The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1906-08-01
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"A Short SSOrY.l



en- splashes- on the disturbed, fouled
dust of the arena The tiers Of seats.
too, rising up and up. looked woefully
deserted and bare. and the canvas
sides and roof. as they tapped and
bellied in the wind. stood out hid
eously black and soiled in the search
ing light.
Lubin and Babette were dressed as
angels or fairies and were waiting
Y with childish impatience to rehearse
their seeming feat. They wore lit
tie wings to their backs. and Lubin
carried a culver Of arrows slung on
his shoulders. such as Cupid wears.
a couple of workmen adjusted the
wires that should convey them
through the great slit in the roof,
down which at night the limelight
was to penetrate. and the ringmaSter
rubbed his hands in satisfied way
and cendescended to laugh with his
subordinates, because he knew per-
fectly we'll that he had an excellent
effect in preparation that should de-
light and astonish his patrons.
Lubin was a stout boy Of nine.
His heart beat high at the thought of
his ascent, and. though probably en-
PERTAINING some misgivings, he as
sumed stolid front and smiled
bravely, tapping his little pink legs
in the most casual manner with his
gilt bow
Babette was o2ly six. She had
golden hair dressed like the halo5 one
sees around the heads of saints, and
her eyes were humid and timid as
does, and her limbs slender and
fragile, and easily bruised or broken.
She had no mother to stand by ant
comfort her: but Lubin, who had
vowed his love for her, placed rne
arm around her waist and said:
See, Babette, we shall rise up TO-
ward the sky, like angels in the pic
lures; and the people will clap their
hands and shout! And they viii
throw us sweetmeats, and the ring
master will take you in his arms af-
terward and kiss yci, and not use the
whip, for you and I will bring him
much money by our flying.
Yes, LuDin," answered Babette,
shivering, "but it is long way up 20
the roof, and the wires may break.
Not bit Of it," retorted Lub;n
stoutly. "See. will go up first, and
then YOU will feel sure"
The wires were held in readiness.
"Now, then. youngsters said the
ringmaster, up you go. Ha, ha,
ha! This shall be surprise!"
Lubin stepped boldly forward, md
the hooks on the wires we're fas-
tened to a belt concealed in the folds
of his trunks Then the men above
pulled, and he sailed gracefully uu-
ward; his little pink legs posed ele-
gantly, his arms held forward, ami
his wings fluttering as if he really
few. SO naturally and prettily that
the manager and those below cried
out, Fine! This is indeed fairy
like"
When he was within three feet Of
the roof, the ringmaster clapped his
hands, and down he came, and, being
unfastened, was sent off to dress
himself, with pat on his head and a
penny.
Now, Babette," said they, "yon
come and try"
Babette was nervous. but fearing
the whip more than the fall, sub
;znitted quietly enough. Up, up. up.
until she passed through the slit in
the roof and was basking in the real
sunshine outside.
Excellent, excellent shouted the
manager When Babette descended
she was rewarded with two pats on
the head and two pennies.
She rushed to tell the news to
Lubin. Il can tly higher than you.
Lubin," she said eXultantly. Il went
right through the slit i the roof,
and Monsieur Claude gave me two
pennies, and / am not bit afraid"
And she clapped her hands and
danced around htG child lover in
great glee.
Bravo, Babettc+" cried Lubin
proudly. "I told you there was moth
ing to fear"
"Ah! Lubin." she laughed, "I can
fly higher than you'll can fy much
higher than you
Then she kissed him. and ne kissed
her, not in the least envious, and
they went out and shared their three
pennies in chocolates.
Night came. and the circus was
full. The two children eagerly and
joyfully looked forward to the lime
light ascent that was to conclude the
fairy ballet. They danced in the
dance, they sang Justify in the chor.
hs, and then as 4 hundred other
children were whiriing round them
they took their places in the centre
of the arena, while the lines were
dropped from the slit in the rool
through which the iimelight flashed
The pand played something dreamy
the crowds OF fairies parted, ari
Lubin commenced to ascend AMIDST
the plaudits Of the audience.
How handsome he looked with his
smiling face and gracefully posed
limbs! The people were delighted
Babette was delighted. She called
out in spite Of herself: oh, Lubir,