On both these subjects and others I shall speak at length in early numbers of The Girl’s Own Paper, so those interested should look out for my papers.
[“OUR HERO.”]
A TALE OF THE FRANCO-ENGLISH WAR NINETY YEARS AGO.
By AGNES GIBERNE, Author of “Sun, Moon and Stars,” “The Girl at the Dower House,” etc.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
s a heavy stone falling into a pond sends waves circling outward to a distance, so the death of Sir John Moore at Coruña sent many a wave of sorrow to the hearts of men, north and south, east and west. One such wave found its way to the distant town of Verdun, where still languished the détenus, taken captive in 1803, together with many later Prisoners of War on parole, sent thither.
News in those days travelled slowly, and prisoners travelled more slowly still. But a day arrived, though not till very many weeks after the Battle of Coruña, when Jack Keene found himself within the ramparts of Verdun.
It was spring; and he carried his right arm in a sling, and when he moved a distinct limp might be seen. He had just been to report himself at the citadel, and he now stood outside, meditating on his next move.