Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1871-10-28

OF gold and scarlet velvet sprlnkled witt
golden bees.
And now the great bell in the towe
struck one with q heavy, reyerberatlnl
clang, there arose swell Of triumpha
music, and mimic procession, clad il
gorgeous robes, moved into view from
one of the hidden aisles. AT the heat
of this cortege, walked an old man wear
ing triple crown, who, as the bell toll
ed for the second time, ascended th'
steps Of the smaller throne.
II was the ceremony of the coronation
performed by automatons.
Napoleon looked on with unusual in
terest Confess, Fouche, said he
that this is as admirable in its way al
the police system Of Paris. There il
one mistake, however" he continued
The great doors of Notre Dame wer;
not open on that occasion. The throne
was built against them, and the only en-
trance was through the transverse halls
True, sire" said the fictitious arti
san, casting side glance at Fouehe
whose name he had just heard pro
nouneed True, but your majesty will
see that it is a mistake unavoidable here
Like the rest of the world, we have beer
obliged to sacrifice truth in order to Sc
cure effect" IAit
The Emperor smiled and remained 81
lent.
Meanwhile, Fouche was revolving a
dilemma in his mind with the rapidity Of
one accustomed to act in dangerous
crises. There are situations in'which a
slight vantage in the hands of dan
gerous man may set at naught the
strength Of thousands, and in which the
most extraordinary means must be en-
ployed to secure what are apparently
trifing results. Fouche adopted the
course which seemed at first most speed
lily practicable, since the consideration
of first Importance was in this instance
time. llft
"Your Majesty said he, advancing,
and speaking rapidly, may | request
your immediate attendance in your cab
met to matter of the utmost conse-
quence-a matter which will not admit
of moments delay"
The Emperor turned in surprise and
frowned. Chavarri looked up sullenly
and silently, and made a suspicious
movement toward his clock. With the
rapidity Of thought Fouche changed his
plans.
Your Majesty" said he more loudly
and rapidly than before, the Lady Isl
dore Chavarri has just been arrested
near the Cemetery of Montmartre,
charged with a capital crime. She has
already been tried by a special tribunal
and condemned to death. come to
implore your Majesty to grant her
pardon.
AS he spoke he fixed a'painful, search
ing gaze upon the Spaniard. This time
the bolt had struck. The old man 5
tawny face was taking on sickly hue
and bis limbs trembled
" This is most unusual proceeding" ="
said the Emperor, in amazement. Who
is this lady, and what is the nature Of
her crime2
Fouche, bent double with suspense,
still keeping his eye riveted upon the
tawny, changing face, spoke almost i'm
ploringly. tf
YOU have trusted me before, sire; |
beseech you to trust me now. Ask me
no questions, but write the pardon
quickly. "
There was an instant silence, broken
only by the ticking and low, fair music
of the clock. The second hand was
measuring off the sixtieth minute with
a rapid, steady sweep. Almost uncon-
sciously Fouche drew pistol from his
pocket, cooked it unobserved, and with a
face as that of corpse, was raising
himself to 6re-with cry to the En-
peror on his lips-when Chavarri, whose
mind, torn by contending emotions, bent
suddenly over his mechanism, touched
spring concealed in the rear of the
tower, and instantly the whole compli-
Gated machinery Of the clock stopped
with sudden, metallic clang. The
music ceased, the automatons paused,
like statues, each in his place,
the mimic Emperor stretching out his
hand for the crown Of the Caesars, and
The great bell in the tower poised mid
way in its swing for the twelfth and final
stroke.
"Parbleu" muttered Fouche, pocket
ng the pistol and wiping the perspi-
alton from his brow. Allow me,
Monsieur" he said, advancing to the
able; " let me inspect this wonderful
ipecimen Of art.
at is so delicate, Monsieur" said
Jhavarri, hurriedly, still keeping his
niger on the secret spring and waving
7ouche off with his unengaged hand.
Here is the pardon" said the En-
,eror, afixing his signature to paper
IS he spoke. i" hold you, Fouche, re-
ponsible for results. Well, what next2'
"0ur worthy friends clock is broken,
appears" said Fouche, awkwardly.
Broken, sire, said the Spaniard,
and with it the plans Of lifetime
And" he added, casting down his eyes
md speaking in a querulous, broken
-oice, since when ones hopes are
,roken one cares but little where he
toes, / wish passport to leave France.
! Fouche took up the cue Immediately. |
have to request, sir, said he that |
-ou also make out full and free par
lon for the accompliee Of the Lady Isl
lore Chavarri-her father, Don Mosen |
)havarri. Of Seville.
The Emperor smiled bitterly. His
ctive mind had already compassed the
ituation. and without a word either of
xpostulation or inquiry, he siezed
zen and wrote Then, having finished
nd signed the double pardon, he ad-
anced with it in his hand.
"Our friend here" said he, doubtless
nows where these parties are TO be
Dund, and to whom | con6de these
Iapers.
The old man, still jealousy keeping
is hand on the spring Of mechanism,
cad aloud:
"a full permission to Don Mosen and
Donna Isidore Chivarri to leave France
without hindrance or
uestion.
Add" said he, land alive
"You would have made a good diplo-
nat, said Napoleon, as he made the re-
uired addition.
Chavarri hesitated for a moment, re-
ioved his hand lingeringly from the
pring, and bowing his head, glided to-
ards the door. just upon the threshold
e turned in sudden dismay. !
Where shall | find my daughter2' |
sked Chavarri.
I" When she is found we will send
fonsieur word, sneered Fouehe.
An expression of the most intense