The Black Hills union. [volume] (Rapid City, Pennington County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1889-1904, 1896-07-10

with the applause or the people. But
let me work upon this kite ten minutes
longer and add one trife more. and
then there will be something else to see.
Then you may call aloud: Come to me
out of the sky, bright star And far
above you you may see a star ,hine,
bright as any in the heavens. At this
moment, he whom you wish to kill
must hold the cord, for that star brings
death. AS it touches the mans breast
life departs from him. Mark me we'll,
the other things that come down the
cord are innocent as drops of dew.
The star is fatal"
81 understand" replies Min Toxic.
Hasten with your work, Lin Ham"
A little later the old Chinese puts in
to the hands of the younger man a pa
per box covered with shining roses, but
terfies and birds, and says to him:
Min Toxic, the great performer, you
have bought of me a pretty kite, which
brings down from heaven the birds Of
the air, and the flowers the spirits
pluck. For all l know, you may coax
the stars down it's core also. 1t is we'll
made. If any accident happens, that
is the fault of others, not mine. / am
not responsible"
Il absolve you from all responsibility,
Lin Ham," replies Min Toxic.
He throws about him a cloak that
covers his theatrical costume, and
carries the box downstairs, where a
carriage containing the parapher-
noVjQ mood IN his ovI:L;+:~. 1911
him, and is driven to Mr.. Blashieid's
residence. There they celebrate not
only the glorious Fourth but a we'd
ding.
Early in the evening, the rich mans
daughter, Rosabel Blashfield, had
been married to Mr.. Arthur Ware, the
son of another California magnate.
lhere has been the usual reception, the
usual display of gorgeous presents, a
nne band has been playing, professional
dancers have done their part; now they
are ready for Min Toxic and his per-
~formances.
The whole lawn is flooded with cleo
trio light, and, in mighty tents, all
decorate with roses. they are setting
forth a lost. The bride and bridegroom
sit upon a sort of throne that seems
made of orange blossoms. Tiers of
seats, o. occupied by people in evening
dress, surround the lawn, leaving an
archway through which the performers
enter, 1t is opposite the brid%al-throne;
and, as Min Toxic passes through, bow
ing n smiling, his eyes meet those
of the bride, and he seems to give her
special greeting.
Standing in the midst of the circle,
he begins to gather. from HEAVIER
knows where, white roses. of which he
makes a mighty ball, how, no n can
guess. This he throws toward the
throne. AS it floats in the air it opens
and forth flies a little pink Cupid, who
Hlngs kisses abroad and flies skyward
and is gone. Thunders of applause fol-
low this compliment to the bride, and
then the little boy-in-waiting on Min
Toxic brings in the chairs. the tables,
the fans, the wands, the boxes, and the
show begins. 1t is sufficient to say
thai the man seems to be able to over
come the laws Of gravitation, to stand
upon nothing, to fold himself up like a
foot-rule. to put himself away in spaces
that seem impossible: and to do all this
gracefully. with beautiful accessories.
The brides eyes never leave him.
Min Toxic did not boast falsely. Though
his position and residence in China
town seem to her to place him as far
beneath her as though she were an
empress and he a serf, she has always
admired him intensely, and she knows
that he is in love with her. She has
often wished that he were Of her race
and kind. He has been made a sort
Of pet amongst the Californians be-
fore whom he has performed, and he has
had opportunities to speak q few words
to her and, as he said, to kiss her hand
thrice. Tonight she feels that she
bids him adieu and tonight he fascin-
ates her strangely.
When at last, as usual, he inquiries
if any two Of the audience will assist
him in some closing performances,
she whispers to her bridegroom:
"Come, Arthur. let us 60"
And the young man replies.
lawfully bad form; but if you wish
it, of course
1t is a look that Min Toxic has given
her that makes her do this thing, and
the bridegroom hands her down into
| the center of the lawn, and they three
| stand together there.
"Will you be pleased TO help me- fly
this kite sir2" saws Min TOko IN the