The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1888-03-08
THE DEVILS CARD.

LIE DL IL = OAnD.
1t was midnight. Fernand de
Roquefeuil was seated in cafe on the
boulevard among SIX of his intimate
companions, all young men of the world
like himself. In accordance with an
ancient Paris custom, he wished to
bring his life OF single blessedness to
an end by giving merry entertain
ment to his former comrades. He
was to be married in three days at
neutrality-suspicious.. The intend
ed bride was Nine. de Lucay, charm
ing young widow, who had many ar
dent suitors. As the wine went round
his friends heartily congratulated him
on his triumph. During the repast his
good fortune was the chief topic of
conversation, until, at dessert, many
already had begun to envy him.
'Well, Fernaud," remarked one of
the guests, 81 must say that when you
came into the world you drew lucky
ticket in the lottery of fortune"
Yes, indeed, between ourselves,
must admit | have very little to COM
plain of, answered Fernand.
Just as he had finished speaking the
first bottle of champagne was opened.
The foam sparkled in the crystal cups.
The young men, wholly intent on en-
juyment, scarce lent an ear to the eX-
piring din and noise of Paris when the
great city is about to sink into slum-
Der. But Just at this moment one of
the walters entered and handed Fer
nand dainty little card.
8 i-It Il Al -
cafe" exclaimed the jolly host, refus-
ing to accept the card with an air of
lofty disdain. "Tell the gentleman he
may present himself at my rooms on
Loais-le-Grand street tomorrow. If l
be at home | shall be very happy to
receive him."
''But, SIR" one of the guests aptly
remarked, ''you have not even taken
the trouble to look at the name of the
visitor who sends in his card"
"Why, that's so, replied ,Fernand.
"Let US see who is this fellow who
chooses such queer visiting hours"
Having pompously adjusted his eye
glass, he held up the card and tried to
decipher the name. He had to give it
up.
There is some name scrawled on
it, lie remarked, in a puzzled way,
''but for the life of me | can't make it
out. Perhaps some of you may sue
ceed in deciphering it" he continued,
handing it in turn to each of his friends
seated around the table.
The six of them struggled with it
in turn, and finally gave it up in de-
spair.
The circumstance alone was enough
to excite the curiosity of less inquir-
ing mind than Fernands. A moment
before he was about to dismiss the
stranger unceremoniously now he had
the keenest desire to see him.
Tell the gentleman to come in," he
said. addressing a waiter.
In a moment the seven gay youths
saw approach a young man, hat in
hand, rather below medium heie ht.
who saluted all present with a gra ce-
full bow and in pleasant tone of voice.
He was dressed in the most approved
fashion, with white cravat and gloves,
and wore dainty little eye-glass.
His face was extremely handsome-a
triie too efeminate for young man,
perhaps, but it bore the expression of
a quiet resolution that seemed to COM
pensate for the absence of beard and
mOuStache.
Sir" said Fernsnd. addressing him,
''you have been considerate enough to
send in your card, and | should there
fore know your name, but, truth to
tell, | have not been able to read it
not even to spell it."
Very we'll, sir, l shall have the
honor of telling it to you in an in
stant," replied the stranger with a
pleasant smile.
But. in the meantime, you Will
please inform me in what capacity you
have come to speak to me?"
''ln that of creditor. Perhaps we
had better retire to a private seat for a
moment"
ut is not necessary. A creditor!
All! do not be at all embarrassed, sir;
speak out without the least reserve.
These six gentlemen are very intimate
friends. They will not be at all sur
prised to learn that have q few out
standing debts in Paris. And now
may inquire what it is about?"
Monsieur de Roquefeuil, some ten
years ago, as you doubtless remem-
Der, you sacrificed your entire fortune
to save the honor of the Viscount de
Brevames, an old friend of your faith
er's boyhood. After having paid a
debt of 100000 francs you found that
your excessive generosity left you en-
tirely dependent. What could young
man like you, brought up amid wealth
aud luxury, do on finding himself sud-
denly deprived of all his means? In
your apartment on Louis-ie-Grand
street you took one evening a sheet of
note paper, and wrote in large letters
the following words:
], the undersigned. do hereby agree TO de-
liver up my soul to Satan provided he bestow
on nue. ten years ricaes.
FERNASD DE RooUEFEUIL.
The window chanced to be open at
that moment. There came a sudden
gust of air. The wind snapped up the
sheet of paper, swept it through the
window and carried it to the DEVIL
mean to his address,"
How did you come to the knowl-
edge of all these things, sir?"
ALLOW me to finish my story, if you
please. From the following morning
your life was perfect run of good
luck. Fortune flew toy you. In rum
maging one day under an old piece Of
furniture you discovered a large roll
OF money, without knowing how it
came there-10,0 900 francs in coin.
Having gone to Baden-Baden, you