthez, -nor one so white as the gillyflowers. -’Twas a pretty garden, and I loved it -well. Yet I cannot say but what I -love these too.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>She stepped out on the terrace, and -called back over her shoulder,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“See that the cup of gold that the -monkey broke be mended.” I loved -not this task, since it seemed a shame -to me that so grievous a beast should -have his food from so fair a cup, while -many of his betters had none.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Soon after my mistress was wedded -to my Lord Duc, the great fair of St. -Denis was set out in the meadow, “Pré -aux Clercs.” Thither went we with the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span>King, Queen, and all the court. Such -marvels as were spread out there for -sale! Jewels and stuffs wrought with -gold and gems; pictures and holy books -painted in colours and with gold; carvings -made from wood, and from the -great white teeth of strange beasts -which they saith live in the sea; cups -of gold shaped like unto lilies and -roses; swords and spears, battle-axes -and shields, armour and horse-trappings, -till one knew not which way to -turn.</p> - -<p class='c011'>If it was a fine show in daytime, my -certes, what a sight it was at night! -Every stall was ablaze with torches, -and there were crowds of strange -peoples of divers colours and from far-away -lands, with soldiers and singers -on every hand.</p> - -<p class='c011'>My mistress had never seen before -such a sight, no more than I; and she -<span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span>chose many a rich and curious toy, and -my Lord Duc smiled, and gave her all -her heart’s desire.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Yet think not that my Lady had -ever gauds and merry doings in her -mind. Being but young, she loved -these well, as what young maid does -not? But her heart was ever loyal to -her friends, as presently I shall set -forth.</p> - -<h3 class='c009'>IV</h3> - -<p class='c010'>It befell, after we had dwelt three -years in Paris, and my Duchess was -just turned of fifteen, that there was -tumult at the court. King Charles the -Well-beloved, whose fits of madness -caused so much havoc (owing to the -mischief wrought by his uncles when -he was too ill of mind and body to rule -himself) was again out of his mind.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span>The Seigneur de la Rivière, whom my -Duchess had ever loved since he had -arranged her marriage and fetched her -to Paris to my Lord the Duc de Berry, -was, by the order of the Duc de Burgundy, -seized and held to die. His -friends, lest they too should suffer -for’t, feared to help him. The King, -as hath been said, was ill; the Queen -cared not what happened so long as -she was not irked. But my Duchess -clenched her little hand and saith,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“He shall not die!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Just how to serve him she knew not; -so she cometh to her Lord, the Duc de -Berry, and cast herself on her knees -before him.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, dear my lord,” cried she, sobbing, -“this man who hath done no -wrong, and whom we know and love, -must die, since none but I durst speak -for him.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span>The Duc, who loved her well, raised -her and saith,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Take comfort, dear one.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“But, my Lord, what comfort is there -for me, when one who gave me happiness -and thee, is in danger of his life, -and for no wrongdoing, neither?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Dear heart,” answered my Lord the -Due, “I too love him, since he brought -thee to me, and what man can do, that -will I for thy sake and his.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“If he be not saved, then will I sorrow -always,” wept my Duchess.</p> - -<p class='c011'>My Lord Duc went forth, and though -the King was only at times come to his -wits again, my Lord got from him a -command that the Seigneur de la Rivière -should be sent overseas, and not -slain.</p> - -<p class='c011'>This did but half content my mistress. -When the King grew well again, -my Duchess plead with him so prettily, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span>that as he loved right well to pleasure -her, he allowed the Seigneur de la Rivière -to come home, and to him restored -all his castles and his wealth. Greatly -my mistress rejoiceth, and giveth -thanks to both her Lord and the -King.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Now the Seigneur, when once more -in honour and in wealth he came to his -home, in token for his thanks for all -she had wrought in his behalf, brought -to my mistress a coffer filled with rich -gifts. The coffer was in itself a marvel, -since it was painted all over with -little flying boys, who bore in their -hands flowers and wreaths. All the -rest of it was like unto gold, and it -stood upon four feet cut in the shape -of great paws.</p> - -<p class='c011'>When the coffer was opened, there -seemeth no end to the splendid things -my mistress brought forth,—tissues glistening -<span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span>like moonbeans, wrought stuffs -of many colours, and chains and jewels. -Chiefest amongst the rich treasures was -a length of velvet from the great city -called Genoa, the mate to which was -not in all the court. It was blue in colour, -the which my mistress ever loveth,—just -the shade of the sky of a sunny -day at noon. Wrought all over it in -threads of purest silver were flying -doves. My faith, it seemeth as if their -long wings fairly moved!</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh,” cried my Duchess Eleonore, -“never was such a lovely robe seen before, -and it cometh just in time, too, -since the ball that Queen Blanche -giveth to the Queen’s maid on her -marriage will be shortly.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>My Duchess had the velvet fashioned -into a robe so splendid that all marvelled. -It fell from her shoulders and -flowed three metres’ length upon the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span>floor, and the doves of silver fluttered -and shone with every step she taketh. -Above her brow rose the tall hennin -that Queen Isabeau so loved to wear -and to have the ladies of her court -wear also, and from this fell a veil of -silver like unto the doves.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The night of the ball was at hand, -and none looking on my stately Duchess -would deem that she had but fifteen -years. So heavy was the robe, -and of such length, that as I walked -behind I bore it for her.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The palace shone bravely with -torches and flambeaux set in the wall, -and borne in the hands of many lackeys -all about the rooms. Our King, -the Well-beloved, no longer ill, was -full of pleasure at the masques which -had been planned for this ball. He -was scarce older than was I, since -he was but nineteen years, and when -he was not ill, ever loved to mingle in -all the sports going forward.</p> -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_048.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>“<span class='fss'>NONE LOOKING ON MY STATELY DUCHESS WOULD DEEM THAT SHE HAD BUT FIFTEEN YEARS.</span>”—<i>Page <a href='#Page_48'>48</a>.</i></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span>The dancing had come to an end. -Quickly a space was cleared, and as I -stood behind my Lady, a loud voice -crieth out,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“The wild men, the wild men! Give -the wild men room!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Of a truth they were frightful to see,—five -chained together, led by a sixth -who leaped along in front shouting, all -of them being covered with long shaggy -hair after the manner of some strange -beasts.</p> - -<p class='c011'>As the mummers passed, for they -were but dressed to look like wild men, -I tweaked betwixt finger and thumb a -bit of the fur, and lo, it was but ravelled -tow. Now I knew right well -why the word had been passed that -none with lights should move about -the room. With what wild shouts did -<span class='pageno' id='Page_50'>50</span>the mummers leap here and there -amongst the guests! Some were affrighted -and ran screaming away. The -leader of them all runneth up to my -mistress.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Dost thou know me?” cried he.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Right firmly she held him by the hand.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Not yet,” saith she, “but shall ere -I let thee go.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Then my blood froze with the horror -of a scream I heard, then another -and another. In an instant mummers, -guests, room, and all were in a blaze. -One of the company, to see the mummers -better, had seized a torch and -held it near them. The tow sprang -into flame, and the five men who were -tied together were instantly on fire and -shrieking out. One only loosed himself -and ran and plunged into a tank -for washing of the silver, and which -happened to be full of water.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span>All through the tumult and cries -there stood my Duchess mid the flying -brands, which I fought as best I might -with cap and hands.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Come away,” I cried, “oh, mistress, -come.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Nay, help me to save him, Jehan,” -was what she whispered back.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Her fair veil shrivelled with the -heat, the flying slivers blistered her -arms and neck. Cries of “The King, -the King, save the King,” grew loud -and louder. Queen Isabeau fainted, -yet my brave Duchess stood there till -every flying spark had been stamped -out, holding gathered about her the -heavy velvet robe. When at last the -fire was all subdued, she threw aside -the blue robe that had been so fair, and -there under its scorched folds, in his -monstrous suit of tow, knelt the King, -safe and unharmed.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span>“Hasten, Sire,” cried she, “the Queen -waiteth you. Throw over you Jehan’s -cloak lest some wanton spark fly near -you.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The King hurried away, and then -think not but that I hastened to get -my mistress home. And oh, my Lord’s -pride in my Lady!</p> - -<p class='c011'>And oh, the King’s words when he -came next morn to thank her, kneeling -on one knee to kiss her hand!</p> - -<p class='c011'>The sky-blue robe, say you? What -became of that?</p> - -<p class='c011'>My mistress packed it away in the -coffer that had brought it from Genoa, -with her own hands, and from that -time my Lord taketh for his pennon -one of sky-blue ground with a silver -dove set in its midst.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_53'>53</span> -<img src='images/i_053.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c005'><span class='sc'>The Princess Wins</span><br /> <span class='large'><i>1417</i></span></h2> -</div> - -<h3 class='c013'>I</h3> - -<div class='c010'> - <img class='drop-capi' src='images/di_053.jpg' width='100' alt='' /> -</div><p class='drop-capi_8'> -In my own youthful -days, when turning -over the leaves of storybooks, -I used to pause at -those tales which began -“Once upon a time.” I always had a -feeling that there was something of -the fairy-tale about stories which began -in this fashion, and I should like -so to begin this day.</p> - -<p class='c011'>For truly the story I am about to -tell you is but one incident in the life -of a girl whose whole career was so full -of ups and downs—alas, most often -downs,—that it reads, even in the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_54'>54</span>solemn old Dutch documents, like the -most fanciful tale of the imagination.</p> - -<p class='c011'>When she died at thirty-seven, it -seems as if our Jacqueline had dared -everything and lost,—lost kingdom, -home, and friends. Yet even in a life -so full of disaster there were some -bright spots, and in this story you will -hear how once at least our Princess -wins.</p> - -<p class='c011'>She was born, our heroine, at her -father’s palace at The Hague on St. -James’ Day, 1401. The little girl was -baptised Jacoba, in honour of the holy -day of her birth, Jacobus being the -Latin form of the name James. Gradually -Jacoba was changed into the -French form of Jacqueline, though in -the strange old documents of the times -her name is written as Jacob, or Jacque, -or sometimes Madam Jake, and often -as Jaque de Bavière.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_55'>55</span>Jacqueline was born a princess, and -when she was three years old, had the -title given her of “Daughter of Holland,” -as she was the sole heir and successor -of her father, William the Sixth, -Count of Holland, who on the death of -his father had succeeded him as Count -of Zealand and Hainault.</p> - -<p class='c011'>In the Middle Ages, when might -made right, possessions were held in -many cases by him who had the strongest -arm, who could muster the greatest -number of followers and had the most -powerful connections. Marriage with -princes who had great possessions of -land or would inherit them was one -of the ways by which sovereigns of -small states strengthened their positions, -and this was one reason why -mere babies were given in marriage -by their parents. You see, the parents -could not go to war against each -<span class='pageno' id='Page_56'>56</span>other when it was arranged that their -children were to be married when they -grew up!</p> - -<p class='c011'>Little Jacqueline was no exception -to the rule, and before she was quite -five years old was formally betrothed -to John, Duke of Tourraine, second -son of Charles the Sixth of France, -called the “Well-beloved.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The betrothal of Jacqueline to her -bridegroom of nine years old took -place in the old French town of Compiègne, -where both the French and -Dutch courts were present. The fine -old palace with its great number of -rooms was elegantly furnished for the -occasion, and the little Jacqueline had -in her company Staes, Jan, and Hans, -her drummer, piper, and trumpeter! -Now these were very important personages -in those times,—they amused -the company when there was nothing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_57'>57</span>else to be done, they had their duties -among the soldiers; and in some of the -old papers which are still preserved, -and which show the expenses of this -betrothal down to the last groot, it is -duly set down that Staes, Jan, and -Hans are each to have six French -crowns to cover their travelling expenses. -This would be equal to about -nine dollars of our money.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Neither of the fathers of the two -children was present at the betrothal, -for King Charles had one of his attacks -of insanity, and Count William had -been bitten by a dog, and was not able -to be there, either.</p> - -<p class='c011'>But the mothers had seen to it that -nothing was lacking to make the ceremony -a handsome one. The Dutch -expense account tells of new clothes -for everybody connected with Jacqueline, -even those who had to stay at -<span class='pageno' id='Page_58'>58</span>home having wedding garments and -fine new hat-bands.</p> - -<p class='c011'>When the betrothal ceremonies were -over, the young bridegroom was handed -over to Jacqueline’s mother, and the -two children were taken home to Holland -to be brought up together.</p> - -<p class='c011'>From time to time they had presents -sent to them from their subjects, which -seem more like taxes than free gifts, -and which were duly set down in the -archives. For instance, there were fish -and wine for John, and there were -many ells of “very fine cloth of silk” -for Madam Jake. They had a special -dispensation sent them, too, so that -they could eat meat on fast-days; and -this dispensation was extended also to -the napkin-bearer, the cook, and ten -other servants who had to taste the -dishes beforehand.</p> - -<p class='c011'>You see, our Jacqueline lived in the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_59'>59</span>days when people were sometimes poisoned -by their enemies, so that royalty -had “tasters,” who ate of every dish -before it was placed on the table for -their Majesties to eat, and if the tasters -did not suffer, why then it was deemed -safe for their masters to eat.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Notwithstanding all these things, the -children passed many happy years -studying French, English, and Latin, -and in hunting, hawking, riding on -horseback, playing tennis and ball, and, -best of all, in skating on the long -winding canals. Perhaps they skated -the “Dutch Roll,” and Hans, Staes, -and Jan went along too, to make things -merry with the fife, trumpet, and drum. -These were their pleasures. It was a -more solemn matter when they had to -learn how to rule their kingdoms and -subjects, for the little bridegroom stood -next but one to the great throne of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_60'>60</span>France, and Jacqueline was heir to her -father’s kingdom.</p> - -<p class='c011'>They were married in 1415, when -Jacqueline was fourteen years old.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Two years later, her young husband, -who, by the death of his elder brother, -had become Dauphin and heir to the -throne of France, died. The poor lad -breathed his last at Compiègne, in the -very palace where he had been betrothed, -whether by poison or from -getting overheated at tennis, none can -say, but at any rate while he was away -from his wife and from his family.</p> - -<p class='c011'>As if this was not enough, just two -months later, Count William, the kind -and loving father of Jacqueline, died -also. The poor girl, without father or -husband to protect her or her possessions, -turned to her Fatherland to pronounce -her sovereign of Zealand and -Hainault.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_61'>61</span>But there were others who had their -eyes and minds fixed on the sturdy -little kingdom, and, truth to tell, they -were the last persons one would suspect -of such ideas, since they were -Jacqueline’s own kinsfolk. But so it -was; and in order to strengthen her -position, and to allow her subjects to -know and love her and to pay her -their vows of fealty, Jacqueline, as -was the custom in those times, started -on a “progress,” or tour through her -various cities.</p> - -<p class='c011'>These royal progresses were very -splendid affairs, we can hardly imagine -them now, and on this occasion -Jacqueline’s mother bore her company, -and there were many of her most powerful -nobles as well.</p> - -<p class='c011'>On June 12, 1417, when the cavalcade -rode into Mons, the whole city -was gay to welcome the young girl -<span class='pageno' id='Page_62'>62</span>who came thither to take her vows of -sovereignty. How prettily the city, -old even then, must have looked! From -the windows fluttered banners of bright-coloured -cloth, many of them worked -with patterns of gold and silver! So -large were some of these banners that -they stretched from window to window -across the street. Many were the arches -wreathed with flowers and branches -under which Jacqueline passed, and -streamers waved everywhere.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Leaning from the casements were -ladies richly dressed and holding chains -of flowers; and children were here, -there, and everywhere, come to see -their little Princess, who was scarce -more than a child herself.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Many great lords there were as well, -having come forth from their castles -on the wooded hills of Hainault, followed -by their retainers and serfs, the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_63'>63</span>former clad in suits of bright armour -and riding on horseback, while the latter -ran on foot beside the men-at-arms, -and bore on their collars the names of -their masters, and their doublets were -of leather, and many times their feet -were bare.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Jacqueline on a milk-white palfrey, -with her mother at her left hand, rode -at the head of them all. There are a -few quaint old pictures which show -her to have been slender and tall, -brown-haired, and without the high -cheek bones which are so usual in her -countrywomen. On this occasion her -appearance was royal indeed. She -wore a gown of cloth of gold, which -glittered in the warm June sunshine. -Her coif, or headdress, was bound by -many a chain of gold and jewels, -suitable to her rank as Dauphine of -France and Daughter of Holland.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_64'>64</span>She had not advanced far within -the city before a deputation of young -girls, all dressed in white, stood forth -to meet her.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Hail, Daughter of Holland, welcome -to Mons,” the leader of them said, and -stepping forward, hung her chaplet of -flowers on Jacqueline’s arm. One by -one each young girl followed in turn, -and Jacqueline, turning with smiling -face to her mother, said,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Our good city of Mons shows its -loyalty in pleasing fashion, Madame. -If all our other cities bear themselves -like this, we care not for our uncle of -Burgundy, who seeks to take our inheritance -from us, nor for the Egmonts -nor Arkels, nor any who are enemies -of our house.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“In truth all seemeth fair, my -daughter. Our good burghers always -respond to our need, though our nobles -<span class='pageno' id='Page_65'>65</span>sometimes think too highly of their -power.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Our loyal burghers! In truth they -are our best friends. Yet remember -how many nobles ride with us this -day, and have sworn to urge our cause -as though it were their own.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>They rode slowly forward, the little -Princess pleased and happy at the homage -of her subjects, bowing and smiling. -At last the church of St. Waltrude -was reached. Here Jacqueline -dismounted, and entering the dim old -building, walked slowly up the central -aisle till she reached the high altar. -Here she knelt, kissed the holy relics, -and swore to preserve “all usages and -privileges of the city, to protect the -church, to uphold the right, to dispel -the wrong.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Then, seated on a lofty throne that -had been set up beside the altar, she -<span class='pageno' id='Page_66'>66</span>received the homage of her subjects, -and their vows of loyalty to her and to -her cause.</p> - -<p class='c011'>After the solemn ceremonies at the -church were over, the royal party had -a banquet given in their honour by the -burghers of the city, who had arranged -many festivities to give them pleasure.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Can you not see our Princess with -rosy cheeks and sparkling eyes standing -at the table’s head? Her soft -brown hair is tightly bound to her -head and covered with a cap wrought -of threads of gold strung with pearls. -Embroidery of threads of gold and coloured -silks in which the Dutch excelled, -enrich her gown, which is of the heaviest -silk that even Flanders can produce. -Long chains of pearls, which -were sold by weight, hang about her -neck, and fur of minever binds and -edges the cuts and slashes in her -<span class='pageno' id='Page_67'>67</span>great sleeves and on the body of her -gown.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Besides the banquet, there was -planned a tournament, a favourite occasion -for showing knightly deeds, and -it was to be held on a grassy mead just -without the walls of the city, on the -day following the paying of homage, -and entry into the city.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Thither early in the morning trooped -the inhabitants of the town. Among -the first to go were groups of apprentices, -dressed in the uniforms of their -guilds or trade societies. These trudged -on foot, glad enough of a holiday. -Mingling among them were serfs or -bondsmen, easily to be told by their -metal collars. Some carried burdens -for their masters who should arrive -later in the day, while some merely -swung a cudgel, and hurried on as if -conscious of their lowly position.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_68'>68</span>As the day wore on, the road was -dusty with the men-at-arms, knights, -nobles, and their attendants, with substantial -burghers with their apprentices, -and with groups of maidens from -the town, eager to see the gay company, -and looking pretty enough themselves -in their close-fitting white caps -and scarlet kirtles.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Only occasionally, walking sedately -by her father’s side, shrouded in a -long cloak to keep her clothes fresh -from the dust, came some tradesman’s -daughter, her neck encircled with -strings of coral beads, and her gold -earrings, handed down through many -generations, a trifle longer than those -of the serving maidens, and the inevitable -cap edged with lace, or of finest -plaited muslin, while theirs, though -snowy white, were of coarse material.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Now and again amid the crowd -<span class='pageno' id='Page_69'>69</span>swung covered litters, bearing either the -wife of some dignitary, or some high -official who preferred this manner of -travelling to going on horse or mule -back.</p> - -<p class='c011'>At an hour past noon, out from the -palace yard rode a troop of men on -horseback, bright in a livery of orange -and black. Their business it was to -clear the road of any such as cumbered -it, so that the passage to the field should -be kept free, since the Princess Jacqueline -would ride thither on her palfrey, -to show herself to her subjects, who -had prepared the tournament in her -behalf.</p> - -<p class='c011'>As the cavalcade issued from the -palace yard, there came first twoscore -knights riding two abreast, each in a -full suit of armour which sparkled like -silver in the sun, each carrying his -shield and a pennon of bright silk. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_70'>70</span>Then came the members of the council -of Mons, in rich robes of velvet, furred -and wrought, and showing on their -breasts the heavy gold chains of their -office. They were men who showed on -their faces intelligence and a sense of -the importance of their office, slow to -smile and grave, but true as steel to -what they deemed the right, and loyal -subjects when once won to their -sovereign.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Next came Jacqueline with her -mother beside her, both riding on -splendid horses, whose caparison was -as rich as cloth and gold could make it. -Right royally shone our Princess, robed -in a gown of damask which showed in -the pattern tulips of many shades, the -flower of all others most dear to the -Dutch heart, the which were made -richer yet by stitchery of brilliant silks. -Around the neck and long sleeves, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_71'>71</span>which reached almost to her feet, were -bands of ermine fur, and beneath the -flowing cap, made truly in the very -shape of those worn by the peasant -maidens, her hair was bound with -many a string of pearl.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Behind her came those who were to -take part in the tournament; and never -had Mons, staid old city, seen a sight -of such splendour. Forty knights came -ahead at a stately pace, each mounted -on a noble steed in trappings of velvet, -for the steeds of the fallen knights became -the prizes of the victors, and it -was a matter of pride to have both -horse and harness worthy to be a prize. -After the knights rode forty ladies, -chosen for their beauty, all richly -dressed in colours of the gayest hues, -mounted on palfreys, each one riding -alone, and leading by a silver chain a -knight completely armed for tilting, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_72'>72</span>astride a splendid horse, which also -wore armour, and a plume of feathers.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Minstrels and trumpeters followed -along, blowing on their instruments; -and then came the people, shouting -and cheering, and hurrying along so -as not to miss any of the sport at the -field.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was a lovely sight that met their -eyes when the mead was reached. The -grassy sward was dotted with gay and -constantly changing groups, bright awnings -and banners were stretched to -keep off the sun from spectators and -combatants, and almost encircling the -tilting ground were fine trees, beneath -whose shade many horses were tethered, -while their attendants lounged on -the grass. So busy were all with the -scene before them, that none noted the -cloud rising dark above the horizon, -and he who called attention to it would -<span class='pageno' id='Page_73'>73</span>have been but deemed a churl for his -pains.</p> - -<p class='c011'>In the little enclosure set apart for -the Princess and her immediate attendants, -the hangings were of equal splendour -with the rest of the arrangements. -It was hung with gay strips of cloth, -and with chains of flowers, and it was -placed midway between the lists, so -that the tilting could be seen to the -best advantage.</p> - -<p class='c011'>All was ready; the heralds rode forth, -each with his silver trumpet at his lips -prepared to announce the opening of -the fray, when a long rolling peal of -thunder startled alike the spectators in -the stands as well as those who stood -upon the greensward pressing eagerly -forward to see the first shock of the -encounter.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The first peal was followed by another -and another. The wind whirled -<span class='pageno' id='Page_74'>74</span>across the wide meadow and tore into -shreds the awnings which had been -stretched against the sun. Rain descended -in floods, and before Jacqueline -and her party could take shelter -in the rude stalls that had been built -below the galleries, and in which the -horses were stabled, they were pelted -with hailstones so large, and which -came with such force, that one of -them left on Jacqueline’s cheek a cruel -bruise.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Even centuries later, and in our own -country, women and girls were burned -as witches, and when our Daughter -of Holland lived, many things which -would seem quite natural to us were -called “omens,” and were supposed to -foretell either good or ill.</p> - -<p class='c011'>This hail-storm was judged a bad -omen for poor Jacqueline. So strong -a hold did it take on the superstitious -<span class='pageno' id='Page_75'>75</span>people that while many important -transactions and details of history are -lost, a full account of this storm has -been left in various Dutch documents, -with fabulous tales as to the size of the -hailstones, and that they killed cattle -and ruined crops. Thus sadly ended -for Princess Jacqueline the day that -had opened so fair. Right bravely did -she bear the hurried ride back into the -city. With her mother she withdrew -into their apartments as soon as they -reached Mons, and was seen no more -that night.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Indeed so wrought upon was Jacqueline -by the great storm and the misfortune -attending it, that, as soon as -they were alone, she exclaimed to her -mother,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Let us away as soon as our train -can be made ready.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Nay, dear child, that would but incense -<span class='pageno' id='Page_76'>76</span>our good people of Mons, who -did their best to pleasure and to honour -you.