The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1904-02-03

smoking monster. with an enormous
chimney. fed with cord wood, he was
borne over the land. and another puff
ing marvel of different construction
carried him over the water. Reaching
the Crescent City some time before
the strollers. his progress expedited by
a locomotive that ran full twenty miles
an hour. the land baron found among
the latest floating population, COM
prised OF all sorts and conditions, the
Marquis de Llsne. The blood of the
PATRONS flowed sluggishly through the
land baron's veins, but his French ex-
traction danced in every fiber Of his
being. After learning the more impor-
tant and not altogether discreditable
circumstances about the land baron's
ancestors-for II every gentleman were
whipped for godlessness how many
striped backs wsuld there be?-the
marquis, who declined intimacy with
Tom, Dick and Harry and their honest
butchers, bakers and candlestick max
ers OF forefathers, permitted an ac-
quaintance that accorded with his
views governing social intercourse.
This il a genuine pleasure, NJ. lie
Marquis" observed the land baron
suavely when the two found them
selves seated in a card room with
bra ndy and soda before them. ITO
meet a nobleman Of the old school is
indeed welcome in these days when
New Orleans harbors the refugees Of
the world. for, strive as we will, out
-idcrs are creeping in and corrupting
our best circles"
Muttering something about ''bour-
geoisie -epicierr' the. nobleman partook
Of the liquid consolation before him,
which seemed to brighten his spirits
"If my doctor could see me now!
Dolts! Quscks"
Its a good joke on them" said Maui
vile ironically.
Isn't it, They forbid me touching
stimulants. Said they would be fatal.
Impostors! Frauds! They haven't
killed me yet"
81 have been north to look after GER
tain properties left me by a distant
relative, peace to his ashes" observed
Mauville.
my dear sir, ] congratulate you"
exclaimed the nobleman enthusiastic
ally.
Thanks. But | came near joining
+bo - Tho -an hArn nut
for an accident | should now. be a
cherub OF quality"
And how, monsieur, did you escape
such a felicitous 'fateT'
The land barons face clouded.
Through stranger, Frenchman, a
silent taciturn fellow, more or less an
adventurer, take 1t. He called him
self Saint Prosper
"Saint-Prosper"
The marquis gazed at Mauville with
amazement and incredulity.
This Saint-Prosper you met was a
soldier-Ernest Saint-Prosper"
Eyes, he was a soldier. Served in
Africa. believe. You knew him?'
"Knew him! He was my ward, the
rascalr cried the other violently. HE
was. but now-ingrate!-trait or!-bet-
ter il he were dead"'
you speak bitterly, NJ. lie Marquis"
said the PATRON curiously.
Bitterly! After his conduct he Is
no longer anything to me! He is dead
to me-dead"
How did he deviate from the line
Of duty?' asked Mauville, with in
creasing interest and an eagerness his
light manner did not disguise. "A sin
Of omission or commission"
"Eh? What?" mumbled the old no
bleman, staring at his questioner and
on sudden becoming taciturn. "A
family affair" he added finally, with
dignity. Not worth repeating! But
what was he doing thereT"
HE had joined strolling band of
players" said the other, concealing his
disappointment as best he might at his
companions evasive reply.
"a Saint-Prosper become an actor"
shouted the marquis, his anger again
breaking forth. HAS he not already
dragged an honored name in the dust?
A strollerl A player" The marquis
fairly gasped at the enormity Of the
offense. For moment he was speech
less and then asked feebly, What
caused him to take such a humiliating
step?'
HE is playing the hero of a ro-
nance" said the land baron modify.
81 confess he has excellent taste,
though. The figure of a Juno, eyes
like stars on an August night, features
proud as Diana, the voice of a siren
in a word, picture to yourself your
fairest conquest, NJ. lie Marquis, and
you will have worthy counterpart Of
this rose of the wilderness"
my fairest conquest" piped the
listener. With lackluster eyes he re-
NAMED motionless, like traveller in
the desert who gazes upon a mirage.
asNou bava 6acaribpd bpr VOL The