Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-06-03
CHAPTER XVII.
6r The eo6e3 -EERRlli Co

Tho Mountebank and the Hunchback
Up the Mount with shambling step,
head down-bent and the same stupid
expression on his face, the mounte'
bank went docilely, though not silent.
ly. To one of the soldiers at his side
he spoke often, voicing that dull ap,
prehension he had manifested when
first ordered into custody.
do you think they'll put me In a
dungeon?"
Dungeon, indeed" the man an
swered not ill-naturedly. For such as
you! No, no! They'll keep the
oubliettes, calottes, and all the dark
holes for people of consequence-trait'
ors, or your fine gentry consigned by
lettres de cachet."
"Then what do you think they will
do with me-"
"Wait, and find Quit" returned the
soldier roughly, and the mountebank
spoke no more for some time; held
his head lower, until, regarding him,
his guardian must needs laugh.
Here's craven-hearted fellow!
Well, IL you really want to know,
they'll probably lock you up for the
night with the rest of rag-tag," indi-
eating the other prisoners. short
distance ahead, "in the cellar, or al
monry, or auberge DIES voleurs; and IN
the morning, If you're lucky and the
Governor has time to attend to such
as you, 1t may be you'll escape with a
few stripes and warning"
"The auberge des voleurs!-the
thieves inn!" said the man. What
is that?"
"Bah! You want to know too much!
II now your legs only moved as fast
as your tongue" And the speaker
completed the sentence with a sig
nificant jog on the others shoulders.
Whereupon the mountebank quick
ened his footsteps, once more ceased
his questioning. 1t was the soldier
who had not yet spoken. but who had
been bordering q good deal on the
way up, who next broke the silence.
"How did 1t end, Monsieur Mounte-
Dduh .-luS 5SSAC WALL tAS NS'i1' I
mean"
The man who had begun to breathe
hard, as one not accustomed to climb
ing, or wearied by long pilgrimage
to the Mount. at the question ven
tured to stop and rest. with hand on
the granite balustrade Of the little
platform they had just reached. I'm
the death of the peasant, and comic
chorus Of frogs" he answered.
"a comic chorus!" said the soldier.
"That must be very amusing"
'It is," the mountebank said. at the
same time studying, from where he
stood, different parts Of the Mount
with cautious, sidelong looks; "but my
poor frogs!-all torn! trampled!"
"Well, WE'LL" said the other not IN
kindly. "You can mend them when
you get out"
"'When! If only knew when that
would be! What IL I should have to
stay here like some Of the others p
pour etre oublie!-to be forgotten?"
IF you don't get on faster" said
the soldier who had hrst spoken, you
won't be buried alive for some time
to come, at least!"
"Pardon!" muttered the mounte-
bank. "The hilI-it is very steep"
"You look strong enough to climb q
dozen hills. and If you're holding back
for chance to escape"
mo, MOI" protested the man. 81 had
no thought-do not know that If
tried, your sword"
"Quite right I'd"
There, there!" said the other sol
der, big. good-natured appearing fell
low. "He's harmless enough, and" as
once more they moved on, that tune
OF yours, Monsieur Mountebank," alb
ruptly; ut runs in my head. Let me
see-how does it go? The second
verse, mean"
sBeat! beatl
Mia marsh-muck and miro