Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1901-05-02
THE BALEFUL Eye.
A Story of the Paris Commune.
By ANTHONY P. MORRIS.
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one child, Hortense, just II years OF
age and very beautiful.
Jean wisely took no part in the COM
munistic orgies running riot on the
streets Immediately subsequent to the
Franco-Prussian war; but, with plenty
of provisions in his cellar, he philo-
sophically closed the doors and win
dows, withdrew his sign of business
and smoked his pipe contentedly il
the seclusive companionship and filial
love of Hortense.
One so pretty and piquant as she
could not be exempt from a besieglng
of lovers. The two most prominent OF
these were her fathers graduating
apprentices. Henri Edouin and Giu-
seppe-"dark Giuseppe" and ''the bale
full eye"-the latter was frequently ap-
pellated by his intimates, because of
the treacherous glance in his hard,
black orbs and a lurking smile forever
fixed about his lips.
To Henri Hortense had long since
given her heart.
1t was quite late one night when
Henri departed from the embrace of
his promised bride. AS Hortense re-
treated through the narrow doorway
an unexpected form, like an apparition
from the gloom, confronted her.
"Giuseppew she cried.
"It is l." he replied calmly.
ooh, you frightened me! Whence
come you so suddenlyY
"From close beside, girl. All, thou
coquettel \ word. have heard alp
"a listener-you? Shamew
"Tell me- is it true, indeed, l need
hope no more to win your
"You say you have heard all"
"Yes. | am not deaf"
"And you have seen too"
eyes | am not blind"
"Much good may it do you, then, for
you are answered.
And with the sharp speech she slam
med the door in his face, angry at his
sacred interview.
For many nights after that her
dreams were haunted by the baleful
eyes of dark Giuseppe, and in her ears
continually rang the fearful impreca-
tion she heard him mutter, coupled
with the name of Henri Edouin.
The favored lover was greatly sur
prised few days later at receipt of n
communication from the Versailles
government. 1t was delivered by an
entire stranger, who whispered these
six ominous words:
For your eyes only. Be discreetw
The sealed billet contained this:
Last dispatches by balloon acknowledged. In
closed herewith an order for 500 francs, payable
when France is redeemed from her enemies
Paris NJ. EDoUIS
Henri should have destroyed the
mysterious scrawl instantly. Instead
he stood gazing at it in sheer amaze
ment. He had had nothing whatever
to do with the Versaillese, though his
heart was honestly with those who
struggled so nobly to save the country
from the doom of a bloody anarchy.
The few moments stupefaction prov
ed his greatest misfortune.
There was a peremptory tap at the
door.
Giuseppe entered, grinning Internal
ly. Behind him dressed" three ruff
fans of the national guard.
"Ah, NJ. Edouinw he said.
"Ob, is it you. Giuseppe" replied
Henri
Giuseppe advanced with snaky quick
ness and ere Henry could anticipate
snatched away the fatal paper. Flour
ishing it aloft, he cried:
away with him! See what hold
a paper that will have him shot unless
| greatly mistaken And Giuseppe
hissed maliciously into his rivals ear:
81 am now n trusted spy of the COM
mune. Your death is certain. You will
never wed with Hortense Guileaup
Unfortunate Henri was soon In pris-
on. He fully realized his danger, and
1t required but little reflection to con-
vince him of the foul trick played by
crafty Giuseppe.
The days of his confinement went
tediously by, while ever before him
loomed the horrid prospect of violent
death. Then Giuseppe confronted his
victim and accompanying him-could 1t
be reality?--was Hortense.
81 bring to you a CLEAN Of sunlight,
NJ. Edouin," said the dark browed vii
lain, with grinning sarcasm.
Henri sprang forward to embrace his
Detrothed, but Giuseppe interposed.
Hold did not bring here here for
love scene. Give ear to me. Minutes
for Henri Edouin are valuable. Judg-
ment is to be given in your case with
in the hour. You know what it will
be-deathl come to offer you life"
Your
"And, pray, why not? hold the doc
ument that is to riddle you with bull
lets. Say the word and l will destroy
it. l will retract my charge as a stu
pid blunder."
what word shall sayT
"Henceforth you will work and fight
on the side of the commune. Tha
will save you-if | choose. Giuseppe
the spy Is quite another person thar
Giuseppe the bakers apprentice. Mon
ey and influence both are mine now
Besides, our prisons are crammin2 will
too many hostages. Exchanges arr
slow, and Nc need men. SO, come,
have your sworn vord?"
'Neyerr' burst from Henri's lips in
dignantly.
Throughout Hortense had remained
passive. Now she threw herself OIL
her knees, with clasped hands, bGfor
the man she so dearly loved.
"Oh, yes, yes!" she cried passionate
r. For me-for your own preciou
life! Anythu'- for your life! Promise
/ Swear, Here on my knees | beg you
| Henrit'
Her voice was broken with wild sob
bing; her eyes were brimming will
tears. The young mans head dropped
then raised desperately. while his eye
/ flashed on the treacherous spy.
$50 be it, villain Giuseppe! 1 Civ
my sacred promise rs you ask"
| The mysterious and convicting lette
| was instantly torn into fragments
Giuseppe had not boasted vainly. T1v
days later Henri Edouin was liberatc
| and mounted in the national guard.
J For long time he found no opportu