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“But, mother, that is all past, and -see the grievous bruise upon my cheek. -It ill becomes the face of a princess.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“That it does, my dearest, but it is -but just to remember that, cruel though -it be, unguents and laving it with soft -water will heal it, and by the morrow -thy cheek will show no stain. -Neither must thou forget that for this -bruise none of thy subjects should be -blamed.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>To this the little Princess made no -reply, yet could not her mother induce -her to remain longer in the city; and -shortly after sunrise the next morning, -the cavalcade took their way from the -city of Mons, Jacqueline travelling in -a litter, since she chose not to show -herself again in that ill-omened place.</p> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_77'>77</span> - <h3 class='c009'>II</h3> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>After the mishap at Mons, the young -Princess journeyed to other of her -loyal towns,—to Delft, to Leyden, to -Amsterdam and Haarlem. Though all -these cities paid homage to Jacqueline -as their sovereign, and supported her -claims to Zealand and Hainault, there -was a strong party growing up against -her, chiefly on account of her youth, -and because she was a girl.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The headquarters of this party was -at Dordrecht, the one city which refused -to pay homage to Jacqueline. -Here in Dordrecht the leaders of the -opposing party were joined by one of -the uncles of Jacqueline, known as -“John the Pitiless,” who was eager to -rob his niece of her inheritance. He -proposed to be appointed governor, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_78'>78</span>in this way gradually get into his own -hands the whole power.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Now indeed Jacqueline showed that -she was strong at heart, for though but -sixteen, she immediately took steps in -person to suppress all such designs on -the part of her uncle, and levied troops, -gathered supplies, and started towards -rebellious Dordrecht.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Right bravely she looked, our little -Princess, as she rode at the head of -her troops, and ever from time to time -she turned to her mother with a bright -smile, and some such word as—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Courage, dear Madame, ever saw -you troops with braver front than -ours?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Or, after a pause,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Think you that mine uncle of Burgundy -will expect to see us in person, -come to defend our rights?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Thou art my brave girl. Wouldst -<span class='pageno' id='Page_79'>79</span>that thy father wert here to guard and -guide thee!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>But her mother looked anxious, and -as she rode in her litter near her -daughter, it was she who from time to -time called to her side those brave -nobles who had espoused her daughter’s -cause, and to whose advice she looked -to bring the assault to a successful -conclusion.</p> - -<p class='c011'>After the first day’s march Jacqueline’s -bright confidence was shaken. -Wearied with being all day in the saddle -and bearing the weight of her suit -of armour, even though the shirt was of -the finest Milan steel and flexible and -light, Jacqueline dismissed all her attendants, -and begged her mother to -bide with her for a space before going -to rest.</p> - -<p class='c011'>When all were gone and they were -alone together and the curtains to the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_80'>80</span>tent secured, poor Jacqueline, but a -tired girl after all, cast herself down -beside her mother, and hid her face in -her lap.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, mother,” cried she, “methinks -I’d give all Dordrecht to be once more -in our own palace in The Hague, safe -sheltered in mine own room, and rid of -this armour which chafes me so!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Nay, daughter, speak not so loud, -bend thy lips to mine ear, for truly -it would shame you much should the -men-at-arms without hear thy plaints.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“But, mother—”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Lower, dear child, speak lower. -What! weeping? Countess of Hainault -and Daughter of Holland shedding -tears?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Thy daughter was I, mother, before -I was Daughter of Holland. So -fearsome am I of those cruel men we -go to meet, with their spears and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_81'>81</span>arrows. Methinks that already I feel -them in my flesh”; and at the very -thought there were fresh showers of -tears.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Can this be my brave Princess? Is -this the maid of whom her father said, -‘Brave as a lad, with more wisdom -than her years, and better fitted to rule -than many an elder one’? Sure, child, -the hailstones have in truth bewitched -thee!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Ah, mother, I will be brave to-morrow, -since needs I must. But say thou -wilt not leave me this night? Stay -with me; the darkness affrights me, -mother.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Truly I had no thought not to stay -with thee, dear child. See, give me -thy hand, and I will sit beside thy -couch till thou art fast asleep.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Jacqueline threw herself on the couch -which had been hastily spread in her -<span class='pageno' id='Page_82'>82</span>tent, and made soft with the skins of -fox and of bear, and drew over her -buckskin doublet a cloak of frieze.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Kiss me, mother, as though I were -once more thy little daughter, and leave -me not”; and holding her mother’s -hand as she had done in babyhood, our -poor little Daughter of Holland, from -very weariness, fell fast asleep.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Before dawn the next day all the -camp was astir. The sound of the -armourers at work, the stamping and -neighing of horses, the shouts of the -soldiers as they hurried about their -labour, made a din quite at variance -with the quiet of the night, when the -only sounds which disturbed the solitude -were the cries of the sentries that -all was well, and the occasional whinny -of some restive horse.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Yet still Jacqueline slept on, and by -her side her mother watched, hoping -<span class='pageno' id='Page_83'>83</span>that the sounds from without would -penetrate the deep sleep of the weary -girl. At last, at the door of the tent -itself, sounded the notes of the bugle, -and Jacqueline started up, her eyes -clear and flashing, as she turned to the -patient watcher at her side.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Once more Countess of Hainault, -dearest lady,” she cried, “Jacqueline -the little girl has fled back to her childhood.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Her mother drew a long breath and -smiled in return.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Let us praise St. James for that,” -she answered, and pushed aside the -hanging folds that covered the opening -to the tent, so that the fresh morning -air would sweep within.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Hail, Lady, a bright awakening and -a joyous day”; and forward pressed -two pages, special attendants to Jacqueline -herself, and like her dressed in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_84'>84</span>suits of bright armour. But while theirs -glittered as bravely as hers, on her helmet, -on her shield, and on any smallest -spot which offered a space for the tool -of the goldsmith, there were wrought -the various heraldic devices which belonged -to the Countess by right of her -great and royal descent.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The younger of the two pages—so -young in fact that his cheek was scarce -less rosy and fair than that of his -young mistress—bore her sword and -spear, which gleamed in the cold beams -of the wintry sun. The elder of the -two carried her shield and pennon, the -last of fine blue silk, showing the arms -of Bavaria quartered with those of -Hainault-Holland, and watching over -these was deftly embroidered the image -of the Virgin and Child.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Jacqueline came to the door of her -tent, and as her eyes watched the busy -<span class='pageno' id='Page_85'>85</span>scene, she looked both rested and well -pleased.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“A fair omen for the Daughter of -Holland this day,” she said, and -pointed towards where the lad stood -with her pennon. The bright clouds -in the sky had but touched the faces -of the Holy Virgin and the Child, and -reflected in the silver threads with -which they were wrought, caused them -to glow with almost the colours of true -flesh and blood.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“The Countess speaks well,” said -Eberhard, Lord of Hoogtwoude, than -whom Jacqueline had no more faithful -follower, and who had just come up -from the camp to see how the young -Countess had rested.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“A fair sleep and a long one, thanks -to my lady mother,” said Jacqueline, -turning to her with a loving glance, -“who was ever wont to take upon -<span class='pageno' id='Page_86'>86</span>her own shoulders the burden of my -humours.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Full well did Jacqueline repay the -kindness of her mother, by her love -for that lady which her dignity never -caused her for a moment to conceal. -Going once more within the tent, she -bathed in water fresh and cold, and -though the air was a thought too keen, -she had the armourer summoned to -rivet on her greaves, so that the legs -below the knee should be well protected, -lest some who were on foot -among the enemy might get near and -do her harm.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Bring my helmet,” next she ordered, -“and sling it to my saddle bow, -for this cap of velvet shall serve me to -wear till we near the troops which my -false uncle hath gathered.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Kissing her mother, she whispered -in her ear,—</p> -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_086.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>“<span class='fss'>ON, FOR THE LOVE OF THE DAUGHTER OF HOLLAND, DEATH TO THOSE THAT DENY HER.</span>”—<i>Page <a href='#Page_87'>87</a>.</i></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_87'>87</span>“Fear not, lady, I be a lad this day”; -and then placing her spurred foot on -the knee of her page, she mounted -easily into her saddle. Once on the -back of her war-horse, her courage rose -higher still, and seizing her pennon in -her hand, she drove her horse onward, -shouting in her sweet young voice,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“On, for the love of the Daughter of -Holland, and death to those that deny -her!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Across the low bare fields and -through the scrubby woods rode the -small army, which numbered barely a -couple of thousand men. When the -sun stood high in the heavens and -showed the hour of noon, though the -wind was keen and little comfort was -to be had, they rested, for the sake of -the horses as well as the men.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Whilst they stopped thus, and with -fires and food sought to take such ease -<span class='pageno' id='Page_88'>88</span>as they could command, a band of -picked men, less than a score, rode forward -to gain what news they might -of the enemy. Soon they could be -seen spurring quickly back, and they -brought the welcome news that “John -the Pitiless” was encamped just without -the town of Grocum, that the men -were scattered about as if preparing to -halt for the remainder of the day, and -that they had learned from some faithful -adherents of the Princess Jacqueline’s, -that her uncle had been able to -muster scarce five hundred men more -than were in her own little army.</p> - -<p class='c011'>At this news all sprung to their saddles, -since the brief winter’s day was -all too short for that which they had -to do, and Jacqueline with helmet on -head and sword in hand, rode at their -head.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Scarce an hour’s brisk riding brought -<span class='pageno' id='Page_89'>89</span>them in sight of the army gathered -from among those who opposed the -Princess. There was much confusion -evident among them, and it seemed as -if they had but just learned of the approach -of the Daughter of Holland, and -were preparing to hold their own as -best they might.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Straight as an arrow, forward to -where his pennon showed the presence -of her uncle, rode Jacqueline.</p> - -<p class='c011'>No need to shout encouragement to -the brave men at her back, yet ever -and again she would turn and call, -“For love of Holland,” or “For the -Virgin and St. James,” and ever and -anon would come back the answering -cry, “For love of Holland,” “For St. -James.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>When almost within the flight of an -arrow from the enemy, once again did -Jacqueline turn, and this time her cry -<span class='pageno' id='Page_90'>90</span>was borne back on the wind with the -clearness of a trumpet,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“For love of the Daughter of Holland.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>At this the hoarse shout that rose -among her followers could have been -heard a league away. Still keeping -her horse’s head straight for that pennon -she had marked so well, she sent -her pages to the right and left, bidding -the soldiers spread in a wide circle, and -never draw rein till they had circled -the enemy.</p> - -<p class='c011'>On they came like a whirlwind; the -enemy, seeming not to know what -manner of tactics they were like to -meet, formed a compact body.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The rushing mass of men and horses, -with Jacqueline at their head, swept -madly on, nor paused nor swerved till -they had flung themselves against the -enemy. In a moment all was frightful -<span class='pageno' id='Page_91'>91</span>confusion, men unhorsed and being -trampled underfoot by the riderless -steeds, and in many cases the horses -suffering themselves from wounds that -had fallen on them instead of their -masters.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Twice, above all the tumult and din -of metal when spear met shield or helmet, -could be heard the cry, “For the -Daughter of Holland,” and each time -it brought the answering shout. At -these moments even the enemy seemed -to waver, as if they had not dreamed -that their hereditary Princess could be -there in the thick of battle in her own -person.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Surrounded by the noblest of her -kin and those of the highest rank -among her party, Jacqueline never -gave a thought to her own safety.</p> - -<p class='c011'>From right to left she flew, encouraging -here, supporting there, bringing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_92'>92</span>up laggards to harass a weak spot -among the enemy’s forces, by the -sheer might of her presence striking -awe among the foe.</p> - -<p class='c011'>At last one more stolid or more -cruel than the rest rode straight at -her, his lance thrust at her breast. -The good mail shirt she wore and her -trusty shield turned aside the blow, but -so sharp was the shock that she fell -from her horse. Now indeed came -in that training in horsemanship on -which her father had ever insisted, -and in which she had been practised -since her earliest years. Still clinging -to the bridle, she managed to keep from -falling, and with the aid of her faithful -pages who kept ever at her saddle, she -managed to regain her seat.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Now, by all I hold dear,” cried she, -“no mercy shall be shown the enemies -of Holland and my house.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_93'>93</span>From that moment with voice and -example she inspired her weary men, -till with the fall of dusk on that December -day they routed those that were still -left alive, and sent them flying over the -waste country back to Dordrecht.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Many of the enemies of Jacqueline -and her house fell during this battle, -the most noted, and the most vindictive -as well, being that William of Arkell -to whom her father desired to wed her -in the interests of peace, but who stubbornly -refused our little Princess and -always remained one of her most bitter -foes.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Her uncle, “John the Pitiless,” escaped -and returned to Dordrecht with -the remnant of his forces. Nor was -this the only effort he made to capture -her lands, but for years he pursued her -relentlessly, and did not hesitate at any -means to gain his end.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_94'>94</span>Involved in endless wars and intrigues -both with enemies within her -own land as well as those abroad, the -battle at Grocum was the only time -when Jacqueline, Daughter of Holland, -led her troops in person, and no -amount of persuasion could induce her -to assume command again.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The night of the victory at Grocum, -the little army encamped within the -city which they had wrested from the -Burgundian party, and the celebration -of this happy event was accompanied -with feasting and much joy. A thousand -healths were drunk to Jacqueline, -Countess and Commander, and there -were toasts to future victories, and -the rosiest anticipations of success, -the victors imagining that because of -one triumph their enemies would be -vanquished.</p> - -<p class='c011'>When the Daughter of Holland laid -<span class='pageno' id='Page_95'>95</span>herself down to sleep that night, her -mother, with a happy face, bent to kiss -her good night.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Mother, dear lady,” whispered this -victorious Countess of sixteen, “I pray -you tell no one that last night I wept -from fear!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Her mother smiled as she kissed her, -and answered in her gentle voice,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Thou hast my promise.”</p> - -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_96'>96</span> -<img src='images/i_096.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c005'><span class='sc'>Defence of Castle Dangerous</span><br /> <span class='small'><i>1692</i></span></h2> -</div> - -<h3 class='c013'>I</h3> - -<div class='c010'> - <img class='drop-capi' src='images/di_096.jpg' width='100' alt='' /> -</div><p class='drop-capi_8'> -The sun shone -bright and warm on -the little frontier settlement -of Verchères -one crisp October morning -in the year 1692.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Though the settlement was small, -it was pleasantly placed on the south -shore of the St. Lawrence River, not -more than twenty miles from Montreal, -which was considered but a short distance -from a place of safety in those -days when homes were being hewn -out of the wilderness.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_97'>97</span>The Seignior or Governor of the -place was an old soldier, formerly a -captain in the renowned regiment of -Carignan, which was sent to New -France to give aid and protection to -the settlers, and to assist them in repelling -the Iroquois. The officers of -this great regiment were rewarded for -their services by large grants of land -along the rivers, which were for many -years the great highways. The officers -in turn rented out the land to the -soldiers under them, and none save the -Colonel himself was allowed to return -to France, so anxious was that country to -increase the population of its colonies.</p> - -<p class='c011'>When our story opens, Seignior Verchères -was on military duty at Quebec, -his wife had gone on a visit to Montreal, -and they had left the little -family at home in charge of Madelon, -the only daughter, a girl about fourteen -<span class='pageno' id='Page_98'>98</span>years old. There were two young -brothers,—Louis, a lad of twelve, and -Alexander, who was about a year -younger. There were, besides, the settlers -who looked on Madelon as the -representative of her father.</p> - -<p class='c011'>We can hardly picture to ourselves -what a very rude place the settlement -was, and as it lay near the trail of -the Iroquois, it had become known -throughout New France as “Castle -Dangerous.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>At this time the Iroquois, containing -the strong and invincible Five Nations, -had two motives which swayed their -savage breasts most powerfully; these -were love of fighting and love of gain. -They were dependent on the Dutch -and English at Albany for guns, -powder, lead, brandy, and many other -things which the white man had -brought with him from the Old World, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_99'>99</span>and which these children of the woods -had come to regard only too quickly -as necessary to their comfort.</p> - -<p class='c011'>True, beaver skins could buy these -things which they coveted, but with -the Iroquois the supply was limited. -The great forests stretching to the -west and northwest, and those of the -upper lakes, were occupied by tribes -who were bound to French interests, -and it was the French traders who controlled -their immense annual product -of furs.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Every summer there was a great -Fair at Montreal, where the trading -for a whole year took place, and the remote -tribes brought in their accumulated -beaver skins. The Iroquois saw -and envied these furs and the strong -waters which they enabled their possessors -to buy, so they became more -than ever bent on mastering all this -<span class='pageno' id='Page_100'>100</span>traffic by first conquering the tribes. -The Dutch and English urged them -on, for the Hurons, Ottawas, and other -tribes were the “children” of the -French, working in their interests and -protected by them, while French and -Indians alike were enemies of the -Iroquois.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Thus it was no accidental attack -that the French had to fear at “Castle -Dangerous,” but a determined effort -by a race that could put nearly three -thousand warriors in the field, and that -constantly increased this force by -adopting captives into the tribes.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The settlement at Castle Dangerous -consisted of the blockhouse, a strong -building made of timbers; of the house -of the Seignior; some rude shacks, and -the fort itself, which was connected -with the blockhouse by a covered -way. All the settlers lived in these -<span class='pageno' id='Page_101'>101</span>buildings for safety, since their pitiless -enemy the Iroquois had always to be -guarded against. There were as well -bands of wandering Indians that were -constantly passing up and down the trail -that lay along the St. Lawrence River.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Rude and dangerous as the place -seemed, Madelon loved it, since it was -home to her. She was brave, and had -been trained by her father in the use of -firearms, to be cool in the face of danger -and quick to meet emergencies.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The morning of the twenty-second -of October broke fair, the sun rose -amid banks of purple and gold clouds, -and as there was still work to be done -in the fields, the men of the settlement -started off directly after the morning -meal, leaving the women and children, -two soldiers, one old man of eighty, -and Madelon in charge of the fort.</p> - -<p class='c011'>For a long time Verchères had been -<span class='pageno' id='Page_102'>102</span>unmolested. The settlers had come to -feel that perhaps there was not much -further danger to be feared from the -foe, and with this feeling of fancied -security they had grown less vigilant. -Madelon, attracted by the beauty of the -day, started to go down to the landing-place, -which hung over the river and -made an admirable spot from which to -fish, the river being noted for the excellence -and number of fine fish to -be found there.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Come, Laviolette,” she called to a -French half-breed who was hired to -work about the fort, “bring some lines -and perhaps we can catch fish enough -to serve for a meal.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>They were busily engaged in this -peaceful sport, when suddenly the sound -of firing was heard in the neighbourhood -of the place where the settlers -were at work in the fields.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_103'>103</span>“Run, Mademoiselle, run! The Iroquois -are coming,” screamed Laviolette, -and taking her by the hand, they -fled towards the fort.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Can we reach it, dost thou think?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Courage, Mademoiselle! we are almost -there,” replied Laviolette; and so -the Iroquois thought also, since they -gave up the chase of the flying girl, -and contented themselves with firing at -her and her companion. As the bullets -whistled by, she prayed aloud,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Holy Marie, save us!” and as the -words inspired her with fresh courage, -she shouted as she neared the fort,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Help, help, to arms!” Her wild -call was not heard, and at the very -gate itself were two sobbing women -who from the battlement of the fort -had seen their husbands murdered in -the field, and stood wringing their -hands in misery.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_104'>104</span>“Oh, come within, come in, think of -the children”; and as she spoke, Madelon -pushed the two women in before -her, and with the aid of Laviolette -shut the heavy gate.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Where are the soldiers?” was her -next question.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Hidden in the blockhouse, sister”; -and Louis, the elder of the two boys, -came to meet his sister with a gun in -his hand. They ran together to the -blockhouse, and there, sure enough, -were the two men, crazed with fear, -and one of them holding in his hand -a lighted fuse.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What do you with that fuse?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Light the powder and blow us all -up,” cried the soldier, while his companion, -huddling in the corner, only -moaned.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Miserable coward, go from this -place at once!” and Madelon’s voice -<span class='pageno' id='Page_105'>105</span>rang with such determination and command -that the man obeyed.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“See, since none of you dare, I myself -will defend this fort, for my father -would have shame if his daughter -could not keep it, when there are arms -and powder and those that can use -them.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Sister,” said Alexander, “give me -a gun, for I too can load and fire one.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Truly thou shalt have one, little -brother. We shall fight to the death. -Remember what our father hath taught -us, that men are born to shed their -lives for their country and their king. -Though I be but a girl, I shall do as -he would wish, since neither of you is -old enough to take command here.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Even the craven soldiers, inspired -with some small degree of courage, -agreed to follow their intrepid commander, -whose first order was that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_106'>106</span>they should make a round of the palisades, -that high fence of great logs -with pointed ends that surrounded -the forts and blockhouses planted in -the wilderness, and to which many -owed their safety, since they were wellnigh -impossible to climb, and the garrison -within had those that climbed at -their mercy. As they hurried to the -palisades, Madelon put on her head one -of the soldier caps which she saw in -the blockhouse.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why do you put that cap on, -sister?” asked Louis, with a curiosity -which he could not repress even at -that critical time.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“So that the Iroquois shall not think -that it is a girl making the rounds. You -put one on also, and give one to Alexander.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The feeble band hurried to go around -the inside of the palisades to see that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_107'>107</span>all was secure, for on this defence of -heavy logs their very lives depended.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Thank the Holy Virgin that we -came,” Madelon exclaimed; for they -found not one, but half a dozen of the -logs gone at different places, and had -this been discovered by the Indians, -there would have been little chance for -the small band to have escaped being -slain.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Help, Louis; push, Alexander! We -can get this log into place while the -soldiers set up those that have wholly -fallen down.” As she spoke, the brave -girl and the two little brothers tugged -with might and main, and got the -heavy log in place, and held it while -the soldiers drove it into the ground, -so that no opening was left in the palisades. -All the other weak spots were -mended under her direction, the two -men working as she ordered, since -<span class='pageno' id='Page_108'>108</span>they seemed incapable of taking charge -themselves. When the palisades were -well repaired, and Madelon thought -there was no further danger to be -feared from that direction, she said,</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Now must we make the cowardly -Iroquois believe that there is a strong -garrison within, and never let them -think that my father is from home. -So let each one in turn fire from the -loopholes, and see to it, boys, that there -is no shot wasted.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Finding that the firing was scattering -but continuous, the Indians, ever -averse to making an attack on a fortified -place, withdrew to the woods.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Shortly, however, they discovered -some of the settlers who had escaped -the morning assault, creeping back to -the fort, and with horrid yells the -savages pursued and killed them. The -women and children in the fort cried -<span class='pageno' id='Page_109'>109</span>and screamed without ceasing, knowing -that their loved ones were being killed -without mercy. At last Madelon, fearing -that they would be heard by the -Indians, and their distress taken as -a sign of weakness, ordered them to -stop, and tried to busy them about the -defence.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Load and fire the cannon, Laviolette; -it will serve as a warning to any -of the settlers that may have escaped, -and I have heard my father say that -Indians ever fear a cannon.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>So the cannon was fired, and Madelon -from her loophole saw the tall, -painted forms of the enemy take -refuge in the forest. But this was not -the last duty of the little commander -that night. From her place on the -bastions of the fort she saw a canoe -with a settler whom she knew well, -named Fontaine, coming towards the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_110'>110</span>landing. He was not alone, but had -his wife and family with him.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I must save them if it be the will -of God. Laviolette, dost thou see any of -the Indians lurking at the woods’ edge?