The New era. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1865-1871, 1866-09-13
III. EEtrU Ticket.

WAS llfSt brought out IN Paris, SO great
was the demand for seats, that tickets
were sold at a most extravaganza pre-
MUM. One night young military
officer who had just made an unsucceSS-
full application for a tic!sot ut the box.
and was about to fall back in DESPAIR
was deXterOusly relieved of his watch
by a pickpoeket. Detecting the thief
l,efore he had time to escape, he re-
covered the stolen time-piece, without
the interposition OF Il policeman. Then,
taking the culp rit aside, he entered into
conversation with him.
you are an adept in your profession
said he. "and l desire now to avail my
self Of your skill"
" Monsieur lie Captaine may command
me to the utmost of my Abilities" said
the sharper.
"Then," whispered the officer, Ego
Immediately and relieve some gentle
man of his opera ticket, and will pay
you one hundred francs for it. No hesi-
tation; be quick the money is ready"
8 1t shall be DONE" was the sharper's
business-like answer.
In three minutes the adroit Gascal re-
turned with an elegant card-ease, con-
tanning four opera tickets, with number
of cards having the name of Madelnoi-
selle Solange Dudevant engraved upon
them.
s.Wretch ~ exclaimed the captain,
" YOU have been robbing a lady,"
.sNo, indeed sir,n replied the thief
"There is my victim"
AS the sharper made this nonchalant
reply, he pointed to young, rosy
checked gentleman in black dress coat,
black tights, and white vest, with plain,
flat buttons, white kid gloves, who was
engaged in an animated conversation
with two young ladies just within the
vestibule.
''Dolt!' exclaimed the captain, THAT
is Il lady dressed en- cacolier. tits Made
moiselie Soange Dudevant herself. Re-
turn the article Immediately"
8. Monsieur is right" said the pick
pocket. mo one but a brute would
knowingly rob lady, especially when
the lady is the daughter OF George Sand,
whom we all love SO well. Excuse me,
monsieur; rely upon it, l will yet succeed
in procuring you a ticket"
In an instant the sharper placed HIM
self before Mademoiselle Solange with
a profound bow.
- Begging Mademoiselle's PARDON
he said, "she has had the misfortune
to drop her card-case."
"Thank you most kindly replied
Mademoiselle Solange, taking the card
case in her hand. "Allow me to reward
you for returning it,"
.sAs to that, mademoiselle," said the
sharper, "permit me humbly to suggest
that you have four tickets for the grand
entertainment in your case, whereas
your party consists Of only three per-
sons"
You, then, would like to have the
extra ticket" asked the lady
!" Exactly so, mademoiselle," blandly
replied the prince of sharpers.
"You are quite welcome toit, replied
the lady.
The sharper took the ticket to the
young officer, who, having noticed the
manner in which it was obtained, cid
not hesitrte to receive it, and handed
him over the promised hundred francs.
On taking his seat in the opera house,
the captain found himself elbow to
elbow with Mademoiselle Dudevant,
with whom he was well acquainted. He
frankly explained 10 her the equivocal
profess by which he had procured his
ticket, ana the lady laughed at the
trick, Of which she WAS the unconscious
victim.