e levied, but to defend our country, which had been put in
danger by tyranny and ambition. We would gladly have peace now.
Unhappily, the Russians are advancing; the Prussians are joining them:
and our friends, the Austrians, only await a good opportunity to fall
upon our rear. If we do not go to meet them, they will come to our
homes; for we are about to have Europe on our hands as we had in '93.
It is now a different matter from our wars in Spain, in Russia, and in
Germany; and I, old as I am, Mother Gredel, if the danger continues to
increase and the veterans of the republic are needed, I would be
ashamed to go and make clocks in Switzerland while others were pouring
out their blood to defend my country. Besides, remember this well,
that deserters are despised everywhere; after having committed such an
act, they have no kindred or home anywhere. They have neither father,
mother, church nor country. They are incapable of fulfilling the first
duty of man--to love and sustain their country, even though she be in
the wrong."

He said no more at the moment, but sat gravely down.

"Let us eat," he exclaimed, after some minutes of silence. "It is
striking twelve o'clock. Mother Gredel and Catharine, seat yourselves
there."

They sat down, and we began dinner. I thought of the words of Monsieur
Goulden, which seemed right to me. Aunt Gredel compressed her lips,
and from time to time gazed at me as if to read my thoughts. At length
she said:

"I despise a country where they take fathers of families after carrying
off the sons. If I were in Joseph's place, I would fly at once."

"Listen, Aunt Gredel," I replied; "you know that I love nothing so much
as peace and quiet, but I would not, nevertheless, run away like a
coward to another country. But, notwithstanding, I will do as
Catharine says; if she wishes me to go to Switzerland, I will go."

Then Catharine, lowering her head to hide her tears, said in a low
voice:

"I would not have them call you a deserter."

"Well, then, I will do like the others," I cried; "and as those of
Phalsbourg and Dagsberg are going to the wars, I will go."

Monsieur Goulden made no remark.

"Every one is free to do as he pleases," said he, after a while; "but I
am glad that Joseph thinks as I do."

Then there was silence, and toward two o'clock Aunt Gredel arose and
took her basket. She seemed utterly cast down, and said:

"Joseph, you will not listen to me, but no matte