Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1860-09-13
THE MOUNTEBANK.

THE MOUNTEBANK.
I'll tell no more fortunes to day. said the
mountebank, as several persons who had
noted the effect of his words upon the stran-
ger, pressed near the wagon, and eagerly
entreated him to attend to them. Henri,
how are you making out there !? he enquir
ed aGive literally, my masters, for the last
feat is acondeJul "a leap over twelve bay
ouets ranged in line, and one foot apart,
by my son. Basta good days work,
he muttered to himself, as he weighed the
purse in his bosom, and mentally calculated
its contents. Every thing has gone accord
ing to the wishes ofthe Count, and of mine
too, for that matter Henri, have you fin
ished 2
I'm second, father replied the boy !;
and having gone the round of the crowd, he
handed the plate to the mountebank and
in a moment stood beside him.
Shall l sing.:,he Marseillaise now, ia
ther?' he enquired. The other nodded ;
and the boy smiling and blushing at the
same moment, caught up small Spanish
guitar; and after skilfully playing pre-,
lude his own composition, as the juggler
graudiloqueutly informed the hearers-at
once in clear sweet voice, burst forth into
the stirring hymn of France.
sBruvo! encorer shouted the excited
Italians, as he concluded. The boy smiled
and shook his head.
Not now-some other time said Saint
Pierre. Now for the bayonet feat; and
opening long narrow box, he took out
twelve old and rusty muskets, with bayouets
attached to the barrels; and having cleared
a space iu front of the wagon, dug twelve
holes six inches in depth, and each one foot
apart. The muskets we're placed therein in
a perpendicular position, the dirt replaced,
and they stood as firm as though supported
by the hand. At the juggler's command
Henri took off his coat, and leaping to the
ground, walked back few paces-then
running swiftly till within three feet of the
nearest musket, he sprang into the air, and
turning several summersaults, alighted safe
ly on his feet at the other end. As might
be expected, the daring feat was received
with loud cheers; and many were the silver
coin that were thrust into the hands of the
lad, who humbly bowed his thanks; and
Immediately proceeded to assist the other
in replacing the musFets in the box. When
this was done, the mountebank took the
reins; and the crowd having disappeared,
they turned into one of the narrow streets
leading to the hotel de Dieu, an humble
resting place for travellers which the jug
gler frequeuted when it that city.
Henri, said he at length, as they rode
slowly along, sour career as mountcbanks il
over
sInaeedr said the lad in a tone of re
gret. Il am sorry for it
eAre you really?' inquired the other
But why should I ask it? IT'S pleasan
life to lead, to roam every where at will
in every country, and breathe the air OF ever.
cline. Had I my dayst to go over again
would follow it with pleasure. 'Bu
what think you of the stranger, my boy !
He is very young father
Yes, few years older than yourself, ye
not too young to be your master. fo'
must attend faithfully to his commands
Henri, and obey him in every thing
sFor how long time father?'
Not long, I trust, replied Saint Pierre
Tomorrow shall leave you to his care
and part with you for while. Yet VI
shall meet again, my boy; and hope t
have good news for you then. Fortune ha
aided me most wonderfully to-day, and
thank her for it. Did you notice witt
what interest he gazed at you, Henri?
i did. father But why did you hes
itate when he offered to take me into hi
service, wheD, as I know, you so eagerl
wished it?