The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1886-10-22
AFAMILY BOMBSHELL.

! have been recently reminded of an
episode OF the siege Of Paris, which, |
fiatter 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. Theincident l speak
OF took place in q quiet street, in the
house of my old friend Durand,
wealthy manufacturer OF chemicals,
the husband OF an estimablc lady, the
father OF a charming girl, good pa
triot, and, though perhaps a little
hot-headed in his politics, on the whole
one 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 stock OF provisions
that, had the siege lasted three months
longer than it did, the Durands would
never have known hunger Along in
October her wisdom became apparent,
and / 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 neiehbor
at the table was Victor Lamont, the
head clerk OF the chemical works. He
was an excellent young fellow, dark
and slender, somewhat retiring, and
apparently very much in love with his
employers daughter, Gertrude, who
seemed not insensible to his atten-
Ttions. Though not a word has been
spoken on the subject, the union OF
the young couple was tacitly accepted
by all.
Unfortunately, the wac prevented
its accomplishment. Victor was n
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 had come
between him and his happiness. And
his criticisms on the conductor OF the
operations were-perhans excusably---
'somwhat bitter.
These criticisms sneverfailedtoe excite
Durand, who was devoted admirer
of General Trochu. And still another
thing served to estrange them; LIE
Temps was then publishing 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,
buttDurand took them seriously and
predicted brilliant victories in the
near future. The doubling Victor
would venture n timid objection. Then
Durand would become excited and
.ang,y, and would not be ;appeased un.
til the clerk granted that each sepa-
rate battle was a victory.
The presence OF a new guest tended
to complicate matters still more. !
,was surprised one evening tofnd my
place lat Nine. DurahG's right hand
occupied by stranger, a,Swash- buck
ling individual with q bull neck and a
very red face. He wore captains s
-epaulets; his uniform looked as if he
might have found it IN the property
room, of some theatre, his enormous
boots were mid-leg high, and altogether
it,was easy to see that he posed as q
hero.
,"M. Morin," said Dwrand, in intro.
,ducing as, Captain OF the Montmar'
tire Zouaves OF Death"
The captain curled fis n,ustaches
and scowled salute.
Before the soup was over recollected
who this NORM was. His exploits
consisted in removing Srom the dc
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 unti
the owners should take it away
/ was wondering how this iron
iawed braggarb came to share oul
meal, when Nine. Durand explained
the matter to spe, with considerable
show ofemotioa While out walking
late i'll the aiteraoon, she had slipped
on the lewalk and fallen, and NORM
who happened to be passing at The
timle, assisted hes to rise, and, as skc
was somewhat FAINT and nervous, had
accompanied her &,ome. She eould dc
no less than ask him to dinner. This
explanation reass@red me; hoped We
should seeHo more,of him.
'"Ihe war" he said, had led him to
Paris, whose safety required his pres
ence.'' As to his exploits in the sub
urbs at the head of his "Zouaves Of
DEATH" they passed all belief. "The
enemy could do notaingl With my
five thousand wolves at my back !
made breach" etc.
Nine. Darand listened to this rho
sdomontade with compiaisance, Du-
sand with undisguised admiration
As to the poor militiamaR, Victor, his
existence seemed 6otally erased in tbs
presence of this bEusterer.
i invented a ptetext to leave i'm.
nadiately atger the coffee, aor was
oppressed by the Dragging OF the
ieather-lunged Gasec:l, whom ( hoped
never to see again. But in vain, Tor
on tie following Sunday l found him
in the same place. again on Friday,
and finally cover was placed rhim
every evening. The entire Durand
family seemed fascinated by him.
NORM had captured Nine. Durand by
his joviality, and papa Durand by the
interest he seemed to take in the mill,
tary operations conducted in LIE
Temps. Victor lost more ground at
every dinner.
Tie discredit into which he had
fallen became plainly apparent after
the bloody fight at lie Bourget, where
the poor Lad had done his duty uob]y