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“There be none very near at hand, -Mademoiselle. Perhaps the cannon -affrighted them.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I pray that it may be so, since -there is none but thou and I to save -our friends, I fear.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Nay, there are the soldiers. Sure, it -is their business to venture to the dock -and bring in Sieur Fontaine.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Listen thou, Laviolette, the while -I ask them to do this.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The soldiers summoned before their -little commander, though testifying -their willingness to follow all her -orders within the palisades, absolutely -refused to risk their lives by going beyond -its shelter.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_111'>111</span>“’Twas as I feared; thou and I -must save them, Laviolette. Thou -shalt keep guard at the gate, and I will -to the landing and bring them hither.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Pray, Mademoiselle, bid me to go, -and thou stay and keep the gate.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Nay, for I have heard my father -say that the Indian is ever wary about -that which he doth not understand. -They will marvel why I go alone to the -landing, and doubtless think it but a -ruse to draw them hither, so that we -may train the cannon on them again. -If they appear, go thou in and bar the -gate, since we must save the fort at -any cost, and as many lives as is -possible.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>So Madelon, with a bravery that -might have put to shame the soldiers -skulking within the fort, alone and in -full sight, walked down to the landing, -assisted Fontaine to take his family -<span class='pageno' id='Page_112'>112</span>and goods from the canoe, and placing -the party in front of her, marched -back to the fort entirely unmolested. -As she hoped, the Indians, seeing her -put so bold a face on the matter, suspected -that they had something to fear -from the occupants of the fort; so, -while they hesitated, Madelon acted. -Once within the stronghold, how the -little party wept and prayed with -joy!</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Now indeed I feel as if there was -hope, since thou art here to help me, -Sieur Fontaine. There are enough so -that we may divide the watch, and as -long as daylight lasts, to fire on the -enemy if ever one is seen to show himself. -Thou, Louis, and Alexander as -well, shalt take turns at the loopholes, -and see that thy aim go not astray.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The rest of the day was spent in -making all the defences as strong as -<span class='pageno' id='Page_113'>113</span>possible, in which Fontaine gave valuable -assistance, for he was a brave man, -accustomed to the wiles of the murderous -enemy, and wise in the ways of -border warfare.</p> - -<p class='c011'>At sunset a fierce northeast wind -began to blow, and the first snow of -the season mixed with hail filled the -air, making it deadly cold and a night -to try the spirits of the small band -who were fighting for their lives. At -first Madelon hoped that the storm -would drive the Indians to shelter for -the night, but they were constantly -seen appearing at the edge of the -woods, and, as it seemed, making preparations -for an attack under cover of -the darkness, and to gain entrance into -the fort that night.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Go, Louis, and tell all the men that -I would speak with them.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>When the whole force was mustered, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_114'>114</span>there were but six in all, two of them -boys and one an old man over eighty. -Madelon spoke to them thus,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“God has saved us to-day from the -hands of our enemies, and let us pray -that we shall escape their snares to-night. -As for me, know that I am not -afraid. See, I will keep the fort with -the old man and my brothers, whilst -you, Pierre Fontaine, and the two soldiers, -La Bonté and Gachet, go into -the blockhouse with the women and -children, as it is the safest place. If -I am taken, do not you surrender, -even if the horrible Iroquois cut me -to pieces and burn me before your -eyes. I am but one, and in the blockhouse -they cannot reach you if you -care for yourselves as you should. So -all to your places, and may God keep -us through the night.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Madelon tramped off to her chosen -<span class='pageno' id='Page_115'>115</span>place of duty, with the old man and -her young brothers.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Louis,” she said, “choose thou the -place on the bastion where thou wilt -serve, Alexander shall choose next, -then the old man, and I shall take the -last.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Each did as he was bidden, and all -night through the wind and storm -the two little boys, the aged man -whose fires of life had burned so low, -and the young girl kept vigil. All -night long the cries of “All’s well” -rang from bastion to blockhouse, making -it appear as if the place was fully -manned by a large garrison. At about -one o’clock the old man who was on -guard at the place on the bastion nearest -the gate, called out,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Mademoiselle, I hear something, -mayhap the enemy.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>His voice quavered with fear and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_116'>116</span>fatigue, and as Madelon hurried to -him she feared the worst had come.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Where is it that thou hearest something?” -asked Madelon, hardly above -her breath.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“There, just below, at the gate of -the fort.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Surely I see them too, and well I -know the poor creatures, since for -many a day this summer past have I -driven them to pasture.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The snow had whitened the ground, -so that Madelon’s bright eyes had been -able to distinguish that the dark forms -huddled at the gate were the poor -remnant of the cattle that had not -been killed or driven off by the Iroquois. -Summoning the others from -the blockhouse, they took counsel together -as to whether they should -open the gate and let the cattle -in. The men were all anxious to do -<span class='pageno' id='Page_117'>117</span>this, but Madelon feared the crafty -foe.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“How canst thou tell but what we -let in the savages also? Such creatures -of wile are they, that we know -not if they be not concealed in the -hides of the beasts already slaughtered, -and if we are simple enough to open -the gate they may enter the fort.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>An hour passed, and still the cattle -stood there, and there were no signs that -the enemy was among them. So at last -Madelon called Louis and Alexander.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Brothers,” she said, “we must get -in the cattle if it be possible. You -shall stand on either side of the gate -and have your guns cocked, while I go -forth and drive the beasts in. If the -Indians make a rush, shoot, and then -shut the gate as quickly as thou canst.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The heavy gate was swung back, and -Madelon stepped out. It did not take -<span class='pageno' id='Page_118'>118</span>long for her to drive in the few cattle -that remained of the generous herd -that had gone to pasture that morning.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The remainder of the night passed -away without any further alarms, and -when darkness disappeared, many of -the fears and anxieties of the small -garrison disappeared also, as it is -always easier to face the fears that -may be seen than those that are born -of the imagination.</p> - -<h3 class='c009'>II</h3> - -<p class='c010'>With the dawning of the second day -of the defence of Castle Dangerous, the -spirits of all rose, all, that is, except -one, and this was Dame Marguerite, the -wife of Sieur Fontaine. She, poor soul, -had but lately come from Paris, and -was yet a stranger to the difficulties -and dangers of life in the wilderness.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_119'>119</span>Her complaints were unceasing, and -she gave her husband no rest, constantly -imploring him to carry her to -another fort. Her selfish thought was -for herself alone, and she cried,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Save me, Pierre, save me. Was it -to expose me to such horrible danger -that you sent for me to come from -Paris, where I was safe and happy?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I sent for you and our children, -that we might all be together and -make a home in this new free land. -But methinks that perhaps it had -been best to let thee remain where -thou wast, and where there was nothing -to disturb thy ease.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It is in my heart to wish well that -I was there again, Pierre, and had -never seen this hateful wilderness. -Oh, wilt thou not take me to some -place of safety ere I die with fright?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Peace, woman, and shame me no -<span class='pageno' id='Page_120'>120</span>further by thy childish plaint, for the -very children are more brave than -thou. As for Mademoiselle Madelon, -she has the courage of a man, though -she is but a girl, nor will I ever leave -this fort while she is here to defend -it.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>After this the woman subsided into -a peevish quiet, which was at least -easier to bear than her complaints. -All the others, even those who had -lost fathers, husbands, or brothers, put -aside their griefs, and united in an -effort to compass their common safety. -The meals were served out as usual, -the work inside the fort progressed as -it did each day, since each one felt that -the best way to keep grief at bay was -to occupy one’s self in helping others. -During the middle of the afternoon all -the people were called together by -Madelon, so that their situation could -<span class='pageno' id='Page_121'>121</span>be discussed. The soldiers, poor creatures, -knew not what to counsel, and -sought only to stay in the blockhouse, -the safest spot. Small account was -taken of them, though they were the -very ones to whom the others should -have looked for protection.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Sieur Fontaine, the old man, and the -two boys were of course for staying, -and not endeavouring to escape by -night down the river. Encouraged by -them, Madelon made a little speech to -the garrison and the women and children -under their charge.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Dear friends,” said she, “never -willingly will I give up the fort. -Rather would I die than that the -enemy should gain it. Hear what my -father said to me, that it was of the -greatest importance that the Iroquois -should never gain possession of any -French fort, since, if they gained one, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_122'>122</span>soon they would grow more bold, and -think they could get others, and after -that all safety would be at an end.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What you say is true enough,” said -the Sieur Fontaine, rising in his turn -to encourage the people. “Nor may -any of us complain, if a girl be brave -enough to stay on the bastions for a -day and a night without rest or repose, -and who ever carries before us a cheerful -face. I, for one, cry, ‘Viva, viva! -Long live brave Madelon!’”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Viva, viva!” they cried, one and -all; and the feeble garrison returned -to their posts, reanimated and hopeful -that relief would come to save them.</p> - -<p class='c011'>For a weary week they were in constant -alarm. Each day showed them -the enemy lurking about, and each -night made them fearful that the attack -which had not come during the -light would be attempted during the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_123'>123</span>darkness. But every night dragged -itself away at last, and each morning -brought, if not the help so eagerly -expected, at least courage to wait for -it. On the eighth night poor weary -Madelon was dozing in the fort, with -her head pillowed on a table, and her -gun beside her, when she heard the -sentinel on watch call,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Qui vive?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>She sprang to her feet, and with her -gun in her hand ran up on to the -bastion.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why called you?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Listen, Mademoiselle! Dost thou -not hear a sound on the river like the -splashing of oars?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Surely yes; there are voices too. -Canst thou tell if they be French or -Indian?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“No; they breathe so low, Mademoiselle.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_124'>124</span>Madelon put her hands to her -mouth, and called low but clear,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Who are you?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The answer came back in the loved -French accents,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“We are Frenchmen. It is La -Monnerie, who comes from down the -river to bring you aid.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The gate was flung open wide, but -even yet Madelon’s caution did not -desert her, for she placed a sentinel on -guard, and then alone, as she had gone -before, she marched down to the landing-place -to meet the soldiers. When -she came face to face with Lieutenant -La Monnerie, she saluted, and—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Monsieur,” said she, “I surrender -my arms to you.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Being a gallant Frenchman, and as -yet hardly understanding the situation, -knowing that there were soldiers -within the fort, he answered,—</p> -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_124.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>“<span class='fss'>I HAVE COMMANDED THIS FORT, MONSIEUR, DURING THE ABSENCE OF MY FATHER.</span>”—<i>Page <a href='#Page_125'>125</a>.</i></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_125'>125</span>“Mademoiselle, they are in good -hands”; but he smiled as he said it, -looking on the girlish form before him, -with its soldier cap and heavy gun. -Madelon saw the smile, and who can -blame her that she answered,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“In better hands than you think. -Will Monsieur come and inspect the -fort?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The Lieutenant and his forty men -followed her up to the fort, found -everything in order, and a sentinel -on each bastion. He turned with -a look of surprise to Madelon, and -asked,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why does not the commandant of -this fort come to receive me?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I have commanded this fort, Monsieur, -during the absence of my father, -since there was none other either willing -or able to do it. Will Monsieur -give me his orders?”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_126'>126</span>The surprised lieutenant, after looking -again about him, turned and -bowed.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What commands does Mademoiselle -wish me to give? For my part, -there seems nothing for me to alter.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“If Monsieur will relieve the garrison, -it would be well, since none of -us have been off the bastions for a -week.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>We can well imagine that there were -deep and peaceful slumbers in Castle -Dangerous that night, and let us hope -that the cowardly soldiers had to take -their turn at last at bastion duty. I -cannot find in the history that they -did, however.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Think of the pride and pleasure that -Madelon’s father and mother felt in -their daughter when the news of her -bravery reached them!</p> - -<p class='c011'>What they said to her when she told -<span class='pageno' id='Page_127'>127</span>them all about it, history does not say -either; but the facts of the defence -were written down as Madelon herself -told them, in obedience to the commands -of the Marquis de Beauharnais, -Governor of Canada.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Even in those dangerous times, when -one never knew what peril the next -moment would bring forth, and women -as well as men took their share in -guarding homes and firesides, such -wonderful bravery and determination -in a girl of fourteen did not pass -unnoticed. Through the efforts of -those in power, Madelon was highly -commended at the great French court -over seas, and was granted a pension -by the King, to be paid to her -each year as long as she should -live.</p> - -<p class='c011'>In another encounter with Indians -many years later, she saved the life of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_128'>128</span>a French gentleman whom she afterward -married. All her life was passed -in the midst of peril, and on no occasion -when bravery was demanded was -Madelon ever found wanting.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_129'>129</span> -<img src='images/i_129.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c005'><span class='sc'>The Pearl Necklace</span><br /> <span class='large'><i>1767</i></span></h2> -</div> - -<h3 class='c013'>I</h3> - -<div class='c010'> - <img class='drop-capi' src='images/di_129.jpg' width='100' alt='' /> -</div><p class='drop-capi_8'> -“Good-bye,” she -said.</p> - -<p class='c011'>And then again, -“Good-bye.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The voice of the -young girl was choked with sobs, and -tears rolled slowly down her cheeks.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Good-bye, dear garden; good-bye, -dear home”; and as she spoke she -stopped and looked up at the old grey -chateau which the warm afternoon sun -had made glow with tints of rose and -gold.</p> - -<p class='c011'>She made a pretty picture standing -there, even though her eyes were red -<span class='pageno' id='Page_130'>130</span>with weeping, for her clustering curls -were drawn high on her graceful head -with a great comb, the lack of powder -letting their bright chestnut tones -shine in the warm evening light. A -gaily flowered gown of simple muslin, -less ample in its cut than the style -affected by those who lived nearer the -court, was fashioned so as to show a -slender white throat. The delicate -ruffles at elbow and neck showed that -even in the country Mechlin, the lace -of the hour, had its wearers.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Looking about, eyes even less partial -than hers would cease to be surprised -that parting with so fair a scene should -cause such grief. To Clemence Valvier -the chateau was home. There she -was born, had grown to girlhood, and -though but seventeen was not only a -wife, but the mother of a tiny child for -whose sake she was preparing to leave -<span class='pageno' id='Page_131'>131</span>parents, country, home, and friends, -and seek that little known land across -the sea where so many of her countrymen -had gained a footing in the -wilderness.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The pointed turrets of the chateau -stood out sharply against the deep blue -of the afternoon sky, and the glass -panes in the small windows sparkled -as the late sunbeams rested on them. -On one side huge vines of ivy clambered -up the rough stones till they -reached the roof, and amid their hospitable -leaves sheltered many a nest of -linnet and of sparrow, whose cheerful -songs made music at morning and at -sunset.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Clemence stood in the garden looking -sadly at the roses whose sweet profusion -was due in no small measure -to her care. There was the garden -seat; here the sun-dial; yonder, above -<span class='pageno' id='Page_132'>132</span>the wall which bounded the garden, -rose the dove-cote, around which constantly -hovered some of her feathered -pets.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“How can I leave you all!” she cried, -as each familiar object rose before her -eyes. “My courage wellnigh fails me”; -and she sank on her knees before the -dial,—a grey veteran which gave no -hint of time this afternoon, since it -marked only sunny hours, and already -the long shadows cast by the chateau -fell across its face of stone.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Just at that moment, when she was -almost willing to abandon the thought -of the long and terrible journey, she -heard a footstep on the gravel of the -paths.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Ah, Clemence, dear heart, it grieves -me almost past endurance to see your -grief. Say but one word, and I will go -forth alone, and shall send back for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_133'>133</span>you and the little one when a home is -made ready and when I have some -comforts for you.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>At the first sound of her husband’s -voice Clemence had jumped to her feet, -and running to him had laid her tear-stained -face upon his shoulder. As -he finished speaking, she had almost -brought a smile to drive away the -tears, and looking into his face she -bravely made answer,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“If it wrings my heart to leave dear -France, Pierre, it would be a thousand -times worse to have you go and leave -me here, me and little Annette, for -whose sake we undertake all these -perils.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“If I could think that this was really -so”; and Pierre, scarce more than a -youth himself, as he yet wanted several -months of seeing twenty years, bore on -his face a gravity that is rarely seen on -<span class='pageno' id='Page_134'>134</span>one so young. His dark eyes were sad, -and though he smiled when he comforted -his youthful wife, it seemed as -though it was but to cheer her. In -truth, all his life he had comforted -and protected her, for Pierre Valvier, -like Clemence, had called the old -chateau, the rose garden, the long -straight terrace, and the fertile fields -his home.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Left an orphan at an early age, -under the guardianship of Monsieur -Bienville, the father of Clemence, the -two children had played together, -studied together, and finally were -wedded, and now were preparing to -go forth to the New World together.</p> - -<p class='c011'>At this time Louis XV sat upon the -throne of France. He was a weak -monarch, devoted to his pleasures, -and content to let his ministers rule, -although he always took an active part -<span class='pageno' id='Page_135'>135</span>in all the religious quarrels which disturbed -and agitated France. Jealousy, -which had long been smouldering between -France and England on account -of the various colonies in America to -which each country laid claim, broke -out into war in 1756, and its effects -were felt over the whole world.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The brilliant victory of Admiral -Galissonière at Fort St. Philip, the -chief citadel of Port Mahon on the -Minorca Islands, the most important -naval victory which France had gained -in fifty years, filled the whole French -nation with joy. Yet the succeeding -years brought little but ignominy and -defeat, and The Seven Years War, as -this struggle was ultimately called, lost -France not only the greater part of her -navy, but, what was even more galling, -many of her possessions in the New -World.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_136'>136</span>Disapproval of the King and his ministers -drove to what was left of these -colonies in America many Frenchmen -of high character who foresaw nothing -but disaster left for France herself. -Among these was Pierre Valvier, who -sought for himself and his little family -a home in that new country where -liberty of person and creed was assured. -They were to start on the -morrow for Calais, and thence take -ship for New Orleans.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The old chateau—old even in 1756—stood -upon a gentle slope looking -down upon the little fishing village of -Étaples. Such a tiny village it was, -with its one-story huts,—you could -scarcely call them more,—set upon the -banks of the Canache, a broad shallow -river so influenced by the ocean that -when the tide was low the fisher-girls -kilted up their scant skirts and waded -<span class='pageno' id='Page_137'>137</span>across with their baskets of shrimps -upon their strong young shoulders.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Such a little village, and so poor!</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Petit sou, petit sou, donnez-moi -un petit sou!” That was the cry -heard on every side. There was hardly -a hand in the hamlet which would not -be held out in expectation of a small -copper coin, should anyone from the -chateau chance to pass through its one -ill-paved street.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Every year the poverty seemed to -increase. Every year the revenues of -the chateau grew less,—which was -but another reason why Pierre, young -and strong, should seek a home where -those of gentle birth were made welcome, -and where the Crown gave broad -acres of land to each and all who -would go and settle there.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Still, even with Hope and Courage -beckoning, the parting was sad for all. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_138'>138</span>Monsieur Bienville, the father of -Clemence, was a soldier of the old régime. -Tall, elegant, with the true air -of grandeur which is born, not bred, -he watched with sad eyes the preparations -for departure. Madame his wife -could not suppress her grief, and declared -that never, never again should -she see her loved ones.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Ah,” cried she, “the poor children -will be devoured by frightful beasts, I -know it well,—if not by those that -roam on land, by those more awful -ones which dwell in the sea!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The distant land was to her a wilderness, -a desert; and, in truth, a -few miles away from the city of New -Orleans it was little else.</p> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_139'>139</span> - <h3 class='c009'>II</h3> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>The rain was falling heavily as the -old travelling carriage, drawn by four -horses, lumbered up to the door of the -chateau the next morning. Into it had -been packed the necessaries for the -journey to Calais, and two heavy wains -had been sent off some days previously, -laden with such goods as the young -people were to take with them to the -New World.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Within doors the daughter was taking -leave of her parents, and as if to -shorten the sad moment, her father -took her hand, and placed within it a -packet carefully bound in silk.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Dear daughter,” said he, “see that -this packet is carefully guarded. In it -is thy heritance, the pearl necklace -which my mother had from her -<span class='pageno' id='Page_140'>140</span>mother, and which in its turn must go -to thy daughter, the little Annette.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, father, why give to me that -most precious thing? Safeguard it till -we come again, as, if God is willing, -we shall.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It is yours, and then the daughter’s, -and,” he whispered in her ear, -“I have added all the jewels which -were my mother’s portion. Keep them -till time of need.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The impatient stamping of the -horses on the cobblestones of the -court, warned them all that they must -part, and Pierre led Clemence to the -carriage, where little Annette was -sleeping on the broad lap of old Marie, -who had petted and scolded her -mother through her babyhood and -was now going with her on that long -journey to the land of which they -knew so little and feared so much.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_141'>141</span>As if desirous of making up for lost -time, Jacques cracked his whip, and -with the words, “Farewell, farewell,” -ringing in the air, the coach passed -quickly down the long drive and -through the gates leading to the highroad, -and turned in the direction of -Boulogne, where they were to pass that -night.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The familiar scenes of her childhood -never seemed so fair to Clemence as at -this moment when she was parting -from them. Here was the little church -nestling among the trees, where she -had received her first communion, -and there stood Père Joseph, waving -adieux from the old grey porch, the -unfamiliar tear stealing down his -wrinkled cheek.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Farther along on the other side of -the road was the Rose d’Or, the quaint -old inn, before whose hospitable door -<span class='pageno' id='Page_142'>142</span>the village yokels were wont to gather -of a summer’s evening and play at -bowls upon the green. The very signboard -as it hung above the door and -swung in the wind seemed to creak -“farewell,” and as the travelling -chariot rolled by, Clemence hid her -face upon her husband’s shoulder.</p> - -<p class='c011'>At last her sobs grew less violent, -and as if to call attention from her -grief, little Annette awoke, and lying -comfortable and rosy upon the lap of -her nurse, cooed out her satisfaction -as only a healthy, happy baby can. -Pierre took the child in his arms, and -the baby stretched out her hands -towards her mother, who, turning to -take her, found neglected in her own -lap the parcel of jewels so carefully -wrapped and handed to her by her -father as a parting gift.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“See, Pierre, my father gave to me -<span class='pageno' id='Page_143'>143</span>the pearl necklace which I wore on my -wedding day, and it is to be the portion -of little Annette, when she too -marries.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Hardly had the words passed her -lips, when rude shouts were heard, and -the coach gradually came to a standstill.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Halt!” cried a voice almost beside -the window, and old Jacques the -coachman could be heard saying,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“But, messieurs, my master and mistress—”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Peace, knave, let thy betters speak -for themselves.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>At this a rude leering face was thrust -into the window, and a man pulled -roughly at the carriage door and cried,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Step out, and quickly too, and -bring out your valuables with you.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“But we are travellers, and have -with us barely enough to carry us to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_144'>144</span>Calais, where our ship lies at anchor,” -said Pierre, trying not to let his voice -show his anger and disgust.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What will serve you will serve us -also at a pinch. Is it not so, Jean?” -and he turned to a third ruffian who -stood at hand, holding by the bridle -some sorry-looking horses.