The River Falls journal. (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1857-1861, 1857-11-04

! day would never come. lie accused his
watch, and even the public clocks, of be-
ing slow. The evening comes; but it is
in the month Of september and at that
season they begin to be long. What can
he do, to get rid of three mortal hours of
ennui? A game of billiards at the Cate
Anglais; short time spent in not paying
much attention to the dulcet strains Of the
attresco concert; a Glance ut the dolleries
of Auriole consumed q portion Of time,
and restrained his impotence until half
past nine. AT ten he was partrolling the
Rue Jean Gogon, parallel to the Alec
DIES Veuves, and into which opened the
door indicated inthe note. After quar-
ter Of an hours promenade, he had alrea
dy reckoned ten times over the number
OF steps he made from one end to the 9th
er, and the thought struck him that his
constant promenade might attract atten-
ton. Not wishing to be remarked when
he would be entering the garden, he re-
solved to await as patiently as he could,
under the trees of the Cours de Ia RENE,
the hour Of meeting. Heavy clouds be-
gan to darken the sky; and large drops of
rain fell, against which even the most UNI
brageous trees did not quite afford smell
ter. As Anatole was leaving the Rue
Jean Go'yon his arm was seized.
pardon, Monsieur, if interrupt your
walk; but | have service to ask of
YOU"
In spite of the darkness, Anatole was
able to discover that the hand which held
him belonged to man of enormous pro-
portions, with his long thick mustaches
enyeloped in coat buttoned up to the
throat, with q travelling cap fierco!y
cooked Oh the side of his head. The hour
and weather having sent home all the be-
lated promenaders, such an adventure was
not very reassuring; and, convinced that
discretion was the better part Of yalor,
Anatole answered his importunate friend,
-"No violence; l am quite willing to
give up what | have about me-"
And he began to search his pockets
himself
"You mistake me-" quickly answered
the man of the mustaches; 81 want nei
Their your purse, nor your watch. [ only
ask few moments conversation"
81 am really distre sed that it is impos-
sbIo for me at the present time. came
out here on most important and urgent af
fairs"
'Less important and less urgent, most
assuredIy, than that which ohligcs me to
ask your attention"
Il cannot spare you moment"
"Obscrve, Monsieur, that the streets
are empty, and that l have no choice
Do not oblige me, [ beg Of you, to take
q refusal as an insult"
Anatole gave second look at the
broad shoulders ofhis interlocuter, and ar
rived at the conclusion that the wisest
plan was to do with his time, what he had
been ready to do with his money. 81 am
at your disposal, Monsieur, but [ hope
you will be as brief as possible"
"You may be easy about that; the afa
fair will be arranged in military order"
He is q soldier, thought Anatole. This
thought increased the respect which the
broad shoulders and large proportions had
already inspired.
Bnt the stranger took Anatole's arm
under his own, and drew him, with rapid
step, down the Cours de n RENE. Sud
benly he stops, and placing himself oppo-
site his Involuntary companion, with his
arms crossed ",Sacre bIeu! Monsieur,
you behold in me man at the highest
pitch Of indignation!'
at is nay duty to confess that you APP
pear So"
eyes Monsieur, such rs you SEQ me, |
an married"
'-Ahw
''a'arried to q Young and beautiful