St. Cloud Democrat. [volume] (Saint Cloud, Stearns County, Minn.) 1858-1866, 1865-09-07
THE ACRoBAr's REVENGE.

E5ti% 5TtSGsrs.5-Ei {? !. l as
The sun was sitting behind the hills Of
Maldoa one June evening in the year ls45,
when an acrobat with his wife was seen
plodding along the road toward the next
market-town. "a +s.s. ii. d. ;;zzs~gs
They were weary and sad. The acrobat
himself was man about thirty, of dark
complexion, with raven black hair curling
over his forehead. His eyes were black
and piercing, and there was something in
his look which bespoke nature above that
Of moantebaDk. .;.s ,sT, ~ r.. IL ;s4az,.s T..
His wife was some years younger, and
carried an infant, child at her breast. She
too, had the appearance of person supe-
rior to her lot, and her face was comely to
look upon. ... .,''.' ~''@3
Their life was hard one, but they bore
it we'll. Nor, as yet, had all the hardsllips
which poverty had brought into their door
sent love, as the proverb has it, flying out
Of the window.
They were now journeying to the mar
ket-town Of Maldon, and, as Tomorrow
would be market day. Duyal. thought he
might come in for portion of the money
that might be changing hands. But as it
was very desirable that he and his wife
should have supper after their long days
journey, and place to sleep in, he was
anxious to earn few pence either in the
town or before reaching it, and presently
an opportunity arose by which, as he
thought, he might do so.
Almost opposite to him, at two or three
hundred yards distance, was the lodge and
noble gateway Of gentleman's park. As
Duval approached it he heard voices sound
ing high aud mirthful in tho air-the vol
ces Of children making merry, with their
light young hearts and their clear ringing
laughter.
As heeame nearer and looked through
the gate he saw betw cen twenty and thirty
children, in holiday nttire, playing upon
the lawn before an old and spacious man
sion which had belonged to the Windus
family for many generations, and was now
in the possession Of Sir William Windus,
the tenth baronet, and it was the birthday
of his little daughter which the children
were celebrating
The acrobat's eyes kindled as he looked
in at the bevy Of holiday makers. Here
was q grand chance for him Surely it
would delight the children to see him flash
his golden balls in the air, whirlinp them
up and up. like the ever springing stream
Of a fountain. Surely all The other Won
-derful things he could d. would be the
very thing for them, Surely the great and
wealthy parents would pay handsomely for
the amusement of the little ladies aud the
little gentlemen. He paused for moment
then. slowly pushed open the gate, and
walked in toward the lawn, followed by
his wife.
:. Had there been any one there whose per-
mission he could have asked he would have
done SO. But there was no one but the
children themselves: and, therefore, nd
dressing one of the oldest, he asked her if
they would like to see some Of his feats.
The girl smilingly replied that they would;
and oil the little ones with their great eyes
were turned upon the acrobat and the won
derful box which he took from his shoul-
ders and laid upon the ground. .
And now the eyes of wonder opened as
wide as they could 60. And so intent was
the little audience in watching the acrobat,
and so intentt'was Duval in catching his
brass balls. that none of them perceived
that Sir William Windus.was approaching
with his game keeper. He came forward
with rapid strides, and when within a few
PAGES of Duval he called out to him. in q
voice Of thunder. =, = -
here % g,l 80 .,''>- ~ :..':r' :,
For moment Duval stood astounded
and dumb at this sudden interruption. He
saw before him gentleman much taller
than himself, in shooting coat and boots.
with felt hat narrow-shouldered fair.
with shaven lip and chin, but bushy wills
kers Of deep tawny hue; his eyes Of blu
ish gray, large and bright; and his bear
1ns that OF an aristocrat, with dash Of the
bully. VI.
/; "Come, pack up your trumpery, and be-
gone !" sald the baronet, seeing that Du-
val stood looking at him. But the acrobat
had recovered his self possession, and now
said, with firm voice: ~. =: a., Z.
II meant no oftense your. honor nor to
harm any one or any thing belonging to
you. saw the children and made bold to
enter. thinking it would please them 10 see
my .'*l.z r. ,' ~
"oh, that's a very old story said the
oaronet. .'When thieves and gipsies prowl
about gentlemen's parks we all know that
their intentions are perfectly innocent!'.
"Do you call ane . thief, sir ~. demanded
Duval, his dark cheek coloring and his
eyes flashing fire. < ~ ~ :. & -. ~
/. .'Scouudrel!' exclaimed Sir william, his
blood rushing into his face,. ana made it in
q moment red with rage; ..do you think
would chat logic with . strolling vagabond
like you? told you to pack up and be
off Do so ut once" And rs the bAronet
uttered tins command he raised the hand
in which he held his, whip, as if about to
strike thetacrobat. d; si.
Duval looked at him With 4 savage glare
of his keen dark eyes, and slowly ID deep
voice, trembling with suppressed rage, !.
sad ..tt b IN Il!st io2 s97s-E m Ga$t2@0 q
ou had better not 2, '5> . ! 3t E
''DuvalW said his wife, gently pulling
him BY the sleeve, and in q tone Of mingled
pathcs and humility, !t.never mind the gen
tleman. We shouldn't thave soome in with
out his leave We. humbly ask your par