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Truth, if we take all they have, -’t will be enough, but do not wait too -long,” answered the one named Jean, -who wore a soldier’s cap with a soiled -and broken feather trailing over one -ear.</p> - -<p class='c011'>At the first appearance of the highwaymen -at the carriage window, Clemence -had handed little Annette to -Marie, and in so doing had managed -to slip among her clothes the precious -packet of jewels. She gave Marie a -warning look, and when they were -commanded to step from the coach, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_145'>145</span>she begged, for the sake of the child, -that it and the nurse might sit within.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You can see for yourselves that -neither the infant nor the aged woman -has aught of value,” said she.</p> - -<p class='c011'>After hurriedly searching through -the coach and finding nothing more, -the highwaymen contented themselves -with carrying off Pierre’s sword and a -fair pearl ring which Clemence wore -upon her finger, and a small bag of -golden doubloons which Pierre had in -the pocket of his travelling coat. The -villainous trio had scarcely got safely -away, when the reason of their haste -became apparent, for a captain and -four men-at-arms came around a turn -in the road, urging their horses to a -smart trot, when they saw the travelling -carriage drawn up by the side of -the ditch.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Have three renegadoes passed this -<span class='pageno' id='Page_146'>146</span>way?” called the leader, as they drew -rein.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Truly, but a few moments since,” -said Pierre, with a rueful face, as he -thought of his bag of gold. “It would -have pleased me much had you come -this way but a few moments earlier, -since I then had been the richer for a -purse of doubloons.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Stole they aught beside?” asked the -captain, as he put spurs to his horse -and hardly waited for Pierre’s answer -as they rode hastily away in the direction -the robbers had taken.</p> - -<p class='c011'>When once more the coach was in -motion, Clemence turned to Annette -and clasped her in her arms, saying,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Of a truth, little one, ’twas fortunate -indeed that you saved your inheritance -this time,—you and Marie.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Let us hide the packet better, -Madame,” said Marie. “Who can tell -<span class='pageno' id='Page_147'>147</span>when another band of cutthroats may be -upon us, and truly, as thou saidst, it was -but chance that saved us this time.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Without any delay the packet was -carefully tied among the long skirts of -little Annette, and Marie hardly ceased -to tremble till the coach rolled into the -yard of the inn at Boulogne, and the -red light streaming from the open -door showed them that warmth and -shelter were to be had within.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Early astir the next morning, refreshed -and cheered because the rain -had ceased and the sun shone cheerfully -abroad, our travellers during the -late afternoon of the next day entered -the grey old town of Calais, the little -Annette unconsciously guarding the -packet which held her inheritance as -well as the jewels which Monsieur -Bienville had given as a parting token -to his daughter.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_148'>148</span>It was quite dark when the carriage -was at last unpacked, and not till then -did Pierre draw from behind a secret -panel in the side of the coach the store -of gold which was to suffice for their -needs on board ship, and till they were -established in the new home which -awaited them on the other side of the -ocean.</p> - -<h3 class='c009'>III</h3> - -<p class='c010'>In the harbour of Calais rode at -anchor the ship “Espérance,” which -was taking on passengers and their -goods for the long voyage to New -Orleans. Owing to the shallow water, -the ship could not approach the quay, -and all the watermen of the town were -busy carrying back and forth those -who, like our travellers, were outward -bound, or those who came merely to -say a last farewell.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_149'>149</span>On the walls of the town were gathered -a motley crew, who, not having -friends on board, sought to gain some -excitement by watching the partings -of others; and as from time to time the -chimes rang out from the belfry behind -the citadel, the little craft in the -harbour became even more animated, -since they now carried out to the “Espérance” -some who had been belated -on their way thither, and sought to -get themselves and their goods safely -aboard before the turn of the tide -should serve to carry the ship out -through the Straits into the English -Channel.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Watching this scene from the -cramped deck of the ship, Clemence -and Pierre stood together, the former -giving free vent to her tears, which -rolled unheeded down her cheeks at -the thought that she was leaving behind -<span class='pageno' id='Page_150'>150</span>her so much which had hitherto -made her life joyful.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Her sadness was reflected in her -husband’s face, and at last he spoke.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Dear wife, ’tis not yet too late to -return. Say one word, and I can call -one of those dingeys which shall carry -us back to shore.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Nay, Pierre, I would go with you. -But indeed I must weep, since never -again do these eyes expect to look on -my beautiful France.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I pray your sacrifice may not cost -too dear,” said Pierre, pressing her -hand; and as she wept she whispered,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“The grief I feel at parting from -France is naught compared to what I -should feel at parting from you.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Even as she spoke, there began such -a scene of bustle and confusion that -Clemence perforce dried her eyes to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_151'>151</span>gaze upon it. The sailors were running -to and fro stowing the goods of -passengers away, and piled on the deck -were feather-beds and pallets of straw, -each passenger providing such beds -and covering as his station in life permitted, -since the ship provided only -the room in which these might be laid. -Boatloads of people were leaving the -ship, some merry, some grave, and -above all the noise rose the sharp commands -of the Captain. At last sounded -the shrill notes of the boatswain’s -whistle, and the crew began to man the -capstan bars. One of the sailors commenced -to sing to ease the labour off a -bit, and at the sound of the well-known -chorus,</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“<span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Ho, ho, batelier, batelier,</span></div> - <div class='line'><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Tirez, tirez,</span></div> - <div class='line'><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Ancre de flot,</span></div> - <div class='line'><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Tirez Roget, tirez Notet</span>,”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_152'>152</span>the crew joined in, so that the bars -worked like magic, and the anchor -rose into sight, then came short up, -and finally, with another drive of the -bars, swung all wet and dripping at -the bows.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Ere this the huge sails had been -bent into place, and now with the -fresh evening breeze began to draw, -while from every side came the curious -creak and tugging noise which is present -in every sailing craft. ’Twas not -many moments ere the “Espérance” -had her nose pointed seaward, and -was bowling along with the white -foam flying in her wake. All too -quickly the shores and buildings of the -town receded from the sight of those -who gazed on them with tears, and -even the belfry chimes had a melancholy -sound as they floated out over -the water.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_153'>153</span>Pierre and Clemence stood by the -rail, rather apart from the other passengers, -and when the purple twilight -had swallowed up France, Pierre -said,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“See, Clemence, a good omen. Look -at the new moon.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It is a happy sign, and glad am I -to see it. How silvery it looks, and -see the horn dips not at all, which -argues well for a smooth voyage.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Though the “Espérance” was not -a swift craft, she was a steady one. -There were three weary months spent -on board of her, and the moon proved -a false prophet, since they encountered -storms and head winds, and in addition -had the alarm of pirates and the heat -of the tropics. Worse even than the -perils of the Atlantic were those encountered -when they entered the Gulf -of Mexico, where also pirates lay in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_154'>154</span>wait, where there were contrary currents, -and worse than all, sandbars, -upon which the ship grounded. Many -manœuvres were tried to ease her off, -and there was despair felt on all sides -when it was ordered that the baggage -should be thrown overboard. Fortunately -this sacrifice became unnecessary, -as the second high-tide floated her -off, and slowly the “Espérance” glided -into deeper water. Pierre and Clemence -heard with joy the rattle of the -chain as the anchor was thrown overboard -in the harbour of the Belize, -thinking, poor souls, that the sufferings -of the journey were over. Clemence -turned with a bright smile to poor -Marie, who sat upon a pile of bedding -which lay on the deck, where it had -been thrown in order to be ready for -departure from the ship. The old -nurse had suffered greatly during the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_155'>155</span>long, tedious journey, and even now -she looked sad and worn as she sat -there in the sunshine, holding little -Annette on her knees.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Come, Marie, look less sad; soon -will we reach the spot where our home -is to be. Let me hold the little one.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, Madame, little did I know of -the horrors before us! Praise God -that we still live, we and the little -cat.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Truly the little cat and Annette -seem to have fared better than the rest -of us,” said Clemence, laughing. “Let -us hope there will be fewer mice than -you expect.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“But, Madame, a cat is so comfortable, -and in this wild land there be few -enough comforts, I well know.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Just at this moment Pierre hurried -up to them, and said,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Come, Clemence, bring Annette, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_156'>156</span>while Marie helps me, for the Captain -says we are to go ashore and wait at -the house of the Commandant till -boats come for us from New Orleans.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was with scant ceremony that our -little party and some of the other passengers -were packed into the ship’s -boats and taken to Dauphin Island. -Here they were made comfortable, and -during the week of their stay recovered -somewhat from the sufferings -on shipboard.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was in two pirogues and two -barges that they at last started on the -trip up the river to New Orleans, and -for discomfort the seven days passed -in this journey far outdid all the -fatigues sustained in the “Espérance.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, Madame,” said Marie, “who -ever saw ‘Messieurs les Maringouins’ -of such size and with such stings -before?” and as she spoke she waved -<span class='pageno' id='Page_157'>157</span>again the huge fan with which she -tried to protect Annette from the -ravages of the mosquitoes.</p> - -<p class='c011'>An hour before sunset the rowers -stopped each day, and the whole party -encamped on shore, so as to get safely -tucked in beneath the mosquito bars -before “les Messieurs” should begin -operations.</p> - -<p class='c011'>If the nights were dreadful, the -days were scarcely better, since the -boats were piled high with goods, so -that the passengers were cramped in -narrow spaces and hardly dared to -move. In fact, the little cat in its -wicker basket, and Annette carried -on the broad breast of Marie, were the -most comfortable members of the -party. They had no fears of going -to feed the fishes, as had some of their -elders.</p> - -<p class='c011'>At length the weary trip was over, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_158'>158</span>and when at length the boats drew up -at the landing much of the discomfort -was forgotten.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The Crescent City lay before them, -the white-walled houses gleaming in -the sunshine, while the bells of the -Ursuline Convent pealed a welcome, -and there burned before the chapel of -“Our Lady of Prompt Succour” votive -candles, to commemorate the safe -arrival of another band of travellers -from the distant land which every one -in his heart called “home.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Pierre,” cried Clemence, surprise -showing in every tone of her clear -voice, “but what a beautiful city! -And oh, Pierre, behold the lovely -ladies! Scarce ever in my life have I -seen such brave apparel.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Her eyes were fixed, as she spoke, on -a group which came idly down towards -the landing, the ladies elegant in robes -<span class='pageno' id='Page_159'>159</span>of damask silk loaded with lace and -ribbons, while beside them lounged -officers in rich court suits, both men -and women wearing powdered hair -and having their faces decorated with -black patches.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Louisiana was passing through an -interesting period of its growth, a -changing from the pioneer days when -the young officers from Canadian forts -came down and made things lively -with their merry pranks and boyish -larks, their ceremonies and festivals. -The Marquis de Vaudreuil was governor -now, and brought with him the -elegances and dignity which he had -learned in years of life at the French -court. The French and Swiss officers, -but newly arrived, bore also the stamp -of continental training; and the house -of the Marquis, reflecting as well as -might be the elegance of Versailles, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_160'>160</span>was the centre of all that was most -refined in the city.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Tradition chatters yet of the gracious -manners of the Marquis, and -there are still drawn from chests and -carved presses robes which once figured -at his balls, when court dress was -the only wear. Though these gowns -are now faded and tarnished, in the -time when they were first worn they -flaunted brilliant flowers on a ground -of gold. The yellow bits of lace at -elbow and corsage are frail now as a -spider’s web, but then they were the -latest patterns from Alençon and Flanders, -and fit companions for the jewels -which sparkled amongst them.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was at this time, when New -Orleans boasted the greatest beauty -and elegance of any city in the New -World, that our little family landed -on its quay.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_161'>161</span>It is hard to conceive that while -within the limits of the city there -flowed such gay life as that seen in -the Governor’s mansion, without, and -but a few miles away, were untrod -wildernesses.</p> - -<p class='c011'>But so it was.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Pierre and Clemence rested but a -few days before they sought out the -plantation where they so fondly hoped -to raise a home and enjoy the fruits -of the rich country which they had -chosen as their own.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The roads were poor, horses high in -price and not at all plenty, so that -Pierre bought some pirogues, a species -of small boat, to take them and their -goods the twenty miles up the Bayou -Gentilly, to where their plantation lay.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Poor Clemence, how gloomy looked -the cypress swamps which stretched -away on either hand as the heavily -<span class='pageno' id='Page_162'>162</span>laden boats moved slowly along! -Strange and unfamiliar were the long -curtains of grey moss which swung -back and forth from the branches of -the trees, seeming to wave in a ghostly -fashion even when there was no wind, -and creeping up to the tops of the tallest -trees in its silent fashion, but ever -turning aside from the bunches of mistletoe -which stood out, great rosettes -of bright green where all else seemed -marked for decay.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Even the brilliant-hued birds which -flitted cheerfully from one twig to another, -and sang from time to time, did -not cheer her, for they seemed so unfamiliar, -her mind clinging more to -those modest-coated friends, the linnets -and finches, which she had fed in the -rose garden at the chateau at Étaples.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Ever anxious to cheer her, Pierre -said at last,—</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_163'>163</span>“Sing, dearest Clemence. It seems -so long since I heard your voice.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“How can I sing when my heart is -sad?” But even as she spoke she was -sorry, since she knew that the good -spirits of the little party depended -largely on herself.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What shall I sing, Pierre?” she -asked, after a moment’s pause, and -then, as if it had been on the tip of -her tongue all the while, began,—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“<span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Chante, rossignol, chante,</span></div> - <div class='line'><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Toi qu’as le cœur tant gai.</span></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“<span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Pour moi, je ne l’ai guère,</span></div> - <div class='line'><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Mon amant m’a quittée,</span></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“<span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Pour un bouton de rose</span></div> - <div class='line'><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Que trop tôt j’ai donné.</span></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“<span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Je voudrais que la rose</span></div> - <div class='line'><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Fût encore au rosier;</span></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“<span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Et que la rosier même</span></div> - <div class='line'><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Fût encore a planter;</span></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_164'>164</span>“<span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Et que mon ami Pierre</span></div> - <div class='line'><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Fût encore a m’aimer.</span></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“<span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Tra la la, la la lere,</span></div> - <div class='line'><span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Tra la lere, de la ri ra.</span>”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>No doubt it was the mocking-bird’s -song which rang from the trees which -brought to the mind of Clemence this -song, which had been a favourite of -theirs at home, and which told so musically -of the nightingale’s song, of the -red of the rose, and of the love of -“Pierre.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>In five minutes the scene seemed to -change from gloom to gaiety. Annette -was cooing, Marie kept time to the gay -little tune with the great fan which -seldom left her hand, while the little -cat in her efforts to gain her freedom -tipped over her basket and set them all -laughing.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The Bayou Gentilly, up which they -<span class='pageno' id='Page_165'>165</span>were travelling in the pirogues, which -were hardly more than dug-out canoes, -was bordered at intervals on either side -by the plantations of settlers who had -owned the land for fifty years and over -in some cases.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why, Pierre, how is this?” said -Clemence, breaking off her song; “first -the wilderness, then, see, the fields are -planted!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“These plantations are worked by -the order of the King,” answered -Pierre, “and the little shrubs with berries -which have such fresh green leaves -are the myrtle-wax bushes, from which -wax for candles is made. We ourselves -will have our plantation bordering -on the Bayou set with such bushes -as these; it is so directed.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“But I thought indigo and sugar-cane -were what we were to plant. I -know that I could not bring half the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_166'>166</span>things I wished, lest there should not -be room for the indigo seeds and the -little canes.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Pierre smiled and said,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Truly a house, dear girl, is the first -thing to be considered, and that may -best be obtained by a good crop of indigo -seed, since the planters hereabouts -must needs get their seed from France, -unless some are willing to raise seed -only.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>On the forenoon of the second day -the boats drew up to the shore, and -Pierre, anxious, but looking cheerful, -said,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Welcome to your new home, Clemence. -Give me the little Annette, Marie, -since she, with her mother, must -be the first to step on shore.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Home, say you, Pierre?” and Clemence -laughed, and looked ruefully, too, -at the little log-cabin which had been -<span class='pageno' id='Page_167'>167</span>hastily built by the negroes sent on in -advance by Pierre.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Patience but for a little while, and -in place of that rude home you shall -see a house as fair as any in these -plantations.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Laughing like two children, the -young parents hastened to touch to the -ground one of Annette’s tiny feet cased -in its sandal, and as Monsieur Valvier -handed the child back to its mother, -he said,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What is that which makes the -child’s garments so stiff?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>A warning glance from Clemence -and a smothered exclamation from Marie -made him remember that it was -the precious packet with the pearl -necklace and jewels, of which the little -girl was still the unconscious custodian.</p> - -<p class='c011'>In New Orleans, indeed, they had -been forced to draw on the packet, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_168'>168</span>since it was necessary to have slaves to -help them build and plant, and though -there were frequent importations of -them from Africa, the value of one -working slave was equal to a thousand -dollars of our money, and while it -was generally paid in rice, Pierre, a -new-comer, was obliged to pay in -money. In order to do this, and also -buy the precious seed which was so -necessary, his own store was more than -exhausted, and but for the packet -so thoughtfully provided by Monsieur -Bienville they would have been obliged -to start out ill provided.</p> - -<h3 class='c009'>IV</h3> - -<p class='c010'>Although the log-cabin was far -different from the old chateau, and -the garden planted with indigo and -young sugar-canes a great contrast to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_169'>169</span>the rose garden with its sun-dial at -Étaples, the young couple were not -unhappy, and little Annette grew -apace.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The only person who took the -change sadly to heart was old Marie, -and her love for her mistress and the -little one was all that kept her alive.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The fertile soil, so rich on the shores -of the Bayou that it was fairly black, -was soon heavily planted. There were -rice fields in addition to those of indigo -and sugar-cane, and for the home were -planted watermelons, potatoes, peas, -and beans; figs and bananas as well -as pumpkins were abundant, and there -were wild grapes and pecans to be had -for the gathering.</p> - -<p class='c011'>With a gun the larder could be kept -supplied with ducks, geese, wild swan, -venison, pheasants, and partridges, and, -most curious of all, wild beef, for unbranded -<span class='pageno' id='Page_170'>170</span>cattle were considered common -property, and many of them escaped -from the ranges and roamed the forests -in increasing companies.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The second year the plantation -showed the results of Monsieur Valvier’s -unceasing care, and he carried to -New Orleans a crop of indigo seed -which exceeded by many bushels his -greatest hopes.</p> - -<p class='c011'>As the slaves pushed off from the -landing, Pierre, standing in the stern -of the boat, called out,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What shall I bring thee back, -Clemence?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Whatever you think I shall like -best,” she answered, waving her hand -in farewell.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What for the little daughter?” -and as if she had only been waiting for -the chance, Annette called out gaily,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Dolly.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_171'>171</span>“How shall I get a dolly? Would -you not rather have something else, a -toy or a new frock?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“No, papa, a dolly”; and Annette -pressed in her arms the bit of stick -enveloped in a piece of gay calico -which served her as a substitute for -the dearest of all toys.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Two days later, when the little girl -was helping her mother to gather the -wax berries from the twigs, so that the -yearly supply of candles might be -made, they heard from the Bayou the -cheerful song of the negroes as they -rowed homeward.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Come, mamma, oh, come and see my -dolly”; and Annette ran away, while -her mother followed more slowly, talking -to old Marie, who was carrying in -her arms a young Pierre, Annette’s -little brother, who had been born since -they had lived in the new home.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_172'>172</span>With a pleased face Monsieur Valvier -leaped ashore, hardly waiting for -the boat to reach the landing. In his -arms he held two parcels carefully -wrapped in silver paper.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Now, mamma shall guess first what -is in her parcel,” he said; but Annette -could not wait for that, and stood close -at his side, saying over softly to -herself,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“My dolly, my pretty, pretty dolly.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Give Annette hers first,” said -Madame Valvier; “it will take me -much time to guess what my parcel -contains.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Annette sat soberly down and -brought forth from many wrappings -a beautiful doll, with red cheeks and -blue eyes, dressed like a court lady, -and newly come from France, as her -father explained.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“She is most too beautiful to love,” -<span class='pageno' id='Page_173'>173</span>exclaimed the little girl, as she gently -held the gay lady; and the father -and mother could only smile at the -serious face of the child as she regarded -the doll she had so fondly -desired.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Now look at your gift, dear wife. -I hope it will please you as much as -Annette’s pleases her”; and Monsieur -Valvier put into his wife’s hands the -second packet. With almost as much -excitement as Annette, her mother -unrolled her gift, and exclaimed with -pleasure at the length of shining silk -which greeted her delighted eyes.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, but, Pierre,” she began; but he -stopped her with,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, I know what you would say, -silks and a log-cabin. But I have good -news. The indigo seed brought such -a high price that I have bought all -that was needful for a house, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_174'>174</span>already it is loaded on barges and on -its way hither.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Good news, indeed, that is. Marie, -did you hear that we are to have a -house at last? Who knows, perhaps -it may be ready for the little Pierre’s -christening.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The parish in which lay the Valviers’ -plantation also contained the homes -of several other planters. These were -either earlier settlers or blessed with -greater riches than the Valviers, and -their plantations were dignified with -dwellings which seemed commodious -enough in those days, simple as they -would appear in our eyes now.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The planters’ homes were often built -in what was called the “Italian style,” -with pillars supporting the galleries, -which were in reality roomy piazzas. -The houses were surrounded by gardens -of gorgeous flowering plants, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_175'>175</span>approached by avenues of wild orange -trees.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was such a house which soon rose -on the bank of the Bayou Gentilly, -among the trees which flourished in -that teeming soil, and the rude cabin -was moved into the background to -serve as the quarters for the slaves. -Nor were there gaieties wanting, for -the planters visited among their neighbours, -the ladies coming in huge lumbering -coaches drawn by many horses, -or by pirogue, while the men almost -always rode, the saddle-horse for the -master being almost a necessity.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The succeeding years passed quickly, -if not too prosperously, and tobacco -was added to the productions of the -Valvier plantation. Pierre had made -himself honoured and respected among -the men in his own and the neighbouring -parishes, and his ardent love for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_176'>176</span>France kept him ever a Frenchman, -even though his home lay across the -sea.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Annette was by this time eight years -old, quite a little mother, as Clemence -fondly called her, since, grave beyond -her years, she looked out for the little -brothers and sister who had been -born at the Bayou Gentilly. Poor -Marie had died, a victim to an attack -of the fever which hangs like a dark -pall over that enchanting region, and -more care had fallen on the shoulders -of little Annette than really belonged -there. She saw not only to the welfare -of the children, but ruled the blacks -and looked after the house in a fashion -which astonished her mother, whose -health had sadly failed, and upon -whose natural energy the relaxing -climate had laid its enervating spell. -The French thrift which is so marked -<span class='pageno' id='Page_177'>177</span>a quality in the women of that nation -seemed to have passed by the mother -and bloomed in the nature of the -daughter, and Annette’s efforts were -all which kept the home from being -better than a cabin, left to the mercies -of the negligent slaves.