The Ordeal

Jean Renyea, living a peaceful and happy life with his mother, father and sister, is in love with Helene, a beautiful girl of his neighborhood who reciprocates his ardent affection. Pierre, a hunchback, also passionately in love with Helene, becomes violently jealous of Jean. War is declared, the young men of Jean's town enlisting in the cause. Helene urges Jean to remain with her, and he determines finally not to enlist. Jean's refusal stamps him as a coward among his townspeople. The news of his son's refusal to enlist is brought by Pierre to Jean's father, an old soldier, who takes Jean's action much to heart. He cannot understand his son's attitude in refusing to obey his country's call. Learning that Jean's actions are prompted by his love for Helene, he seeks his son and endeavors to point out to him his duty to his country. The father tells the boy of the incidents of his own career in serving his country, how, by drawing a wagon load of ammunition through the enemies' lines the tide of the battle was turned from defeat to victory. The story arouses the son's true patriotic spirit, and he determines twixt love and duty, and regardless of his sweetheart's pleadings, finally enlists. Before leaving with the recruits Jean falls asleep, and dreams that he is on the firing line and that his troops are hard-pressed, forced back and nigh to defeat. Nightfall brings a cessation of hostilities and the soldiers make their bivouac. Jean, sleeping, sees a vision of his father, mother and sister praying for him and his country's success, and Helene anxiously awaiting his return. Pierre, taking advantage of Jean's absence, renews his attentions to Helene, who persistently refuses him, telling Pierre that she will await Jean's return, Pierre realizing his suit is hopeless. At sunrise the opposing army makes an attack. Jean's troops are forced to retreat, bringing them into the vicinity of his home. Jean's General is severed from his army, but Jean, knowing the country thereabouts, takes him to a place of safety, free from capture. Meanwhile the opposing General takes possession of the town, but furious at not being able to capture his enemy, uses every effort to locate him, but to no avail. Jean, commissioned by his General to bring aid from the main division, is pursued by the enemy's cavalry. He eludes them, and wounded, seeks refuge in his own home. He is observed entering by Pierre, who, realizing that an opportunity for revenge presents itself, informs the Ge