Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-08-01
REDEEMED By A MOUSE.
FseAstic and True Story Of an Es- Convict and
the Pet He Loved.

boknetic and True story OF an Ex-Conytct and
the Pet He loved.
nrs =. v. Latimer in New York Herald
some years ago poet lived in Paris who had
kind heart and possessed considerable in
nuencs among rich and respectable people. He
was sitting one day at his desk, writing poem,
when his servant brought him letter from an
old friend sskine him to and employment for
the bearer" The poet told the servant to show
the bearer into his study He was an elderly
man, sAll, stoutly built, and scrupulously neat,
With full gray beard. and be looked about fifty
MY friend tells me-" said the poet, that
You have lately been bookkeeper with trades
man in the Rue ST. Denis?"
Yes, sir" was the answer.
why did you leave your situation?'
The man hesitated and then said with an eff
tort: II left it because Of an unfortunate dis
But" said the poet. "what was the dis
eovery9 must know. because il recommend
zen ,1. 70 place l shan take = certain RESPONSE
81 win tall you. sir" saia the man looking
tuii In his face as if he had suddenly taken a
resolution to speak frankly. Il wss in that
ao9se six months and no one had any fault 10
nno v'tn me. when one day they heard Of it
found out that-that had been Q convict at
the galleys."
sf suaSe0s you were D convict ~ the gh-
eye, said the poet, in much the same tone as
y ne hsd oeeen saying: "Ah, indeed. So you
danced last night at court ball" And how
tion?"
On little money that 1 saved when 1 was
Il thought" said the poet that convicts
we're forbidden to take money from visit
$50 they are, monsieur. But they ell do It
Y they can get a chance. It seems no great
cry"
How do you manage it?" persisted the poet.
VINO Was curious to learn something of con-
victs experience.
We had several ways" the man replied
Mine Was not often used, but it always inter
ested visitors Some used TO tame pet mice and
teach them to bring any coin thrown down for
US by visitor. We always kept those mice in
our clothes, where thoy would nestle all day
without stirring, and when q visitor dropped q
little coin FOR prisoner the mouse. at a faint
cnlrrup from Its master. would come out of its
hiding place, slip down the leg of his trousers,
secure the coin and run back to its master 9
breast the way il came"
what an ingenious trick" said the poet,
much interested, but hardly able to believe the
thing was true. II should like to see it done, -
he added presently.
You can, monsieur
What! Do you carry any trained mice about
you?'
Only one, monsieur, but I can never part
from her. She 10 the only true friend have
left, he added, sadly.
will you show me?"
Certainly, monsieur. Please to throw down
coin.A cent cents-whAt you think
proper"
The poet threw down o cent piece, which
rolled along the floor. The man gave . slight
chirrup with his legs and the sleeve on his left
fha
sliding down the leg Of his psntaloons and APP
peared moment later on the carpet. But. to
the great surprise Of both men. Il stood still
and seemed inclined to run back to its hiding
place.
Its master, seeing its hesitation, chirruped
again more loudly. The mouse obeyed. The
coin had rolled under a piece Of furniture in
one corner Of the study. Just as the little
mouse was about to pick it up q piteous squeal
was heard Alas! the poets great AngorA cat
had been lying asleep under the table.
When the convict saw what peril threatened
bis little friend he turned as pale q death and
gave cry Of terror.
Poet and convict sprang at once to the res
cue. The cat was driven away, but not before
he had seized the prey in his sharp claws. The
poor little mouse lay still with drop of blood
like shining carbuncle on its glossy breast
Its master picked it up and held it for .
moment in his hands.
Then he laid it on the writing table. drew
himself up to his full height, doubled his fists
and sprang upon the poet, who received his
attack with great composure, only saving: "Was
1t for murder you were sent to PRISON."
AT these words the poor fellow recovered
himself.
Let us see, my poor friend" said the poet,
III your poor little mouse is certainly dead"
am sure that all who read this story and
who sympathize with the convict in his sorrow
Tor the injury to Ibis only true friend will
hope the little mouse got well. though IL d
hard to cure a wounded animal. i wish
could inform them, but do not know. The
story In a true one. and he from whom had i,
could not tell. But this know. that the poet
was ever after true friend to its master. and
got him situation in a bank, where he re-
mains 70 this day an honest man.