The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-02-11
MARCOS VIOLIN.
b, ALEC BRUCE
sE:-+ .&..s Copyright by Alex Bruo.
Bv ALEC BRUCE.

Flip! The crimson scalloped flaps Of
the performers entrance parted sud
denly. and Geronimos stepped out into
the night
"Black, black as pitch,'' he muttered
and at the swift change from ring
glare to inky darkness his tired eyes
bllnked as he swept the darker silhou-
ettes,. the sun-blistered menagerie cars
standing gaunt and: silent on side
track. ~. = - :
Tap-tip-tappity-tapl A heavy rain
had just ceased falling and in the blaze
of light under the high, covered arch
way big, sparkling drops glistened on
the fiy's edge. .tattooed the taut-
stretched roof of the mammoth tent and
splashed into the trench below. No 9TH
er sounds save the shuffling Of feet, the
buzz of many voices and the muffled
strains Of the violins within. Marlino
was juggling with the ten golden balls.
Standing a moment beneath the daz-
cling archway, Geronimo satisfied the
longings! Of his lungs. .t'Me-ahlD again
and again he breathed, for the fragrance
OF sprouting sage filled the 'rain-cooled
intense. - = : -
but the light in the troupe car, sick
muttered, stepping into the shadow and
shading his eyes with his hands. . And
and Callagan said there was light
From the punching scarlet and vel
low on his bosom he pulled out his
watch and glanced at it; then oyer at
the canya 1 walls. HAh, OILY Ave min in
utes till I hold the drum, and I must
not keep Ma 'amselle waiting. I have
her brother Rs M MaTco Ma an se M Is So
anxious; she will ashland them can.
not. tell. Bah, Geronimo, you have time
oW be- aR s4e to ha. d Ge ask d Mars re-
shade, that is all - ~
Glumly he glanced down at his shoes
spangled, immaculate, white.
But Geronimo s mind was made up
| Where Ma ''amselle Marie Selini was
concerned it did not take him long te
decide. So, thrusting his hands deer
yellow, pantaloons, he drew them up al
most to his knees and tip-toed quickly
off in the direction f4thes troupe car.
Almost at it's platform he halted sud
denly, smuttering -anathemas on a minia
ture mud-lake shimmering between hin
and the car. Bah!S to think there hai
not been.a spot on his shoes, and now!
| :.
x dark figure sprang down from thu
onimo felt the spray on his powdered
'as HUh!" -
| Up went his hands. The leopard-spot
ted frills Of his pantaloons touched
mud. His heart gave one great boune
and like a drumstick thumped against
"Geronimo, Geronimo! " whispered {
"Ah, 81 Senior >Quereno, y-you? It il
- "Dead, d-deadl" gulped the tight
wire MaRksr G;uppressMing the esci ab'
she sent me. found him dead. Com,
report to Callagan at once. -
| For moment Geronimo stood as on
fiake.white cheek, leaving it's coloret
wake behind, big, glittering drop roll
ed down to the crescent on his culver
ing chin. He lookedthe fool he night,
ssAh, but no, but he, Senior Quereno,'
send you. You say 80, but Ma '-amsell
M Mar ~ No. no: You liel Bah! tha
ffp pela, il = your eyes, senior: Keep that %
Come, come" urged e.7 !; the b ! spaniard
1--WE must hurry, Geronimo g mo,
"Ah, Senior Quereno, Geronimo, ,
muttered Callagan, hoarsely, -.nyo1
bring me bad news, sad news. Marco
/ Marco, and so young, 80 young! A ylo
! linist, Quereno; trick performer, Ger
onimo; horseman. a gentle lad, I shal
never engage his like again. Faults
3 as.Its g; faalts' Have We not az 0u'
The apple at the managers throa
slipped a cog as he spoke. A few
ouavering notes trilled in his even
/ pitched tones; but no one had even seel
q tear in Cal1agan g eyes.
g Anaand, gentlemen,u he contin
selle; not a word, remember! She ls I
it;s the HIGH Jump thru the drum to
night. There must be no heartache, NJ
strain upon her. And the interlud,
comical9 Why, Geronimo, you are Dill
ed with her. You are due now. Heavens
man, brave face, Q brave facet i,
| Ting, ting, ting. a bell rang IN TN
ring. The orchestra struck up e morse
prancing air. and Geronimo Drusnee
tsLadies and shentlemeni Shentle
men and ladies--ta rum, ta-runn, ia
rah-rahl . He was stalking round tn.
ring in his inimitable way, his long pan
falcons drawn up to his ankles, march
| ing time to the music, matching TIN
long. paving steps Of the Ma 'amselle Z
steed. 81. agsst
/ Loud roars Of laughter, round aftel
round Of applause greeted the dr0N ex
4 hibition, and rippled turnout the inter
/ lude. .s. Il: q. ..,
1 1sListen to him, listen to him, Que
es thru the curtains; and Ma
amselle, Ma 'amse1le, she is laughing
too. She cannot help It. God bless you
Geronimo y ~ u. v. ssf
In few minutes came the ,eauestri
enne 8 final dashil q act, the high iuml
from horseback thru the drum, the ac1
Z "a h.rn 4 sIls54s- w oon-1ah 81 yUhonn.1ahf3