The semi-weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1882-1886, 1883-08-22
FANNY ELLSLER.
How She Gave a Dance by Moon
light for the Edihcation
Of the West Point
Cadets.

Ellsler, the celebrated "%danseuse,"
visited the academy. She was accom-
panied by NJ. Sylvester, and one
evening they visited the encamp-
ment and were greatly amused at a
stag dance which the boys impro-
viscd for the occasion. Cadet Pierre
Dubois and others ON guard duty
were prevented from seeing the cele-
brated ''maitress du ballet" and were
much chagrined at their i'll luck. 1t
happened that Dubois had what was
known as post No. 4, which was at
the extremity of the grounds, where
there was little danger of being re-
ported for neglect OF duty. The fair
Fanny remained until TAPS" and all
lights were out. It was a bright
moonlight night, and her way to the
hotel lay along the gravel walk past
Dubois post. He saw her approach
ing and = brightthought struck him.
"Halt! who comes there?:" cried
Dubois, in blood-curdlink tones.
docs Monsieur speak to us ?"
tremblingly asked NJ. Sylvester.
advance and give the counter
SbSAs SAO" SAsS o~hVAy
his piece down to a charge.
1.-The gallant escort took to his heels
and fed ingloriously, leaving the ter
riffed Fanny before the mau of war.
Ne countersign, vat is dat she
asked.
1.-THE passes PAROLE" answered the
sentinel.
"Helas! I have it not. I will send
to the commandment, and my servant
shall bring it to you, demain, in the
morning."
Madam" Numbered Dubois,
"have you dared to attempt to pass
my post without the countersign::'
"Oh sare; 1 did not know"
During this time the other senti-
nels knew something was up, and de-
serting their posts and enveloped in
their huge guard cloaks. ranged
themselves alongside of Dubois and
encouraged him to carry on the joke.
He Immediately INDUCED in a
lengthy harangue upon the terrible
nature Of her crime, and ended by
informing her that death was the
penalty, then and there.
"Mais, Monsieur, sill vous plat, do
you know me? Je suis Milee. Ellsler,
la pauvre Ellsler."
Thinking she saw the effect of her
she continued in an inn
FASHIONED way:
"Qui, Monsieur, je suis 10 jolie gay
Fannie, je voue assure"
Madam" replied Dubois, "by
making any terms, accepting any ex-
case for my crime, l render myself
liable to court-martial and instant
but there is one condition, and
Que only, whereby you may atone
for your offence against the flag Of
nv country and save your wretched
life."
"Mais, lie condition. I will per-
form it,"
And that is that you here, in this
solemn presence, within sight of yon
monument of the Polish
chieftain, dance the Cracovienne.i'
"C'est impossible!" cried the in
digEant Fannie. II cannot dance
widout de musique."
1.-The music shall be provided mad
anne; l will whistle"
"Jamais, jainais, monster" she
cried, trembling with Indignation
and fright.
Then" cried Dubois, "you know
the awful penalty; prepare for your
DOOM"
The quarts gathered around in a
way. while Dubois brings
his piece down to a ready.
"Ah, me. gentilhommes, I will
lance for YOU"
The guns were stacked, and with
difficulty Dubois brought his mouth
o a pucker and whistled the Grace
while the graceful Fanny,
lifting her skirts to keep them from
he dew, with infinite grace executed
he pirouette. When she had given
he last kick and was about to retire, |
hey called for the Cachuca. Just
hen "Second relief, turn out" cried
be corporal of the guard as he
the butt of his musket down
o awaken the guard. Instantly the
entinels ran to their posts, and Fan
" started for the hotel like a fright
ned deer.