Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1897-03-18

bearing goodsized wooden box, on
which. besides the address, were the
words, Fragile, with care" Pagani
examined II with some curiosity, and.
having paid the messenger. proceeded
to open the lid. His long. thin. but cx-
'renely muscular cugers. accomplished
the task wit9)G; difficulty and the
company, Vh23e curiosity caused them
Somewhat 30 t-aasg.ess the bounds of
good manners, crowded around in
oraer TO see the contents of the box.
The musician drew out large packet
secured with several seals. Having
opened this, a second, and then third
wrapping appeared. and at length the
curious eyes of twenty persons were
RECALLED with gigantic wooden shoe,
almost large enough to serve for a
cradle Peals of laughter hailed this
discovery.
"Ah!' said Pagani, "a wooden shoe. I
can guess who sent 1t. Some of these
excellent ladies wish to compare me to
child who -lways expects presents
and never gives any. Well, be it SO.
We will see II we cannot find some
method of making this shoe worth its
weight in gold.''
SO saying. and scarcely saluting the
company, Pagani withdrew to his own
apartment, carrying with him the case
and its contents.
During three days he did not appear
In the drawing-room. Vicette Informed
the company that he worked from
morning till night with the tools OF the
carpenter. In fact, the musician,
whose hands were wondrously flexible
and dextrous in other things besides
violin playing, had fashioned a per-
feet and sonorous instrument out OF the
clumsy wooden shoe. Having enriched
it with one silver string. his work was
complete. Mex. day a public notice ap-
peared that on New Years eve Pagani
! would give concert in the large hall
of the Villa Lutetanea. The great mas
ter announced that he would play ten
pieces. five on violin and five on
wooden shoe. The price Of the tickets
was placed at twenty francs each. OF
these only 100 were issued and they
were Immediately purchased.
The evening arrived and Pagani ap-
peared, smiling. with every appearance
| Of renewed health. and ON his favorite
violin played some of those marvellous
strains which never failed to transport
MS auditors to the seventh heaven OF
delight. Then he seized the shoe.
which in its new guise Of violin still
preserved somewhat of its pristine
form. and his whole being lighted up
with enthusiasm. he began a wOndrous
improvisation which captivated the
souls Of his hearers. It represented
first the departure Of 'conscript. the
tears, the wailing Of his betrothed,
then his stormy life in the camp and
on the field of battle, and finally his
return, accompanied by triumph and
rejoicing. A merry peal of wedding
bells completed the musical drama.
| Long and loud were the thunders OF
applause; even the old ladies who dis
liked Pagani could not refrain from
clapping their palms, and bouquets
thrown by fair and jeweled hands fell
at the feet of the musician. In cor
ner of the hall next the door. Vicette
was weeping bitterly. The sympathy OF
the conscript had gone straight to her
heart.
At the conclusion Of the concert the
receipts were counted and they
amounted to two thousand francs.
Here. Vicctte," said Pagani. "You
have five hundred francs over the sum
required to purchase a substitute. They
will pay your bridegrcom's travelling
expenses"
Then after pause he continued
But you will want something where
with to. begin housekeeping. Take thi!
shoe violin, and sell 1t for your dowry.
Vicette recei Jed from a rich amateur
six THOUSAND francs for Pagani'l
wooden shoe.
This violin is to-day in the posses
sion OF the Marquis of Dufferin ant
Ava. WILL M. CLEMENS.