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18
" THE BREAKFAST AT
By CLINTON HOSS.
Author of "The Scarlet Coat," "The Coddling
(O
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SYNOPSIS
The Sicur de la Renne is a young French
nobleman, who has brought Poverty and
disgrace upon tiluisclC through dlsmna
UoS and extravagance. Me has teM
dismissed the Kcgiiucnt Gatcnois. m lilch
he hehl a caina.tKy llw re;c"''
about to depart for America on the Che
Sicr dc Ternay's fleet, and Be la Renne
is anxious to go with Uieni, but a, duel
ing episode has nought upon htm the
anger of Uie Queen, and results in his pub-
lin dismissal rroni mc uiu".
This de
rtroj-8 liih last lipo of restoration In the I
rcinicnt In a aiscoumiaiu n.i... -mind
he throws himself upon the ground
In the Park of Versailles and falls asleep.
He is awakened by the sound or a wom
an's voice, and aroutes l,iIl,!eir,lotM-'c
approaching a l-cautltal gil eighteen
She is Louise Moncrieif, a daughter or
one or the American com mi toners who
have pone to France to obtain aW for the
patriot cause. Louise has witnessed De
la Hennes banishment rrom court, and
out or pitv speaks words of Hope tor the
future He is eheere.l by her kindness
but the future looks black to him. He is
in debt to all Ids friends, and even to
some who ate not his mends, and who
holl him in their power through Ins ob
ligations. Such a one is the Count de
Vitry, and De lit Kcnnc is much surprised
to receive rnmi the count an imitation
to dine The latter unrolds a remarkable
plot. It is this: It seems that: Benedict
Vrnold first approached the French min
ister at Philadelphia with his plans of
treachery. They were indignantly re
jected by the Count de Vergenues, and
then Arnold went to the British. The
traitor's plans, however, became known
to a set of unscrupulous rabcals in Paris
(among whom is the count de Vitry I, and
tliey threatened Arnold with exposure to
the Americans unless lie divided with,
thurn the money he was to get from the
British. The French rascals wish to go
still further. They plot to abduct Gen.
Washington and deliver him to the Brit
ish for a large sum. They wish to send
some one to America to aid the scheme,
and this is what De Vitry wants De la
Renne to do. De Vitry asks the Marquis
de la Fayette, who is entirely ignorant
of the plot, to request Benjamin Franklin
to recommend Dc la Renne to Congress as
a capable officer. The recommendation
is obtained without arousing the suspi
cions or those who give it. De la Renne
would reject the proposition, but he is too
completely in De Vitry's power to resist.
De la Renne's sense or honor is much of
fended, liowcer, and he resolves to
thwart the dastardly scheme. He goes to
America with Baron Von Wadom, a Ger
mau officer, also In the employ of the
French conspirators. Upon tils arrival De
la Renne becomes attached to Gen.
Washington's stall aim becomes noted for
his faithful services. He is often tempted
to tell hi6 secret, but feels that the time,
has not yet come. Returning from Hartr
rord with "Washington and some other of
ficers, a stop is made at Gen. Arnold's
home for breakfast. De la Renne finds
Louise Moncilcff at the house. Sbe is
Mrs. Arnold's cousin. The Baron von
Wadom is albo there, and the plot to ab
duct Washington is apparently nearly npe.
At breakrast Arnold is summoned from the
table and leaves the house in great haste.
Something terrible has evidently hap
pened. Louise questions De la Renne and
finds that Arnold Is a traitor. De la
Renne wants her to tell Washington and
the others, but she replied that he must
do it hltnseir. De la Kenne finds himself
In an awkward plight. The secret has come
out in a way that he hardly expected.
TART III.
Ab the clatter of their hoofs died, T itlll
stood aghast at my plight and at Louise
Moncrieff's contempt. Some part of the
plot bad been developed with unexpected
suddenness, with I knew not what to fol
low. ButI had no time for reflection. Two
horsemen spurred up. One was a messen
ger with a dispatch for Gen. Washington.
"It requires the greatest haste,' he said,
breathing hard.
Close behind came Von Wadom. Throw
ing his rein to a groom, headvauced toward
me beroro the orticer could say another
word.
"I wish to bpeak to you, Capt. de la
Kenne.''
"Yes; in a moment.''
"The greatest hastel" emphasized the
messenger, as if he were partleulmly
Impressed with the importance of his mis
sion; but Von Wadom pulled me into the
bouBe. ,
"I have something for Capt dcla Rpnne s
ear,' he said. The dispatch-bearer fol
io wed -
"Possibly I would better follow up his
excellency to Wrest Point. I was told this
should beglventonooueelse orCol. Ham
ilton, at least,'' he said, as If he had
erred in having given me the dispatch.
"1 am from West Point. His excellency,
whom I passed, will send Col. Hamilton
back. The meantime Capt. de la Renne is
Ins excellency's authorized representa
tive," Von "Wadom Insisted.
"Yes," said the messenger, but still
doubtfully.
"Baron von Wadom wishes a private
word, sir, I will be at liberty presently."
I followed Von Wadom. He passed into
the Inner room, closing the door carerully.
"Give me that paper," he said quickly.
This was no longer my good-humored, fat
comrade, but a keen, active, resolute man
speaking commandingly.
"Not I, baron," I letorted.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"That the dispatch belongs to his ex
cellency." "What?" he began In amazement. You
hired by us?"
"By his excellency," said I.
"Fool!" he cried. "Have you turned
traitor?"
I looked at him a moment steadily, hold
ing the letter behind me.
"I am not content to play longer a blind
man, my dear baron," I cried. " You must
explain more particularly. What has hap
pened?" "Curse youl" he said, walking rap
Idly to and rro, but glancing at me
shrewdly. Suddenly he began to fawn.
"I beg your pardon, De la Renne. It's
haste, danger, that led mc to churlish
manners. But you must not hinder.