</p> - -<h3 class='c009'>V</h3> - -<p class='c010'>There was one thing for which Annette’s -mother never lacked strength -or energy, and that was the celebration -of the birthdays—“fête days,” -she called them—of the little family. -There was always some little gift -forthcoming, were it only a basket of -fine figs or a garland of flowers; and -for Annette particularly her mother -always made an extra effort.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The birthday of the little girl fell in -June, that month when all the world -<span class='pageno' id='Page_178'>178</span>is dressed in flowers, and when the sky -above seems to bend its bluest arch. -On this occasion Annette was to have -a party, her very first, and all the children -from the neighbouring plantations -had been bidden; and papa had made a -special trip to New Orleans and come -home with some wonderful and mysterious -packages, which had been quickly -hidden away. At last the day arrived, -and Annette felt it to be the happiest -one she had ever known.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“To be nine years old and to have a -party! Just think of that, Auguste!” -she cried, as she helped the little boy -to dress.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Auguste was thinking of it with so -much glee that it made the dressing of -him more than usually difficult, and -Annette turned to little Pierre; but his -whole attention was given to “keeping -a secret,” for mamma had said that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_179'>179</span>Annette was not to know what her -present was to be till they were all -gathered at the table for breakfast.</p> - -<p class='c011'>But he knew, did little Pierre, and it -was a hard burden not to tell sister -Annette. At last the little ones were -ready, and Annette had seen that the -simple fare which formed the breakfast—fruit -and hominy, with coffee for -the father and mother—was on the -table.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Such a clamour as arose.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, mother, let me tell.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“No, let me.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, sister Annette—” But they got -no further, for Annette herself pulled -the cover off a big box which was laid -on her chair, and there within lay a -white dress—oh, such a pretty one!—and -a little pair of slippers, with long, -narrow ribbons to lace them criss-cross -about the ankles, and, most lovely of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_180'>180</span>all, a long blue sash, which had on its -two ends a fringe of gold.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, dearest mother,” cried Annette, -“was there ever anything so lovely; -and the little brodequins,” pointing to -the little slippers, “and a fan! Oh, -mother, and you, too, father, how can I -thank you both enough?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Her father kissed her fondly and -said,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“My little daughter repays me every -day.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The mother was well contented with -Annette’s pleasure for all the pains -she had taken.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“And, sister Annette, see, I gave you -the fan.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“And oh, sister, look at the pretty -mouchoir; that is from me.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>And the happy Annette kissed and -thanked, and they were all so pleased -that breakfast was quite forgotten and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_181'>181</span>would have grown cold if black Mimi -had not put her head in at the door to -remind them of it.</p> - -<p class='c011'>When Annette had put on the new -birthday dress, laced the slippers -around her slender ankles, and held -the fan and kerchief, she ran into her -mother’s room to show her the effect.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“See, mamma, it just fits me”; and -she gave the small skirts a toss and a -pat, while her mother turned from the -table where she had been standing with -a small casket in her hand.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Dearest Annette,” said she, in quite -a solemn voice, “I shall let you wear -to-day what my father gave to me, saying -that one day it was to be thine. -When you are grown to be a big girl, it -shall be yours to have always, but to-day -you shall wear it because you are -my good child, and I love you fondly.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>As Madame Valvier spoke, she clasped -<span class='pageno' id='Page_182'>182</span>about Annette’s neck the pearl necklace, -the only remnant of the packet of -jewels which had come from France, -and which had been drawn on when -crops failed, or for the purchase of -slaves, or for some of the many needs -in a new country where money is -scarce.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, mamma!” and Annette’s voice -was low with pleasure as she gently -touched the rows of shining pearls -which seemed far too costly a jewel -for the neck of a little girl, and quite -out of place over the modest frock.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Are these really for me some day? -Did grandpère say it should be so?” -and Annette listened while her mother -told her of her grandfather’s injunction, -and how old Marie had hidden -them in Annette’s own clothes and -saved them from the highwaymen.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The time passed quickly before the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_183'>183</span>little guests began to arrive, for it was -to be an afternoon party, and some -were brought by boat on the Bayou, -while others rode on pillions behind -black Philippe or Jean, as the case -might be, sitting very still so that the -best frocks would not be rumpled.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Many games they played in the long, -cool galleries, or on the grass before -the house. Ball was one of them, -and when they were tired of this they -played at hide-and-seek, finding many -good and secret nooks among the trees -and wax-myrtle shrubs, which were so -bushy and so green.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What shall we play next?” asked -Annette, anxious that her guests should -have a good time, and some one suggested -“Hugh, Sweet Hugh,” that game -of many verses which has been played -by high and low through so many centuries -and in all countries.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_184'>184</span>The children made a pretty sight as, -circling in a ring, they sang merrily,—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Come up, sweet Hugh, come up, dear Hugh,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Come up and get the ball.”</div> - <div class='line'>“I will not come, I may not come,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Without my bonny boys all.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Even after the tragic death of Sweet -Hugh their voices rang out clearly till -the last verse,—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“And all the bells of merry France</div> - <div class='line in2'>Without men’s hands were rung;</div> - <div class='line'>And all the books of merry France</div> - <div class='line in2'>Were read without men’s tongue.</div> - <div class='line'>Never was such a burial</div> - <div class='line in2'>Since Adam’s days begun.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>Then, half frightened at their own -game, they scampered into the house, -where Madame Valvier was awaiting -them, and where, spread on trestle-boards, -were all the dainties so loved -of children,—fresh figs with cream, -sweet chocolate, little cakes made of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_185'>185</span>nuts and honey, and right in the centre -a great round birthday cake with a -dove on the very top.</p> - -<p class='c011'>At this last touch Annette was as -much surprised as the other children, -and in answer to her wondering look -her mother said,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Your father brought it from New -Orleans; it is his gift to you.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>After it had been admired, Annette -cut the first piece, and the merry meal -seemed over all too quickly for the -children who had to take their way -homewards, reluctant to have an end -put to such unusual festivities, and not -half aware of the necessity of being safe -in their own homes before nightfall.</p> - -<p class='c011'>When the last one had gone, Annette -took off her unaccustomed finery, and, -holding in her hands the splendid necklace, -looked with wonder on the round -globes of pearls, which showed on their -<span class='pageno' id='Page_186'>186</span>satiny faces the shifting tones of rose, -blue, pale green, and yellow.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Ah, mother,” she sighed, “to think -that so beautiful a thing should be -mine!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Remember always, little daughter, -that it was first my mother’s portion, -then mine, and shall be yours, never to -part with.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Of a truth, dear mother, I should -wish to keep it always. But,” and -here she hesitated, “you know the -other jewels which grandpère gave -have all gone.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Those were my own, but this is -different, and should be kept always, -except in case of gravest need.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Gravest need—what is that, mamma?” -and Annette’s blue eyes looked -up solemnly into her mother’s face.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Does it mean to save a life, -mamma?”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_187'>187</span>Madame Valvier, hardly appreciating -the earnest little soul which was listening -to her words, answered,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, to save life or honour. Now, -put it in its box, and come with me -till I show you where it is hidden.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>In a small room where the children -kept their few playthings, some rude -toys and some bright shells and beans, -Madame Valvier paused, and, stooping, -took from beneath the window a small -board, which disclosed a box-like cupboard -lined with lead.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Here it is kept with the rest of our -treasures, Annette, the papers which -belong to your father and the grants -of our land. I show this place to you -because you have a wisdom beyond your -years, and are indeed my little comfort.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Annette’s face grew rosy with -pleasure at these words, and holding -her mother’s hand, she whispered,—</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_188'>188</span>“I love you truly, dearest mamma, -and I am the happiest girl in the -world.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>When the little ones were in bed, -Annette crept up on her father’s lap -and had the crowning joy of the day, -a long story of his childhood’s days -in France; and she listened entranced, -as she had hundreds of times before, -to his descriptions of the old grey -chateau at Étaples, the rose garden -with its sun-dial, and, best of all, to the -tales of how he and her mother used to -scull down the broad shallow Canache, -and then at the river’s mouth search -among the rocks and seaweed for -shrimps, while out at sea the big ships -went sailing past, with their white or -brown sails swelling with the fresh -wind.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Even with the interest she felt in the -story, poor Annette, tired with so much -<span class='pageno' id='Page_189'>189</span>pleasure, nestled lower and lower in -her father’s arms, and finally her head -fell on his shoulder.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“She sleeps,” he said, “poor little -girl, fairly tired out with too much -happiness”; and taking her in his -strong arms, he carried her off to her -room, where she was soon settled in -her bed, the process of undressing -hardly waking her.</p> - -<h3 class='c009'>VI</h3> - -<p class='c010'>With each succeeding year there -were more and more settlers coming -to the flowery land of Louisiana. If -they had flocked thither in the time -of the Regent, that clever and witty -intriguer, they came more eagerly during -the reign of Louis XV, so shallow a -king that it is hard to conceive how he -won the name of “The Well-beloved.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_190'>190</span>It was a strange company which -made up the population of the Crescent -City, not only those from Paris -with their elegances and velvet coats, -beneath which beat such loyal hearts, -but rubbing shoulders with them in -street and café were many of far -rougher exterior, who had come down -from the settlements in Canada, and -learned to adore the little city which -was so different from the homes which -they had left in the cold North.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Yet each and every one of these, -marquis from France or pioneer from -Canada, or even the sad-faced Acadian -refugee who had been welcomed to -these hospitable shores, had a heart -which beat for France alone.</p> - -<p class='c011'>With but the least assistance they -would have swept the Gulf and made -themselves masters of that inland sea, -and not only held the possessions of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_191'>191</span>the mother country on land, but added -to them.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Frenchmen in language and in their -hearts, they put up with the expulsion -of their beloved Ursuline sisters, since -the mother country so willed it, only -allowing themselves the liberty of -giving vent to their feelings by indulging -in an unlimited number of satirical -songs, burlesques, and pasquinades, as -they were called. Little did they -know, as they trod the white streets -of the city, the deadly blow to those -same stout hearts which France was -plotting,—France, whom they loved -so fondly and in whom they trusted so -implicitly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Completely dominated by his prime -minister, Choiseul, Louis XV followed -where this ugly, brilliant, inconstant -man led, and trafficked first with Austria -and then with Spain, till in 1761 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_192'>192</span>Choiseul put in shape his famous -“Pacte de Famille,” which united all -the royalties of Bourbon blood and -which formed into one great band -the thrones of France, Spain, Turin, -Naples, and Sicily.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Although Choiseul had the audacity -to frame this agreement, and Louis XV -had the folly to sign it, they did not -have the courage to proclaim it, and -so it remained a secret for several -years.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was not till October, 1764, that -the news arrived at New Orleans that -Louisiana had, by secret treaty, been -ceded to Spain, and instructions were -sent to Monsieur D’Abadie, the Governor, -to hand over to the envoy of -Spain, who would shortly arrive, the -whole colony and its possessions.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The blow was stunning!</p> - -<p class='c011'>At first it could not be credited. To -<span class='pageno' id='Page_193'>193</span>be tossed like a plaything from France -to Spain, that cowardly Spain who -had never assisted them in any way, -who had not even fought to get them, -whom they had outwitted and overmatched -in every contest,—this was -too much!</p> - -<p class='c011'>Not many hours elapsed before the -city was in a ferment. Groups gathered -on the street corners and loudly -denounced the proceedings. The wine-shops -held excited bands who declaimed -in passionate language against -both king and country that could treat -a colony in such fashion, and the -chorus which rose and swelled protested -that it could not be borne.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Swift pirogues carried the news -among the plantations which lay along -the Bayous, while men on horseback -went to those in the interior.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Meetings were called in the parishes -<span class='pageno' id='Page_194'>194</span>first, and then a convention was -planned in New Orleans itself, to which -every parish in the State was to send -delegates. The subject was to be discussed, -and then the King was to be -informed of this cruel, this awful -thing that he was doing, and he was -to be petitioned to listen to the voice -which echoed his own tongue, and -which under every trial had spoken -but loyal words of him.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Every parish sent its most notable -men, and of these Monsieur Valvier, -Annette’s father, was one. The meeting -at New Orleans was a gathering -of all that was wise and distinguished -throughout the whole State, and it was -unanimously decided to send to France -a delegation of three men, to bear to -the King himself their petition.</p> - -<p class='c011'>These three men left for France on -the first vessel which sailed, and one -<span class='pageno' id='Page_195'>195</span>can imagine the passionate nature of -the appeal which they carried with -them, in which the whole colony besought -the King to let them die as -they had lived,—Frenchmen to their -hearts’ core.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Think of the feeling of relief which -swelled every heart as the crowds -gathered to see the envoys depart -bearing the message to France and to -their King!</p> - -<p class='c011'>Not one doubted but that the eloquence -of Jean Milhet, who headed it, -would win back their loved State from -the hated Spaniard, and that he would -speedily return with the joyful news, -and that once more it would be French -land for French men.</p> - -<p class='c011'>To the doors of France are laid many -acts of cruelty and oppression, but -there is no sadder story than the grief -and humiliation to which this little -<span class='pageno' id='Page_196'>196</span>delegation was subjected. For one -whole year they waited, were put off -from day to day with first one excuse -and then another, and at last, sick -and heart-broken, sailed back to New -Orleans without ever having seen the -King nor presented their petition!</p> - -<p class='c011'>Even though their chief envoy did -not return, and there was no news of -the success of their petition, the people -of Louisiana seemed to have no doubt -as to its success. Judge then of the -fever of excitement into which they -were thrown when a letter arrived in -July, 1766, saying that Don Antonio -de Ulloa, the Spanish envoy, was on -his way to take possession.</p> - -<p class='c011'>What should be done?</p> - -<p class='c011'>Whither should they turn? New -meetings were called, the militia was -strengthened as much as possible; but -month after month passed away and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_197'>197</span>Don Antonio did not arrive, so that the -people quieted down and hope bubbled -up afresh.</p> - -<p class='c011'>One morning in February, 1767, when -the Commandant awoke, he found -anchored below the Belize, that old -fortress at the mouth of the river, a -large frigate flying the Spanish colours. -On board was Don Antonio with his -personal suite, two companies of Spanish -infantry, and some Capuchin -monks.</p> - -<p class='c011'>In March, in a frightful storm of -wind and rain, they landed on the -levee in New Orleans, and were met -by a sullen crowd of citizens and by a -mass of unwilling French troops.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The Spanish envoy, haughty, severe -in aspect, and a martinet in demanding -that deferential ceremonial etiquette -which was so firmly engrafted into -Spanish nature, either could not or -<span class='pageno' id='Page_198'>198</span>would not understand the feelings -which prompted the ardent Louisianians -to cling to their nationality. He -expected the people to change at his -coming their flag and their allegiance, -the soldiers their service, and all to hasten -to assume the Spanish yoke. He -could not understand their refusal to -do so, and when the Superior Council of -the city requested him to show his credentials, -he abruptly refused, although -he agreed to defer taking possession -till more Spanish soldiers were sent to -him.</p> - -<p class='c011'>This was at least the form to which -he agreed; but he proceeded to get control -as far as possible, visiting in turn -all the military posts, and replacing the -French flag and the French commanders -with Spanish ones.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Over New Orleans alone did the -French flag still wave.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_199'>199</span>It may be easily understood that such -high-handed deeds were not accomplished -without protest on the part of -the people of Louisiana. Curtailed of -their possessions on every side, for by -the “Treaty of Paris” much had been -ceded to the English, they proposed -to make as stubborn a resistance as -possible.</p> - -<p class='c011'>In the remote parishes the feeling -flamed almost higher than at New Orleans -itself, since the sight of the detested -Spanish flag was an ever-present -insult.</p> - -<p class='c011'>During the year which had passed -since the deputation had been sent to -Paris bearing the memorial to the King, -Monsieur Valvier had wasted neither -time nor effort to arouse those with -whom he came in contact, and keep -them rigorously opposed to Spanish -rule.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_200'>200</span>There were stormy meetings in the -parish to which he belonged, in which -he was always an impassioned leader. -There were secret meetings at his and -the neighbouring plantations. He became -gloomy, a man with but one -thought in his head,—the disgrace of -belonging to Spain.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was small wonder that with its -head so distraught the plantation fell -into neglect. The crops of indigo -and tobacco failed, since the master’s -eye no longer kept watch on careless -servants.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Madame Valvier’s ill-health increased -as the winter season approached, and on -little Annette fell more and more the -care of the family and home. Scant -crops made scant money, and it was -only by unceasing care that Annette -kept the active little brothers clothed -and fed, and saw that the languid mother -<span class='pageno' id='Page_201'>201</span>had her fresh fruit and café au lait, and -that her favourite gowns of delicate -white were kept mended and ever -fresh.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Nor were these all her duties.</p> - -<p class='c011'>At evening, when her father returned -depressed and miserable from a -never-ending discussion with neighbouring -planters as to the ignominy of their -lot, it was Annette who met and tried -to cheer him. She had ever something -ready for him, were it only a bowl of -fresh figs; and the earnest child at last -became the confidant of the despairing -man.</p> - -<p class='c011'>One memorable evening he returned -later than usual, and to Annette’s surprise -and pleasure his eyes were bright -and shining, and he carried his head -proudly and with confidence. Tenderly -embracing Annette, he cried,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“At last, at last have I prevailed on -<span class='pageno' id='Page_202'>202</span>these neighbours who hate and yet fear -the Spanish. All is ready, and to-morrow -we at least will show Don Ulloa -that there are loyal Frenchmen enough -in Louisiana to refuse to live under the -Spanish flag and his detestable rule.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“But, father, what is it you would -do?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Lean closer, my child, for none -here must learn of this till everything -is ready and we leave for the city.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Does mother know, dear father?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“No, Annette, I dare not tell her; her -constant illness makes her timorous.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The young girl pressed closer to his -knee, her large, serious eyes fixed on -his face. So wrapped was the man in -his own thoughts that he knew not the -heavy burden he was laying on the already -overcrowded young shoulders.</p> - -<p class='c011'>To her the father unfolded his plans.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Well you know the cruel blow -<span class='pageno' id='Page_203'>203</span>that has been dealt to us from France, -and how the Spaniard Don Antonio -has sought to make Spaniards of us -all,—true-born Frenchmen that we are; -how he has hoisted the Spanish flag, -and manned all our forts with Spanish -soldiers. To-morrow evening there will -start from this plantation Monsieur -Biron, myself, and all the owners of -the plantations in this parish, with -such of their men as they can arm, and -by boat we will go down the Bayou, -stopping at each plantation as we go, -and gathering men together till we -reach New Orleans.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, father!” interrupted Annette, -breathlessly, “will you take an army -into the city?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“So I hope; and these, with the -loyal French Guard and the citizens, -will enable us to sweep onwards, and -Don Antonio will find what manner of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_204'>204</span>men he has to deal with, and we will -not rest till he is safely confined within -the walls of the Belize.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>In the excitement of his story Monsieur -Valvier’s voice rose till there -came from the room beyond, where -Madame Valvier lay, the sleepy question -as to why they talked so late.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Putting his finger to his lip to warn -Annette, he replied,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I but tell a tale to Annette, who -will go now to bed.” Kissing her -fondly good night, he whispered in her -ear,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Remember to tell not a word, Annette, -and lest I do not see you alone -again, I say farewell, till we put the -hated Spaniard where he will do no -further harm.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Although Annette crept to bed, her -eyes for a long time stared into the -darkness. She feared, not for the success -<span class='pageno' id='Page_205'>205</span>of her father’s mission, but lest in -some way he be hurt. She saw, as he -described it, Don Ulloa safely confined -in the dreaded Belize, and she rejoiced -in her childish heart over the grand -part her father was to take in keeping -Louisiana for the French.</p> - -<p class='c011'>When the next night came, she peeped -cautiously out from between the casements, -and saw dark figures take their -places in the pirogues drawn up at the -landing and silently paddle down the -Bayou.</p> - -<p class='c011'>She saw her father in the leading -boat, and with him were several of -their own men, and in the flaring light -of the single torch she saw the gleaming -of the guns.</p> - -<p class='c011'>In a silent adieu she waved her hand, -even though she knew that her father -could not see her, and confiding on his -belief and assurance of success, she fell -<span class='pageno' id='Page_206'>206</span>into a deep and dreamless sleep, and -over the whole plantation rested an -absolute quiet.</p> - -<p class='c011'>But her father—Ah, the sadness -of that night trip!</p> - -<p class='c011'>The few men who had started with -him from the plantation in the hope -that they would be joined by many -more of wealth and power were cruelly -disabused of their beliefs. There was -but a handful more; but in the small -group was the spirit of an army, and -it was hoped that Don Ulloa could be -surprised just before dawn, and with -the first successful blow many would -hasten to join the victorious party.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was the old story of a forlorn -hope.</p> - -<p class='c011'>In some way Don Ulloa had been apprised -of the uprising, and the party -had barely set foot on the levee at -New Orleans before they were surrounded -<span class='pageno' id='Page_207'>207</span>and taken prisoners by a -strong party of Spanish soldiers.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Monsieur Valvier, as the leader, was -not detained in the city, but sent up -the Bayou to Fort St. John, a desolate -spot on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, -at the head of Bayou St. John.</p> - -<p class='c011'>During the first two days of his -imprisonment Monsieur Valvier was -stunned. He seemed incapable of realising -the misfortune which had befallen -not himself alone, but the little -family at home. Too late he saw that -the lukewarm policy of the others -whom he had tried to induce to join -him was not all selfish, and as happens -so often to the enthusiast, he saw too -late the folly of his actions.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was the stinging thought of these -helpless sufferers at home which at last -aroused him, and spurred him on to see -if their welfare could not be in some -<span class='pageno' id='Page_208'>208</span>way assured. The intendant in charge -of the fort was hard and cold, but, as -Monsieur Valvier soon learned, was not -averse to accepting a ransom.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Indeed, he informed Monsieur Valvier -of this fact himself, and allowed -him to send a letter home telling of -his personal safety, and that his liberty -could be bought. Till this letter arrived -the plantation on the Bayou -Gentilly had been a sad place.</p> - -<p class='c011'>When, as one day after another passed -and Monsieur Valvier did not return, -Annette, not knowing what to do, -told her mother of the uprising, and -Madame Valvier, with health already -undermined, became so seriously ill -that poor Annette knew not which -way to turn.</p> - -<p class='c011'>One or two of the slaves had strayed -home, and from them Annette had -learned that at least her father was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_209'>209</span>alive, and at last came the letter which -told that he could be ransomed if a -sufficient sum of money could be raised. -The letter ended,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Alas, dear child, I know too well -that there is naught left which may be -turned into money to procure my freedom. -I see too late that I have been -led away from my duties to my little -ones and their mother. God grant -that they may be kept in safety; as for -me my heart is breaking!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Madame Valvier was too ill to give -Annette any counsel. All day long -the child kept saying to herself,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“My father must be ransomed, but -how? Where shall I get the gold? -Oh, mamma, if you could but help -me!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>At last, passing through the children’s -room while waiting on her -mother, Annette’s eyes fell upon the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_210'>210</span>boards which concealed the leaden-lined -box containing the papers and -necklace.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“The pearl necklace,” she cried softly -to herself, “why have I not thought of -it before?” Removing the cover, she -felt hurriedly within the enclosure to -assure herself that it was safe.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The rest of that day, as she went -about her duties, her one thought was -of the way to get it to her father, and -at last she decided that she must go -with it herself. There was no one -whom she could trust with this price -of her father’s freedom, and her heart -was full of the thought of saving him, -so that there was no room for fear.