The Lamar register., 1921-05-11

ing from huge beam, and looking
the grayer and more faded for the ac-
cusing ray Of sunshine slantlng across
It, Pierre had made II. after IA porten-
tous selection Of paint. boards and
hinges. and Pierre had hung IL ON the
ancient old beam above the door. The
words, "La Place de Bons Surprises"
held a great meaning, for was not
Pierre Pastoreau the prince OF pastry
cooks. 'sans rivaIe." as his admiring
customers said OF hiInf
In the CHEEKY little shop on the cor
ner of Rue Royale and La Champlesse
the CHEEKY little "marmiton" and his
CHEEKY little wife conducted the busi-
ness that had made them famous.
Great long names did Pierre apply TO
his masterpieces. ''Merveillevendant
sucre" was the name OF marvellous
pie. and "Londreplevelllance." this fat
little chef. In burst OF inspiration.
had called a gorgeous tart.
His customers accepted each new
masterpiece reyerently. AS one would
regard something sacred. Madeleine,
his wife. ms she sat In her chair by
the window. would greet each custom.
er with "BonJour, Madame" or a
Belle Journee. Msleu." She greeted
everyone with II smile. hut many there
were who knew that an effort was De
hind IT,
For. more than two years ago. their
son. their Jean. hnd given her last
embrace. had clnsped Pierre's hand
again and again. and marched proud
ly out OF the little shop. down the sun
III street around the corner. and OF Ia
the war. Ever since they had been
watching for the trim figure. listening
for the firIn step. waiting for their boy
To return.
perhaps he is dead said Made
ieine. solemnly, when word from their
loved one had ceased.
A swirl OF dry leaves ratified al the
window OF la Place de Bons Sur
prises." bringing with them the tidings
that q great wind storm was coming.
The sign creaked In the wind. bur up
above there was an omlnous cracking;
the great beam was giving way In the
gale. and from the ancient old wall to
which 1t was attached, a stone fell now
and then to the pavement Pierre had
been preparing to mend the wall.
He was recalled to the front Of the
shop by cry from his wife:
Pierre Come. letter." and the
excited Madeleine thrust a paper intc
his pudgy hand.
"Pestei !" he cried. my glasses-''
He adjusted them and excitedly read
the letter.
''Chers amis,' he spelled out nerV-
ously. Il mu-t tell you that I have
something at once painful and com
forting for you TO know. Yesterday
there was brought to us a young man,
n victim Of shell-shock. who does not
know his name or his past life. and
who is exactly like your son. had
determined to summon you here that
you might learn the truth, when | dis
covered. this morning. that he had
wandered off in the night. ! can lind
no trace of him. but | feel 1t my duty
to tell you Of my criminal careless
ness. ] will never cease searching foI
him. My dear friends. some day
will find him. and If it is in my power
l will cure him OF his terrible afiiic
tion.
M lie Docteur Paul Duval,
"L'hospital des soldats. Paris
After long while Pierre breathed
heavily. then stopped to pick up the
paper which had fiuttered to the floor
And then the two old people were
together on their knees by the window
offering silent prayer for their boy tc
be sent back to them. For a long while
they knelt there.
They listened dumbly to the furious
wind. until Madeleine said slowly:
IF our boy should be out In this
somewhere near us"
sudden, loud crack, as OF over
strained wood giving way, and then
muffled thud from outside their door
"The beami" cried Pierre. 1T has
given way at last God help anyone
who happens TO be near IT.
The gale roared more furiously than
ever. and suddenly stopped for brief
moment. And then the two rushed tc
the door. Could they be mistaken. OF
had they heard human voice-ot
some one In painf
On the steps, lying across the pave
ment, was the great beam, and under
II the form OF a man. They raised hin
up, and In the black shadow Of the
corner struggled TO drag the uncon