Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-11-22
MISCELLANY. N Y .
From .Michelson's Life Of Nicholas.
An Eil.Tlsned Joke.

Frogere, an actor at one of the MINOR the
aires of the Boulevard in Paris, had entered
into an engagement with the manager OF
the French Theatre at st. PeterSbvrgh,
where lie had the good fortune so greatly
to please Paul l., that he soon became dis
tinguShed favorite of the monarch. An ILL
timed bOn-mol one day convinced Frogere
how dangerous it was to speak too free y to
the eccentric autocrat. 1t was at the I'M
perial dinner table, when one of the guests
iauded the present Emperor at the expense
of Peter theaGreat
That is robbing Peter to pay Paul, - said
the Emperor, turning to his favorlte; sis ii
not so, Frogere -
Certainly, sir" answered the latter
ITO satisfy Paul we may rob not only Pc
ter the Great, but also Peter the Apostle. ="
"And pray why so?' asked the Gar,
quickly.
Because" said The actor paul in his
anger has frequently commanded, IN the
words of our Saviour, 60 and bear the cross
throughout the world. more especially in
Siberia
Paul showed anger in his face, and no
one dared to laugh or to be pleased with
the actors reply. A few minutes after
wards the Emperor rose and dismissed the
company.
1t was in the middle of winter, about
midnight. when Frogere was aroused from
his sleep by loud knocking at his door
He jumped from his bed, opened the door,
and saw to his amazement all officer and
file of soldiers enter the apartment The
former produced warrant from the Empe-
ror, banishing Frogere to Siberia. We may
readily imagine the terror of the French
man. He cried, threw himself upon the
floor, tore his hair, and repeatedly eXclalm-
ed, "W hat crime have | committed to de-
serve such punishment: :" He received no.
answer. He begged for o few hours de-
lay, 10 throw himself at the feet of the m0n
arch and learn the nature of his guilt. In
vain: the officer would allow him only time
to pack up few clothes and linen. Scarce
ly was the operation finished when he was
surrounded by the soldiers and carried out
side the house, where a coach was in wait
lng. He was then lifted into it---more dead
than alive-whie two soldiers, with drawn
swords aud cooked pistols, took their seats
on each side Of him. The doors of the ve
hlcle were locked, and, the officer giving
the signal, the coach rolled away at full
speed, surrounded by cavalry escort
How long the first stage lasted Frogere was
unable to tell, the vehicle was so thickly
covered that not the least ray OF light could
penetrate. He was told on entering the
coach that the soldiers had orders to shoot
him on the spot the moment he opened his
mouth to put any questions TO them. He
consequently observed strict silence, and
suffered world Of pain. The door Of the
coach was at last opened-it was broad day
light His eyes, however, were bandaged,
and he was lea into a miserable hut, the
doors and windows Of which were closed
as soon as he entered. When the bandage
was removed, he saw, by the faint glimmer
of ru>hlght, dish of coarse food upon
board before him. Though he had been
fasting for some time he could hardly swal-
low a InorSel fear, however, induced him
to eat, for tue faces that watched HIS mo-
tons seemed to portend no good Siberia
OIOGIId ludl w d. llIC OllIN tiON3uN lIN w u
to live in that terrible land. Frogere gave
himsef up 10 despair, when the previous
olicer-by-th an old acquaintance
entered the room, attended by a courler.-I
The poor prisoner felt as If he had rot seen
that friendly face for years. In the JOY OF
his heart he was about to embracs him; but
a motion with the hand and stern look re-
strained him, while the finger OF the officer
p .eSSed upon his lips imposed silence. He
had lattered himself that the courier had
brought an order for his release ; but he was
mistaken.
The officer dismissed his guide, and Or
dered the soldiers to leave the room and
wait outside. Being alone with the prison
er, he said, almost in a whisper, "Fro5ere,
we must now part. | have accompanied
you to the first stage. and you will hence
be under the inspection Of another officer.
Be careful not to speak word ri,k much
even in giving this caution but am your
friend Have you any orders for me ? Can
| serve you OH my return to St. Peters
burLh :" Poor Frogere melted into tears.
Instead of replying to the question, he on
" beWalled having Id undergo punishment
fr an unknown crime. AN unknown
crime :" said the officer. Don you, then,
know what you have done Are You mad,
Fro o5ere' Have you torsotton the sarcaS-
ic Jest you made at the imperial table ?
It has offended the Emperor; you are pun
shed because there is so mach truth IN II.
"G ,ol heavens - exclaimed the exile.
"Hu,h De >ilent!" whispered the 9TH
er; walls have ears. But, not to waste
line, listen. Fro.cre. am the only one
whom you know: henceIorlh, during your
ons journey, you will fad faces wholly un-
known to you. The Emperor, you are a
ware, is immovable in his resolves, and m.