The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1894-02-15

uietiuBuisneu MIN, the Jew owned
that he had arrived at propitious mo-
ment. In fact, the four friends found
themselves at that moment met in coun-
Gil, and under the presidency of fero-
cious appetite they were discussing the
grave question Of bread and meat. It
was on Sunday, and the end of the
month! Fatal day and sinister datel
The entrance Of Medicis was therefore
greeted with joyous chorus, for they
knew that the Jew was too miserly of
his time to spend it in visits of nero
politeness. Therefore his presence al
ways announced an affair Of business.
M. Marcel" said Medicis,"I have
come here solely to make your fortune.
That is to say, I've come to offer you q
superb chance to enter tho artistic
world. Art. as you we'll know, M.
Marcel, is an arid road of which glory
is tho oasis -
Pere Medicis," said Marcel, on the
hot Goals Of Impotence, sin the name
of 90 per cent, you venerated patron
saint, be brief!"
This is the affair."" said Medicis.
"A wealthy lover of paintings who is
making collection of pictures destined
to make tho tour of Europe has order
ed me to procure for him series of re-
markable works. have como to offer
you an entrance into that gallery of
art. In word, have come to buy
your Crossing of the Red Sea-"
"Cash2" said Marcel.
Cash, responded the Jew, making
the orchestra in his breeches pocket
play a lively tune.
Go on, Medicis," said Marcel, dis
playing his painting. II wish to leave
to yourself the honor Of fixing the price
of this work. which is beyond all
price"
Tho jew placed on the table so
crowns In beautiful new silver pieces.
Go on, " said Marcel; THAT is only
the advance guard"
M. Marcel" said Medicis, you
well know shall add nothing. Reflects!
Fifty crowns. That makes $50 francs.
That's sum, that isl''
-" A feeble sum-" replied the artist.
why, know that my first word is al
ways my last, merely in the robe of my
Pharaoh there arc SO crowns worth of
cobalt. Pay me Mt least the material.
Equallze those piles. round up tho fig
ures, and l will call you Leo X"
Here's my last word" said the
jew III not add sou more, but
offer dinner to all of you. various
wines ut your own discretion, and at
the dessert I'll pay III gold"
Does any gentleman wish to make
any further bid?" yelled Colline, rap.
ping three times with his fist on the
table. Going, going, gonel'
Agreed, said Marcel.
II will send for the picture tomor-
row, said the Jew. Now let Us
start, gentlemen; tho table is laid"
The four friends descended the stairs,
singing the chorus from Les Hugue
nots. a table, II tablet
Eight days after that feast Marcel
learned in what gallery his picture had
taken its place. While walking through
the Fanbonrg Saint Honoro he stopped
i'll the midst of group that was gaz-
ing with curiosity at tho hanging of IL
sign over shop. That sign was none
other than Marccl's famous picture
sold by Medicis to n dealer in provi-
sions. Only. tho Crossing of the Red
Sea had once more suffered Il modifi-
cation ana bore new title. Some one
had added To it IL steamboat and had
called it. At the Port of Marseilles. +"
a liatterinS ovation arose among the
loungcrs when they discovered tile
painting. So Marcel turned away, de.
lighted hy this triumph, and murmur-
ed, Tho voice of the people is the voice
of God!'-Boston Transcript.