The Forrest City times., 1894-07-13
A MELOMANIAC.
How Capt Tavernier Was Trans
 ferred to the Thirtee nth"

The pupils of the Polytechnic School of France have queer way of express ing the fact that one of their number has become deranged. They say of the afflicted man that he is Trans ferI'ed to the Thirteenth" for if is >tatistically true that every thirteenth man succumbs to the severe mental strain required for successful com pletion of the prescribed course.
 Rene Tavernier graduated at the head of his class, and was consequent ly free to embrace the civil career To enter the artillery. In all scientific requirements he ranked preeminent, but his records for military tactics and horsemauship were deplora ble, as was also his want of neatness and disci- pline. He would appear on parade without collar or minus his buttons, which usually only clung to him by thread He would answer roll-call long after the drum had ceased beat ing, and then wonder why his appear ance should create such disturbance.
 in his opinion the captain had queer way of instructing the men.
 Mir Tayernier. you will report for two days under arrest. Return to the line You do not know your lesson"
 Permit me to remark, captain, that this is hardly the way to teach it to me"
 You may take four days more"
 .Dclighted, captain, to see that you appreciate the justice of my remark"
 Why this singular fellow had chosen amilitary career was mystery to his companions. who even then considered him slightly off. :"
 Once assigned to regiment, matters were infinitely worse. Arrests rained upon his indifferent head. for he whiled away his hours of captivity by solving intricate problems destined for publication. works which gained for him complimentary letters from the leading mathematician lights of Paris.
 When l met Tave-nier, he was with the Eighth artillery, stationed at Metz. He seemed placid enough. but his wide open eyes had somewhat restless glance. and his eccentricities had al- ready become proverbial in tke regi- ment.
 He occupied an apartment consisting of a small bedroom and an enormous parlor, scantily furnished with grand piano placed between two windows and round table in one corner. This arrangement of things removed all useless obstacles which Tavernier might have encountered in his endless walk up and down. On the table were invariably placed bottle of abslnthe. one of sirup, decanter of water, classes, and plates heaped with sweets and cakes His orderly had instruc- tions to replenish these provisions every morning. for each afternoon they were consumed by a bevy of pretty actresses, chorus girls, and ballerlnas. whom the 'crazy captain, as they called him. invited to five o'clock.
 These ladies, in more or less start ling gowns, seemed to enjoy these gatherings, where they dissected their neighbors' regulations, chattered, nio- bled cakes. and imbibed sweet wines, while their host. hands clasped behind his back, walked through the long ex- tent of the room. :.
 In summer he wore long coat of light, figured material; in winter, wadded silk kimono. Turkish shoes curved up at the toes, and smoking cap. iauntily poised upon the back or his head, completed his singular attire.
 Passing by each group he hsd word for each fair friend. Dear lady, why did you not come yesterday? l was so uneasy about you" My dear, you are positively bewitching in that hat" couldn't persuade my charm inc friend to nibble just one more lit tle cake:" etc. Then, relapsiDg into his habitual silence, he would continue his walk, completely absorbed Tn thought
 Nothing ever occurred at these some what squivocsl gatherings that would