The time has come, all unexpectedly."
"Well!"
"Geu. Arnold's affair has miscarried.
He is a fugitive now. If ills excellency
does not have these letters, he may not be
able to escape."
"And our arrair?" I said breathlessly.
"Great consternation will exist when
tills is known," said the baron. "We
shall add to it by making the com-niandcr-hi-chicf
disappear. Sou are to
be In readiness Tonight "
"STop!" I said fiercely now, my voice
halting. "Monsieur, I am going to be
friend you, to give you a chance. You
have left me without a Ehred of honor.
And now I choose to act for myself. 1
will tell his excellency all I know. But
firbt, as you gave me a chance, I give
you one desertion. Follow Gcn. Arnold
now, while you have time! You will not
have too much. Run Tor it!"
He looked at me, his rosy face ashen,
his teeth chattering.
"You-traitor!"
"Traitor! and what to?" I said, bitterly.
"De Vitry took advantage of my position
and gave me a chance, which I embraced,
because 1 was weak. Now at last I see
clearly I wiU extricate my honor as best
I may. But I give you, too. a chance.
Take it, I say."
He saw, I think, the resolution in my
eyes, as well as heard it in my tone, and
he looked me over with utter hate. Yet, as
I say, I liked him, and I trembled at my
part. But I was resolved; and at the mo-
GENERAL ARNOLD'S g
3Iussy," cto.
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ment -were steps, and the door was
thrown wide, and Col. Hamilton appeared,
who btnred question! ngly.
'The. dispatch, Capt. De la Renne?"
"Hens, sir."
"Why, are you here, baron?" he added.
"1 have an order to carry from Gen. Ar
nold to a post down the river," replied
Von Wadom.
I saw ho risked Col. Hamilton's ignor
ance of Gen. Arnold's flight, and, indeed,
Hamilton at that moment did not know
tnat Gc. Arnold was not at West Point,
for he had left the chief on the road,
"1 stopped here" to inquire about Mrs.
Arnold," the baron continued.
Immediate," Col. Hamilton muttered,
looking at the paper.
'Ue la Renne, I shall remember you,"
the baron said in a low tone.
He went out, an J 1 hearu his horse beat
ing down tlic road. Hamilton was read
ing, his face pale.
"I wonder if I would better go to West
Point," he began, more to himself than to
me; but I ventured an answer.
"His excellency will be here before you
can reach there. You may as well wait."
"What do you know?" he cried, looking
at me caget ly.
"Much." '
"What that I don't?"
"That there may lie much In the plot."
"But how do you know?"
"I can explain that only to his ex
cellency," I said decisively.
"But the latter part of the plot will not
be carrfed out, because I have frightened
the conspirators," I "added.
"Should you have done it? Could they
not be trapped otherwise?"
He was staring at me now , his handsome
face declaring his agitation.
"J suppose you must know of what you
are talking. Whom can we trust?' he
added, wildly. The treachery was so un
expected that It shook men's faith in
nearest friend, and no one eould tell for a
long time after iiow far it reached; I main
tain even to this day its extent Is un
known. I leaned toward him.
"You can trust me, Col. Hamilton?'
"You mayaB well tell all that you know
as I represent his excellency,' he said,
looking at mc keenly.
"1 cannot; it must reach his excellency's
ear alone.'
He suddenly seemed to have a resolu
tion; for he took a quill, and scribbled a
hasty note:
"Listen; this reads: 'Arrest Gen. Ar
nold at all hazards. Hamilton for his ex
cellency.' Spur down to Verplanck Tolnt,
Capt de la Renne. He must have gone
that way. Then return here, and report
what you know to the general, whom I
will wait '
I left him pacing impatiently, and peer
ing anxiously from the window, while I
hastened for my horse, which wasstabled.
"Don't wait, but take mine," came his
voice from the raised window.
As r ran the horse down the road -luckily
the one with which I was famlllar-all the
surprising occurrences presented them
selves again- I did not dare I tried not
to think; and yet, despite all I was thlnk-ing-of
it all. I had declared against the
mnsnlrators. Shortly I was to tell all I
knew to Gen. Washington; I felt this meant
nothing less than lasting disgrace; perhaps
even a spy's death, and yet I am glad to
say personal consideration was not much
then. That chiefly troubling was the
thought of the money I owed De Vitry. I
had accepted his proposal of my own free
will. I had let him extricate me from the
bond of debt, only to tie mc with these
far worse. I was resolved at once to write
him, declaring what. I had done,
though he probably would know
from Von Wndom-shonld Von Wa
dom get away-before I should be
able to write that defiant letter in which
1 would say I would pay him back, sou
for sou, though II eaven knew ho w. At that
moment his money jingled In my pocket.
Could I thwart the plot which had in it
many I did not know which had succeed
ed in gaining me, by powerful means, a po
sition near Washington? I only knew then
that the next for me to do was to tell his
excellency. I would leave it to his wit
to disentangle the meshes: and then I felt
easier for a moment. I did not regret
at all what I was now doing. I thought
of what Louise Moncrieff had said, and I
knew sho was behind my present action.
I did not spare Hamilton's horse, which
was near dead as I drew rein before
the V erplanck Pointcommandant's quarters.
He luckily knew me. for without a word
he read Hamilton's note and doubtless
knew that he would not have written if
not sure of his authority.
"Gen. Arnold's barge passed a half
hour ago," he cried.
"And why did you let it?" I a6kcd.
"He displayed a white handkerchief. I
supposed he was on official business. And
by this time he Is on the King's sloop
Vulture, which Is only three miles down
stream," he added.
"He has escaped, then?" said I, more
to myself than to him.
"What does this mean, Capt. de la
Renne?"
"Obey Col. Hamilton's order ir you can,"
I said;" "you will know later. Now give
me a fresh horse to carry my report."