</p> - -<p class='c011'>She determined to start that night, -and, used from infancy to the management -of a boat, she did not hesitate as -to the means of travelling.</p> - -<p class='c011'>But her mother—how to leave her?</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_211'>211</span>She called the woman from the -kitchen, an old slave but a faithful -one, and bade her sleep within the -next room, so that if Madame called -she should hear her.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“For,” said Annette, “see, Tignon, -I must go on a message for my father. -When my mother wakens, tell her -that I shall soon return,—remember, -Tignon, soon return.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>As soon as it was dark, Annette -took from its hiding-place the necklace, -and as the cool, milky globes -slipped through her fingers, she kissed -them, saying,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Dear father, to think that these -may save thy life. I remember my -mother said that they were never to -be parted with save ‘for life or honour.’ -Perhaps this time it may be both, but -I cannot tell.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>For a moment she was at a loss how -<span class='pageno' id='Page_212'>212</span>to carry them, and then putting them -about her neck she snapped the clasp -securely and drew over them the waist -of her gown, which was fashioned to -come high in the neck.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“’Tis the easiest and the simplest -way, and certainly none would think -that such a thing lay beneath my calico -frock.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>She kissed the little brothers and -sister, and bade Pierre take good care -of them till she should return, whispering -in his ear,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I go for father, but tell of this to -no one till I return.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>And Pierre, with his wide-staring -eyes fixed on her face, could only -say,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I will promise.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>At the landing Annette chose the -smallest and lightest pirogue, and, with -the caution one would have expected -<span class='pageno' id='Page_213'>213</span>from an older and wiser head, put in -the bottom an extra paddle and a -small basket of food. She pushed off -the little dug-out, and turning its head -down stream looked back with confidence, -saying in her brave young -heart,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Shortly I shall return, and with -my father.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>All night the child floated and -paddled down the silent and lonely -Bayou, often terrified by the strange -night sounds which came from the -swamps, and occasionally cheered by -the light glimmering in the window -of some of the planters’ homes on the -shore. When she was most alarmed, -she would reassure her little trembling -heart by putting her hand on the breast -of her frock, beneath which lay the -necklace, and by whispering to herself -the beloved name of “father.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_214'>214</span>The rising sun saw her heading her -boat into the small channel which led -into Bayou St. John, and it was late -afternoon when the weary Annette saw -frowning before her the rough palisades -which enclosed Fort St. John.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The soldier on duty could scarcely -believe his eyes when the little pirogue -came alongside the quay, and was still -more astonished when with trembling -voice Annette said,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Sir, may I please see the Governor?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“The Governor! why, what should -the Governor do here? Who are -you, and what would you with the -Governor?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I have business with the Governor, -sir.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>At this reply the man laughed long -and loud, and poor Annette was ready -to weep with disappointment and fatigue. -Then remembering that at any -<span class='pageno' id='Page_215'>215</span>rate her father was within those walls, -she plucked up courage and began -again.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“If Monsieur the Governor is not -here, is there any great general here?” -The soldier laughed again, and said -below his breath,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Great general—no; but the great -Sir Intendant is here, if you can do -your business with him”; and there -was another burst of laughter as the -burly man looked at the slender form -standing before him.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Take me to him, please,” said she, -and she gave one touch to the frock -below which lay the precious heirloom -as the soldier turned to lead the way -within the enclosure.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Ho, Roget!” he called, “this lady -comes on business with Monsieur the -Intendant”; and poor frightened Annette -was passed along mid the rude -<span class='pageno' id='Page_216'>216</span>jests of the soldiers, till she reached -an ante-room to which was attached -the small office of the Intendant. At -last a voice said,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You may enter”; and Annette, who -between fright and fatigue was ready -to weep, found herself standing before -a man with flashing eyes and a brilliant -scarlet and gold uniform, who -was looking at her with unconcealed -interest.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Well, child, what would you with -me?” and Annette, raising her head, -bravely answered,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I come to ransom my father, Monsieur -Valvier.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The Intendant frowned; and surely -the pale child before him, in a simple -calico gown, with empty hands and -eyes full of unshed tears, hardly seemed -able to ransom a bird, much less a -political prisoner.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_217'>217</span>The Intendant’s voice was harsh and -cold as he said,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Ransom means gold, child,—gold, -or lands.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Alas, Monsieur, I have neither,” -said the trembling little girl, “but I -thought perhaps—” And she drew -from its place of concealment the -splendid necklace.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The Intendant could scarcely conceal -a start.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“How came you by this?” he asked, -letting the rich strings glide through -his fingers.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“’Twas the marriage portion of my -grandmother in France, then of my -mother also, and was to be mine. I -will give it to you for my father, -Monsieur Valvier.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The sight of the jewels recalled to -the Intendant scenes in his native -Spain, where the Spanish grandees -<span class='pageno' id='Page_218'>218</span>loved to ruffle it in laces and jewels -of the choicest description, and where -the dusky Spanish beauties often chose -pearls, since these milky gems but -served to throw out the fire of their -eyes and the rich tones of their olive -skins. As he mused, passing the pearls -between his fingers, poor Annette was -torn with anxiety lest the necklace -should fall short of the ransom desired.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, Monsieur, is it not enough?” -she cried, one trembling hand holding -the other; “we have naught else, my -mother is ill,—I came alone”; and the -tears so bravely held back now fell in -showers.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The Intendant had no idea of giving -up the necklace, yet was not wholly -cruel; so, striking on a bell, he called -to the orderly who answered it,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Bring Valvier hither.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The sound of the words caused -<span class='pageno' id='Page_219'>219</span>Annette to wipe her eyes, and in a -moment, with a little scream of joy, -she rushed into the arms of her father, -whose wonder at her presence froze -the words on his lips.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Monsieur Valvier,” said the Intendant, -“you are free. The ransom provided -by your daughter is sufficient. -But you must give me your parole that -you will never again bear arms against -the Spanish flag, and that you will -accept such regulations as Spain deems -best for her colonies.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I give my parole,” answered Monsieur -Valvier; “but, Annette, ransom—what -had you, poor child?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Annette’s face was wreathed in -smiles as she whispered in his ear, -“The pearl necklace, dearest father.”</p> - -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_220'>220</span> -<img src='images/i_220.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c005'><span class='sc'>Dicey Langston</span><br /> <i>1787</i></h2> -</div> - -<div class='c015'> - <img class='drop-capi' src='images/di_220.jpg' width='100' alt='' /> -</div><p class='drop-capi_8'> -There was a -pleasant mellow glow -in the great low-ceiled -kitchen, and the absolute -quiet was unbroken -save for an occasional crackling -of the sticks which made a bright fire -on the hearth. Yet, if the room was -still, it was but because Dicey chose it -so, and as she stood beside the huge -wheel which a few moments before -had been whirling merrily, she looked -with thoughtful eyes at the fire.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Now, to tell the truth, Dicey did not -like to be alone, nor was it usual for -her to be silent. The every-day Dicey -<span class='pageno' id='Page_221'>221</span>was singing if she was not talking, or -spinning if she was not busy about -the house, or flying here and there on -errands for her father, or hunting up -the brothers to do this or that,—to play -or ride, or come to meals or something,—for -Dicey was quite a little queen, as -a girl with five big brothers has a right -to be.</p> - -<p class='c011'>A father and five big brothers, but -no mother, poor little girl! and she had -grown to be sixteen years old, the pet -of her brothers and the darling of her -father’s heart, and, as you may guess, -somewhat spoiled and self-willed. Yet -I would not have you think for a moment -that she was selfish, for she was -not so; but she had grown to depend -very much on herself, and to decide -for herself many questions which other -girls who had mothers to turn to would -have left to them.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_222'>222</span>Dicey’s father was no longer a young -man. Indeed, he was almost past middle -life when, ten years before, he had -left his home near Charleston, shattered -in spirit by the death of his wife, and -gone to the “Up Country,” as the -northern part of the State of South -Carolina was called, and started life -anew. Dicey hardly remembered the -old home at all. Her thoughts and -her affections were all centred about -the comfortable home in whose kitchen -she now stood, and over whose comfort -she reigned.</p> - -<p class='c011'>She stood for many minutes as we -saw her first, quite motionless, and -then, as the evening air brought to -her ear a sound so slight that you or -I might not have noticed it, she ran -to the window and looked out.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The house stood in the centre of a -clearing on the top of a gentle ridge, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_223'>223</span>and flowing out on either hand were -dales and hills still covered with the -forests through which the hunters and -cow-drivers had wandered years before. -Through this country the Catawbas and -the Cherokees roamed, and but a short -distance from the little settlement of -which Solomon Langston’s house was -a part, lay that well-known Indian trail -called the “Cherokee Path,” which led -from the Cherokee country on the west -to the lands of the Catawbas on the -east.</p> - -<p class='c011'>On the flat lands below the hills -stretched wide plains destitute of trees -and rich in fine grass and gay with -flowers. Here roamed the buffalo, elk, -and deer. Here also were wild horses -in many a herd, and it was from one -of these wandering bands of horses -that Dicey’s own little pony had been -captured by brother Tom, before he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_224'>224</span>married and went to live at “Elder -Settlement” across the Tyger River, a -deep and boisterous stream, between -which and the Enoree lay the plantation -where Dicey’s father had made -his home.</p> - -<p class='c011'>All this time she has been standing -at the window, looking out over a landscape -which lay clear and white before -her in the moonlight. The slight sound -which had caught her ear was getting -louder every moment, and at last two -figures came into view, her father and -one of her brothers, who had ridden -early that morning to the settlement -“Ninety-six” to hear the latest tidings -about the War, and to gain some news -regarding the revolutionary movement -which hitherto had been largely confined -to the southern portion of the State.</p> - -<p class='c011'>For Dicey it had been a long and -weary day. Her father’s last words -<span class='pageno' id='Page_225'>225</span>were: “Let no one know where we have -ridden, Dicey, for in such days as these -it is best to keep one’s own counsel, -and you know, little daughter, that -most of our neighbours belong to the -King’s party.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>And Dicey had remembered, even -though Eliza Gordon had come over -that afternoon with her sewing, and -the two girls had worked on their new -kerchiefs, fagoting and stitching and -edging them with some Mignonette -lace which Eliza’s mother had brought -from Charleston when last she went to -town. Such silence was hard enough -for Dicey, who was used to tell whatever -thoughts came into her mind, particularly -to Eliza, who was her very -“dearest friend.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>When Mr. Langston had dismounted, -and Dicey had taken one look into his -face, she cried out,—</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_226'>226</span>“Oh, father, is the news bad? I -can see by your face it is none of the -best. Is that cruel King over seas -never going to stop his taxing? Shall -I throw out the tea?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“S’hush, Dicey, my girl. Remember -what I told you this morning. -There are none others about us who -think as we do, and it behoves us to -be careful both in what we say and -do.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>As he spoke, he drew Dicey into the -house, and Henry followed, the horses -having been taken to the stables by -one of the slaves, who, like Dicey, had -heard the sound of the riders and come -forward to meet them. Once within -doors Dicey forgot for a moment her -eagerness for news, and ran forward -to stir up the fire which had fallen -low while she mused, and to light -the candle which hung from its iron -<span class='pageno' id='Page_227'>227</span>bracket on the back of her father’s -chair. She set the kettle on the arm -of the crane to boil, and put close at -her father’s elbow his long clay pipe -and box of tobacco, then brought out -a tray with glasses and a generous -bowl, into which she put spices and -lemon, together with sugar and a measure -of wine which she poured from a -jug which was fashioned in the form -of a fat old man with a very red face -and a blue coat.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Kneeling on the hearth, she watched -to see the steam come from the kettle’s -nose, and as it seemed o’er long to her -impatient spirit, she cast another billet -of wood upon the dancing flames.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Come, come, little daughter,” her -father said, “Henry and I have ridden -far, and your impatience does but delay -matters. In truth, I am so weary -and chilled that I am thirsting for the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_228'>228</span>spiced wine, which your treatment of -the fire does but delay.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Now Dicey seized the poker and -hastily endeavoured to make up for her -error in putting on the new log, the -only effect of her efforts being to make -Henry laugh and take the poker from -her hand, while he said,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Keep the little patriot quiet, father, -since, if a watched pot never boils, this -one is like to stay ever simmering.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Mr. Langston held Dicey’s hand, and -all fixed their eyes on the kettle, and -as the first slender trickle of steam -came from its nose, Dicey caught it -from the iron arm, and soon had two -fragrant glasses of hot wine ready for -the travellers.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Now, father,” she said, as she seated -herself at his knee,—“now, father, the -news!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“’Tis true, Dicey, that at Gowan’s -<span class='pageno' id='Page_229'>229</span>Fort many of our people have been -horribly murdered.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, father, not by Indians,” cried -the girl, who well knew what this -would mean.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“By worse than Indians,” answered -Mr. Langston,—“by white men painted -as Indians, who were even more cruel -than the savages, if that can be.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dicey sprang to her feet and turned -to her brother.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Do you know if ‘Bloody Bates’ -had anything to do with this, Henry?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, he was the leader, and it is -said that he boasted that his next raid -should be in the country of the Enoree, -where he said ‘dwelt so many fat -Whigs.’”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Just let him come this way,” cried -Dicey, “and he will find that the fat -Whigs are ready for him.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Even though the case was grave -<span class='pageno' id='Page_230'>230</span>enough, Henry and his father could -not forbear a smile at the thought of -Dicey, little Dicey, setting up as a -match for the cruel bully who had -made himself such a terror to the -country-side by his midnight maraudings -and treacherous killings that he -had come to bear the name of “Bloody -Bates.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>But Dicey, even though she was a girl, -had a secret, and, what was stranger -yet, she kept it, but in her brave little -heart she resolved that if it were possible -she would make it serve her -friends.</p> - -<p class='c011'>So the next day she went forth in -the afternoon carrying her work with -her. Henry, who saw her start, little -dreaming of the plans in that curly -head, called out in a loud, cheerful -voice,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I wager I know what is in that bag, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_231'>231</span>Dicey. A new frock for dolly, made in -the latest mode. But, Dicey, see that -it be not of red, since our enemies are -far too partial to that colour to suit me.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“No such foolishness as you think, -brother! I am to finish my kerchief -which Eliza and I have been sewing -on these three or four days. Maybe it -will be all done when I come home.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dicey hurried on, almost afraid that -she would let out the secret if Henry -talked much longer about dolls. Dolls, -indeed! why, she hadn’t looked at one -for years!</p> - -<p class='c011'>Eliza saw her coming and ran to -meet her.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Come within doors,” said Eliza, -when their greetings were over, drawing -Dicey with her. But this did not -suit our little patriot’s plans at all, and -holding back, she said,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Let’s go and sit in the tree-seat, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_232'>232</span>Eliza. ’Tis so pleasant out of doors -to-day, and then you know we can talk -over things there.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Go you there and I will come when -I get my reticule,” answered Eliza, who, -like Dicey, was glad to escape from the -keen eyes of mother and elder sister, -neither of whom had much sympathy -for over-long stitches or puckered work.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dicey did as she was bid, and climbed -into the tree-seat where for years the -children had been used to play, and, -now that they had grown older, to -which retreat they took their sewing -or a book, though these latter came -to hand rarely enough, the Bible and -some books of devotion being thought -quite enough reading for young people -in those days.</p> - -<p class='c011'>When both girls were comfortably -seated and thimbles and needles were -ready, Dicey fetched a great sigh.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_233'>233</span>“What is the matter with you, Dicey? -Have you aught ailing you?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“No,” said Dicey, “nothing very -much. I was wondering if, when this -horrible war was ended, you and I -should ever go to some great city -like Charleston or Fredericksburg, as -did your sister Miriam. Think of it, -Eliza, to go to some great town where -there are many houses and carriages, -and a play-house, and, best of all, -balls!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>At this magic word Dicey tossed into -the air the little kerchief, and, ere it -fell, was on the ground holding the -skirts of her calico frock, bowing and -smiling to an imaginary partner, now -toeing this way and that, as if she were -going through the dance, though, to -tell the truth, the little minx had never -seen anything of the kind, but had -got her information from Eliza’s sister -<span class='pageno' id='Page_234'>234</span>Miriam. All of Miriam’s knowledge -had been acquired in safer and happier -days, when she had made a visit -to Fredericksburg, and astonished the -young girls on her return with marvellous -tales of what she had seen and -heard, and the gaieties she had taken -part in. Dicey and Eliza had often -practised in secret, and though their -steps would not have passed muster in -a drawing-room, they had furnished -them with pleasure for many an hour.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, Dicey, come up again! If -mother sees you, she would make us -come right away into the house; you -know that she thinks that such things -as dancing but waste the time of -young maids like you and me.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Thus urged, Dicey with a sigh took -up the sewing again, and sat once -more beside Eliza in the tree. But -her thoughts were flying all about, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_235'>235</span>Eliza spoke twice ere Dicey noticed -what she said.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“When father comes home to-night, -he brings with him Colonel Williams.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The remark seemed simple enough, -but a sudden light flooded Dicey’s -mind.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Coming home,” echoed she; “why, -you told me a day or two since that he -would not be home till after harvest.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, but things have come about -differently,” answered Eliza, with an -important air. “My father has been -in a great battle, and he is coming with -Colonel Williams to stay for a day or -two till Captain Bates gets here too.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Captain Bates! Do you mean -‘Bloody Bates’?” asked Dicey, pale -with horror.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“My father says that is but a Whig -name for him, and that he has done -good service to the King in subduing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_236'>236</span>pestilent Whigs,” answered Eliza, bridling, -and secretly pleased at the easy -way the long words tripped from her -tongue.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“That awful, cruel man coming -here!” and Dicey half looked round to -see if the mere speaking of his name -had not brought upon the scene one of -the most cruel bandits who under the -name of scout had wrought endless -cruelties. In a moment the importance -of the information had shot into -her mind! If she could find out something -more! Sure, whatever Eliza -knew were easy enough to learn also.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Comes he here to rest too, and at -your house, Eliza?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>If Eliza had given a thought to the -low voice and shaking hands of her -friend, she might have paused ere she -told news which was of the greatest -importance to such Whig families as -<span class='pageno' id='Page_237'>237</span>lived in the neighbourhood, and more -particularly to those who dwelt in the -“Elder Settlement” on the other side -of the river, and were entirely unprotected. -Among them was Dicey’s eldest -brother with his young wife and -little family.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Comes he here to rest too?” and -Eliza, proud of her information, and -entirely forgetting that she had been -told to impart it to no one, answered -briskly,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“No, but he stops here to meet some -of the soldiers who go with him, and -only think, ’tis at our house that they -will paint themselves just like the -Cherokees!” At the mere thought -Eliza clapped her hands. “Think how -comical they will look,” she went on, -while every moment Dicey felt herself -getting colder and colder with fear. -“And sister Miriam has done naught -<span class='pageno' id='Page_238'>238</span>but scurry about and turn things topsy-turvy. -It’s Captain Bates this and -Captain Bates that, till one feels ruffed -all the wrong way. You know I told -you that he was coming here one day, -and you laughed and said he dare not!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Yes, Dicey remembered. This was -the secret she had withheld, thinking -that, like enough, it was but some of -Miriam’s boasting that this savage man -should seek her at her home. It was -true, however, and like to be soon. -How was she, Dicey, to warn those -who were so unprotected?</p> - -<p class='c011'>Thinking more deeply than ever she -had thought before, Eliza babbled on, -her silent companion taking no note -of what she said.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Well, Dicey, if you cannot listen -to what I say, and not even answer -me, I shall go into the house. Besides, -my kerchief is all done, and mother -<span class='pageno' id='Page_239'>239</span>told me to bring it to her when the -stitches were all set. How does it -become me?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>As she spoke, Eliza threw it about -her round white throat, and tossed her -head, the exact copy of sister Miriam.</p> - -<p class='c011'>But Dicey was too absorbed to notice -her companion’s small frivolities. Her -thoughts were solely on how to get -word to her brother of the impending -arrival of “Bloody Bates” in the neighbourhood. -Fears for the safety of her -own home were not wanting, since -Henry, the only brother left at the -old homestead, was but waiting the -summons to go and join the command -of Colonel Hugh Middleton.</p> - -<p class='c011'>As Dicey walked slowly home along -the bridle path which served for a road -in that sparsely settled region, her -mind had not thought of any plan by -which her message was to be sent to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_240'>240</span>her brother and his friends. Yet over -and over the words formed themselves -in her brain, “They must be told, they -must be told.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Her father was feeble, and these -years of anxiety and of hard work since -his sons had been called away from -home to bear their share of hardships -in the War to which there seemed no -end, had enfeebled him still more. -From him the news must be kept -at any risk. Perhaps brother Henry -would go; but while this thought -passed through her mind, she saw -him coming through the wood on his -horse.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I have ridden this way to tell you -good-bye, little sister. Even now word -was brought that I must join my company. -Come hither”; and as Dicey -ran to his side he bent down, saying, -“Set thy foot on my stirrup, I have -<span class='pageno' id='Page_241'>241</span>that to say which must not be spoken -aloud.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>As Dicey did as he bade her, and -stood poised on his stirrup leather, -holding tightly to his hand, he whispered -in her ear,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Be brave, little sister, and take the -best care you can of father. He is ill -and weak, and it vexes me sorely to -leave such a child as you with no one -stronger to protect you. Yet go I -must, and I trust that before long -Thomas may come for you and my -father, or that Batty will return.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>As Dicey looked into her brother’s -troubled face, the thought that he must -not be told rushed upon her. Go he -must, and they must take such care -of themselves as they could. So she -leaned forward, and said as cheerfully -as possible,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Never fear for us, brother. There -<span class='pageno' id='Page_242'>242</span>is no danger for father and me, for -sure none would attack an old man -and a young maid. See, I am not in -the least afraid.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I could leave you with a better -heart if I thought that were the truth, -yet even as we have spoken thy cheeks -have grown as white as milk, and see, -your hand trembles like a leaf in the -wind!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dicey pulled away that telltale member -and jumped down from the horse.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“When the time comes, I’ll prove as -good a soldier as any of the Langston -boys, rest you assured of that,” she -cried.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Farewell, then, brother Dicey”; and -Henry tried to cheer her by making her -smile. Then, with his own face set in -a look far too grave for one so young, -he rode down the path in the flickering -light, little dreaming of the desperate -<span class='pageno' id='Page_243'>243</span>resolution which was forming in the -mind of his sister. As she got the supper -ready, and talked brightly as was -her wont with her father, she had decided -that she must be the one to take -the news across to brother Tom at the -Elder Settlement; and oh dear, oh -dear, she must go that very night, for -who could tell, perhaps “Bloody Bates” -would stop there on his way, for she -knew not which direction he was coming -from. Yet for her father’s sake she -was as much like her own cheerful self -as she could be, and she forced herself -to eat, as the way would be long and -difficult. Twice she almost gave way to -tears in the safe shelter of the pantry; -yet do not blame my little Dicey, for -though she felt fear, she never once -thought of giving up her mission.</p> - -<p class='c011'>When her duties for the night were -all done, and the hot coals in the fireplace -<span class='pageno' id='Page_244'>244</span>carefully covered so that a few -chips of light wood would set them -blazing in the morning, Dicey sat down -and tried to think out how she should -manage. Her father was sleeping in -his great chair by the fireplace, and he -looked so worn and old that she resolved -to take on her own slender -shoulders the whole responsibility.