Nevada County picayune., 1889-06-19

tanner, Bidel, of whose exploits she had heard great deal. Immedi- atcly after dinner, therefore, Gisele, Robert and Langle went to the fetc, the elder ladies prefering to remain at the cottage.
 They first attended Bidcl's perfor- nance with his lions, winch Gisele watched with the liyliest interest. As the performance drew to q close Gisclc became so enthusiastic in re- gard to Bidcl's bravery that Langle said, joIdngly, that she ought to marry lion tanner.
 "Such is my intention," replied Gisele, "fOr am sure that Robert will not deny the first request l have ever made of him. Will you Rob ert?" she added, turning to him.
 "What :" exclaimed Robert Do you wish me to enter the lions cage?"
 "Yes. Does that surprise you?"
 "A little. l confess.
 You ought to have as much cour- age as a vulgar tanner of animals, !" said Gisele, who seemed to be put out by her lovers backwardness in boarding the hons to please her whim.
 But L, do what you ask me to do would by no means be a proof of courage" answered Robert. ''lt would he ridiculous act on my part, for l would be exposing myself for no purpose.
 You speak lightly of the pros- pect of being devoured," said Lam gle laughing.
 Langle wished to laugh Gisele out of her caprice. Gisele, on the other hand, did not really wish her lover to enter the lions cage. but she wanted him to seem ready to do even that for her.
 Then you refuse:" she asked Robert. with all air of disdain.
 Langle. without giving Robert time to reply, said:
 Certainly he refuses, for the con ditiOns are not the same for him as for Bidel. who has been long accus- toned to being among wild animals and has made a careful study of their character,
 "lou seem to take a great deal of interest in a matter that does not concern you," said Gisele. who was vexcd by Langle's opposition.
 But, replied Langle gravely, what you ask Robert to do IS very dangerous. Besides, you forget that his mother adores him and that she will never forgive you if you make him expose himself in this per ilous manner,
 Hut Gisele insisted,
 Very well, ;" said Robert coldly, Il will enter the cage, if Bidel will allow me to do so, as soon as the spectators have departed. l do not wish to Igive public exhibition of my courage" he added, with a tinge of sarcasm in his tone.
 An! l knew you would consent exclaimed Gisele with apparent de- light.
 Il will arrange the matter at ouce,' said Robert,
 He went to Bidel, with whom he held a short conversation, then re- turned, saying;
 "The lions will be fed in few minutes. l will enter the cage then with Bidel."
 By this time the spectators had departed, Robert, Langle and Gis- ele approached the cage. Presently the lion tanner joined them. He told Robert that he was ready to feed the lions and invited him to the cage.
 No, Robert, do not go." said Gisolu. n do not wish you to en- ter the cage. l asked you to do so only because l wanted you to seem ready to expose yourself for my sake, y
 Pardon me, Gisele, for not ac- ccding to this new caprice of yours as to the first" replied Robert. "I have resolved to enter the cage and 1 shall do so =
 Robert turned away from Gisele, and moment attcrward he and the lion tanner entered the cage. The lions, eight in number, moved hither and thither. obedient to the command of their master, but their large golden eyes showed their astonishment at