Presently I was in the saddle, and a
little way up the road I ran on Col. Hamil
ton on my mount
"Well?" he said, reining.
"De 1b on the Vulture."
He bit his lips till they bled.
"I'll see for myself. Do you report to
the general at. the Robinson house."
"
And bo my explanation was nearer wuu
every rod I covered.
Hut I rid not care:
I would out with It bluntly, and I had no
other way.
The general was at dinner, the man told
me at the door. I entered without cere
mony. "It's too late," I said, breathless.
All looked up. The marquis was pale and
agitated. Gen. Knox uttered an oath. But
the general was unmoved; and nota vestige
of agitation was on that calm face, I may
state here.
"Oh, well, Capt. dcla Renne, I will see
to your matter. We are dining here by
ourselves, the general being absent, and
Mrs. Arnold ill.'' I thought there lay pas
sion in "Gen Arnold being absent.''
"Step Into the room across the hall. I
will be there presently."
It was fully five minutes before he Joined
me. He closed the door, turning the key.
"Well, he reached the Vulture?'
"Yes, your excellency.''
"So I surmised. The thought of what
might have happened had I not have re
turned, Is appalling. Had I been twelve
hours later the king's flag might have
been over West Point. Who knows how far
this goes?"
"I know something; but not all,' I said.
"So Col. Hamilton tells me. Sit down,
Capt. de la Renne."
"Your excellency," said I, hoarsely; "I
am a traitor."
"You? Impossible? Yet you had a bad
character. You have an honest face. I
believed the marquis' recommendation; I
believed the Ticomte de itochambcau. I
took you to please them."
Listen, your excellency," I said, now
with some bravado, "I will begin. I
was hopelessly In debt, when a certain De
Vitry, a farmer of the King of France's
revenues, proposed to me a service as a
eoldler of fortune. I embraced it because
TH MOItyiTSrfr
I was desperate, and a fool. I became one
of a band of conspirators."
"And you tell me this because you arc
betraying your comrades to "
"No.notto gain my own pardon. 'Whena
man puts his hand in the fire, he must expect
to be burned."
He looked at me intently "I believe
you," he said'atlast. "At least you are a
brave man. But-go on with your story."
1 went on telling all; explaining word
for word, detail by detail. Many times he
interrupted with question making no
expostulation, listening gravely. It mad
dened mc that he said nothing I had ex
pected. Yet though lie had my measure
a'nd despised mc, he did not show his feel
ing. He was debating the situation, and
deciding witli that evenness of mind which
was, I believe, the main reason of his
success. He had extricated himself from
many difficult situations, first and lust,
by tliis extreme dispassionateness. But
he had, I think, the least resentment for
nersonal affront of any man I ever
knew; if he possessed vanity he sub
ordinated it to his judgment.' llack of
all he had first faith in his cause, in
himself, that broad patriotism' was the
main motive governing all his acts, I
believe firmly. The plot later when he
was offered the crown (which I believe
he might easily have worn) bears out
this view. It lie had not been intense
ly patriotic, why did he make himself
the trouble of this hard service? No, I
do not believe thnt the wish for mere
personal fame was alone behind It.
I know, whatever his detractors may say
and what Is great fame without its de-tractorsV-that
there was patriotism ani
mating most this cool, intellectual mind;
that really lies would have preferred the
quiet of Ills Virginia estate, and the es
teem a rich proprietor always has after
all more comfortable tliuu any fame how
ever great.
Now he coolly regarded the possibilities
of the situation. He saw instantly, know
ing human nature, thnt I told all 1 knew;
more than this, the importance of keeping
the matter quiet, that the full extent or
theplot mlghtbefound. I knew in America
only two names, Von Wadom' s and Ecrner's.
I told him, too, that the plotters doubt
less had held Gen. Arnold In their power,
but that 1 did not believe he knew thcplan.
"If," he began, as if weighing his words,
and looking me over with critical coolness,
"you have decided to betray your com
rades, why did you not decide sooner,
when this scandal or West Point almost
surrendered might have been avoided?"
I hung my iicad;and then answered boldly,
resolved to leave rnypclf nota single extenu
ation; and in thls'l really was tactful.
"Because I was a coward, your excel
lency." "Being a coward, how did you at last
becomebraveenough to defy your patrons?"
"Because when it was put to me I
could not do it."
"And why did you let Von Wadom es
cape?" he said, continuing the inquisition.
Even iiad 1 wished, I knew nothing could
escape those calm, blue eyes.
"Because I like him. I believe him a
very vain man;aud that offended vanity led
to the position."
"Like Arnold's case that and debt," he
acknowledged. "But it is not extenuating.
As it is, an English gentleman and officer,
Major Andre who was but obeying his
superior's orders doubtless will have to
suffer for Arnold Debt seems to make a
dcalof dishonesty, Capt. dela Renne."
He paused as If in deep meditation;
stepped to the window and looked out. I
thouglitl could hear my heart-beats.
"You, too, should suffer," he said, turn
ing about.
"I am quite ready, your excellency."
"But you doubtless baw that I could
not punish you now. You doubtless In
tend to make terms for yourself."
"Your excellency," I cried passion
ately, and then as calmlj as he: "Sir, my
bed 1 have made, and I will lie on it.
That is all that is left, the only waj I have
to vindicate the name my father gave."
"Yes you have abused that name, Dc
la Renne. But now jou can be useful to
me."
"If I may be "
"You must not utter a word of this to
a soul."
"Can you believe my word?"
"I can," he said. Rimply "I understand
your nature now."
"1 thank your excellencj."
"You need not tlinnk me only my self
interest; which tells me that, in the time
or the publication of Gen. Arnold's plot,
the ot her m list not so much as be suggested.
Besides my knowledge of It will enable
me to watch for the unknown hands in it
individuals I believe you do not know."
"Thank you, your excellency."
