The Warner sun. (Warner, Brown Co., Dakota [S.D.]) 1885-1???, 1886-10-15
AFAMILY BOMBSHELL.

Sardod for the Argonaut.
Ihave been recently reminded of an
episode OF the siege of Paris, which, /
latter myself, reflects NO small credit
on me. But be not alarmed. shall
not lead you among the shot and
shell of the ramparts, nor the dangers
OF the outposts. The incident / speak
OF took place in a quiet street, in the
house of my old friend Durand, a
wealthy manufacturer OF chemicals,
the husband of an estimable lady, the
father of a charming girl, good pa
triot, and, though perhaps a little
hot-headed in his politics, on the whole
ont OF the best men in the world.
Although surprised by the invest
ment Of Paris, Nine. Durand, always
a provident woman, had looked to
the condition of her larder, and she
had laid in such a stock OF provisi ons
that, had the siegelasted three months
longer than it did, the Durands would
never have known hunger. Along in
October her wisdom became apparent,
and I added my blessings on her FORE
thought to those of the family, for a
cover was always laid for me at her
table; and who, during those times
OF privation, would not be enraptured
at sight of a golden omelet or some
genuine gruyere?
l was not the only guest at this
hospitable table for my next neighbor
at the table was Victor Lamont, the
head clerk of the chemical works. He
was an excellent young fellow, dark
and slender, somewkat retiring, and
apparently very mucn in love with his
employers daughter, Gertrude, who
seemed not insensible to his atten-
tions. Though not a word has been
spoken on the subject, the union OF
the young couple was tacitly accepted
by all.
Unfortunately, the war prevented
its accomplishment. Victor was a
corporal in the Paris militia, and per.
formed his duties with the same con-
scientious care he exercised in all
things, but he was not enthusiastic in
anything except in consigning to the
devil this eternal siege which hadcome
between him and his happiness. And
his criticisms on the conductor of the
operations were--perhaps excusably-
somwhat bitter.
These criticisms never failed to excite
Durand, who was a devoted admirer
OF General Trochu. And still another
thing served to ~estrange them; LIE
Temps was then publishing q series OF
articles in which the author remodeled
the military operations which had
taken place in the province. He in
dulged in wild flights of imagination,
but Durand took them seriously and
predicted brilliant victories in the
near future. The doubling Victor
would venture timid objection. Then
Durand would become excited and
angry, and would not be appeased un.
til the clerk granted that each sepa-
rate battle was q victory.
The presence OF a new guest tended
to complicate matters still more. /
was surprised one evening to find my
place at Mime. Durand's right hand
occupied by a stranger, q ~swash-buck-
ling individual with a bull neck and q
very red face. He wore captains
epaulets; his uniform looked as If he
might have found it in the property
room Of some theatre; his enormous
boots were midi high, and altogether
It was easy to see that he posed as q
hero.
IN. NORM" said Durand, in intro
ducing us, captain Of the Montmar-
ire Zouaves of Death"
The captain curled his mustaches
and scowled a salute.
Before the soup was over Irecollected
who this NORM was. His exploits
consisted in removing from the de-
serted houses of the suburbs such
furniture as would be likely to arouse
the cupidity of the enemy, and put
ting it In a place OF safety until
the owners should take it away.
1 was wondering how this IRON
lawed braggart came to share our
meal, when Mime. Durand explained
the matter to me, with considerable
show OF emotion. While out walking,
late IN the afternoon, she had slipped
On the sidewalk and fallen, and NORM,
who happened to be passing ct the
time, assisted her to rise. and, as she
was somewhat faint and nervous, had
accompanied her home. She could do
no less than ask him to dinner. This
expi9ration treasured me; | hoped we
should see no more Of him.
"Ihe war, " he said, had led him to