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Perhaps it was her steadfast gaze, -or perhaps it was his thoughts, which -wakened Mr. Langston with a start, -caused him to look quickly round and -ask,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Where is Henry?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why, father dear, Henry rode forth -this afternoon to join Colonel Middleton. -You have been napping, I think.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“True, Dicey, I did but dream. ’Tis -late enough for an old man like me, so -light the candle, and I’ll to bed.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>As she handed the rude candlestick -<span class='pageno' id='Page_245'>245</span>to him, Dicey threw her arms about his -neck and swallowed hard to keep the -tears that were so close to the surface -from welling over.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why, child, what ails thee? One -would think that I was to start on a -journey too, whereas all I can do is -to bide at home”; and Mr. Langston -heaved a deep sigh as he said it.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Brother Henry bid me take care of -you, and I mean to, dearest father. -Since you have sent five sons to this -cruel war, it seems as if it might be -that you and I were left at peace.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, yes, daughter. I do but pray -that I may live to see all my brave -boys come home to me once more.” -With bowed head Mr. Langston took -his way to the small chamber opening -off the living-room.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Now,” thought Dicey, “must I plan -and act. First must I write a few lines -<span class='pageno' id='Page_246'>246</span>to father, lest he think that I too have -followed brother Henry.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>She hunted about for a fragment of -paper,—a thing not too common in a -frontier farmhouse,—then she dashed -some water into the dried-up ink-horn, -and mended a pen as well as she could.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Will you think any the less of her -if I tell you that poor Dicey was a -wretched penman? Her days at school -had been very few, since the nearest -one was at Ninety-six, and her father -could ill spare his little housekeeper. -Yet he had taught her a bit, and as -she sat and wrote by the flaring rushlight, -I am afraid that her tongue was -put through as much action as her -pen. Poor Dicey! the little billet which -caused her so much labour was intended -to allay her father’s anxiety as well as -to let him know where she had gone. -Of the object of her mission there was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_247'>247</span>never a word. That she would tell -him on her return. The little scrawl -was set on the table with one end beneath -the candlestick, where he would -be sure to see it in the morning.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Dear Father,” it began. “I go to -carry a message to brother Tom. I -leave early in the morning, and will -return as soon as might be. There is -naught to fear for me. Your loving -Dicey.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“’Tis better,” she mused, half aloud, -“to say ‘morning’ than to have him -think that I was forced to go at night, -lest I fall into the hands of some of -these bandits on their way here. But -I must not think of that, for I must -be off as soon as I can get ready, and -the faster I work the less afraid I am.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>She hurriedly put some food in a -packet, and then crept up the stairs to -her own tiny room under the eaves. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_248'>248</span>You would hardly have known her -when she came softly down a few -moments later. Her hair was bound -and knotted close to her head, for well -she knew how the bushes and trees -would catch the flowing curls. Her -stuff gown was kilted high and held -securely in place, while on her feet she -had drawn a pair of boots which were -her brother Batty’s, and, though large, -they were stout and strong and came -nigh to her knees. A heavy shawl -covered her shoulders and was tied behind, -and into the front of it she thrust -the packet of food.</p> - -<p class='c011'>As she went softly out of the door, -she gave a last look toward her father’s -room and then hastened on, anxious to -give her warning and then hurry home. -Dicey knew the way well, having been -to visit her brother a number of times. -But in her haste and excitement she -<span class='pageno' id='Page_249'>249</span>had not thought that a path by day -with company is a very different thing -from the same path by night and -alone.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Yet this did not daunt her, even -though there were strange noises in -the forest and elfin fingers seemed to -reach out from the bushes and pluck -at her as she tried to hurry on. Each -twig which snapped as she trod on it -brought her heart uncomfortably to -her mouth, in a way she did not like -at all. The woods were bad enough, -but infinitely worse were the marshes -where there was not even a foot-log, -much less a bridge to take her over -the worst places, and but for Batty’s -boots she would have suffered cruelly -from roots and stones.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Still she pressed bravely on. She -gripped her hands and kept repeating, -“Every step takes me nearer, every -<span class='pageno' id='Page_250'>250</span>step takes me nearer,” till it made -itself into a kind of tune. She dared -not think that the worst was yet to -come, and that the Tyger River with -its brawling current had still to be -crossed. When at last she heard a -faint murmuring, it seemed to give -her new strength, and she turned in -that direction.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Just as the first gleams of dawn -lighted the sky, she stood on the -muddy banks of the river. She looked -about her in the dim light and thought -that she recognised the place as the -ford where they usually crossed. So, -quite exhausted, she threw herself upon -the ground, saying to herself, “I will -rest a few moments and take a bite of -pone, for well I know that the water -of the Tyger is deadly cold and muddy -too.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>As she thought, she acted, and in a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_251'>251</span>brief time rose to her feet, not with -that springy lightness which was customary -with her, but slowly and with -effort. The long hard walk, the chafing -of the boots which were too large -for her, all made her feel stiff and -lame, and as she waded into the water, -it took all her courage to keep from -screaming out.</p> - -<p class='c011'>In she went, a step at a time, thrusting -one foot before the other to feel -her way in the rushing water, and bewildered -by the grey light and the -heavy fog which lay above the water -and hid the other shore. It seemed -to her that the water was getting very -deep, surely much deeper than when -she went through it before, though on -that occasion she was mounted safely -on the back of her little pony.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, dear Molly, if only you were -here with me now instead of safe at -<span class='pageno' id='Page_252'>252</span>home in your stall”; and one or two -tears rolled over Dicey’s cheeks to be -immediately swallowed up in the swirling -waters which every moment grew -deeper around her.</p> - -<p class='c011'>She went forward, step by step, never -once thinking of turning back; and -now the wavelets reached her waist, -and now they were breast high and so -heavy that they threatened to draw -her from her feet. Completely bewildered, -not quite sure of her course -since the opposite bank could not be -seen through the low-lying fog, Dicey -lost her track and wandered up stream -instead of across. She noticed that -the water, now just below her armpits, -kept at the same height, and fearing -that every moment it would grow deep -enough to engulf her, she stopped a -moment in her difficult course and -looked about her.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_253'>253</span>What was that which she could -dimly discern apparently advancing -towards her? To her mind, already -overwrought, it seemed “Bloody Bates” -himself, as indeed it might have been, -and with a shriek which she vainly -tried to smother, she turned abruptly -to the left and plunged with all the -speed she could muster through the -water.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Oh, joyful thought! The black -stream was getting lower, it was but -breast high now, and as she leaped -and plunged along, with every movement -it receded, till at last she stumbled -on the bank, and lay there sobbing -with fright and exhaustion. She -heard a soft swish in the river, and -hastily raised her head to find that -what had so terrified her was a huge -buck, which was now half swimming -and half wading to shore himself.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_254'>254</span>Cold and wet, half dead with fright -and fatigue, Dicey, at sight of her -supposed enemy, laid her head on her -arms and had a good cry.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Only a deer,” she sobbed, and then -began to laugh, and with the laugh, -feeling better, she scrambled to her -feet, saying to herself, “’Tis but two -miles to brother Tom’s and then I -am safe.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The way was easier now, for it was -a travelled path, made by Indians, it -is true, and their cruel allies the British, -but still it was daylight, and away -from the river the air was clear and -fresh,—too fresh for comfort to the -shivering girl, who ran and stumbled -in her haste to get her message delivered. -The two miles dragged themselves -away at last, and through the -trees Dicey saw the group of rude -houses which made the Elder Settlement, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_255'>255</span>and ah! there was brother Tom -already out of doors about his work.</p> - -<p class='c011'>As soon as Dicey saw him, she -shouted, and when he looked up, he -seized his gun, for a weapon lay ever -within reach in those days. Little -wonder was it that he did not recognise -the small figure which ran towards -him waving its arms and shouting -words which he did but half catch. -At the sound of the commotion Elie, -his wife, came to the door, and at the -first glance cried out,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why, Tom, ’tis Dicey!” and ran -out to meet her, fearful of bad tidings, -since it was easy to see that the girl -was almost at the limit of her strength. -As soon as Tom realised who it was, -he ran forward and caught her in his -arms, and hurried into the house, his -lips forming themselves into the one -word, “Father?”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_256'>256</span>Dicey shook her head, and when -Tom set her down on the stone hearth, -she slipped down into a little wet heap -with a pale face and eager eyes.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, brother Tom,” she began, as -soon as she caught her breath.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Stay,” said her brother, “is aught -wrong with my father or brothers?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“No,” said Dicey, “I came—”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Then thy news will wait till thou -art dry and warm, else we are like -to have a dead Dicey instead of a living -one. Elie, take and give her dry -clothes, and I will make for her a -mug of hot cider which will warm -her through and through. From her -clothes, the Tyger seems at flood these -days.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>When Dicey, warm and dry once -more, poured out her tale of warning, -Tom hurried away to call the men -of the settlement together. As the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_257'>257</span>small handful of grave settlers came -and heard the news, Dicey felt in -their few words of thanks ample payment -for what she had undertaken in -their behalf. Nor did they hesitate in -their course. Packing together what -possessions were most valued, and driving -before them the few cattle which -remained, they and their families that -very afternoon crossed the Tyger at -the ford which poor Dicey had missed, -and sought the protection of the fort -at Ninety-six. The next day Dicey -was left at her own home and in the -arms of her anxious father.</p> - -<p class='c011'>She told her tale to him, sitting by -his side and holding his hand, for he -could hardly realise that his little girl, -his Dicey, had been through an experience -at which even a man might have -hesitated.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“My child,” said he, “it seems but -<span class='pageno' id='Page_258'>258</span>yesterday that I held you in my arms, -and here you are a woman grown ere I -thought it.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Fondly stroking her soft hair, he -looked into the fire and spoke half to -himself,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“’Tis like her mother; but a child to -look on, yet with a heart of steel.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why, father, you think too much -of it; ’twas not so much after all. At -least it seems so now that once more I -am safe at home with you, though truly -in the doing I was much afeared.” -Looking round as she spoke, she caught -sight of the noon-mark on the window, -and, jumping up, exclaimed,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why, father, here have we sat gossiping -till it is nearly midday and not -a thing made ready for dinner! Shame -on me for a bad housekeeper!” and with -that she bustled away to prepare the -simple meal which was the daily fare -<span class='pageno' id='Page_259'>259</span>of many a family living far from the -towns. A pudding made of the white -corn meal did not take long to stir together, -and in a pot was soon stewing -some bits of venison from the last deer -which Henry had shot, part of which -had been salted down for their winter -supply. A portion of the pudding with -a pinch of salt added, and baked on a -hot iron shovel with a long handle, -served instead of bread, and what was -left would answer for their supper, with -some of the cheese in the making of -which Dicey was well skilled. There -was always plenty of milk from their -small herd of cattle.</p> - -<p class='c011'>After all had been settled for the -afternoon, the trenchers washed and -the pewter cups polished and set on -their shelves, Dicey drew out her wheel -and set herself at her spinning. The -low whir and the comfortable ditty -<span class='pageno' id='Page_260'>260</span>which Dicey hummed hardly above her -breath set her father to dozing in his -chair, and neither of the occupants of -the kitchen was prepared for the crashing -knock which came on the heavy -door.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Before Dicey could reach it to set it -open, a harsh voice cried out,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“If you open not that door and -quickly, we’ll smoke out all of you!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dicey drew back, looking at her -father for counsel.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Draw the bolt, child,” he said; “we -have no strength to withstand them. -Our very weakness must be our protection.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dicey pulled back the great oaken bar -which served as a lock, and in pushed -half a dozen men heavily armed, none -of whom she had ever seen before.</p> -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_260.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>“<span class='fss'>COWARD, SHOOT NOW IF YOU DARE!</span>”—<i>Page <a href='#Page_261'>261</a>.</i></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_261'>261</span>“So the Whig cub has gone, has he?” -asked the one who seemed the leader, -a tall man dressed in buckskin trousers -of Indian make, over which the red -coat of the British officer seemed odd -enough.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It is true that my son has gone -forth to serve his country,” said Mr. -Langston, in a quiet voice.</p> - -<p class='c011'>At the reply, which seemed to enrage -the ruffian, he strode a step forward, -cocking his pistol as he advanced.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I’ll show him how to serve his -country when I find him, and as for -you, old man, long enough have you -hampered the King’s service.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>He pointed the weapon at Mr. Langston, -when with a cry Dicey threw -her arms about her father’s neck, and, -shielding him with her body, called -out over her shoulder,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Coward, shoot now if you dare!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Bloody Bates, for indeed it was he, -raised his pistol once more, and with a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_262'>262</span>wicked scowl was preparing to fire, -when one of the men who had stood -silently by till now knocked up the -weapon, saying,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“As long as the cub we came for -has fled, let us on, Bates. We have -no war with dotards and children.” -The others murmured surly assent, and -bidding Dicey and her father beware -how they harboured traitors, the whole -party withdrew.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It took Dicey scarce a moment to fly -to the door and bar it, and then hurry -back to her father, who was lying back -in his chair, pale with the excitement -and the peril which they had undergone, -and only too thankful that one -among the company had respected his -grey hairs and Dicey’s youth.</p> - -<p class='c011'>For many a day they lived in hourly -fear of their lives, even after Bloody -Bates had taken himself off on his raids -<span class='pageno' id='Page_263'>263</span>and the neighbourhood was comparatively -peaceful.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Did Dicey undergo any more special -perils, you ask?</p> - -<p class='c011'>Yes; once again she faced grave danger, -being met by a scouting party as -she was coming from a trip to the -nearest town. They questioned her as -to the whereabouts of her brothers and -other Whigs in the vicinity, but she -refused to tell what she knew. The -leader threatened to shoot her, but she -faced him bravely, crying,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Well, here am I; shoot!” opening -her neckerchief at the same time. He -was ashamed apparently, for the band -rode on, leaving her to make her way -home.</p> - -<p class='c011'>She lived to see all her brothers but -one return from their duties in the -army, and by her loving care and devotion -made her father’s life a happy one. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_264'>264</span>She was only a little Southern girl -living in a lonely spot, and long since -dead; but her courageous acts live on -and shine, as do all “good deeds in a -naughty world.”</p> - -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_265'>265</span> -<img src='images/i_265.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c005'><span class='sc'>The Maid of Zaragoza</span><br /> <span class='large'><i>1808</i></span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='c015'> - <img class='drop-capi' src='images/di_265.jpg' width='100' alt='' /> -</div><p class='drop-capi_8'> -The notes of a -hymn swept up the -street,—a hymn so -sung that it seemed a -call to battle rather -than a sacred song. It rose, it fell, it -stirred the blood, the plaintive tones -of the women’s voices rising high above -the fuller notes of the men, while soaring -above all the others were the shrill, -sweet voices of the altar boys.</p> - -<p class='c011'>On they came, with banners waving -and with clouds of smoke rising from -the swinging censers. But the music, -strong as it rose on the morning air, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_266'>266</span>did not blot out the clang of the alarm -bells which were constantly rung in -every quarter of the city. Nor could -it drown the boom, boom, boom of the -bombardment which had been slowly -wrecking the city for so long.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Augustina kneeled on the balcony -with her bent head on her hands, her -heart swelling as she listened.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Ah,” said she to herself, “if I were -but a man! If I could but help to -save the city. Yet here must I sit -and do nothing better than weave -lace, while our brave men are dropping -before those cruel guns.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>As the music grew fainter, she rose -and stood watching the procession. -At the head of the long narrow street -in which she lived, towered the spires -of the lovely old cathedral of the Virgin -of the Pillar, and the procession -which had just passed was of men and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_267'>267</span>women who sought to petition the -Holy Mother for her aid in the desperate -war which was being waged -against their city.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Although the sun had been up some -hours, the tall convents which were -set among the houses made the street -still dim, and as Augustina looked up -towards the cathedral, the people in -the procession seemed hardly larger -than children moving slowly and singing -as they went.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Every day in some part of the city -was to be seen such a procession as -had just passed, for although Napoleon -and his soldiers had been besieging -the town for forty days, never once -did the people lose courage in their -power to come out victorious from -the struggle.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Yes, to triumph at last, though hunger, -sickness, and ill-trained soldiers -<span class='pageno' id='Page_268'>268</span>were evils with which they had to -struggle, as well as the enemy without -their walls.</p> - -<p class='c011'>As the last singer entered the cathedral, -Augustina seemed to wake from -a dream, and a look of anxiety came -over her face as she looked up the -street. Leaning as far forward over -the balcony as she dared, she could -see nothing but some figures of men -wrapped in dull brown cloaks, the -only spots of colour being the gay -kerchiefs bound about their heads.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Augustina!” From within the -house came the call, prolonged and -whining, as if the patience of the -caller were nearly exhausted.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, dear mother, just one moment -longer.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Again she leaned out and peered up -the street, but whoever or whatever -she looked for did not come in sight. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_269'>269</span>With a sigh she drew back and entered -the house.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The street in which Augustina lived -was no whit worse than most of the -thoroughfares in the old city of Zaragoza. -The houses covered with balconies -looked at each other across -streets so narrow that in some of them -a horse and cart filled the space from -side to side, and the cobblestones -were so rough and irregular that walking -was difficult. Yet Augustina had -found the city fair enough to look -upon before so many doors and windows -were walled up on account of -the bombardment, and before such -numbers of the houses had been crumbled -by the cannon balls.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Though her face was not as cheerful -as was its wont when she turned to go -in, she shook her shoulders as if to -get rid of some disagreeable thought, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_270'>270</span>pushed back from her forehead the -heavy black hair, and was able to show -quite a presentable face to her mother -when she reached her side.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why did you stay so long when -you knew that I waited for you?” -asked the invalid in a peevish tone.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Did it seem long? Why, mother, -’twas only five minutes after all; just -look at the clock. After the procession -passed I only looked to see if -Felipe came this way and if he had -any news to tell.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Felipe, Felipe, everything is Felipe, -while I sit here day after day, and -only get what is thrown to me, as one -throws a bone to a dog.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Ah, I see that the fever is bad -again this morning, else you would -never say a thing like that, mother -dear. Now just look at me and say -that again!”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_271'>271</span>Her mother turned to speak, but as -she looked at the bright face, saw the -love which filled the large dark eyes, -passed her hand over the rosy cheeks, -and felt the pressure of the strong -young arms, she could not help but -soften into a look of pleasure, and her -words dwindled into—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Well, well, it did seem long, but -you are a good child, Augustina, and I -love you well, as you know. But what -with the fever and this dreadful war -and the sound of the cannon, I spoke -sharper than I meant.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Dearest, let me give you the cup -of chocolate and the bit of bread, for -I ate my breakfast long ago, before -you woke.” She did not tell her -mother how scant that meal had -been.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I hardly know if I wish for it,” her -mother was beginning; but Augustina -<span class='pageno' id='Page_272'>272</span>was already in the next room, which -served them as a kitchen, and soon -hurried back bearing a small tray on -which was the cup of chocolate and the -bit of crusty bread which is the breakfast -of every true Spaniard. Food was -scant enough in more households than -this. Augustina’s mother, a widow -with barely enough to scrape along -on, was aided in peaceful days by the -sale of the lace which Augustina’s -skilful fingers made. Everybody in -Spain loves lace, and every woman -wore it, having her whole mantilla of -it if she could afford it, and trimmed -with it if she could do no better. Her -holiday skirt was flounced with it, -her pretty little aprons edged with it, -her snowy chemisette trimmed with -it, so that there was always a demand -for what Augustina’s skilful fingers -could make.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_273'>273</span>But now—what was the use of -working at the pillow?</p> - -<p class='c011'>The siege which had lasted so long -showed no signs of being broken, and -no one had any coins to spare on such -slight things as lace, when famine was -staring the city in the face, and all -day long, if one but looked from the -window, the wounded could be seen -being carried into the convents, or any -other place where they could be tended -and safe from the cannon balls.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Is the chocolate sweet enough, -mother?” asked Augustina anxiously. -She had stirred into it the last spoonful -of sugar which they had, and as the -purse was running so low she hardly -dared to buy any more.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Sweet enough; and, Augustina, -when you go out to-day, go first of all to -the cathedral and say an Ave for me. -I had hoped before this to be able to go -<span class='pageno' id='Page_274'>274</span>myself. Say, too, a prayer for our brave -men who are holding the city against -those wicked French.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I am going now to Our Lady of the -Pillar, mother, and I will stop on the -Prado and ask if, by any chance, there -has been a call for lace. I have a fine -piece ready; the lilies in it seem fairly -to grow, do they not, mother?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Augustina held up with pride a long -strip of snowy lace into which were -wrought lilies and roses so lifelike that -it was almost as if they blossomed.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I wish that we could afford to keep -that piece, Augustina. I have watched -it grow under your fingers for so long -that I shall miss it when it is no longer -here.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I shall hate to sell it, mother; yet -the money for it would not come amiss, -eh, dearest?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The widow sighed and glanced at the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_275'>275</span>pillow as it lay on the table covered -from dust, only the gay beads which -tipped the bobbins being visible.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Augustina bustled about, making the -house ready for the day, drawing the -shade across the window so that her -mother’s siesta should not be disturbed -in case she did not return immediately, -and then she went into the kitchen. -Here she packed into a small basket -some little cakes and such simple food -as their home afforded, and covered it -with a napkin. Then, with her mantilla -drawn over her head, she went into -her mother’s room and said,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Adios, mother, till I return. I may -be late, so do not worry. Be sure -that I will not forget your Ave at the -cathedral.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Kissing her fondly, she went down -the stone stairs which led to their -rooms, treading softly so as not to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_276'>276</span>rouse any of the neighbours who might -come out and ask whither she was -going.</p> - -<p class='c011'>She walked quickly up the quiet -street, and, with a corner of her mantilla -drawn over her face, looked neither -to the right nor left. Few people -were about, and every moment came -the boom of the cannon, now a little -louder and now less so,—as they were -fired from the walls, or from the distant -cannon of the enemy.</p> - -<p class='c011'>She kept bravely on, for she had a -purpose before her. She wished to -make a prayer for herself as well as -for her mother, and turned to the -cathedral, whither were also others -hurrying, bound on the same errand -as herself.</p> - -<p class='c011'>As the leather curtain of the door -fell behind her, the dusky light of the -great cathedral was pointed here and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_277'>277</span>there by hundreds of twinkling lights, -and side by side on the pavement -kneeled noble lady or ragged beggar, -all intent on their devotions, whispering -prayers for the deliverance of their -beloved city and for the safety of her -defenders. The solemn tones of the -organ and the voices of the chanting -priests were the only sounds to be -heard, save from time to time a sob -from some mourner who prayed for -the dead.</p> - -<p class='c011'>As Augustina stood once more in -the sunshine on the great steps of the -church, she looked up and down the -street, hardly able to realise that while -the sky was so bright, such misery was -in many homes, and such cruel fighting -on the walls.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“On the walls!” Yes; that was the -place whither she was bound! Felipe -had not been to their home since the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_278'>278</span>day before yesterday. Something must -have happened to detain him, for as he -left he had called back,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Look for me to-morrow, Augustina”; -and when Felipe said a thing -he always kept his word; no one knew -that better than she. It had been so -from the days when they were little -children together. When Felipe said, -“I will do this,” or “I will not do that,” -it always fell out just as he said. So -now she was going to see for herself -what had happened to keep him away. -A horrid idea rose before her mind of -Felipe wounded, but she drove it away, -and thought only of how young he was -and strong, so proud of being chosen by -his townsmen to serve on the walls, so -delighted with his uniform.