"In fact, Capt de la Renne, no one shall
know of this, excepting you and me; not
even Col. Hamilton, not the marquis or
Gen. Knox, who know now of the Arnold
Incident. But you will be detached rrom
your temporary posltiou of aide-de-camp.
"You will receive borne duty, and every
moment you may be sure you shall be
watched. No, you need not thank mc.
It is but expediency. Were it not for thnt
you should be court-martialed, and proba
bly shot, but now, as It Is, I am rather In
your power. Your part Is simply not to
breathe a word of that you know; and to
do what may be assigned you as well as
you may. Incidentally, you sec, my cir
cumstances give you a small chance of re
deeming yourself."
I bowed humbly.
"In the meantime you are apparently
what you seemed when you came here."
"More than when I came here, your ex
cellency." "Yes, I think, more than when you
came here," he assented coldly.
A knock interrupted.
"I, Hamilton."
"Presently,' Washington said; and then
continuing to me, "I will tell you thlB much.
This consplracyleavesmcdotibtful ofmany
In high places. I must sift, and examine
must know better how far it reaches.
I Ann an "Tfinci(nr rloln. Rnnm ilosnito vnnr
j -""""-"" . -', , ' ,'
i i'"3" ..'. .w"i" .....
ally of you. '
Heaven smiled, as suddenly he extended
hiB hand. He had divined my nature ex
actly as I say; he read tuatdcspltemy past
he now could be sure of me. Yet now in
reviewing these incidents, I saw how
policy enters into justice; how expediency
and chance keep many as sorry knaves
from punishment as ever those who march
in shame to the gallows. I shudder now as
I think of my own desperate hazard. Just
as it was, 1 had still the chance of redeem
ing my name.
What has been done by me since Is an
open book for the world to read; yetin tellv
ing this story I wish to offer no extenua
tion; I wish to make myself appear as de
spicable as I was at twenty-three.
Yet, I had really an honest heart; and It
was that, in the end, enabledme to redeem
my name allied to the expediency of the
hour, in 17S0, when the plotGen. Arnold's
flight had revealed seemed to have many
intricate complications .
"Bernei,"" he said, speaking that name,
as if thoughtfully. "I always have had
my mistrust of him," and then aloud, as
he turned the key: " You may go Capt. de
la Renne to wait my order. Well, Hamil
ton?" "It is true; he has escaped. Here is a
letter he lias sent from the Vulture," I
heard Hamilton say. "Buttwo were killed."
"Ah, I know," said Washington; "Von
Wadom Berucr."
'Your excellency knows?" Hamilton
cried.
"I know, colonel," he said, "through our
agent, Capt. de la Renne."
I don't believe I ever was more surprised
than by his statement, put calmly, which
at once showed that ho had decided. Yet
what Hamilton said meant more than this.
It meant that the two in America who now
TIMES, SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 1897.
besides the chief knew of my connection
with the plot were dead. I believed I lis
tened half dazed as namllton told how
these two men, when challenged had run,
and how they both had been shot in the
saddle. I had not noticed this as well as
the deference Hamilton gave me when the
chief had declared that I was his secret
agent, and then I turned on my heel and
out of the room, for L no longer could bear
It there.
In the outer room, the others who per
haps had wind of the matter were talking
eagerly. In one corner I noticed Do la
Fayette bj himrelf, eagerly looking over
some letteis. The group was the une
as that left, with the exception of a tall
orflcerl had not Veen before, a Col. Fem
berton. Dc la Fayette beckoned.
"You know De VitjryV" he began.
"Yes," said I, staitingt
"1 have a letter from Versailles saying
that Immense peculations have been dis
covered in the revenues. De Vitry has
escaped, they sai , to Spaiu."
I bieathed hard us I heard this; my
patron was found qui. nl had no ica-on
to write the pioud letter I had intended.
If the money he had advanced me were
taken for a dishonorable plan, it equally
had been gained dis,iunoiably. Yet in the
end this reasoning did not satisfy me, I
am glad to say: intheend,tlnough a legacy,
I was enabled to repay his heirs.
"How may Mis. Arnold be?" De la
Fayette said, lislng, and addressing Miss
Moncrieff, whom I nadolol obteived.
"Thank you, mj.cous.in is much liou
bled," she said, simply. Suddenly she
seemed to notice me.
"May I speak to you, Capt. de la
Renne?" she said, leading to the door. 1
thought Iww direct, how impulsively un
conventional she was. Outhide.she paused.
"You told him," bhe said, eagerly.
"1 told him, mademoiselle."
"1 believe you, monsieur." she said,
giving me her hand.
Col. Hamilton Interrupted.
"Capt. de la Renne, If you please,
his excellency wishes to sec you."
1 passed in and knocked at the general's
door. I found him talking earnestly with
the Col. Pcmberton l just had met.
"It is a daring thing. Still we must do
something like that now. Ah, Capt. de
hi Renne, you are to no with Col. I'em
berlon, who. for the present, is your com
mander." "Yes, your excellency." 1 said, bowing.
"That is all," said the general, turning
his back on us, and we lert him. Ids head
bent in thought.
"We must be started at once, if you
please, Capt. de la Renne." Pcmberton
said, as we passed through the outer room.
But I found a chance, while we waited
for the horses, to say a word more to
mademoiselle, who stood in the house's
shadow.
"If I may hear you say that again?"
said I.
"What, Michel De la Renne?" she an
swered. But my heart was beating tumultu
ous! y.
"You have saved me to myself, and
to the honor of my name," I said. "If
when I return, if I do-I might tay that
1 loved you, mademoiselle?'
"You may say that now," she said,
softly, "now, Michel do la Renne.' A
tear was ou iier lips, and then she
smiled and looked up Into my eyes. "You
might have told me that ouy day since the
first when we met at Versailles, and I
should have said "
"You would have said, mademoiselle?'
I questioned .
