Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1909-12-03
Mile Fourchette
Copyright, by Short Stories Co., Ltd.)
By EDoUARD ROD

Bemoaning the fate Of a comrade
one night at mess, the Iieutenants
stumbled upon the subject of Mile.
Fourchette. At once they were all
alert and taking sides about the thing.
Some said the girl was myth, some
said an angel, and the third party Tin
the minority, born skeptics or less
Informed than the others, insisted that
a more hideous creature never lived.
In fact, no one knew anything about
it-her existence itself never having
Oeen proven-but nevertheless legend
was abroad concerning this problem
attic being. At this time, early in 1870,
there was a newcomer among the pro-
lessons at the college of F., pro-
lessor OF German, with little of the
social in his makeup. His favorite
walk was the length of the buildings, al
ways In great haste, his head hang
Ing on his shoulders, never seeing
anyone. He was very near-sighted be-
bind those gold spectacles, very alb
stracted, and never responded to the
bows OF his students. This odd Gabel,
whom the upper classmen had sur
named Father Fork, was said to be
the father Of wonderful daughter,
Mile. Fourchette, whom he kept from
all beholders by a barbarous restraint.
His popularity was soon known, or
suspected, and became the subject of
frequent comment. The whole town
was soon agog, and the mystery be-
came the talk Of the day. Why not,
indeed, in a regiment worshiping
Venus as well as Mars, and in a place
where pretty women were not to be
met on every corner? The army
beaux roamed aimlessly about under
the professors windows, and tonight
at table each had been Obliged to con.
fess his ignorance and his failure,
until there was talk-induced perhaps
by much wine-of going in a body
and dislodging the fair one. Suddenly
some one noticed that Albert Destroy
alone, among so many, had remained
silent. He must know something! He
was a young lieutenant, reputed to
have something of a fortune, doubt.
less because he used discretion. His
reserve was always difficult to break,
but he was pressed further. Tell US
now, Destroy, by thunder!" roared a
big mustached Teuton.
The young officer merely made a
gesture, saying: Il know nothing"
He was surrounded.
Mice little Destroy! Come now. Tell
your friends a pretty story; that's a
dear!"
He seemed to yield and began: 81
saw her"
A formidable shout arose from 20
mouths, and the plates danced and the
glasses trembled.
Such signs Of true sympathy touch
me deeply" Destroy ventured, when
the tumult was over.
You saw her and conQueredY"
Hold your tongue!"
But"
"But%
The beauty belongs to the male
sex!"
"Oh, now, Destroy! Would you make
sport OF your brothers in arms?"
Not bit of it. Here Is the story.
o A few weeks after Pere Fourchette
came found, as you have, that he
had daughter. Who had seen her?
No one. There were the most con.
Trajectory theories about her-no
more than stupid yarns-but my curl.
osity was piqued as much as yours. |
questioned my brother at college. He
knew nothing. Women under 40
aren't to his tflste-"
He will change" interrupted an old
gallant.
ITO be brief, 1t was decided that
he should have some German lessons.
Here was my chance. In this way |
could easily have access to the Four.
Ghetto home"
Not stupid, that" said a simple
fellow.
We'll, friends, If my brother found
German there, l lost something. I
questioned him closely. He assured
me that there was no one in that
peaceful household but Herr Gabel
and the housemaid. The professor
was done up with a stubborn cold
and one day he presented to NJ.
Destroy, Jr., young abbot, his
nephew, who had come the day be.
fore to take his place temporarily
/ had the absurd idea that the alb
bot was none other than the myste.
.rious lady gotten up for the occasion!
Heaven knows had my proof. No
more need Of suspense, | felt. The
time had come! The other evening
i went for my brother at his tutors
house, and, friends, as plainly as | see
yop | saw the abbot, nicely tonsured
and with villainous eye in his head
That's all l know"
He sat down, drained his glass of
champagne and tugged tauntingly at
his big mustache while he watched his
,astonished comrades.
The story was plausible, and natu.
rally confused the men. Some were
left incredulous, some disappointed.
and others set out on the trail of a
new mystery. Destroy had, in truth,
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