Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1901-04-13
. I'HB BALEFUL BYB.
i - ~
A Story OF the Paris Commune.
BY ANTHONY P..MORRIS.

*
A prominent store in Paris was that
uf Jean Guileau, baker, widower with
Gne child, Hortense, just II years OF
yage and very beautiful.
Jean wisely took no part in the COM
zEnnnistic orgies running riot on the
streets Immediately subsequent to the
Franco Prussian war; but, with plenty
af provisions in his cellar, he philo7
Seophically closed the doors and win
lgows. withdrew his sign of business
Agnd smoked his pipe contentedly in
lie seclusive companionship and flial
dove of Hortense.
One so pretty and piquant as she
could not be exempt from besieging
zGf lovers. The two most prominent of
these were her fathers graduating
apprentices, Henri Edouin and Giu-
scope dark Giuseppe and "the bale
7.IgIl eye"-the latter was frequently ap-
Iaeilated by his intimates, because Of
the treacherous glance in his hard,
Iiaek 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
Eenri departed from the embrace of
LIS promised bride. AS Hortense re
treated through the narrow doorway
.aga unexpected form. like an apparition
11drem the gloom, confronted her.
'".GiuseDper' she cried
SIT is I.">he replied calmly.
~Oh. you frightened me! Whence
come yen so suddenly"
IRON close beside, girl. All, thou
eeauetta! y word. have heard alp
"a listener-you? Shame"
TELL me, is it true, indeed, need
hope no more to win youg''.
:s-S-as You say you have heard all?"
Eyes. am not deaf" -,
"And you have seen too" \.
eyes. l am not Blind
Much good may it do you, then, for
sgou are answered."
And with the sharp speech she slam
sfgned the door in his face, angry at his
having spied upon what was to her a
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-
ton she heard him mutter, coupled
with the name Of Henri Edouin.
The favored lover was greatly sur
pTised few days later at receipt of
communication from the Versailles
government. It 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 |
nleaed herewith order for 500 francs payable |
when France is redeemed from her enemies.
AaEia NJ. EDoUN.
Henri should have destroyed the |
mysterious scrawl instantly. Instead |
he stood gazing at it in sheer amaze
1aeHt He had had nothing whatever !
10 10 with the Versaillese. though his |
.AleAEt was honestly with those who |
SO nobly to save the country |
from the doom Of a bloody anarchy.
The few moments stupefa ction PROV
eHhis greatest misfortune.
There was pe1empt0rys tap at the
EkD0F.
Giuseppe entered. grinning Internal
~. Behind him dressed" three ruff
aiaas of the national guard.
An. NJ. Edouinv' he said.
-Ash. is it you. GiusepDe?" replied
MenEa.
Giuseppe advanced with snaky quick
aAsEans; and ere Henry could anticipate
azri1ed away the fatal paper. Flour
iaataag 1t aloft. he cried:
e4AWay with him! Seerwhat hold
n HaRer that will have him shot unless
4 gCeatly mistake" And Giuseppe
llapeG Haiiciously into his rivals ear:
~ am now trusted spy ofi4hes cota-sb
zm1slne. Your death is certain. You will
sAseEer NED with Hortense Gufleauy'
Unfortunate Henri was soon in pris
an. He fully realized his danger. and
~ Required but little reflection to con-
-xince him Of the foul trick played by
.grEafty Giuseppe.
IIae days OF his confinement went
a9eGiOusly by, while ever before him
E1Bsned the horrid prospect ola violent
salsEth. Then Giuseppe confronted his
ayacA4m and accompanying him-could 1t
he reality twas Hortense.
II bring to you CLEAN of sunlight,