H er voice was I ow , nnd her face was bent
forward as if In shame.
"That I cared for the Sleur de la Renne
most of ail the world, whatever he was,
conspirator or honest gentleman.''
THE END.
THE DEMON'S DOGS-
It rakes at) sorts of women to make
up the world widqh is the only excuse
I have to orrer for being so humble a
creature as the wardrobe woman at
Wood's. ,
No, it isn't an elevated position except
in the matter of steps-apd I can't brag
that the work is easy, Vjood's being the
sort of theater that, runs, to matinees daily
and spectaculars the whole year round.
Still, if you are on the lookout for the
woman who lias most cause of all women
to be glad and thankful these blessed
Easier times, you wil'l rind her by going
to the stage entrance of tjie biggest thea
ter in New York,, and, Inquiring at the
top of the fifth flight of' steps Tor Mrs.
Mary J. Bally, which is my name, and
this skirt I'm spangling belongs to Amy,
my only child.
I've been wardrobe woman at Wood's
now ever since Amy was first took on to
dotheinfanlifPTizarro" thatbeingseven
tocu years ago, and mc a frcsti widow
through her poor pa's hard-headed flying
around scene shlftin' in his shirt sleeves
when mc and the doctor and his own
common sense told him he ought to be
abed. It's a hard life, is costumes, and
1 don't say but what if it wasn't for
Amy I'd aquit It and forgot, but from the
very start the child has been so wrapped
up In the profession that I haven't had the
heart to cioss her, and, besides, it used
to be a deal of pride and comfort to stand
in the pulley-box alongside of Moggs, who
worked the drop curtain, and watch her
from the flies while bhe went through her
little songs and dances on the stage be
low, looking at mc, her mother, like a born
angel, with her golding curls In double
rows, and her little feet in silver slippers,
aeutting of her pigeon wings In a way
most lovely to behold. But I've never put
step in the flies since Easter Monday three
years ago, no, nor the horses ain't made
that could drag me!
We had put on "The Demon Huntsman"
that Easter week, and what with the ex
tras engaged and my 'prentice home with
a swallowed pin, I was in that condition
in which a March hare falls to do me jus
tice. Sometimes at rehearsals I could coax
a fairy or an imp or two to run up between
acts to help me, but in general I couldn't
get even a glimpse of Amy, and when she
did manage lo pop up It was only to try
on the tarltana to see which she looked
best in. or to twist the spangles around
her neck and arms till, Hke as not, she
would bust the strings and away they
would scatter until the floor looked like a
sky full of stars, only not so clean. I was
feeling as cross as two sticks one morn
ing with being behind hand, when, all of
a sudden, somebody taps at my door, "No
Admission" being pasted below the knob,
and rules rigid as should be.
"Come In," I calls out, in a gruff way I
has when worried, and then the door opens,
nervous like, and there stands Cleopatry
Jones as big as life-the very last soul I
expected or wanted, for that matter, see
ing as how I had got in the habit of guying
her along with the rest of the stage folks,
she was so downright gawky and had
such cranky ways.
"Oh," says I, sharp like-and I shall be
sorry for it to the end of my days -"I ain't
no time to bother with you, Jones, so Jest
you poke yourself back to where you come
from. What do you, want, anyhow?"
"Nothin', ma'am; only I heard Amy say
you were hard pressed, and Manager Jerry
said I might come and see If you would let.
me help."
I looked hard at her, waiting there In her
shabby clothes, with her dirty bleached
halrstandingoutin spikes whercshe hadn't
frizzed it proper, and her. eyes as big and
solemn as an owl's.-and then I said, care-
"Well, if you know how to sew decent
and your hands are clean you can take
that stool there and finish basting the
gold braid on them, yellow flounces."
I roor thing! she Held x two bands up
without uword,and I noticed howthlnthey
were, the knuckles humped up like marbles
and the veins swelling purple under the
skin. I mistrusted her at first, through
constant rippings after the extras, and
I must say I had taken a grudge against
the girl, because she was that sjoucby that
J couldn't abide her In tights, nnd rre
quent have I twitted Jerry, stage ma l
ager, lie were, and as good a man as ever
dfew breath when that breath wasober,
twitted him because of his keeping Cleo
patry In the regular chorus, when extras as
lound as robins and pretty as pinks
was turned by dozens away. But Jeiry
was as film as rocks, once he made up
that mind of his, and he always stuck toil
that JoneB wab like them poems that j,et
into waste baskets when by lights they
ought to have frontispieces and be bound
in blue and gold.
I soon found out that the poor thing
couldn't sew much better than she could
act, but she showed great talent for
pick'ing up scraps and pulling out bastings,
j so we worked together off and on until
along comes the Easter Monday rehearsal
that takes nearly all day and I had to
finish the rest of my work without her.
I had got the costumes all folded and
ticketed and was eittiug after supper,
as I am now, with a bit-of sewing on my
lap waiting for. the chorus girls to come
and get their things. Amy was taking
a cat nap on the lounge and Mason, the
janitor, wns whistling as he went around
lighting ttie gas In the theater and turn
ing the jets down dim. Presently I heard
btepN rushing down the narrow passage
leading to my loom, and in bolts Cleopatry
Jones and shuts the door with a slam.
She was always so solemn and slow
that It startled me to see her standing
there with her month open and her eyes
set, and when I jumped up and caught
her by the hand I think my intention was
good to shake her it fairly put my henrt
in my mouth to feel the way It trembled
and how it dripped with sweat.
Them dogs," she whispered, in words
that came out Jerky-like between her
chattering teeth, "I passed them on my
way from the green roomand they made
me scared."
Dear me, how foolish of you," chirped
out Amy, Jumping up with wide, excited
eyes. "I'm not a bit afraid of them, and
I have to strike them with my wand
hurry, Mommy, I am wailing to dress.''
