The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-11-27

four. keen as Lecoq and dry as Sahara,
twfnkled below the wicked brows OF
Bastien and Toto.
These inquisitive gentlemen gave
Theodore a good start. 1t was not
needed, for the gentle poet had all but
forgotten his adventure of a year be-
fore; such long spell of immunity
from espionage had lulled him into Sc
cuFity; and he pursued his way toward
the Louvre with a light step and a
heart rejoicing over his latest success.
He took the steam tram for Passy
mounting to the imperiale- Toto and
Bastien found seats inside.
He descends! know his legs!" said
Toto. Hide your facet"
Bastien blew trumpet blasts behind
his handkerchief.
aNowl" said Toto, we've got him."
Theodore disappeared into the open
door of a blanchisserie whence strong
light poured out into the darkness
Bastien and Toto stopped short in
the shadow.
HE goes for his wash" whispered
Bastien. But Bastien was wrong, as
he discovered in moment.
It was very late, but the blanchis-
seuse, plump and pleasing in profile,
was still busy on bunch of ollars. She
polished one very deliberately before
she looked up. The watchers saw that
her full face was as charming as her
profile.
s'Eh bieni Pierre she cried at last
they ould hear every word distinctly
''how did your Little Loves go?"
"a triumph, Marie, a perfect triumph!
But never mind my Little Loves'-how
are ours?''
ASLEEP since nine-the angels! But
come, off with your coat, mon anil
These sheets must be mangled before
we shut shop tonight. Quietly now
don't wake the babies"
Peering through a corner of the win
dow, Toto and Bastien saw Theodore
take his two-franc piece from his
pocket and hand it to Marie who, care
full manager, examined it infinitely be-
fore depoSiting it in her purse; saw
Theodore bend to the mangle, and put
all the strength of his long thin arms
into the pressing of one dozen extra
strong snow-white sheets.
II have had a misfortune tonight,
Marie said Theodore.
Was there ever such foolish baby!"
cried Marie. What is it this timer"
My gloves-I have lost them,' he an
swered.
That's the second pair within six
monthsi" she retorted. 81 wonder what
you have a head fort Why don't you
lose it? Some one might find it and put
a little sense into it for you"
"OhI'' he laughed, 'I lost my head
long ago-when I lost my hearth"
And, putting his arm round her waist,
he drew the pretty blanchisseause
toward him and kissed her. She put
her mana on MS SnOulQeT-1OlO anu
Bastien saw the twinkle of her wedding
ring-and kissed him back.
And he is a poet!" sighed Bastien.
That's just why" said Toto. Lets
go away. This is no place for usl" And
he looked up at the sign over the door.
IT is to be feared that Toto was at
heart that sorry thing, a sentimentalist.
Bastien said as much before he began
predicting the fun there would be at
the Noctambules when they presented
their report
There will be no report" said Toto.
"Hein %
There will be no report. We know
nothing of Theodore de Dorenavant. We
mistook for him another man, one
Pierre Freaudeau, husband of a pretty
blanchisseuse, and him we followed to
his home. Theodore sleeps below an
arch of the Pont de Ia Concorde. Theo-
dore will continue to sleep there
And he did, until he went to sleep in
his last bed, which happened a few
weeks since, when Toto and Bastien
felt themselves compelled to speak, so
as to insure success for the benefit"
the Noctambules gave in aid of Nine.
Freaudeau and her two little ones, 1.-The
little loves of long ago.''-The Onlooker.