The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1918-03-11

-Get-Rich- Quick Wsll;Ggford. and
his wife and collaboration, Lillian
Chester The Chesters were sent
to France to get these stories eS-
clusiyely for the West VirSipisn
and other members Of the News
paper Enterprise Association.
BY George Randolph CHESTER.
and Lillian Chester.
fcopyrient 1915 by the Newspaper
Enterprise ASSOC
PARIS. March Ito make boots so
renowned as the Tabourdeau boots
have been through half dozen gen
erations one rises very early. espec-
1alIy when one has achieved that de-
gree Of prosperity which enables one
TO own ones little place in the sub
urbs, where the air is pure and the
air is fragrant and the flowers bloom
and the BIRDS sing. and where ono
eats the eggs from ones own chickens
and drinks the milk fro no2e's own
COW; and is driven to the station at
early dawn By a merry, buxom Madam
Tabourdean. behind ones own sleek
pony, Reynard.
One rises very early. and is happy in
deed TO do so, and leaves the crisp
air and plunges into the smoke laden
city. and. with a heart which still
purpose Of making each boot such a
boot as will not only keep alive but
enhance the Tabourdeau reputation.
Tabourdeau, Pere ct Fills, father
and two sons on most days. father
and three sons on school holidays did
this, and had a shop which was very
elegant though small. and had work
rooms which were very comfortable.
and had pride. for only gentlemen OF
degree wore Tabourdeau boots. and
had lusty appetites when they were
met at the station IN the evening by
Madame Tabourdeau. her round, pix
face WTeathed IN smiles and her bright
eyes dancing
A happy woman, Madame TaboUT-
deau, and happiest at the great crown
ing event OF each day, VIXEN four hun
cry boot makers, after vast deal OF
splashing and scrubbing. sat at din
ner- Lucien Tabourdeau presided. of
course, truly handsome With the touch
Of silver In his black hair. and IN
his neatly trimmed NAPOLEON.
Just beyond the Medoc, the first
born, Leon, who was slight and strong
like his father. aud would be stout
IN maturity, and already had quite
promising mustache; to the left OF
Papa, Marcel who vas thick boaed and
heavy like his mothers father; be-
tween Marcel and the Naman at the
foot Of the table. sat young Rene. who
was slender and promised to be tall.
and was the handsomest Of the three,
straight as an arrow. With black eye
broTs and black curly hair. and pink
Cheeks like girls. and a smile that
was OF great tenderness.
Rene. being scarcely IS, vas per
aaps the least passionate in his inten-
hon to make good boots, and. If the
ruth must be confessed. there we're
moments when Rene cisD7ins vet
sole in the iron clamp to give it Just
The perfect shaping which was one of
the secrets Of the Tabourdeau excel
fence. went a roaming into far dis
ant worlds. clad in shining armor- ard
rescued princesses from the Spells OF
wicked magicians.
But i must also be said the the
boots which came from under his
hands, had in them a certain touch OF
sIcgance Which bespoke the true ar
list:
Thus were the happy TabourdeaUs.
Ehep, one hot day in July. 1914, there
came the certainty OF GcrE1any's real
Intention: to kuItuT the world to be-
gin with the capture and destruction
Of Iong-envied and Iong-hated Paris:
Lpcfen Tabourd eau was one OF the
6rst to Join the Mobilization, for he
vas an OFFICER Leon wished to 90
also, but Lucien said no: from the
Geryoe with which France was run
ming TO the colors there would be more
than enough to stop. the Germans. with
out using boys Of 90. and Leon, being
the eldest, should for the time. be
The Tabourdeau OF TabouTdeau, Pere
ct FIls!
MerceI, who was philosopher, and ;
always suppressed his thoughts when /
It would do no good to speak them. :
kept silent, but Rene felt a personal
achievement. It was a war and he
vas born too late to have any part IN
il! Those were hard days which fol-
lowed for Rene, with bands playing
everywhere, and people shouting and
patriots OF all ages hurrying away to .
the war, singing! Rene was stil1
! romantic boy and his rich magma /
ion was constantly at work with the
TfNtd colors in which glory is painted
Rene was depressed.
There followed the most colossal
rSgedy In the history OF civilization
shudders OF horror swept the world,
g hundreds upon hundreds OF thous-
Cnds Of Germans were hurled at the
Ilaughtered like 50 many sheep; and
or holding them In leash, France paid
thousands Of gallant lives day; one
Fortunate Madame Tabourdeau to
laRn q, Ilnr Inarnnr.an1anf thee NH /