The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1883-09-13
A BALLET DANCE Oh THE GRASS.
The Story Told by West Point Cadet.

At the time was cadet Fanny Ellis
Ter, the celebrated danseuse, visited the
Academy. She was accompanied by
NJ. Sylvester, and one evening they Wis
tied the encampment and were greatly
amused at a stag dance, which the boys
improvised for the occasion. Cadet
Pierre Dubois and others on guard duty
were prevented from seeing the cele-
brated "maitresse du ballet" and were
much chagrined at their ill luck. 1t
happened that Dubois had what was
known as Post 4, which was at 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 bri ght moonlight night, and
her way to the hotel lay along the grav-
ell walk past Dubois's post. He saw her
approaching and a bright thought
struck him.
Halt! who comes there?" cried Du-
bois, in blood curdling tones.
"Does monsieur speak to us?" trem-
blingly asked NJ. Sylvester.
advance, and give the countersign, {"
growled the sentry, bringing his piece
down to 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 datp" she
| asked
The passe PAROLE answered the
sentinel.
"Helas! l have it not. will send
to the commandant, and my servant
shall bring'it you, demain, in the morn
ing"
s'Madame!' thundered 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 i'm
mediately indulged 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 Mdlle. Ellsler, la
pauvre Ellsler."
Thinking she saw the effect Of her
declaration, she continued, in an I'M
passioned way:
"Oui, monsieur. je suis Ia jolie,
gayeuse Fannie, Je vous assure"
MADAME" replied Dubois, ''bv
making any terms, accepting any ex-
cuse for your crime, l render myself Ii
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 le condition, le condition. 1
will perform it.
''And that is that you will here, in
this solemn presence, within sight of
yon cleaning monument to the Polish
chieftain, dance the Cracovienne.
''Sacre, porte, mon Dieu! Gest i'm
possble!' cried the indignant Fanny.
''Then die, proud female!'
''But, messieurs, would dance avec
plaisir, mais ware is de orchestra, de
trombone, de flute, de feeble? l cannot
dance widout de 4lluSique."
1.-The music shall be provided, mad
anne; will whistle"
"Jamais. jamais, 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,I l will dance"
The guns were stacked, and with diff
ficulty Dubois brought his mouth to q
pucker and whistled the Cracovienne,
while the graceful Fanny, lifting her
skirts to keep them from off the dew,
with infinite grace executed the pirou-
cite. When she had given the last kick,
and was about to retire, they called for
the Cachuca. just then, ''Second re-
'ief, turn outr' cried the Corporal of
the guard, as he brought the butt of
his musket down to awaken the guard.
Instantly the sentinels ran for their
posts, and Fanny started for the hotel
like frightened deer. On the way she
met NJ. Sylvester at the head of mob
IF walters armed with brooms, mops
and pokers. She explained that this
gallantry might have been shown earli-
ar in the evening, and turned the crowd
toward the hotel. 1t is said that the
party left before daylight.-St. Louis