The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1866-05-09
The Extra Ticket

When the opera OF The d" Prophet was
first brought Out ia PAI-, 20 great was tie
demand for seats, that tickets were sold a.
q most extravagant premium. one night
young military officer, who bad just made
an unsuccessful application for ticket al
the tOX-Ofilce, and was about ~ fall back
in despair, WAS dextrOu-lT ilghteued vi his
watch by a pickpOcket Detecting The
thief before ne had time 10 escape, he re-
covered the stolen tlme-piece without the
interpOsitiOn Ola policeman. Then, taking
the culprIt aside, be entered into CONVERSE
ton with him.
" You are an expert 10 your profession,
said he, and desire now % avail myself
your Skill
Monsieur lie Captaine may command
me 10 the utmost OF my abilities, said The
sharper
"Then, whispered ,he officer, " 20 i'm
mediately and relieve some gentleman OF
his opera ticket and / VIII pay YOU one
hundred francs for il. NJ hesitation; be
quick, the money - really"
1t shall be done" vas the sharper
business-Lke answer
In three minutes the adrO.t rascal re-
turned with an elegant card case, contain
ing four opera tickets, together with j num-
Der OF cards having the name oil Malemois-
ellie SOnange Dudevant engraved np0n
them.
Wretch :" exclaimed the Captain YOU
have been rObbiug q lady"
No, indeed, replied the thief " there
Is the unfortunate victim"
As the sharper made this nOnchaiant re-
ply, he pointed 10 young, rp-y-cheeked
young gentleman in a black dress coat,
black tights, aud white vest with plain
gilt buttons and white lid gloves, vino
was engaged in an animated conversation
with couple OF Young ladies' just within
the vestibule
"DOlt." exclaimed the Captain, "that is
a lady dressed e,t cdCHlrs, it Is Nile So
LANCE Dudevaat herself Return the arti-
Gle Immediately"
Monsieur is right, sail the pickpOcbet
"NO one but brute would knowingly rob
lady, especially when the lady Is the
daughter OF George sand. whom we all love
so we'll Excuse me. Monsieur. rely upon
1t, will yet succeed IN procuring YOU u
ticket"
In an instant the sharper placed himself
before Mile SOange wiki profound bow
Begging mademOiseile's pardon he
said, " she had the misfortune to drop her
eard-case."
SOlange, taking the clrd-case into ner hand.
ALLOW me to award YOU for returning Il. "
As to that madem0ise.le SAID the
sharper, permit me humOly To suggest
that you have four tickets tor the grand
entertainment in your case, whereas ycsr
party consists OF only three persons
"YOu, then, would ike 10 have the extra
ticket" asked the lady.
Exactly So, maiemOiselle hlandiy re-
piled this prince OF sharpers.
You are gnite welcome % H. returned
Nile SOlauge Dudeyanf
The sharper tO0k the ticket 10 the young
officer, who, having noticed the manner 10
which 1t was obtained, did not hesitate To
receive il, and hand him over tire promised
hundred francs
On taking his seat in the opera house the
captain found himself elbow Co elbow with
Mile Dudevaut. with whom be- was well ac-
Quainted. He frankly explained 10 her the
equivocal process 10y which lie had pro-
cured his ticket, and the lady laughed al
the trick of which she was the UNCONSCIOUS
victim.