Page:The Rise and Fall on the Paris Commune in 1871.djvu/399



affirm to you, upon my honour, that, except the terrible anxiety I feel for the health of my noble and holy companion, never has my soul felt such calm and serenity as since I have lost even my name to become No. 14 of the 6th division. But this No. 14 loves you very dearly, and blesses you as though you were one of his own children.

"I do not need to add, for your friend has most likely told you, that in announcing my arrest to my brave George, I added a most energetic prohibition against his coming to Paris to attempt anything in my favor.

"I told him that his post was by the side of his dying mother, near the two young brothers of whom he may become one day the solitary protector. I added that his presence in Paris would cause me a veritable despair, for I should have to fear either that they would retain him here also as hostage, or that he would be obliged to serve in this horrible civil war; and that either of these events would certainly be a mortal blow to his poor mother.

"Thank God, my brave child had a heart sufficiently elevated to understand this language, and I am proud as well as grateful for the conquest which that generous nature has made over itself to accomplish the duty imposed upon it by my paternal authority; my heart blesses him with the tenderest affection.

""

Such were the men murdered by the Communists. Among the hostages remaining in prison was Father Guerrin, of the Foreign Missions, who occupied the cell No. 22. This cell communicated with No. 21, where one of the hostages belonging to the laity was confined—a married man and father of a family.

After having given every consolation and encouragement to his companion which could be prompted by the most loving charity, Father Guerrin, on the night of the