News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1894-05-10

the stage and waved his hand toward
the large gilt star which he had
chosen for the target. IL was a
great moment for the prince OF magi-
clans, and Jarvis, watching him from
behind the curtain, wondered what
he would do when the clever trick
was sprung.
His maiesty's portrait will take
the place Of the star, continued Mon
sieur Parbleau raising his pistol and
leveling it at the target. Keep
your eyes on the star, for the pistol
will fasten the kings portrait to the
canvas where it now shines"
Little Jarvis hand had firm grip
on the unseen cord now. He had
mastered all trepidation, and, watch
ing monsieur with keen eyes, he wait
ed breathlessly for the shot.
Suddenly the report of the magi-
clans pistol rang through the house,
and the stage for moment was eb-
scured by smoke.
At that moment the little rebel
gave the cord good jerk and a slight
sound reached his ears.
The picture was in place, and mon
sieur was bowling triumphantly to
the people, who packed the house
from pit to dome.
But not a cheer came from the seats.
The British officers bad changed
color and were looking daggers at
both the Frenchman and the picture,
which had apparently been shot from
the trick weapon into the place of the
star.
The magician, unconscious of the
wonderful transportation, was still
bowling to the people with all his
native grace and enthusiasm.
down with the rebel juggler /"
rose from all sides of the house, as
many officers stood up wildly gesticu,
lating. "Down with the French ally
in Philadelphia"
A thousand hands seemed to be
pointing toward the centre of the
back curtain, and atlast the frighten.
ed magician turned that way himself
And what did he seef
Where he expected to behold a
beautiful portrait of the British king
hung a handsome print of General
Washington.
Some of the officers, deeming the
whole thing a good joke, were ap
plauding the cleverness of the trick
while Others were indignant. If little
Jarvis had remained long enough or
the scene to have taken a good look
he would have seen, among the
former, the face of the dashing young
major wreathed in smiles.
Monsieur Parbleau recovered in 6
few moments, but not until severa
of the indignant officers were about
to remove the portrait by force. HI
dashed among them, tore the picture
down, and rushed behind the stage
with it. AS he did so, he eaught sigh
ola boy vanishing down the bacl
stairs toward the street.
Poor Monsieur Parbleau had mo-
the courage to go back and face thu
audience, which gathered in excited
groups and then slowly left the hall
He went to his room and quietly
packed his magical effects. Then h'
stole from the city, and never agar
delighted the British officers with biz
marvellous displays.
Little Jarvis FASTENED home an(
went to bed, half fearing arrest fol-
what he had done. The officers, how
ever, when they thought over thu
matter, considered the whole thing
such good trick, which they per sist
ed in blaming upon Monsieur Par
bleau, that they made merry over i
for days.
AS for the little magician, believ,
he never forgave the little rebel il
red and Jarvis, who never saw hin
again, often wondered what became
of him.
Some time afterward the handsom,
young major suffered death as a spy
and the boy who had attracted hi
attention in the magician's servic,
dropped a tear to his memory.
Jarvis kept for many years tn
guinea which he had won from tn
purse of the young officer; and h
never forgot the trick by which h
had shown the kings generals that ;
little rebel could outwit the creates
magician in America-even Monsieu
Parbleau!-St. Louis Republic.