Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1883-08-30
A BALLET DANCE ON THE GRASS
The Story Told by West Point Cadet.

The Story Told By West Point CADET.
AT the time | was cadet Fanny Els
Ter, the celebrated danseuse, visited the
Academy, She was accompanied by
NJ. Sylvester, and one evening they Wis
tied the eucampment and were greatly
amused at stag dance, which the boys
improyised for the occasion. Cadet
Pierre Dubois and others on guard duty
were prevented from seeing the cele-
DRAFTED 'maitrcsse du ballet and were
much chagrincd ut their i'll luck. 1t
happened that Dubois had what was
known as Post 4, which was ut the ex-
tremity OF the grounds, where there was
little danger of being reported for neg
lect of duty. The fair Fanny remained
until taps and all the lights were out
1t was Il bright moonlight night, and
her way to the hotel lay along the gray
ell walk past Dubois's post. He saw her
approaching and bright thought
struck him,
''Haltl who comes thereP' cried Du-
bois in blood curdling tones.
Does monsieur speak to us?" trem-
blin9ly asked NJ. Sylvester.
advance, and give the countersign, "
growled the sentry, bringing his piece
down to a charge.
The gallant escort took to his heels
and fled ingloriously, leaving the trem-
bling Fanny before the terrible man of
war.
''Ze countersign? Vat is dat?" she
asked.
The passe parole" answered the
sentinel
''Helas! have it not | will send
to the commandment, and my servant
shall bring it you, domain, in the morn
ing"
MADAME" Numbered Dubois, "have
you dared to attempt to pass my post
without the countersign?'
''Oh, sare! did not know"
During this time the other sentinels
knew that something was up, and, de-
serting their posts and enveloped in
their huge guard cloaks. ranged them
selves alongside of Dubois. and encour-
aged him to carry on the joke. He inn
mediately INDUCED in 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 AIdlle. Ellsler, la
pauvre Ellsler."
Thinking she saw the effect of her
declaration, she continued, in an inn
FASHIONED way:
"Oui, monsieur, je suis Ia jolie,
gayeuse Fannie, Je vOus assure.
Madame" replied Dubois, "by
making any terms, accepting any ex-
cuse for your crime, ! render myself IL
able to court-martial and instant death;
but there is one condition, and one only,
whereby you may atone for your offense
against the flag of my country and save
your wretched life"
'Mais lie condition, le condition.
will perform it.
"And that is that you will here, in
this solemn presence, within sight of
yon cleaning monument to the Polish
cheftain. dance the Cracoyienne.
"Sacre. porte, mon Dieui Cest i'm
possible!" cried the indignant Fanny.
Then die, proud female!'
But, messieurs, | would dance avec
plaisir, mais ware is dc orchestra, de
trombone, de flute. de feeble? | cannot
dance widout de mtsiquc."
The music shall be provided, mad
anne; | will whistle. "
"Jamais, jamais, monsieur" she
cried, trembling with Indignation and
fright.
Then. cried Dubois, lyon know
the awful penalty; prepare for your
doom" The guards gathered around
in ghostly way, while Dubois brings
| his piece down TO q ready.
"Ah me- gentilhommes, j will dance.
The guns were stacked, and with diff
fculty Dubois brought his mouth to a
pucker and whistled the C~acoyenne,
while the graceful Fanny, lifting her
skirts to keep them from of the dew,
with infinite grace executed the pirou-
cite. When she bad given the last kick,
and was about 10 retire they called for
the Cachuca just then. Second re-
lief. turn OUT" cried the Corporal of
the guard. as be brought the butt of
his musket down to awaken the guard.
Instantly the sentlnels ran for their
posts. and Fanny started for the hotel
ike a frightened deer On the way she
met NJ. Sylvester at the head of mob
Of walters armed with brooms. mops
and pokers She explained that this
gallantry might have been shown earli
er in the evening, and turned the crowd
toward the hotel 1t is said that the
party left before daylight st LOUIS
0!obe-Den,ocrat.