The Osceola times., 1883-09-01
DANCING IN THE MOONLIGHT.
Fanny Ellsler's Encounter With squad of
Cadets at West point.

st. Louis Globe.Democrat
When Fanny Ellsier, the celebrated
danseuse, visited West Point some years
ago she had funny adventure. She
was accompanied by NJ. Sylvester, and
one evening they visited the encamp-
ment and were greatly amused at a
stag dance which the boys improvised
for the occasion. Cadet Pierre Dubois
and others on guard duty were prevent.
ed from seeing the celebrated "Mait.
tresse du Ballet," and were much chagrin-
ed at their i'll luck. 1t happened thai
Dubois had what was known as post
No 1, which was at the extremity OF
the grounds, where there was little dan
ger of being reported for neglect of duty
The fair Fanny remained until taps
moonlight night and her way to the ho
tel lay along the gravel walk past Du-
bois' post. He saw her approaching and
a bright thought struck him.
'Ilalt! who comes there?" cried Duboi
in blood-cdrdling tonesI
Does Monsieur speak to us?" trem-
blingly asked Mr. Sylvester.
advance and give the countersign,
growled the sentry, bringing his piec,
down to a charge.
The gallant escort took to his heel
and fed in gloriously, leaving the trem
bling Fanny before the terrible man o.
war.
"Ze countersign; vat is dat?" she ask
ed.
"The passee parole" answered tn,
sentinel.
"Helas, | have it not. | will senG
to the commandant, and my servant
shall bring it to you demain, in the
morning"
Madam thundercd Dubois, "havc
you dared to attempt to pass my pos
without the cSuntersign?"
"Oh, sare, | did not know
During this time the other sentinel.
knew that something was up and desert
ing their posts and enveloped in theii
huge guard cloaks ranged themselves
along side of Dubois, and encouraged
him to carry on the joke. He immedi-
ately 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, Mdlee. Ellsler."
Thinking she saw the effects of her
declaration, she continued in an impass.
ioncd way:
"Oui, Monsieur, je suis la jolie, gay
ouse Fanny, je vous assure"
Madam" replied Dubois, "by max
ing any terms, accepting any excuse for
your crime, render myself liable 10
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, lie condition. ]
perform it."
"And that is that you will here, in
this solemn presence, within sight OF
yon cleaning monument of the Polish
chietain, dance the cracovienne."
"Sacre, porte, mon Dieu! Cest i'm
I ossiblel" cried the indignant Fannie.
"Then die proud femalep'
But messieurs, ! would dance avec
plaisir mais ware is de orchestra, de
trombone, de flute, de feeder | cannot
dance widout de musique."
"The music shall be provided, madam,
| will whistle"
"Jamais, iamais, monsieur" she cried,
trembling with indignation and fright.
Then" cried Dubois, "you know the
awful penalty. Prepare for your doom" "
The guards gathered around in a ghostly
way, while Dubois brings his piece
down TO a ready.
"Ah, me, gentilhommes | will dance"
The guns were stacked and with diff
Guilty Dubois brought his mouth to a
quicker and whistled the cracovien ne,
while the graceful Fanny, lifting her
skirts to keep them off the dew, with
infinite grace executed the pirouette.
When she had given the last kick and
was about to retire they called for the
cachuca Just then, Second relief turn
outW cried the corporal of the guard, as
he brought the butt OF bis musket down
TO awaken the guard Instantly the
sentinels ran to their posts and Fannie
started for the hotel like heightened
deer. On the way she met Mr.. Sylves
ter ut the head of a mob of walters arm
cd with brooms, mops and pokers. She
explained that his gallantry might have
been shown earlier in the evening and
turned the crowd toward the hotel. 1t
was said that the party left before day
light, ana the first relief were the only
ones at the Point who had the opportu-
nifty of witnessing the enhancing bear
ties of the cracoyienne.