Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-06-03

piece he began, when me n.aledic-
tons and abuse Of the misshapen
keeper put a stop to further CONVEX
sation and sent the mountebank post
haste into the darkness Of the cavern
like hall intersecting the ground floor.
On either side closed doors, vaguely
discerned, limited at the secrets OF the
chambers they guarded; the atmos-
phere, dark and close, proclaimed the
sunlight long a stranger there. At the
end Of the hall the dwarf, who had
walked with the assurance Of one we'll
acquainted with that musty interior
and all It contained, paused; shot
sharply a bolt and threw open door.
The action was the signal for Il chorus
of hoarse voices from within, and the
little man stayed not on the order Of
his going, but, thrusting the mounte-
bank across the threshold, leaped
nimbly back, slammed hard the door,
and locked 1t.
Cries of disappointment and rage
followed, and, facing the company that
crowded the dingy little room almost
to suffocation, the latest conner found
himself confronted by unkempt people
who shook their fists threateningly
and execrated in no uncertain man.
ner. A few, formerly spectators Of his
little play. inclined again 10 vent their
humor on him, but he regarded them
as if unaware Of their feeling; pushed
none too gently to tiny window, and,
depositing his burden on the stone
floor, seated himself on stool with
his back to the wall.
AS a squally gust soon blows itself
out, SO their temper, mercurial, did
not long endure; from ragged coat
one produced dice. another cards, and,
although there were few sous to ex-
change hands, the hazard OF tossing
aud shuflling exercised Its usual
charm and held them. The minutes
wore away; motionless In his corner,
the mountebank now watched; then
with his head on his elbow, seemed
sunk in thought Once he rose; stood
on his stool and looked out between
the heavy bars Of the narrow window.
'Not much chance to get out that
way" observed fellow prisoner.
"What did you see?"
"Only a chasm in the sands"
"The sands!" said the man. Cursed
the day set foot on them!'
To this malediction the other did
not answer; stepped down and. again
seated in his corner, waited, while the
light that had grudgingly entered the
narrow aperture grow fainter. With
tho growing darkness the atmosphere
seemed to become closer, more foul;
but although he breathed with diff
Guilty, the mountebank suffered no
sign Of Impotence or concern to
escape him; only more alertly looked
and listened-to a night bird cleav-
ing the air without; to muttered
sounds, thieves pgtois, or snatches OF
ribald mirth within; and, ere long, to
new complainings.
Our supper! What Of our SUPPER"
'The foul fiend take the auberge des
voleurs and its landlord?"
"Vrai dieu! Here he contest" rs
the footsteps We're heard without.
and the door, opening, revealed. in
deed. in the rushlight, now dimly illu-
minating the hail. tho hunchbGck,
not laden, however, with the lorSed-
for creature comforts, but empty
handed; at his back the commandment
and a number Of soldiers.
you fellow with the dolls!" Blink
ing In the glare Of the torches, The
dwarf peered in. Where are you?
Come along" as the mountebank
rose, you arc wanted"
Wanted" repeated the player,
stepping forward. "Where?"
AT the palace" said the comman-
dant
"The palace!" stopping short. "Who
can want me there?"
who" The dwarf made n grimace.
'Who?" he repeated mockingly.
"Her ladyship," said the command
ant, with a Teproving glance at the
jailer
"Her ladyship!"
Haven't you ears, my MANI" The
commandant frowned and made an
impatient gesture. Come, bestir your
self The Governors daughter has
commanded your presence"