Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1883-08-30

/ AItef numerous interruptions ana
stoppages, her journey was concluded
1t was late in the evening when the
train reached Saarbrueken, where
Lucca and her maid got out; the Off
GERS babe friendly farewell to their
lComrade Frau Won Rhaden," and
with many good wishes for a speedy
Injecting with her husband, they
fastened away in search of their res
pective quarters Turning to a porter,
Lucca asked him where she could get
nights lodging.
A night lodging" repeated he,
looking at her in surprise; there is
no chance of lodging anywhere in
Saarbrucken. The whole place is
crammed with soldiers"
And | am so tired" exclaimed
Nine. Cucca. Don't you know of
any place where we could rest for the
nightl No matter how small or poor,
| would reward you well.
The porter showed his cap on one
side, scratched his head, thought for a
moment and then said
THE engine house there | could
arrange you a good bed ofclean straw
or hay if you think it is respectable
enough
Respectable enough? and why
not?"
Because, madame, in peace time
we often shut tramps up there.
My good man, that won't trouble
me in the least but could you not
get us some blankets"
ooh, yes, " answered the porter II
can get plenty of blankets from the
officers, if say they are required for
ladies.
The porter proved a man of his
word. Quickly spreading some fresh
clean straw in the small dark place,
he went away, and in less than a
quarter of an hour returned, laden
with soft, warm blankets, out of
which a couch, not at all to be des-
pissed, was soon arranged
Soon the two travellers were com
fortably wrapped in the warm blank
cts on their extemporized bed Just
as Morpheus closed their eyes, how
ever, a loud knocking was heard at
the door.
Gracious Heavens, have pity ON
u.s. we are lost, we are lostw cried
the maid, making one spring to the
door and seating herself on the boxes
TO increase the resistance. Who is
there" she continued, feeling thus
reaSsured
1T is only me, Lieutenant Won Il
----, your travelling companion, was
the answer. 81 have just come to
tell you that you may sleep in peace,
as / have placed a guard before the
engine house, by the Colonels or
derS.
Feeling secure by the knowledge
that they were guarded, mistress and
maid again lay down and, thoroughly
tired out, did not wake till A in the
morning: when suddenly drums be-
gan to beat bugles to sound, words of
command were shouted warlike
noises were heard all round: some
thing extraordinary must be going on
in Saarbrucken.
The barricade was quickly removed
and Nine Lucca stepped out, just as
Lieutenant Won L--came squirting
up or his fiery chestnut, reporting
hurriedly: There is an alarm, Ma
dame, the French won't wait any
want another beating |
Everything has gone on, and | have
been left behind to report to you. Au
revoirl but stop--I had very nearly
forgotten to tell you that your hus-
band is in the hospital at Ponta- Nous |
son.
And how far is that from hereN
about forty miles; but pardon me,
| am called away. Adieu y and off
he galloped like a bulletout of chass-
pot
The aspect of Saarbrucken was in
deed desolate when the troops had left.
Seeing an old man coming along,
Nine. Lucca asked; my good man,
is any of our army still here2'
Only the Grand Duke of Olden
burg there he comes up the street
with his staff, " and off he went.
Good morning, your Highness,'
said the prIma donna, in a loud voice
The Grand Duke, surprised, pulled |
up his horse, and looking down at her
said Can | be mistaken no, surely |
it is Frau Lucca, our prima donna /
Many time have / had the great
pleasure of hearing you at the ope"a." /
Your Highness, | am delighted .
that you graciously remember my in
In Berlin | am intro
duced to dukes at court; here, how
ever, must do it myself IN the open
street | have come tofetch my hus-
band who lies wounded at Pont a
Mousson. l entreat your Highness to
help me.
THAT, dear lady, is, l fear, impos-
sible, with the best will in the world,
answered he pityingly; for at this
there is nothing at hand but
the baggage wagon which follows us
with the servants.
Serene Highness, exclaimed
Mime, Lucca, bad driving is better
Than good walking. If that if your
only objection to the baggage-wagon,
please order down three men, so that
|, my maid and baggage may
mOuut