"You will Just wait jour turn, young
lady," I answered, for a batch of fairies
had come piling in, laughing and chatting
like so many gone-mad sparrows, and I
was already rilling my arms with skirts
and wands and wings.
"Let Jones wait on the girls," insisted
Amy, almost nenous enough to cry. "You
know I'm to be discovered"
"So is Jones."
"Oh. but she's no account-nobody will
notice her, her name Isn't even on the
bllls-and. oh Mommy, there arc the boors
of horei. Ttie Demon Huntsman has
come "
It seems that Amy will always haie her
own way in life and by the time Jones
nad packed off the chorus, Amy was
dressed in white frosted tulle with big
silver wings served at her back and a
star-tipped wand in her hand. She looked
very beautiful, dear heart, and I could see
that poor Jones felt the difference between
them, though she praised the chfldin what
I took to be a downright heartfelt way.
"Yes," said Amy, with a friendly nod
at licrself in the glass, "I am a pretty
little thing, and I'm going to make the
hit of the evening, just you see."
"Suppose you were uglj and scrawny,"
said poor Jones, frowning at her own
image. "I might study forever and no
one would ever notice me.""
But the fiddles down in the orchestra
had commenced to hunt for the key to turn
on, nnd Amy shot orf like a star.
"You love her very dearlj , don't you,
Mrs. Bailey, ma'am," asked Jones, in a
soft like, wistful way.
h' "Lor', yes. child, but no more than
your mother loves jou, I reckon."
"1 haven't got any mother nor nothing."
"That's bad," I said, shaking my head.
"You ought to be getting matrled then,
Cleopatiy, and have little folks or jour
own, for between you nnd mc jou ain't
going to get along in the profession as you
bnid 3-ourself a -minute ago."
"I never expect to get along at anj--tnlng,"
she said, more to herself than
mc, I reckon, for she picked up her skirts
and slowly walked to the dcor. She looked
so forlorn and childish, though almost in
her twenties, that I had a notion to offer
to heln her dress, but I was so dead tired,
and there was so much still to do .
What a crowded house It was! How the
lights blazed and the magic fountain
changed to every color under thesun! And
how proud I was of my Amy, "Queen of
the Fairies," the play bills called her, as
she rode in a tiny chariot with dozens or
pink and green fairies about her, waving
their golden wands.
There was Jones among them, waving
hers like she was keeping flies off a ta
ble, and looking for all the world like a
wilted cabbnge In her gas-green skirts;and
then, when Amy's song was over, thescene
changed and. brought on the Demon Hunts
man aud his dogs.
I am not afraid of dogs in general, but
when I saw them two mottled monsters,
with their bloodshot eyes and slobbery
mouths,! shook to thnt extent that Moggs
had to hold me by my gathers.
"Woman," he growled, "do you want to
spile the evening by falling down into the
fiddles? That ferociousness is only high
art; besides, don't you see the dogs are
chained?"
Maybe they were, but I felt heaps easier
when" Moggs had rung the curtain down
three times without anything going wrong.
Icven blamed Jones for putting the scare
in my head; and was glad I hadn'tdressed
her. It was a long, troublesome piece
withtrapsaudtransforinatlousandmarches
and Lor's knows what else, but it ended at
last in fairyland, with Amy on a shining
throne and the huntsman in chains at her
feet. I remember there was a bit of speech
to be made, and then the child tripped in
her pretty, fearless manner over to the
dogs that were enchanted princes and
struck at them with her wand.
"Then every man and woman in the
whole theater began shouting together,
and I heard Cleopatry's voice ring out
in a scream that cut through the noire
like the sweep of sa sword blade. I some-
how gt the idea xnai. uiu u:i".i '"
set the scenes ablaze, for Moggs had
oluppcd his hands berore my eyes and
dragged me bnck to my room"
"There, I knew it! Just as sure as I'm
sitting alone in the dark, I seem to see
you again, my dear, a-sitting mere, wuu
... M.inin nn -emir mile race and
t.im innon shining on your pale race an
shabbv frock; and oh, my dear, when I
remember that it shines tonight on a grave
that might have been my child's, what
can r, her Ignorant mother, say to you,
except that I have always tried in my
poor way to make the life you saved
worthy of the awful price it cost you?"
NANNIE LANCASTER.
Probitbly She "Wouldn't.
She Marry John Jonesmith! If there
wasn'tanother manln the world I wouldn't
have him.
Uncle George Considering the opportuni
ties that would give him for selection, I
think you are right. Boston Traveller.
Whut Did She Do?
"You say j-ou have brought me here to
propose to me, but why do you want to go
through it so deliberately?"
"Well, you see. I've got a friend in the
kinetoscope line over there behind that
tree, and I promised him to mane me
movements slow" and distinct. Now, all
i ready-Cleveland Plain-Dealer.
m
Some Dangerous Playfellows
IlISSMIIIISIli
During my seven years in the Indian
civil service I was for a time engaged
with the land survey, being assistant to
the surveyor of a largedistrlct and having
a gang of my own. In this connection
we were often called to survey lands fnr
away rrom villages, la y out roads through
the jungles, and camp out for weeks at a
time. verj- man went-well armed, to
protect himself from robbers aud wild
beasis, and now and then we took a day
orf and potted a tiger or panther. When
I first lauded in Bombayitcamein my way
to do a native a small service. He wai
assaulted in the street by a dmrikan sol
dier, and although he did not defend
himself, he was earned off to jail and
subsequently put on trial and charged with
.felonious assault. But for my testimony
in Ills favor, he would have been sent to
prison. In giving a true account of the
affair I won the enmity of the military
and the native's gratitude. When he
found I was going up countiy and would be
exposed to the perils of serpents and wild
beasts, he insisted on presenting me wlth-
a mascot. It was a little bag maue or
the skin or a cobra, and was to be worn
about the neck by a gold chain of curious
workmanship. As to the contents of the
bag, tie would not say, but charged meover
and over again not to open it or part wltii
the chain. 1 allowed him tp putlt around
my neck with his own hands, and when he
had clasped it, he 6ald:
"Kuhlb, you tviu now travel anywhere
In India and fear neither serpents aor
wild beasts. You have only to look- out
for Dad men."
