Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1889-05-17

From clown of his standing one would ex-
pect something better, especially as there is
no variation to it. Come, that will do
What do you think you are doing, you great
BOBBY, following the movements of the
aerial walker step by step, and holding out
your arms as if she were going to falla Mile
Dora is not in the habit of falling, you know
well enough. And for mirth provoker,
really your appearance is not very funny.
Where in the world did you pick up that
undertaken facet One would even think you
were pale underneath all that white paint,
and that it is from real fear you tremblel
"What is thatg'
A simultaneous cry Of horror has broken
from a thousand Threats. Under Nile
Dora's feet the wire has just snapped in
twainl Whirling over and over through the
air, she falls.
The audience has risen to its feet with di-
lated eyes and blanched faces. On the saw
dust the clown and the unfortunate girl have
rolled together; for, by a remarkable feat Of
agility, Mario has caught her in his arms
They are lifted and borne away. Mile. Dora
has received no injury; she has onlyfainted.
But the man who by a miracle has saved her
has not come off SO easily. A shoulder dis
located, a broken arm, and internal injuries,
the surgeons say.
"Another man finished for the circus bust
ness" muttered the ring master, as he left his
stand.
4 # 4 X
Two days afterwards Nile Dora, in rich
street dress, was seated at the bed side of her
former lover. There were the four white
walls Of the hospital chamber, the bare floor,
a small table with bottle on it, a chair, and
that was all.
swell, my poor Mario how do you feel?"
she asked in a voice that tried to be sympa-
thetic.
"As you see" replied the clown with wo-
full smile, pointing to the bandages wound
round his arm and shoulder.
SIT is to you that l owe my life, Mario.
shall never forget it."
"Ah" said the young man with ray of
hope in his eyes; ''you will love me again?"
Eyes, but not as you mean. Come, Mario
Pray let US talk of something else. Do yor
know what they dscoveredg'
mo- he replied, absently.
''The wire was cut"
"Cut"
''And they have the culprit."
''They have? And who is it,"
who hates me SO much because put him out
Of my dressing ROOM"
''But it is not possible that he could have
done it"
''Why not? He is arrested, and the thing
is proved against him"
There was short silence. The tight rope
walker was thinking how much time decency
required her to prolong her visit to the man
who bod 1-a1 bar lifa Tho off ba
clown betrayed a series of changing emotions
His brow was contracted, and he seemed to
be suffering great mental anguish.
Listen, Dora" he broke out suddenly, in
a half whisper; "this man must be released !"
"Whyp"
because am certain that it was not he
who cut the wire"
"What do you know about its"
81 am sure of it,"
"Who was it, then?"
SIT was l."
'sYoul" The young woman had started
bach with a movement of horror.
Don't leave me, l beseech you'll" he
groaned; "forgive mel l loved you SO much
that l became crazy over itl' sobbed the
poor fellow.
Dora arose-with look of pitiless disgust
upon her face. She took up her parasol, and
coldly, without q look, without a word
walked to the door and went out
The poor wretch, immovable upon his cot,
heard down the steps the hard click of her
high heels, the swish of her silken skirts Doors
opened on the floor below and then banged to-
Mario was alone. A strange, hopeless look
came into his eyes, and with shudder he
turned his face to the wall.
He had what was worse than a broken
back, broken heart, and when he left the
hospital a month later it was in his coffin
Translated for The Argonaut from the French
of J. Montet by NJ. j. Danneville.