Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1895-05-16

pie who inhabited it, the Belle Roulette
carried upon it's roof a small tent canvas,
with its poles and cordage, and then I'M
derneath, between the front and rear, an
oscillating receptacle was full of divers
objects, drums, trumpets trombones and
other instruments which are the real i'm
plements of the circus man. We should
mention also the costumes for celebrat-
ed pantomime, "The Brigands of the
Black Forest" which held place in the
repertory of the Cascabel family
Within, all was compactly arranged.
In the fore part, shut off by a sliding door,
was the first compartment, warmed by
the kitchen stove. Then came dining
room, and next a sleeping room with
hunks placed one above another as in the
cabin of ship. These were separated
by canvas. In every corner were shelves
that could be raised or lowered. to form
tables or bureaus and narrow wardrobes,
in which were stored the costumes, wigs
and masks of the pantomime. Two
swinging lamps kept their balance when
the vehicle was passing over rough roads.
On the outside, in order to let the light of
day penetrate within the different COM
partments, half dozen small windows
with glass panes set in leaden frames,
and with curtains of thin muslin in har-
monious tints, gave the Belle Roulette
the appearance of Dutch canal boat.
Ned Harley, who was not exacting in his
personal needs, slept in the first compart-
ment, in a hammock which he hung at
night between the two sides of the vehi-
Gle and took down at the first approach
of day.
1t remains to be mentioned that two
dogs, Wagram and Marengo in their
quality of night watch, both slept in the
compartment under the wagon, where
they tolerated the presence of Il trained
monkey despite his sauciness and his
taste for practical jokes. AS to the horses,
named Gladiator and Vermont, they had
full liberty to Craze around the Belle
Roulette, without the necessity of any
halter. And, after grazing upon the
grass of these vast prairies where their
table was always set for feast. as also
their bed, or rather, their litter, they had
only to lie down to rest upon the soil that
had fed them. Certain it is that. after
nightfall, with the guns and revolvers
of its inmates and with the two dogs that
guarded it, the Belle Roulette offered
tolerable security.
Such was this family vehicle. How
many miles it had traversed during three
years! A healthful journey it had been,
too. since no one had been i'll, except the
monkey, whose attacks of indigestion
were frequent, owing to his yielding too
often to the spirit of gormandizing.
The start was made ON a March morn
ing. At break of day Vermont and Gladi-
ator were harnessed to the van. Madam
Cascabel and Leona got in, while Caesar
and Ned followed on foot, Pierre doing
the driving. They were soon beyond the
city's sights. 1t was fine spring weather,
and the birds enlivened the woods with
their merry piping and whistling. The
country was by no means a desert. Viii
lagos were passed, and towards night q
stop was made in town where an even
ing performance could profitably be given.
Thus, by slow stages, and with frequent
afternoon as well az evening shows, they
made their way to Sacramento.
II am tired of retracing our old routes"
said Caesar Cascabel in family council.
LET 10 strike northward along the valley