The Arizona sentinel., 1886-06-19


 neatly, but conspicuously to his breast, put on his great-coat, buttoned it care fully over the garment ornafnented with the tell-tale bit of red without quite knowing what he was about. being in 8 mental condition somewhat resembling 2 that of those who ''see stars'' in the daytime, he climbed up into the seat of an omnibus and was in due time set down at Auteuil.
 There Exupere entered cafe and or dered a 'bock" He seemed to be sui locating like man stricken with apo pleXy. In order to breathe more freely he unbuttoned his tup-coat and before him in mirror he saw man on whose breast glistened something like purple spark. He had surrendered himself to the guilty contemplation of this marvel, when he was abruptly aroused by the voice of the landladys
 Joseph, bring me the Illustrated Journal on table No. s; it is lying be- fore that gentleman with the decora- tion."
 A cold precipitation suddenly broke out on the forehead of the unfortunate man, whose senses had a moment be- fore been wrapped in a delicious revery; he hurriedly rebuttoned his coat, threw a tive-franc piece on the table and rushed from the room without waiting for his change. The shock had been a terrible one.
 That evening on returning home, EXupere was accosted by his concierge, who handed him an official-looking doc ument.
 "A Garde Republican on horseback just left that for monsieur"
 He read the address, "To Monsieur Gobelin, Rue de la Condamine, 160;" and in one corner these printed words {: Bureau of the Grand Chancellor of
 the Legion of Honor"
 Poor old Exupere's head swan, and he felt as though he were about to faint in the arms of the concierge. He, however, managed to stumble up to his apartments, rang, rushed past his astonished servant and locked himself into his own room.
 "It's all over," he muttered. 'sI have been discovered, and shall have to go to prison! I am disgraced-ruined! Oh, what fate!''
 Had the retired insurance agent been the happy possessor of more hair his bristling locks and the terror-stricken aspect of his countenance would have exactly reproduced the head of "Orestes pursued by the Furies." After some time the nerved himself to the task of opening the fatal missive. It read thus: MY DEAR FRIEND: Your very proper am- hoe .1 ln,. received a well-merted rewardl I have been ordered by the Secretary General to make out your nomination for the Legion of Honor It is with the greatest satisfaction that communicate this good news to an old and dear comrade in arms.
 Yours,
 Of course, according to all precedent, the signature of the official was entirely illegible.
 Exupere rubbed his forehead and ask ed himself whether he was really insane. He carefully reread the letter, tried to make out the name of the writer, and swallowed at one gull half the contents of a carafe of cold water. By this op- eration he recovered something of his usual equanimitv and clear-headedness. himself, ''is either stupid joke or is really intended for some namesake of mine who lives in this same street. I will inquire into the matter.
 He started at once, and his quest was soon ended. At No. 150 he found the mystic sign: Furnished rooms."
 ''Is there any one named Gobelin here?" he asked at the office, and on re- ceiving a reply in the affirmative he climbed up to the fourth story. At the end of a dingy corridor he found card nailed to door and bearing the legend: Albert Gobelin."
 ''Ahr' said Exupere to himself, ''my worthy cousin from Africa"
 He knocked. A young woman, with regular features, mild-eyed and sad look ing, opened the door. A small oil lamp on table lit up the features of girl of seven or eight who was industriously working at her exercises. This pretty, blonde child, suspending her occupation for moment, cast anxious, inquiring glances at the stranger. In the shadow that covered the end of the room an- other pair of eyes were also watching Exupere. These latter, glittering with the brilliancy that fever insures, be- longed to Albert Gobelin. Exupere was deeply affected.
 Monsieur" he said, handing him the Chancellor's letter, ''this document fell into my hands through an error in the address I think it must be intended for you"
 The invalid unfolded the paper, and the child brought the lamp.
 ''It is from my friend Des Villiers, no doubt" he said ''Read it, little one."
 The child read in hor silvery tones and schoolgirl manner. The fathers eyes filled with tears, the wife embraced her husband with nervous energy and sobbed convulsively on his shoulder. The good Exupere wept, too, and never before had tears brought him such sweet feeling of relief. An! how far away seemed his mania for decoration then.
 "I thank you, monsieur" Albert said to him, "and ask your pardon for not having more command of myself! An! that cross has cost me dearly! To gain it I ruined my health by exploring the Sahara, where sought and where felt sure of finding the real route of the Trans-Sahara road. Unfortunately this reward will not prevent my wife and child from remaining here without the means of support if I am taken from them. But again, monsieur, let me ask your pardon for my want of self-con- trol. Thanks, and farewell!''
 ''No, Monsieur Albert Gobelin, not farewell" said Exupere in decided tones. ''This is your lucky dayr" Ithas not only bro,,crht vOu tho crOcS that voT1 deserve, but it also returns to you what is yours by right-the inheritance, the Verduron inheritance, of which I, Exu-