Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1905-12-27

weekly dinners 1t seemed to me that
the young lady's pretty eyes We're red.
and that there must have been some
dispute during the day between her
and her mother, now completely in
fatuated with her Robillard.
Upon my word, dear madame, Z"
cried the captain, Il must prepare
some surprise with which to offer you
my good wishes for the new year"
1t was this remark that gave me
the idea of my own.
On the first of January Dutailly re-
ceived us with open arms. A glorious
victory had been foretold by his ia
vorite paper and the obstinate patriot
was delighted.
AS for the captain, he presented to
Nine. Dutailly large bag of morrons
slaces, encased in a German helmet.
Expressly for your fair sake re-
piled Robillard striking an attitude,
expressly and entirely that his hell
met might serve as box for your bon
bons,"
Dear me, said l. 4 am not so
bold as to try to rival such a man
as the captain. but l, too, have pre-
pared a little surprise"
a wonder what it can be-" cried
Nine. patailly, as the servant brought
in age package.
1t Is bomb-shell, dear madame"
| replied "Dutailly has told me sew
eral times that he would like to nave
enc, a real one. and at my request,
ROLAND, commanding the battery.
sent me one" As / spoke removed
the paper and the she'll appeared.
black, sinister and menacing.
Gracious" objected my hostess.
what If 1t should explode"
DO not be uneasy" l fastened to
say of course, ROLAND would not
have sent me any but an empty shell.
Besides, here is his letter.
| opened note which lay beside
the bomb but as / read it my face
must have expressed surprise and
then conservation, for my friends ex-
claimed anxiously:
Is anything the natter?"
Gracious powers why-but lis
ten and / read
Dear Friend-Here is the bomb
shell you asked for, r. has been inn
possible for me just now to get hold
of an armorer TO empty it. but if you
will take ii to the Avenue de FOpera
the man there can do it. Let me warn
you TO use the greatest precaution;
the slightest shock or Jar will cause
the shell to explode Yours.
"R."
A shrek of fright filled the room.
Take it way" screamed Nine.
Dutailly. 1T is frightful, A. bomb.
shell in my parlor. Horriblei"
The many who brought it has gone"
said the servant, his red cheeks
white.
Then" said l, Il will take it.
Nine. utailly clutched hold OF my
coattails.
Not you. she implored. 1T is too
dangerous"
Il have perfect confidence in the
captain however" said Dutailly.
Come, sir take away the monster
and rid us of such a terrible night
mare. We all know you prowress,"
The captain looked unhapuy. but
he was not TO be Disconnected for so
little.
Delighted to be of service" he said.
but ! could not thirk of carrying It
over these icy streets will go and
get my friends carriage, where he is
dining just around the corner. at Bre-
bants and will return "a ten min
utes.
DO hurry, begged MINI. Dutanly
I shall be in agony until It Is out or
the house"
The captain fastened ont of the
room. Judging from the noise on the
stairs. 1t was evident that he was
literally hurrying,
Without appearing to have any
special purpose in mind walked
over to the window
IL would have been so simple 20
have let me take it, murmured Ana.
Itolc.
Don't say such a thing cried
Dutailly, surprised at the young mans
quiet courage. 1t is much better for
the captain to see 90 st."
IF he only will not be long.
( groaned his wife
There IS no use TO wait for him. l
remarked fro,a my position by the
/ window He viii never come
back"
Never come back" the, all cried
No. said Had he gone to Bre
baut's he would have turned to the
left Instead he went to the right
and he seemed to be walking very
quickly. too"
What can it mean they cried
again
Il. means, my dear friends, I said
quietly that the captain is a mere
imposter, whom / rejoice to have ex
posed by this contrivance on The
table"
! .H-.........x.