An Adventure with the Prussians.

Cromwell Argus, Volume II, Issue 103, 31 October 1871, Page 2

An Adventure with the Prussians.

Now and then Prussian soldiers presented themselves and claimed quarters, but soon withdrew. On one occasion Louise and myself were summoned into the stable-yard by the cry, " Here are the Prussians !" and arriving there found half-a-dozen dragoons trying to turn out two poor old white ponies and insinuate their big horse into the little stable. I sent a sister flying for the safe conduct, which was kept at Ste. Maria, as most exposed to danger, being on the high road from Gien, and told my friends that they could not come in there. The sergeant, a boy of 18 or 20 persisted that he would. The weather was bitter ; his horses must have shelter. I went into the stable, seized the bridles of our two ponies, who had only just been taken out of harness, and said they were for the service of the ambulance, and should not be turned out in the cold. The sergeant grew furious, and insisted on going into the gardener's house, a small one-storey cottage, to see if he could screw his own special beast in there. I told told him that that was the house for small-pox cases ; he was welcome to sleep there himself, if he liked. He replied, "He would not do that, he would not be murdered ; but his horse would sleep there." 1 grew tired of all this nonsense, and said, " To finish this affair, get out, horse and all. On this he drew a remarkably long sword and brandished it ferociously about me. Louise stood by watching the scene with much amusement, and sundry sisters clung round her declaring that I should be killed ; but she knew better, and coolly said, " Oh, clear, no : mademoiselle is quite competent to take care of herself." I felt very indignant, and seizing the boy's wrist, I twisted the sword out of his hand with a jerk. It was quite new and very bright, and I gave it back congratulating him on the opportunity he had of trying it for the first time on a woman. His companions began to laugh at him, and just then the sister arrived breathless with the safe conduct. " Now," I said to the sergeant, "you see I might punish you very severely for this. You saw the red cross marked on the doors, and the words " Ambulance Anglaise j" but if you will go away directly, I shall not complain to Prince. Frederick Charles." He hesitated, and I seized his horse's bridle and led him to the gate. " Get out," I said, " and never let us see you hero again, you stupid boy !" iic did get out, and his companions followed him, and never from that day had we any annoyance. The poor sisters gave a sigh of relief, Louise and I retired upon our laurels to the calm of our own room, and so "ended the defeat of the Lilians in the convent of St. Marc.—" Our Adventures during ,the War" by two English ladies.