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The mere thought of how she had -seen him thus made her hurry all the -faster; and she hoped he would like -<span class='pageno' id='Page_279'>279</span>the things which she had brought him -to eat, for, poor boy, he had complained -of being hungry the last time he came -to them; and food was getting more -scarce each day.</p> - -<p class='c011'>She reached the walls at last, and at -the gate near the great convent of -Santa Engracia, where Felipe had a -gun, she was stopped by a sentinel -who asked her business there.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I come to see Felipe,” she answered -briefly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“A brother of thine, little one?” -asked the soldier, as he noticed her -basket, and tried to get a glimpse of -her face through the mantilla.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“No, a friend,” was all she answered; -for how could she tell this -man that some day, when this war -was over, she and Felipe were to be -betrothed?</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Just a friend,” the man mimicked, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_280'>280</span>and then, seeing her bent head, he said -more gently: “Well, ’tis not allowed -for friends to mount to the walls, but -as it seems that you have something to -eat, go you up. You will find Felipe -at the gun at the second turn to the -right.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Up the rude steps to the top of -the walls, Augustina hurried, past one, -two, three guns. At the fourth stood -Felipe!</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, Felipe!” she cried, “where have -you been these last two days? In -truth I could wait no longer to know -what had befallen you. See, here is -a bit of meat, and all the bread that I -could spare, for mother must not suffer, -you know, else had I brought more.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Felipe had just cleaned the gun for -another charge, and as he stood beside -it, he turned his weary and blackened -face towards Augustina.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_281'>281</span>“I could not come,” he whispered -hoarsely. “I have served this gun -day and night since I saw you last, -save for a few hours at night when -those dastardly French had to rest -too.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Poor Felipe!” murmured Augustina. -“Here is some wine; take it, for -you look worn and tired”; and as she -spoke, she gave him a glass of the -sour wine which is so esteemed by -the Spaniard, and in which Felipe -moistened some bits of bread, standing -beside his gun all the while so -as to be ready to load and fire as soon -as he had finished.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The tumult was appalling. Orders -were being shouted out from either -side, clouds of smoke obscured the -walls as well as the broad and grassy -vega where the French camp was established. -The noise was deafening, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_282'>282</span>and every few moments a ball, screaming -as it went, flew over their heads, -and burst somewhere in the city behind -them, killing and destroying, and often -leaving in its wake fiery embers which -burst into flame.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Augustina steadied herself by putting -her hand on the gun, and as Felipe -turned to it once more he shouted to -her,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Hear the Signorina speak, Augustina; -she is the bravest lady on the -walls!” and he thrust into the gaping -mouth of the gun a huge iron case -which he took from a pile near at -hand, and which held within it many -small iron balls.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Now hear my lady’s voice!” turning -towards Augustina with a look of -triumph on his face.</p> - -<p class='c011'>There was a deafening roar, a cloud -of smoke, and even as it floated about -<span class='pageno' id='Page_283'>283</span>them out of its midst seemed to come -a great thing that flew towards them,—a -whirling, screaming thing that never -wavered in its track! Before she could -realise what it was, there was a deafening -roar, Augustina was thrown on her -face, and heard all about her a sound -as of falling stones. She knew in a -moment, as soon as the noise had -died away, that she was not hurt. She -slowly scrambled to her feet, and -looked about for Felipe.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Ah, he had been thrown down like -herself!</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Felipe!” she called.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Amid the tumult her voice seemed -but a whisper.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Felipe!” Still there was no answer, -and as she looked again she saw that -on his breast lay a large bit of something -that looked like a stone. She -hurried to him and pushed it off, trying -<span class='pageno' id='Page_284'>284</span>to raise him as she did so; but he fell -back, and she threw herself on her -knees, lifting his head in her arms, and -saying softly,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Felipe, dear one, where are you -hurt? Answer me, I pray; ’tis I, Augustina, -who calls you.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>But there was no answer. The iron -fragment from the cannon ball had hit -Felipe above the heart, and struck out -in a moment the life of a brave soldier. -Again and again Augustina called to -him, stroking the curling black hair, -and smoothing the hands all stained -from his work. How long she sat -there with Felipe’s head in her lap, she -never knew. Slowly in her mind the -idea grew that some one must take -his place. No one must think that -Felipe’s gun was silent because he had -deserted; the faith of his townsfolk in -his courage must not be destroyed.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_285'>285</span>Besides, what was that she had -heard? It was Felipe himself who had -told her of the dreadful thing which -happened every night on the walls. -She could hardly bear to think of it,—but -at dusk gibbets were set up, and -on them were hung all deserters and -cowards.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Oh, if they should think that Felipe -was a coward!</p> - -<p class='c011'>Somebody must take his place, but -who—who was to do it?</p> - -<p class='c011'>There were far too few men now, -able to fill the places of danger on -the walls.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Then must even I,” said Augustina -to herself; and she laid poor Felipe -down tenderly, and threw her mantilla -over the quiet face. There was no -time for tears. She had watched him -as he loaded the gun, and now tried to -do it herself.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_286'>286</span>“Now may Our Lady of the Pillar -help me!” and as she breathed the -prayer, Augustina dragged the heavy -case which held so many death-dealing -balls to the mouth of the gun, lifted -and pushed it into place. After firing -the charge, she dropped on her knees, -and with her hands covering her face -waited through an awful moment!</p> - -<p class='c011'>Suddenly there was a tearing, crashing -sound, an explosion so loud that it -took away her breath, and then Augustina -knew that the gun of Felipe -spoke as if he still stood at its side. -A sob broke from her lips, but she -crushed it down, and with one look at -the still form beneath the mantilla, she -rose to her feet and turned to the gun. -Her slender hands had difficulty in managing -the heavy cases, but she kept at -it bravely, murmuring to herself,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“For Felipe and for Spain!”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_287'>287</span>It was for her country, too, that -Augustina worked and toiled; for to -the tips of her toes she was of Aragon. -Her father and his father before him -had watched the Ebro as it flows -through the city; they had loved the -olive groves by which it was surrounded, -and they had stood in the -arcades and market-places, their sad -eyes watching the slow decay of a -city which had once been the home -of kings.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Cold and proud to the stranger, the -Aragonese when aroused are fairly -heroic in the way they fight for their -country; and in 1808, when Augustina -manned the gun for the sake of her -playmate and lover who was slain, the -same spirit burned in her heart as had in -those of her ancestors centuries before, -when the Berbers came and conquered.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The time crept along, but Augustina -<span class='pageno' id='Page_288'>288</span>never faltered. Her clothes were torn -with the unusual labour, and her hands, -more used to the threads of flax and -the smooth wooden bobbins, were cut -and bleeding from the rough metal -of the cannon. Her long black hair -became loosened and hung like a veil -down her back. She worked like -one possessed of man-like strength. -Hardly did she allow the great cannon -to cool before she thrust the charge -into it, and dragged another iron case -to its mouth, so as to have it ready -at the first moment.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It seemed to her as if she had been -the whole day at her post, when there -hurried along an officer making his -rounds to observe the condition of -things on the walls.</p> - -<p class='c011'>At sight of Augustina he stopped -and looked at her with amazement.</p> -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_288.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>“<span class='fss'>WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE, MY GIRL?</span>”—<i>Page <a href='#Page_289'>289</a>.</i></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_289'>289</span>“What are you doing here, my girl?” -he asked in no gentle tones, hardly able -to credit what his eyes told him, and -thinking that Augustina might perhaps -be keeping watch over a sleeping -soldier, and anxious to know the truth.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I have but taken Felipe’s place, -Signor Captain,” pointing with her -hand to the figure lying on the stones -beside the gun.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Does—” The Captain paused in -his question. Something in the still -figure seemed to tell him that it was not -the sleep of fatigue that held Felipe -while this slender girl worked his gun.</p> - -<p class='c011'>He stooped and lifted the end of -the mantilla which covered the face. -There was no need for further question. -He rose and touched Augustina’s small -stained hand.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Poor girl!” he said; “was he your -brother?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“No, signor; he was Felipe. Since -<span class='pageno' id='Page_290'>290</span>we were children we had played together. -His father and mine were old -comrades, and when Felipe was left -alone on his father’s death, my mother -told him to think that our home was -his when he wanted it. But Felipe was -brave, signor. He knew that we had -little, and he worked hard for himself -and me, too, since when we came of -age we were to be married. Then came -this war; he was chosen to serve, and, -as the signor sees, he served as long as -life lasted. Now I serve for him.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Brave girl that you are! I would -that we had more men like you, and -like poor Felipe here! Stay but a -little longer and I will send some one -to relieve you.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“No, signor; I will stay in place of -Felipe, if but you will send word to my -mother that I am safe and will see her -to-night.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_291'>291</span>“I can promise that, surely; and if -your example does not shame those -who lurk in safety behind the walls, I -shall lose all faith in Aragon.” Saying -which, the Captain passed on his way, -saluting as he went, with bowed head -and lifted hat, both the girl and the -still figure under the mantilla.</p> - -<p class='c011'>All through the long afternoon Augustina -worked. No cannon on the -walls spoke more often than hers. -Faint and weary, she ate what remained -of the food she had brought to Felipe, -and would not allow herself to think -of anything but the duty before her. -Not a tear fell from her eyes, and she -kept whispering to herself,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I must make the Signorina speak!” -and every time the cannon roared she -looked down at Felipe and cried out, -“Ah, Felipe, that was for you; she -spoke for you!”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_292'>292</span>It was night before the promised -relief arrived,—a soldier who looked -hardly able to do the work, so pale -was he.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Have you been ill?” asked Augustina, -as she made ready to go.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“But two days from the hospital,” -said he; “yet every one who can stand -has need to fight if we wish to save -Zaragoza and Our Lady of the Pillar.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“If you can bear through the night, -I will come again in the morning. If -it were not for my mother, I would not -leave here now.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Surely you have done your best. -No one could ask more; and as for the -poor lad whose place you took, there -are few who have been more faithful -than he.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It is for that very reason that I -come again,” said Augustina. “Never -shall it be said that Felipe’s gun was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_293'>293</span>silent while I am able to stand beside -it—and while Felipe guards it himself,” -she added in a lower tone. She -kneeled and looked long into the face of -her dead comrade, and leaving the mantilla -still covering his face, walked steadily -off, wiping away with her tired hand -the few tears that fell over her cheeks.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Bareheaded and alone, she walked to -her home, climbed to the door of their -rooms, and then, overcome with sorrow -and fatigue, rushed in and threw herself -on her knees beside her mother.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, my child, my dearest child!” -and fondling and kissing her, her -mother tried to give comfort and cheer -to the weeping girl.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“To think that my little girl should -be so brave! and, child, how came you -to know how to load and fire one of -those fearful guns?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I saw Felipe do it, mother, and he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_294'>294</span>said that his gun spoke oftenest of any -on the walls. So I saw to it that it -did not become silent, that was all!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Sit here, loved one”; and Augustina’s -mother put the tired girl into -her own chair, and hurried away to get -something for her to eat, and to light -the brazier to warm her chilled frame, -all her own weakness forgotten in the -sight of her child’s sorrow. Nearly -all the night they talked, the mother -trying in vain to keep Augustina from -her resolve to return and serve the -cannon the next day. But Augustina -simply said,—</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I promised Felipe before I left him, -mother dear, and I must go. Besides, -I must do my share, and there are few -enough to help on the walls.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Seeing that the girl could not be won -away from her idea of her duty, both -to the dead and to her country, her -<span class='pageno' id='Page_295'>295</span>mother at last gave up trying to dissuade -her, and made her go to bed and -try to sleep, so as to have strength for -the coming day.</p> - -<p class='c011'>But although Augustina lay quite -still with closed eyes, she did not sleep. -All through the hours she went over -her childhood, and always, in everything, -was Felipe. Each little pleasure -which they had enjoyed together came -vividly to her mind,—how they had -studied and worked and played; and -now—Even the very bobbins on her -lace pillow were the work of his skilful -fingers, and many of the comforts of -their little home had been made or -bought by him for her mother or herself.</p> - -<p class='c011'>She could not bear to think of him -lying on the rough stones of the wall, -but the Captain had promised that the -boy soldier should be laid to rest within -the convent yard.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_296'>296</span>“Would that we could do as much -for each brave man who gives his life -for his country!” the message ran.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The grey dawn had hardly broken -before Augustina had crept from her -bed and down the stairs, and was -hurrying towards her cannon and -place on the walls. She was trying -to forget her unhappy thoughts in -the work which lay before her. The -soldier who had taken her place was -in worse condition than he had been -the evening before, since the chill of -the night and the strain of the work -were far more than he, with wounds -hardly healed, could stand.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I am shamed to give the place to -you,” he said; “yet if I stay longer, -I fear that I shall be of no use at all. -I will report to the Captain and see -that some one is sent here.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It will be no use. I shall serve -<span class='pageno' id='Page_297'>297</span>this gun to-day and every day, as long -as God wills, or till we conquer. I -promised Felipe, and the Captain said -it should be so.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Augustina turned away as if further -argument was useless, and so it proved. -Each day she took her place beside the -gun where Felipe had met his death, -and not only worked it with the skill -and courage of a man, but inspired -others, less stout of heart than she, to -hold their places too. Indeed on more -than one occasion she held the men in -position by her words and her bravery, -though, alas! poor Zaragoza had -to yield at last to a power stronger -than her own.</p> - -<p class='c011'>After sixty days of incredible bravery, -after countless repulses and endless -suffering, they were overcome. Right -beside the great convent of Santa -Engracia, near which was the cannon -<span class='pageno' id='Page_298'>298</span>which was Augustina’s charge, the -enemy made a breach in the walls. -The French soldiers who worked at -it were partially protected by the convent, -and had wrought the mischief -before the Spaniards were fully aware -of what had happened. Augustina heard -the noise of crumbling masonry at a -distance, and ran along the wall in the -direction of the sound.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Ah!” She caught her breath, for -there, even as she looked, a score of -the hated French were through. On -they came, silent at first, leaping -through the hole which the workers -every moment made larger. They -rushed in like a stream swollen by -the spring rains, till ten thousand men -at least had flowed into the city.</p> - -<p class='c011'>But do not think that these sons -and daughters of Aragon gave in even -then! Driven from the walls, they -<span class='pageno' id='Page_299'>299</span>used the housetops and the balconies -as vantage grounds. Inch by inch only -did they yield, and held off the enemy -for twenty-one days longer, only giving -in at last because they had actually no -more soldiers left to fight. Such bravery -and determination impressed even the -victorious French, and the terms of -capitulation granted were most honourable -and generous.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Augustina lived through all these -perils and many more, and was among -the last to yield. Nor were her courage -and her services to her country forgotten; -all through Spain her name was -known and loved. Nor was her fame -confined to her own country, for her -daring has been celebrated in many -tongues.</p> - -<p class='c011'>She lived full fifty years after her -brave exploits on the walls of Zaragoza -(she died in 1867), and by command -<span class='pageno' id='Page_300'>300</span>of the government walked each -fine day upon the Prado, her breast -covered with medals and decorations, -showing the esteem and honour in -which she was held.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Ye who shall marvel when you hear her tale,</div> - <div class='line'>Oh! had you known her in her softer hour,</div> - <div class='line'>Mark’d her black eye that mocks her coal-black veil,</div> - <div class='line'>Heard her light, lively tones in Lady’s bower,</div> - <div class='line'>Seen her long locks that foil the painter’s power,</div> - <div class='line'>Her fairy form, with more than female grace,</div> - <div class='line'>Scarce would you deem that Zaragoza’s tower</div> - <div class='line'>Beheld her smile in danger’s Gorgon face,</div> - <div class='line'>Thin the closed ranks, and lead in Glory’s fearful chase.</div> - <div class='line in30'><span class='sc'>Childe Harold.</span></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c004' /> -</div> -<div class='tnotes x-ebookmaker'> - -<div class='chapter ph2'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div>TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - - <ol class='ol_1 c003'> - <li>Silently corrected obvious typographical errors and variations in spelling. - - </li> - <li>Retained archaic, non-standard, and uncertain spellings as printed. - </li> - </ol> - -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DEEDS OF DARING DONE BY GIRLS ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™ -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following -the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use -of the Project Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for -copies of this eBook, complying with the trademark license is very -easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation -of derivative works, reports, performances and research. Project -Gutenberg eBooks may be modified and printed and given away—you may -do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected -by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark -license, especially commercial redistribution. -</div> - -<div style='margin:0.83em 0; font-size:1.1em; text-align:center'>START: FULL LICENSE<br /> -<span style='font-size:smaller'>THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE<br /> -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK</span> -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -To protect the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project -Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg™ License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg™ -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg™ electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person -or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg™ electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the -Foundation” or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg™ -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg™ name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg™ License when -you share it without charge with others. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg™ work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country other than the United States. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg™ License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg™ work (any work -on which the phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the -phrase “Project Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: -</div> - -<blockquote> - <div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most - other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions - whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms - of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online - at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you - are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws - of the country where you are located before using this eBook. - </div> -</blockquote> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase “Project -Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg™ -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg™ License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg™ -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg™. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg™ License. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg™ work in a format -other than “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg™ website -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original “Plain -Vanilla ASCII” or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg™ License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg™ works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -provided that: -</div> - -<div style='margin-left:0.7em;'> - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg™ works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, “Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation.” - </div> - - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg™ - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg™ - works. - </div> - - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - </div> - - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg™ works. - </div> -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg™ electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the manager of -the Project Gutenberg™ trademark. Contact the Foundation as set -forth in Section 3 below. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg™ collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain “Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the “Right -of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg™ trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg™ electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS’, WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg™ work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg™ work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg™ -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg™’s -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg™ collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg™ and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non-profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation’s EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state’s laws. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -The Foundation’s business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, -Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up -to date contact information can be found at the Foundation’s website -and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ depends upon and cannot survive without widespread -public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine-readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular state -visit <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/donate/">www.gutenberg.org/donate</a>. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Please check the Project Gutenberg web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg™ concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg™ eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Most people start at our website which has the main PG search -facility: <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This website includes information about Project Gutenberg™, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. -</div> - -</div> - </body> - <!-- created with ppgen.py 3.57c on 2022-03-17 23:05:59 GMT --> -</html> diff --git a/old/67647-h/images/cover.jpg b/old/67647-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 23ca7f9..0000000 --- a/old/67647-h/images/cover.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/67647-h/images/di_001.jpg b/old/67647-h/images/di_001.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 6f4209e..0000000 --- a/old/67647-h/images/di_001.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/67647-h/images/di_053.jpg b/old/67647-h/images/di_053.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 486e0f5..0000000 --- a/old/67647-h/images/di_053.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/67647-h/images/di_096.jpg b/old/67647-h/images/di_096.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index e4e622b..0000000 --- a/old/67647-h/images/di_096.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/67647-h/images/di_129.jpg b/old/67647-h/images/di_129.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 8f6d0be..0000000 --- a/old/67647-h/images/di_129.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/67647-h/images/di_220.jpg b/old/67647-h/images/di_220.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 063e055..0000000 --- a/old/67647-h/images/di_220.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/67647-h/images/di_265.jpg b/old/67647-h/images/di_265.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 562e21b..0000000 --- a/old/67647-h/images/di_265.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/67647-h/images/i_001.jpg b/old/67647-h/images/i_001.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 3114489..0000000 --- a/old/67647-h/images/i_001.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/67647-h/images/i_048.jpg b/old/67647-h/images/i_048.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 62def46..0000000 --- a/old/67647-h/images/i_048.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/67647-h/images/i_053.jpg b/old/67647-h/images/i_053.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 00a682f..0000000 --- a/old/67647-h/images/i_053.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/67647-h/images/i_086.jpg b/old/67647-h/images/i_086.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 7fbb85f..0000000 --- a/old/67647-h/images/i_086.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/67647-h/images/i_096.jpg b/old/67647-h/images/i_096.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 9755e8b..0000000 --- a/old/67647-h/images/i_096.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/67647-h/images/i_124.jpg b/old/67647-h/images/i_124.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 48801ce..0000000 --- a/old/67647-h/images/i_124.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/67647-h/images/i_129.jpg b/old/67647-h/images/i_129.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 8d037d2..0000000 --- a/old/67647-h/images/i_129.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/67647-h/images/i_220.jpg b/old/67647-h/images/i_220.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index fa67872..0000000 --- a/old/67647-h/images/i_220.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/67647-h/images/i_260.jpg b/old/67647-h/images/i_260.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 42887fb..0000000 --- a/old/67647-h/images/i_260.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/67647-h/images/i_265.jpg b/old/67647-h/images/i_265.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index f5f8102..0000000 --- a/old/67647-h/images/i_265.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/67647-h/images/i_288.jpg b/old/67647-h/images/i_288.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 70d71a8..0000000 --- a/old/67647-h/images/i_288.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/67647-h/images/i_frontispiece.jpg b/old/67647-h/images/i_frontispiece.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index d83d0ca..0000000 --- a/old/67647-h/images/i_frontispiece.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/67647-h/images/title.jpg b/old/67647-h/images/title.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index fc7e09c..0000000 --- a/old/67647-h/images/title.jpg +++ /dev/null |
