Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1895-01-18

I were many colored papers used in
it's construction; fringe adorned
the outer edge But the tail was the
most wonderful fall. A long string
| formed the foundation and upon it
were fastened pieces Of cloth of grad
uating lengths, the longest being at
the top and tapering down to a mere
shred at the end. Each was twisted
in the center, the ends being allowed
to fly, but so closely were they put on
the string that scarcely any part OF
it was visible.
Little Pierre rose early the next
morning. His Impotence was SO
great that he could scarcely contain
| himself until his grand father should
give him the kite; but he dare not ex-
i press his wish, as Bernard seemed ex-
cited and nervous, an unusual thing
with him. The boy wondered why
he stood at the door SO long, gazing
anxiously about, returning to his
work only to repeat the performance
Z a few minutes later. At last he
turned to the expectant child
Come" he said, you shall fly the
kite"
oh, is it not beautiful" Pierre
cried, clasping his hands in admira-
tion when the wonderful thing was
held up for his inspection.
He was wild to touch it, but Ber-
nard would not permit him to do SO,
and babe him hold the cord while he
held the kite aloft himself. Soon it
fioated upward, the tail esembling a
flock of birds as it Strengthened in
the breeze.
You are Pierre Bernard, believe,
said some one.
AS Bernard moved quickly he came
face to face with two men.
"That is my NAME he answered.
What is your business with me?"
One of the detectives, for such they
were, eyed him sharply as he said:
''INe have orders to search your
house. Bernard
'sFor what?"
1--WE are looking for necklace
which was stolen from Mrs. Benton. .
''And do you suppose I have it?r
demanded Pierre, with great show
of anger.
How dare you accuse me of steal
ing? But go-search the house-and
If you ind tt
He finished with harsh laugh.
"The old fellow takes it coolly,"
said one of the men. s'But come-let
us get the business over with And
they went to work.
Meanwhile Bernard was apparently
absorbed in the kite and laughed
loudly as it rose higher and higher,
the long tail curving and twltch-
ing like snake. Presently it be-
gan to descend, and shade of ex-
element was visible in his face, while
little Pierre cried out in Gismay:
"Oh, grandfather, it is coming down
and will get caught in those
trees
"We will prevent that said
Bernard, with a furtiye glance toward
the house; and he 1oosened the cord.
But the kite steadily descended. 1t
lowered over tree for few seconds
then fell, the tail becoming entangled
in the branches. Bernard gave the
cord a sharp pull, and the kite drop
ped at his feet. Little Pierre ran and
picked it up.
s'The tail is broken, grandfather, .
he exclaimed. "oh why did you
hide these pretty beads? See
He spoke no further, for Bernard,
with an oath, sprang forward and
snatched the kite from his hand At
the same instant one of the detec-
tives, who had approached unnoticed,
tore it from him.
"Ah! We were not mistaken, after
all, he said, holding up the tail for
his companions inspection. Beneath
each of the twisted rags was small
cluster of pearls
Patriots ,Janan.