Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1885-09-26
AT TEE CAFE G0RNILhON.

but since the sGn had gone down and it haC
grown dark, heavy gusts fell bois;eroualy
up and down the marrow old streets of Mar.
seilles, as though they had lost their way
Many Of the principal thoroughfares ap-
peared comparatively deserted, as if the
storm had driven most people home Those
who yet remained out of doors seemed to
be bent Gu rsaohing their domiciles with
all possible speed There vas one solitary
exception tall, powerfully built man;
and upon him gust of wind had little
more effect than upon solid rock. Envel-
oped in thick black coat with military
cap drawn down tightly over his forehead,
he walked along at slow, measured step.
He never once turned his head, even when
the wind cast singing splash of rain full
in his face. He was so erect and strobe
forward in such steady manner that one
would have supposed the weather absent
from his thoughts When he reached The
quay he crossed the road and stepped along
the gangway so close to the edge of the
basin that by stretching ont his hand be
could have touched the rigging OF the large
vessels as he passed. The danger even in
broad daylight, when walking so close to
the edge, would have been great; but upon
this pitch dark, windy night, false step
meant certain death in the dock below
Presently small boat, dimly visible by
the light from lantern attached to the
bow, came slowly toward landing place
several yards ahead When the boat
touched the wall of the basin the man
quickened his pace, and on reaching the
spot looked down and demanded, who
goes there?7
. Prosper Cornillon," replied a voice
which appeared to come from a figure in
the boat, that resembled black shadow in
the darkness.
Is your boat for hire?'
Yes. monsieur"
There was short pause Then the
stranger, with seapcon of command in his
tone, said: " I shall want you tonight, but
not yet"
The boatman having meanwhile made
fast his boat took the lantern out of the
bow and climbed slowly up the steep
wooden steps.
. Does the Cafe Cornillon, on this quay,
belong to you?"
. Its mine and my sisters Prosper re-
piled.
That is lucky" said the stranger. in a
more cheerful voice; will sup at your
cafe before we start"
Prosper Cornillon led the way. holding
the lantern so that the light was thrown
directly IN their path
The Cafe Cornillon stood in the center of
a row of houses facing the quay. The
frontage was one large window with small
panes Of glass, like 4 conservatory. Through
the clean white muslin curtains light was
shining which illuminated limited space
of the roadway. Stepping forward Prosper
held open the floor of the cafe for the
stranger to enter. 1t was a snug, unpre-
tending little cafe long, narrow and low
pitched, like cabin on board q ship, with
small wooden tables and chairs arranged
against the walls. Some halfdozen per
sons, who looked like fishermen, were
seated near the window, drinking coffee
and cognac and playing at dominoes. They
glanced up for a moment and returned the
strangers salute and then continued their
game. At the further end of the cafe was
an open hearth with fire burning
brightly in the center; near this hearth
engaged in some culinary operations, stood
young girl. She turned when the door
opened, and an expression of surprise
mixed with curiosity gathered in her face
As the stranger advanced and politely raised
his cap.
Nina" said Prosper Cornillon looking
from the girl toward the customer, this
gentleman has hired the boat, but he
wishes for little supper before starting"
The stranger nodded approvingly. Be
fore sunrise must be on board,
The name of the ship, monsieur ?''
asked Prosper, stroking his dark beard and
looking with keen eyes into the stranger
face.
THE Livadie.'
The girl looked up with distant. dreamy
expression in her eyes. That ship" said
she, as though speaking her thoughts aloud,
rather than addressing herself to any one,
that ship is bound for some Greek port. y
g For syria, said the stranger, promptly,
while at the same time he removed his
cloak and sat down at table near the
hearth.
Prosper Cornilm turned away and Joined
the fishermen at the other end of the cafe
Like true cafeticr he was soon laughing
with the customers, taking hand at the
dominoes and calling to his sister Nina to
serve him, as though he were customer,
too.
Meanwhile, the stranger sat in silence,
waiting for his supper, with his back lean
ing against the wall, and his legs stretched
out toward the fire. He was dressed in the
uniform of a French Colonel, though only
man of % or 80 at the utmost He had a
handsome, expressive face, his eyes fire.
quently frightening at some passing
thought. But when he turned his glance
upon Nina his look grew serious and SYM
pathetic.
face of Nina Cornillon. not merely on ac-
count of its beauty, but because some trou-
bic, sustained with brave resolution. was
portrayed in every feature That dreami-
ness in the eyes, already referred to, which
seemed to indicate that her thoughts were
wandering far away from the port of Mar
settles, was seldom suppressed, except
when she was spoken to; and when the
conversation ceased her look appeared to
GfD L int 41o H.
smile would break pensively on her lips
and tears glisten upon her long, black
lashes.
Scarcely a word passed between the
stranger and Nina Cornillon until the sup
per was cleared away, when monsieur
ut his cigar, and drew his chair closer to-
ward the hearth. But when the girl had
served the customary cup of coffee and was
pouring out the petit terre, the gentleman
remarked: Shall tell you, mademoiselle,
where your thoughts are travelling"
The girl looked with puzzled expression
into the strangers face. You would IN
deed be magician" she said, if YOU
could"
Your thoughts" said he, are travelling
along the shores of Greece"
Nina started and changed color. For q
while she seemed too troubled to speak.
Seating herself in front of the hearth, she
looked thoughtfully into the fire.
If mademoiselle will trust me- the
stranger presently remarked in softer
tone, even though she might wish mes
sage taken to her lover, l will promise to
execute my trust faithfully"
The girl glanced up with a touch of in
dignation in her face. But suddenly drop
ping her eyes she said. with deep blush
TN her cheeks, +" have no lover
The stranger looked grave and as though
conscious of having made blunder. he
not try any further to read your thoughts
But tell me-" he added, why does your
brother keep boat for hire in the harbor
when he has such an excellent little cafe to
.ftand to7 II s1oxns tn m 4 n Mt I'll q vart ;s