I realized that the native felt grateful
and wanted to give me a proof of it,
but attached no importance to his dec
laration. I don't remember that I men
tioned the retich to any one until one day
sK mouths later, when taking a swim in a
pool with a military officer, he noticed the
thing and gave It a close inspection. I
laughed at the Idea, but he seriously said:
"There are strange things in India, and
arter j-ou have been here for a year or
two you will smile at nothing with a mys
tery attached to it. I'll guarantee that
chain was made for and has been worn by
a rajah, and the hand that fashioned it
has been dead for 200 years. Just con
tinue to wear the fetich and see what will
come of It."
Two weeks later I was sent to survey
the boundaries of a small village sit
uated in the midst of the jungle, and
ten miles off the main highway. We
pitched our tents on the west side of
the village, aud every evening the na
tives beat around to sec that no serpents
were lurking near. One night, while I
was sitting up beyond the usual hour to
catch up with my field notes nnd writing
by the light of a caudle, I suddenly felt
something touch my knee and looked down
to find a large cobra at my feet. To say
that I was frightened does not half ex
press It. I was simply paralyzed. I
could see and think, but I could not move
a finger. While I looked the serpent
reared itseir up and touched my breast,
and as it sank down it rubbed my ankle and
leg. That I was a doomed man I had no
doubt, but while I was breathing a prayer
the cobra wriggled across the tent and
disappeared under its edge. He had been
gone a minute before 'my shouts raised
an alarm, andthenthetwowhitemenln my
gang declared that I must have been dream
ing. It is not Impossible for one to fall
asleep for a moment in the saddle, on the
march, or while holding a pen at his desk,
and the men were so sure that I only had
a vision that I finally gave m to them.
Next day, however, the chief of the village,
who was a very old man, asked me as to
the conduct of the serpent, and when I
gave him particulars, he said:
"Isee how it is. You are wearlngacharm
aud the cobra made friends with jou. You
saw him, Just as you say, and ir you had
not had a fetich he would have bitten you."
I neither admitted nor denied, but I
began to have faith that I was pro
tected. A month or so later, as the men were
running a line alone a creek. I sat down
on the stump or a rreshly cut tree to
make to some entries in my notebook. I
hud not been there above rive minutes
when I felt a snake crnwling over my
feet, which were botn square on uie
ground. I had been schooling myself
since my first adventure, and though
my heart went to my throat with a
Jump, I managed to sit quiet As I looked
over the edge or my book a cobra's head
came into view, and its fiery eyes looked
full into mine, from a distance ot only
twelve inches. There could be no mistake
in this instance. It was broad daylight
and in the glare of the &un, and I could
i.ncr. rinnr. the snots and the scales. For
a minute the dreaded pest of India waved
liis head from side to side, with his tongue
continually flirting out and in ; and then
fear took such possession of me that I
closed my eyes. I felt his head at my
bosom, and theodor which he exhaled gave
me a terrible nausea. It may have been
two, three or five minutes that I sat there
with closed eyes, and that serpent wrig
gling about and touching me here and
there, but at length one of the men came
tramping back.
As he came within twenty feet the snake
hissed and darted away, but the man had
a plain view of him. Believing that I
had been bitten, he gave the alarm, and I
was weak enough to go into a dead faint.
There wab no ridicule this time, and I
thought best to exhibit my fetich and tell
the story of how I came by it. That
pioved to be an unwise action on my part.
Our native chain bearers gossiped to the
other natives, and within a week no less
than ten perbons sought to buy the charm.
I refused to even discuss the matter, and
the natural result was that some of those
Who could not secure it by fair means de
termined to have it by foul.
Some ten days or so after the incident;
above related we had to survey for a
bridge across a gully. While engaged in
this work, the hour being 3 o'clock in the
aiteruoon, all the men crossed over to the
north side and left mc temporarily alone.
I stood in the path watching them, with
with my rifle leaning against a nearby
tree, when a slight noise in the thicketat
my left caught my attention. I saw a
moving object, but indistinctly, but as I
reached for my weapon, three evil-looking
natives, each armed with a knire, broke
cover and dashed at me. 1 brought the
gun up and fired without taking aim, and
one of thern dropped. The others could
have finished me, but they lacked sand
and ran away. The man had received my
bullet In the side, but was more scared
than hurt. Had I put a bullet through his
head the civil authorities would not have
made mo the slightest trouble; but I
wasn't cold-blcoded enough for that I
suspected that he was a robber and that
my charm was the object aimed at, aud he
promptly confessed that such was the
case. The three had been hired to kill me
to get possession of It, and had dogged
me about for several days before the
chance came to make a dash. Who had
bribed them he would not tell.
We were thirty miles from the nearest
magistrate, and so I took the law into
my own hands. We spat upon him. Fnd
degraded his caste in several other
ways, and then gave him fifty blows
with a switch and turned him loose. It
was seen that my charm preserved me
from men as well as beasts, and from
that time on I was not molested. As
the stories circulated over the country
I got a notoriety which was far fr,-itn
pleasant. Natives came a hundred miles
zrr ' ' -
or more to see me and to make me money
offers for the charm. A deposed rajah,
living on a British pensijn, but raving
great wealth of his own, sent no an'
emissary who orfered me two elephants.
When I declined he offered me three, then
four. I believe he would have gone up to
six, but I told him that no price would
tempt me. You may wonder that a young'
man on a palary of $5U0 per year should
refuse $10,000 for a simple bauble, but Z
had a policy in doing to. I would sell by
and by, when! wasreadj'toijulttheservice.
