Connecticut western news., 1897-04-01

''It is very short. You say that those characters are from the hands of the Elm press Marie Louise. Her autographs are very rare. "
 "It is authentic. The empress ad- dressed it to the great Napoleon the day after the battle of Lutzen."
 "But the emperor lived at the Tuile- ries then.
 Certainly, sir, and that observation proves your intimate knowledge of the history of the time. But, if you will re- member, during the absence of the Lit tie Corporal, as he whirleS from battle field to battlefield, the empress was in the habit of retiring to the Louvre" "
 Bridoux was evidently fiattored at his historical knowledge being praised, but rubbing his nose refectively he said:
 "How did the letter fall into your hands?''
 'tOh, in the most natural manner in the world. I got the letter from my father, who got it from my grandfather. My grandfather, soldier of the empire and fanatic admirer of Napoleon, picked up this letter one day when it had fallen from the pocket of the great man and preserved it as a precious relic. Sir, nothing but the most urgent need would force me to sell it. But I must have 100 francs. It is for me question of life and death. Nevertheless I beg you to believe I am patriotic, for if I come to you it is because you are French and because, if you purchase it, this precious document will remain in my country. I could have had ten times the price asked you. Just now an English man tried to buy it on any terms. He followed ne, even jogging my steps to the door of this house.
 But Bridoux evidently did not appear in a hurry to bind the bargain.
 "Iwould willingly buy it, but I wish to consult an expert first.
 'I regret, sir, replied Armand, "that cannot wait" He turned cold inside as he said to himself, "This affair is going to fall through if Jules does not hurry up.
 At this moment the doorbell rang. Bridoux went to open it. Jules entered. He was unrecognizable. His hat was on the back of his head, his coat was but toned to the chin, and he had on pair of long red whiskers not unlike those which adorn the English tourists who travel around with those queer person ally conducted" parties.
 At the sight of this curious parsonage the autograph collector stared in stupe- faction.
 ''Pardon me, said the false English man. II wish to speak to the gentleman who just came into your house.
 Bridoux was about to reply when Armand interrupted.
 How said he, "you here again, man?"
 "Yes. will give you 900 francs for your letter."
 But told you would not sell it. |"
 1T will give you 500 francs"
 ''I tell you, sir, that I am already making bargain with this gentleman. !"
 II will give you 1000 francs. 1T beg you, sir, to leave the room. y"
 "Very well, said tie false English man, II will wait for you outside the door, but must have that autograph, :" and he left.
 "You see,'' said Armand to Bridoux, "the price that Englishman attaches to 1 this precious document. Don't force me 10 let it pass into his hands when I ask you only 100 francs. The autograph collector was at last convinced. He took out of his secretaire bank note for 100 francs and gave it | to Armand, who thanked him and with I drew.
 Not long after that tho two young men made raise, and the first thing they did was to put bank note of 100 | francs into an envelope with this in- dorsement, Prostitution and thanks, " and addressed it to Bridoux.
 But Bridoux never knew what it meant He simply covered the 100 francs into his treasury, and for him the note of the little saleswoman at the Louvre lace counter is still an authentic autograph of the Empress Marie Louise. Adapted For the Argonaug From the French