The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1886-06-16

mental condition somewhat resembling
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 a cafe and Or
dered 'bock." He seemed to be suf-
locating like man stricken with apo
plexy. In order to breathe more freely
he unbuttoned his top-coat and before
him in mirror he saw man on whose
breast glistened something like a purple
spark. He had surrendered himself to
the guilty contemplation of this marvel,
when he was abruptly aroused by the
voice of the landlady:
'Joseph, bring me the Illustrated
Journal on table No. 8; it is lying be-
fore that gentleman with the decora-
ton"
A cold perspiration suddenly broke
out on the forehead of the unfortunate
man, whose senses had moment be-
fore been wrapped in delicious revery;
he hurriedly rebuttoned his coat, threw
five-franc piece on the table and
rushed from the room without waiting
for his change. The shock had been q
terrible one.
That evening on returning home,
Exupere was accosted by his concierge,
who handed him an al-looking doc.
ument.
"a Garde Republican on horseback
just left that for monsieur
He read the address, ITO Monsieur
Gobelin, Rue de la Condamine, 1907"
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. II
have been discovered, and shall have to
60 to prison! 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.
bition has been satisfied; you have at last
received q well-merited reward! / have
been ordered by the Secretary General to to
Honor. 1t 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 gulp half the contents
of carafe of cold water. By this OPP
Grafton he recovered something Of his
usual equanimity and clear headedness.
s'The communication" he argued with
himself, sis either a stupid joke or is
really intended for some namesake of
mine who lives in this same street. /
will inquire into the matter
He started at once, and his quest was
soon ended. At No. $50 he found the
mystic sign: FURNISHED rooms. ,"
ISIS there any one named Gobelin
here?" he asked at the Office, and on re-
ceiving reply in the affirmative he
climbed up to the fourth story. At the
end of dingy corridor he found card
nailed to a 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
chances 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. / 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 father s
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 a
sweet feeling of relief. All! how far
away seemed his mania for decoration
then.
II thank you, monsieur" Albert said
to him, land ask your pardon for not
having more command of myself! All!
that cross has cost me dearly! To gain
it ruined my health by exploring the
Sahara, where 1 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 l am taken from
them. But again, monsieur. let me ask
your pardon for my want of sef-con-
troll. Thanks, and farewell!'
mo, Monsieur Albert Gobelin, not
farewell" said Exupere in decided
tones. ''This is your lucky day" 1thas
not only brought you the cross that you
deserve, but it also returns to you what
L. Tho ;nh fhc