The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-03-30

lies Of wit and dlstlstions OF cOuntenance
with resounding bursts of merrment.
"A professional story teller" said to
myself, and it proved was right.
The fellow seemed master of his business,
for all were eager and excited, save only
the gaunt, sorrowful camel, which was
sunk In a gloom no mirth could brighten.
Perhaps, like Harlequin, it was too familiar
with jests TO be much cheered by them.
had not watched the performance more
than a minute when the clown noticed me.
He stared for a second in amazement, but
quickly recovering the professional inso-
lence he pointed leering finger at me.
calling upon the assemblage to look at the
rare curiosity that had OPPORTUNITY APP
peared for their entertainment Like one
man they wheeled about and fastened their
eyes upon me.
At this turned quickly on my heel to
walk off, considering it the safest policy to
get out of the way with rs much speed and
as little fuss as possible. But the story
teller hurting a stinging gibe at me about
my courage "a quality / would let no man
make n Jest of with impunity), 1 turned
again and faced the throng. my heart al
ready beginning TO bristle in my breast.
There was moments silence, then the
buffoon on the camel began running COM
mentary on my looks, my dress and spirit,
enlivening his remarks with witticisms
that made very free with my feelings and
sent the listeners (all save one) into convul-
sions of laughter. He capped his insults
and insolences by inviting his audience to
step forward and examine me for them
selves.
The next minute they had formed ring
about me, taking care, however, to keep
some distance Off, as il might be an ami
NAL of uncertain temper But perky
youth, in rich cloak and many colored
sashes. eager to set an example In temerity
and make sport for his fellows, ran up and
probed me in the ribs with his riding stick.
1t was wonderful how the old fiery spirit Of
retaliation came back on me. Quicker than
thought Whipped out my pistol and COW
cred the fellows head. He ducked, lodged
and disappeared like magic Disappointed
at his celerity in getting out of sight, took
aim at the clown. He, too, had an artip-
athy to such target practice, and like =
fash was of his camel and hiding among
tho crowd. A thrilling pause followed as
the people, fallen silent, stared in wonder at
ME, then at one another, then at the camel
stsnding as saturnine and stupid looking
dS ever, Qullc uuCOhrClOto Va Us LltiottI n
sudden desertion.
Satisfied with having frightened my mo-
testers and anxious TO prove my pacific in
tentions toward the company i'm general, I
returned the pistol to my belt. Seeing this,
the chopfallen story teller sneaked back
for his beast, taking care as he led it of to
keep its body between him and me. Tho
crowd hesitated a moment. as IL uncertain
which performer 20 patronize; then went
trooping after the clown In evident expecta-
ton Of further diversion elsewhere. My
impulse was TO follow and spoil the fun,
but, remembering the discretion which Is
the better part Of valor, turned aside aud
went in another direction.
I had not gone a hundred yards when
felt l,antle touch on the arm, and looking
round found at my side an elderly Arab of
venerable and bcnignant aspect. my
eyes met his he bowed with a cordial Crav-
ity and held out his open hand Glad to
end any ono 80 friendly. also bowed aud
laid my open palm In his. waiting for him
to speak.
Continued Tomorrow