Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897, 1896-10-18


my uncle the previous evening-scoured
it with such fury as almost to break the
iron; not an idea came to me. The he'll
met shone like sun; my uncle sat smok-
ing his pipe and watching me; but I could
think of nothing; of no way of forcing
him to give me his daughter.
At 3 o'clock Rose went into the coun-
try, whence she was not to return until
dinner time in the evening. On the thres-
hold she could only make a sign to me
with her hand my uncle had not left us
alone for aesingle instant. He was not
easy In his mind: could see that by his
face. No doubt he had not forgotten our
conversation of the previous evening.
L went on rubbing at my helmet.
You have made it quite bright enough
put it down" said my uncle.
L put 1t down. The storm was gather
ing; | could not do better than allow it to
blow over
But suddenly as if overtaken by a
strange fancy, my uncle took UP the
enormous morton and turned and exam
ined 1T on all sides.
"A handsome piece of armor, there is no
doubt about it; but it must have weighed
pretty heavy on its wearer's shoulders,
he muttered; and, urged by l know not
what demon, he clapped it on his head
and latched the gorget piece about his
neck.
Struck almost speechless, I watched
ugly he looked.
Suddenly there was a sharp scund--as
if a spring had snapped-and-craek :
i5wn fell the visor, ! Id there VAS my
uncle. with his head in an iron cage, ges-
ticulating and swearing like a pagan.
1 could contain myself no longer and
burst into a raar of laughter; for my
uncle, stumpy, fat and ruf icond. present.
ed an ira sisti5ly eemic appearance.
Threateningly. he came toward me.
The hinges.-the hignes, fooln' he
yelled,
s. could not see his face, but felt that
1t was red to bursting.
8 when you have done laughing, IDIOT"
he cried.
But the helmet swayed so oddly on his
shoulders, his voice came from out 1t in
such strange tones that the more he ges-
ticulated, the more be yelled and threat
ened me, the louder | laughed.
At that moment the clock of the Hotel
de-Ville, striking 5, was heard.
THE municipal council!' murmured my
uncle, in stified voice. "Quick, help me
off with this beast of a machine! Well
settle our business afterward!'
But, suddenly likewise, an idea-a wild,
extraordinary idea-came into my head;
but then, whoever is madder than a low
er? Besides. had no choice of means.
MOI" / replied.
My uncle fell back two PAGES in terror
on his shoulders.
mo- l repeated. firmly, ell not help
you out unless you give me the hand of
my cousin, Rose!'
From the depths of the strangely elon-
gated visor came not an angry exclama-
ton, but a veritable roar. | had done
it!'-I had burned my ships.
IF you do not consent to do what | ask
of you," added, mot only will 1 not help
you off with your helmet, but L will call
in all your neighbors. and then go and
find the municipal council"
You'll end your days on the scaffold."
cried my uncle.
1.-THE hand of Rose" repeated. "You
told me that it would only be by force
that you would be made to say Yes
say it, or will call in the neighbours
The clock was still striking; my uncle
raised his arms as If to curse me.
Decide at once" cried; somebody is
coming
"well, then, yes" murmered my uncle.
But make haste.
con your word of honor?"
con my word of honorv'
The visor gave way, the gorget piece
also, and my uncle's head issued from
durance, red as poppy.
Just in time! The chemist at the cor
ner colleague in the municipal council,
entered the shop.
Are you coming?" ne asked; "they will
I'm coming" replied my uncle.
And without looking at me he took up
his hat and cane and hurried out.
The next moment all my hopes had van
ished. Ny uncle would surely not for
give me.
At dinner time took my place at table
on his right hand, in low spirits, ate little
and said nothing.
ut will come with the dessert" 1
thought.
Rose looked at me, but avoided meet
ing her eyes. AS l had expected, the des-
sert over, my uncle lit his pipe, raised his
head, and then
Rose, come here."
Rose went to him.
do you know what that fellow there
asked nie to do yesterday?"
trembled like a leaf, and Rose did the
same.
ITO give him your hand" he added
do you love him?"
Rose cast down her eyes.
VERY WELL" continued my uncle, ION
this side the case is complete. Come
here, you"
Here I am, uncle" and, in whisper
I added quickly: Forgive me!''
He burst into a hearty laugh.
Marry her. then, donkey-since you
love her. and | give her to you"
"Ah!-unclew
"Ah-dear papan
And Rose and 1 threw ourselves into
his arms
VERY good, very goodp' he cried, WHIP
ing his eyes. ''Be happy; that's all
ask"
And, in turn, he whispered in my ear:
II should have given her to you all the
same, you big goose; but-keep the story
of the helmet between us twu"
/ give my word that have never told
1t but to Rose, my dear little wife. And
if ever you pass along the Rue des
Claquettes. So, at the place of honor in
the old shop I'll show you my uncle's he'll
met, which we would never SELL
Carpenters tools-Mayberry & Watson.