The longer the stories circulated the more
valuable my charm would become.
I had had it two years when I was out-,
panther hunting one day with two British
captains. We were on horseback, beam
ing up some small thickets on an exten
sive plain, and at length routed threa
panthers from the same cover. My horse
stumbled and pitched me headlong as wo
started after the flying beasts, and as I
lay on the ground, partlj- stunned by the
fall, one of the panthers doubled back and
crouched down alongside of me. As I
felt him and wondered what it was, I sat
up and put my hand on him, aud he at
once began to lick it. I could not credit
my senses for the moment, and did not
fully realize what sort or a visitor I had
until the officers came riding slowly back
and one or thern called to me to sit quiet
they could alarm the beast and drive him
away. The panther growled at him In a
menacing way, but every few seconda
turned to me to lick my hand and purr.
Once lie licked my cheek, and the rough
ness of his tongue almost took the skin
off. I can't say what he would have done
had I got to my feet and started to walk
orr. 1 know that it I had had straps I
could have made him captive, and I almost
believe that I could have taken him by tho
ear and led him anywhere- I didn't try
any experiments, however. I sat very
quietly and hoped he would soon runaway.
So long as the officers kept still he
stuck by me, but when they separated as
If to cut olf his retreat to the hills he
snarled fiercely and went off with a rush.
That was my last adventure in the field,
as I was called in to survey for fortifica
tions and government buildings. The pan
ther story was a climax to the others, and
added to my notoriety, and at Allahabad
I finally parted with the charm to a na
tive of Ceylon. What was the piice? Well,
I don't mind telling you that I got $30,
uOO in gold, and yetit was a poor bargain,
for within a week after I sold It a Hindoo
offered me $10,000 better, and said there
was only one more charm like it in all
India. Did I ever open the bag? No.
Whether the potency of the tlung was In
the chain, the snakeskun or Inside tb?
bag I do not know.
CHARLES B. LEWIS.
CHICAGO'S 'KV SinitT.
It Has Six UosoniK That Cnu Be Re
volved at "Will.
A firm on Canal street is aLout to startle
the world with a shirt which has six
bosoms.
UmuKof it! Six bosoms on one shirt and
no two alike! And the wonderdoeanotend
there. The wearer or this shiit can chaugo
from one besom to the other without ic
inoving his coat or vest.
For the new kind of shirt besom is cir
cular and has a button fastening In tho
center, and the circle is divided into six
equal parts ou the same lines that a pie is
cut.
Thus, there are six wedge-shaped tosoma
and they may be selected so as to piesent-anj-varietj
of color and design.
The new bosom cannot be used with a
very low-cut vest, as two or more of tho
designs might show at the same time, and
the erfect would be rather distracting.
Vests are cut very high nowadays, how
ever, and most men will find the small
bosoms to be plenty large enough, since
only a few square Inches of besom need bo
exposed.
as the wheel bosom Is fastened In tho
center by a button, it can be turned by
the weaier whenever he desires a quick
change.
by putting his hand into the arnihole of
his vest he can get hold of the edge of his
stiffened bosom and turn it as many de
grees as he chooses, or until he comes to a
pattern that pleases him.
Of course it is important that the button
on which the bosom revolves shall be fit
ted rather tightly, otherwise the circular
bosom will shift of its own accord.
A bow-tie resting rirmly against the col
lar is the best style ot cravat to wear with
a revolving shiit bosom.
The edge of the bosom slides along under
the tie and is hidden from view. With a
four-in-hand greater care muse be taken
lest the bosom and the collar do not join
neatly and suspicion be aroused. Gentle
men who expect to wear the revolving
bosoms are advised to wear the bow-ties,
bince the bosom can be changed at any
moment without the least disarrangement
of neckwear.
The advantages claimed for the revolv
ing shirt bosom are: First, saving of
lauudry bills. In Chicago tiie exposed por
tion of" a shirt bosom becomes badly soiled
after one day's wear. Theremainderof the
bosom is pprfectly clean. Because of tho
two streaks, showing where the vest has
rubbed the bosom, the w'hole shirt must be
sent to the lauudry. By the use of the re
volving shirt bosom a clean section can bo
moved up to the public view.
Second -By the use of the revolving
bosom a man can adapt his shirt to tho
particular stratum of society in which he
happens to find himself. -Chicago Record.
A Bohemian Bachelor.
1 wonder how many bachelors ot ttls
citv there are who have had the arne ex
perience that 1 have just been through.
1 am living in a house all alone, taking
care of my own room, consequently,
since the first week after the "folks" went
away it hasn't had any care. Papers
were all over the floor and the remains ot
a winter fire in a small stove were not
only in the stove, but all around it There
was a general laxity about everything-in
the room, which is quite Bohemian, yon
know, but decidedly "sloppy." Sol turned
a woman loose in there the other day
with a broom and dustpan and locked
her in. I got back several ho'irs later,
and have since been trying to figure out
bow It all happened. 1 wanted some pins
yesterday morning. I found them in tho
bottom drawer ot the bureau, when they
arc generally on the window sill, or rather
were there the last time 1 knew anything
about them. I haven't found the clothes
brush yet, or the blacking brush, either,
for that matter. A picture ot a girl I
once used to love I found turned upside
down behind the washbowl on the wash
stand. That room won't get any moro
care for some months to come. Syracuse
Tost
Puss Mr. Swindle.
"A. Swindle" is the name that appears
over the office door ot a struggling law
yer in ttie city or Stratrord, Out A friend
of the unfortunate gentleman suggested
the advisability of his writing out his first
name in full, thinking that Arthur or An
drew Swindle, a3 the case might be.would
sound better and look, better than tho
significant "A Swindle" When thet
lawyer, with tears lu his eyes, whispered
to him that his name was Adam, tho
friend Understood and was silent-Wisconsin
Blade.
t
2
