When a Cobbler Ruled a King

discovered it, though whether he had really become acquainted with the facts, or only suspected a plot could not be ascertained. All the cons

ight!" The soldier handed this to Simon, who immediately took steps t

companions. He answered openly and calmly all incriminating questions, and seemed so earnestly and candidly intere

d evidence of many plots to carry off the royal child, proclaim him King of France, and overthrow the Republic. Between the two they so man?uvred that in consequence of these rumours, t

c? Who but Simon, the zealous commissary that had been so active in thwarting all schemes of release! Yes, let Simon have charge of this tender life, and

h and little Marie-Thérèse. The two older women were sewing, or rather vainly attempting to darn and patch their much-worn clothes, for the Republic saw fit to

had carefully hung up a dark shawl to shield his eyes from the light and shut off the draughts. Once he

ghed his mother. "His li

ins a bit, he tries so hard to be cheerful and keep us all in

e at Versailles, (how far away that all seems!) and he never even mentions the Tuil

uddered, and after a moment's silence they all continued their work. Suddenly there was a loud sound outside on the staircase,-a heavy tread of feet, a hideous clanking of bolts and bars unfastened. The three women looke

"The son of Louis Capet is to be separated from his family. Give him up to us at once!" Poor Marie Antoinette c

ong! It cannot be true! He is so young, so weak! He needs my care!" He

it out and we cannot help ourselves." The three women placed themselves before the child's bed. They defended it w

child! He will be safe and in good hands." He approached the bed and seized the heavy shawl which fell on the boy, wa

m take me! Oh,

e should be left at least over that night, that she should be allowed to see him at meals each day. In vain! In despair the three women began to dress him. Never did a toilet take

h it was completed. The Queen took her son, all trembling and frightened, sat

and straightforward, and your father will bless you from Heaven where he is gone!" Then she kissed him and gave him to the municipals. But the little fellow broke from them, rushed to her again and clasped her knees with his arms. With the tears s

The door opened, and some municipals entered with a sobbing boy. They spoke a few words to the man and then went out, leaving Louis XVII alone w

commanded the cobbler, without removing

we might as well make them plain in the beginning. In the first place, you are to be called nothing but Little Capet! Do you comprehend th

y order that I give you. I'm master, n

how to conduct yourself as a good citizen of this great and glorious Republic. I'll teach

efore had a rough hand laid on him, was shaken to and fro by the cobbler's muscular arm. He sobbed and caught his breath, but still persisted in a stubborn silence

The little king set his teeth and endured to the last, but he would not open his lips. It was far into the night when Simon, fu

ce and hands were brown like Simon's, and she always wore a cap tied with red ribbons, and a blue apron. She was rough, co

ither food nor drink, persisting always in his obstinate silence. On the third day some munici

her? Show me the law! I wish to see it!" The men o

know about the law, young fool?" Whe

all teach you to shout 'Vive la République!' and dance th

at he was a king, and his actions were always dignified and manly. His mother, failing in her demand to see him, had his books and playthings sent down, that he might both amuse himself and continue hi

her can play, and thy dog of an aunt can sing. Thou shalt learn to accompany them! It will be a fine racket!" Louis Charles pushed the instrument away from him. The coarse remarks a

ld did for many a long day, in consequence of that refusal. Yet no brutali

ck clothes, in memory of his father. Simon's jealous eye was not long in perceiv

e was arrayed in a little coat and trousers of the Revolutionary red, and a bright red liberty-cap. The boy donned the suit sadly but without resistance. But when it came to the liberty-cap, nothing would induc

erhaps, he will listen to reason!" The child ga

and run at their beck and call like the meanest servant. He performed his tasks without a m

ing, lighted a little foot-stove, and took it to Madame Simon's bed as he had been directed to do. She scolded him sleepily for not bringing it sooner, and his heart ached as he recalled how he used to lay a bouque

into the thick hair with great, jagged strokes. In a few moments the curls all lay on the floor, and Louis Charles stood like a shorn lamb, heartbroken but tearless, before his tormentor. Then the cobbler t

ff all the hair that w

oldiers laughed. The child, always peculiarly sensitive to mockery, hung his head and turned a

anything but water, it made him stupid and heavy. Perhaps he did not quite understand what was hap

Put it on!" the boy, worn out w

Simon in triumph. And he crowned the shorn hea

NNE SAW