The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-08-04

cesar Carcillao, a young and promis-
ing painter. found himself at his wits
ends; demand for three months rent,
brokers' summons, and numerous
other stamped documents had been left
at his studio during the week. and to
fc ce these he owned a single hundred
franc banknote, which, however was
new, and had TO all appearances first
seen the light In Cesar's hands How to
meet his various creditors with this
single note nonplussed him. and he
theer and then decided upon flight as
his only source. His tarda, otherwise
his painters touring outfit, was soon
strapped on his broad shoulders a light
suit and a soft felt hat completed his
equipment With a lighter heart than
the situation warranted he departed,
not however without giving a farewell
look to his old studio, and writing with
chalk on the door, CLOSED for repairs"
and underneath a sarcastic rider to the
effect that "the key could be found
under the doo1nat."
Whittier to go he knew not; the
suns rays were streaming through the
trees of the Boulevard de Clichy, and
q light summer breeze was rocking to
and fro the cone shaped flowers of the
huge horse chestnut trees in the Pare
Monceau. Unconsciously Cesar drifted
towards the Notifications. There was a
cottage in the Pare of Neuilly where
Cesar spent the days of his childhood.
He was deeply moved; but with this
sentiment rose another a stronger one,
and that was Indignation towards his
Uncle Tourtain, the shrivelled old
peasant, whose only faith was gold.
Ia1 ~.
small sum of money at an enormous
interest to Cesar's mother when she
once found herself in great need? Had
he not, thanks to numerous mortgages,
became possessor of their little house
in the Boulevard de Saussae? And on
the death of Cesar's parents had the
old miser not stipulated that if his
nephew wished to remain in the house
he must abandon his artistic career
and take to some lucrative work?
1t remained to skillfully approach the
old uncle, whose heart may have soft
ened; he was now rs years old, and may
be somewhat tired Of his wickedness.
Cesar, however, feared him. AS he APP
preached the house his heart beat loud
er. What excuse could be given for
this visit? How explain his demand for
shelter? After all. thought he, if he
could only obtain admission and leave
to stay for a week or two until the
storm blew over all would be well: then
he thought of the banknOte, took it
from an inner pocket and admired it's
freshness. 1t might suffice for the pres
ent, but after? Then suddenly he
stopped-an idea darted from that
banknote as a lightning flash from a
cloud.
Oh" said he, smiling to himself,
get a fortnight's hospitality at dear
uncle's house, and my revenge into the
bargain, suits me we'll"
In answer to his rattle at the gate an
old withered little man, who had been
smoking on a bench in the garden.
came slowly forward. and as he walked
shouted to the young man in broken
words, What do you want?"
1t is !, dear uncle-I, Cesar Car
cillac, your nephew" answered the
young artist in meek tones.
"Ah-ah! Come to seek charity I
suppose"
No uncle, no; l have on the con-
trary discovered a mervellous handi-
craft. capable of enriching me and
my associates to degree"
"Enrich!" interrupted the miser, his
eyes lighting up with greedy flashes.
Enrich, and how?"
Let me in and L will speak"
When they were seated in the little
garden the old man began. "And what
may be that handicraft of yours?"
Cesar shrugged his shoulders. "A
secret! A secret. And if l have come
here it is that y have so much fear
someone will find it out that / must
work in, hidden from the inquisitive
gaze of people by trees like these, and
situated In quiet thoroughfare like
this avenue"
You might want to murder me-" re-
torted his uncle, with mingled fear and
surprise.
Cesar rose to his feet. 81 am Off,
uncle, l shall seek more kindly well
come elsewhere The effect was magi-
cal.
''Sit down, my boy, sit down, and tell
me all about it," quickly retorted u Gle
Tourtain.
None of it," answered Cesar. "In n
fortnight | will show you what I have
done-not before"
And we share the profts?"
yes"
The result was beyond Cesar's hopes
he had succeeded, and how well!
The old man had no servants, and
himself installed his nephew in room
above his own. No sooner was Cesar
alone than he took a hammer from his
barda and began hammering upon a
sheet of iron that was placed before the
chimney piece of his room. The metal
noaned under his blows, and the noise
became deafening; then for change
Cesar caught hold of the table and
thumped it repeatedly on the floor.
In the room beneath Tourtain
thought to himself. "He works hard,
the lad; but what can it all be?"
This went on till evening, and, din
ner over, Cesar returned to his room
and kept up the maddening din until
far into the night. Uncle Tourtain
slept badly. The following day he VEN
tured a few questions which Cesar
mysteriously evaded by putting his
fingers up TO his lips and uttering a
significant chut! He asked for wine,
cognac, cigars, and the miser, consoled
by tho hope of untold wealth near at
hand, yielded to the young mans de-
mands.