The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-21
FANNY ELLSLER.
How She Gave a Dance NY Moonlight for the
Edifcation of West Point Cadets.

Publication of West Point Cadets.
W. Il. II. in st. Louis GT6be- Democrat
AT the time | was a cadet Fannie Ellsler,
the celebrated ''danseuse," visited the acad-
envy. She was accompanied by NJ, Sylvester,
and one evening they visited the encamp-
ment and were greatly amused at stag
dance which the boys improvised for the &C.
casion. Cadet Pierre Dubois and others on
guard duty wers prevented from seeing the
celebrated mattress du ballet" and were
much chagrined at their i'll luck. 1t hap
pened that Dubois had what was known as
post No. 4, which was at the extremity of the
grounds, where there was little danger of be-
ing reported for neglect of duty. The fair
Fanny remained until taps" and all lights
were out. 1t was bright moonlight night
and her way to the hotel lay along tine gravel
walk past Duboiss post He saw her ap
3roacLing and bright thought struck him.
Halt! who comes theref' cried Dubois, in
blood-curdling tones.
Does Monsieur speak to us?' tremblngly
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 inglorionsly, leaving the trembling
Fanny before the terrible man OF war.
''Ze countersign; vat is datY' she asked.
THE passee parole" answered the senti-
mel.
"Helas! have it not. L will send to the
commandant, and my servant shall bring it
to you, domain, in the morning"
Madam" thundered Dubois, shave you
dared to attempt to pass my post without
the couuterSigng
"Oh. sare, did not know"
During this time the other sentinels knew
that something was up, and deserving their
posts and enyeloped in their huge guard
cloaks, ranged themselves along side of Du-
bois. and encouraged him to carry on the
joke. He Immediately 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 plait. do you
know me? Je suis Mllee. Ellsler, la pauvre
Ellsler"
Thinking she saw the effect of her declara-
ton, she continued in an impassiened way;
'Oui. Monsieur, je sus La jolie gayeuse
Fannie. je vous assure"
Madam" replied Dubois, "by making any
terms accepting any excuse for your crime,
i render myself liable 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 wrethed life"
"Mais, lie condition, lie condition. I will
perform it"
"And that is that you will here, in this
solemn presence, within sight of yon gleam-
ing monument of the Polish .chieftain, dance
the Cracovienne."
"Sacre, pose. mon Dieu! C'est impossi-
blel' cried the indignant Fannie.
"Then die, proud femaer'
"But, messieurs, would dance avec plaisir,
mais. ware is de orchestra, de trombone, de
flute, de feeble? cannot dance widout de
musique."
The music shall be provided, madame; I
will whistle"
"Jamais. jamais, monster" she cried trem-
bling with indignation and fright
Then" cried Dubois you know the
awful penalty; prepare for your DOOM" The
guards gather around in a ghostly way, while
"Ah, me, gentilhommes, will dance"
The guns were stacked and with difficulty
Dubois brought his mouth 20 a pucker and
whistied the Cracovienne, while the graceful
Fanny, lifting her skirts to keep them from
the dew, with infinite grace executed the pi-
route. When she had given the last kick
and was about to retire, they called for the
cachuca. Just then Second relief turn outl"
cried the corporal of the guard as he brought
the butt of his musl1et down to awaken the
guard. Instantly the sentinels ran to their
posts and Fanny started for the hotel like a
frightened deer. On the way she met M.
Sylvester at the head of mob of walters
armed with brooms, mons 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 the
party left before daylight, and the first relief
we're the only ones at the Point who had the
opportunity of witnessing the enhancing
beauties of the Cracovienne.