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About The Nebraska advertiser. (Nemaha City, Neb.) 18??-1909 | View Entire Issue (Sept. 9, 1904)
WILD FLOWERS. Scarce known by name, tlioy plo the ground With motley color, ntarry forms. In them the sunset skies arc found That follow nftcr .storms; And blurs of crimson, blue nnd gold, Their graceful chalices unfold. While 'mid the dead loaves pile and pent Humbly they live mid die content. Huge oaks :iIk)Vc thorn lift their heads And drop the acorn, shed the leaf, The harvest Held far round them sheds Plenty in many a sheaf, And they, half fragrant, brighten, earth. Low In the shadows where there's dearth Of pain or pica sure, love or life, Far from the world's mad, ceaseless strife. Thoy speak no message, act no part, They have no works to show, Deep hidden here they touch no heart, And do not ask to know; Yet If one meet the eye of man It all unfolds the Master plan The Power thnl painted this fair bloom, For man can have no futile doom. Oharios W. .Stevenson. In Now York Observer. BBBBBBBBBaBaBSffiBBSBmffimaBBBfflBBSBBBBffiBBBB The Decision of CTrO O be shot at dawn; those are II your orders, sire!" v "Yes, general. There so reprieve," said Napoleon wltli a frown, and his chin will' bo quietly, on his breast. A momentary gleam of satisfaction, nay, triumph, for an Instant Hashed across General Lazello's face. It did not escape the cngle eyes of Napoleon, which saw everything. "A clear case of desertion V" queried .Napoleon sharply. "Yes. sire. lie. a drummer In your own guards, was found hiding among the rocks near the Soniosalerrn Pass mftor yesterday's engagement.' "Found by whom, genera 1? "By his own corporal. The prisoner admits running away." "One of my guards, too," said the JCmperor sadly. "I thought they were KN'KKI.I'l) AT .Al'Ol.KO.'S 1'UICT. ull proof against fear. What is his oge, geenral. "Eighteen." "lie is young, but well, general, lie must pay the penalty at dawn to morrow. General Lazello saluted. "Send his corporal to me Immediate ly." It was the day after the Soniosslorrn Tass engagement. The enemy had been routed from an almost Impregnable po nltlou by the combined forces of the Spanish and French. A superb dash lor the enemy's trenches by the pick of Napoleon's guards and Spanish In Ifuntry had carried the day a day that (will stand out conspicuously In the his 'tory of the peninsular war. The Emperor's heart kindled when tho thought of It. "My bruve guards, it was you who i-won the battle, not II Ah! my guards. iThoy aro mngiUllcent," he thought. He sat at a small table In his tent. Writing materials were at hand, and the had Just signed the desortor's death fanrrnnt. The plain black chii.peau was at his side and his unitorm was Unit of a general. There was nothing to Indicate his high rank save the J.e irlmi of Honor which decorated ids breast, and that wonderful face with its tierce eyes and square jaws, which. once seen, were never forgotten. "You summoned me, sire. ' said a voice, interrupting the Emperor's train of thought. The corporal for whom ho I in i i r ii i mum mil in '- , sent stood at the salute. the Emperor "Yes, corporal," returned the Empe ror, looking up. "Ah! Corporal On valrre," he added, with an almost Im perceptible smile, "still at it?" "Still lighting for my Emperor, sire. Heaven grant I may yet go through as ninny campaigns as I have already done." The grim old martlnent, who had fought In numerous engagements, wuk a favorite of the Emperor's. Gavalrre stood motionless, but pale. Napoleon noticed it. "I want particulars of the deserter," said Napoleon, closely scanning the fea tures of the corporal. "What Is his name?" "Gavalrre, sire." A slight tremor passed over Napo leon. "A relation of your.s?" "Son, my Emperor." Again the hawklike eyes of the great leader Hashed and seemed to piece Ga valrre through and through. Then came silence. "It Is unfortunate, my corporal." There was no answer,save for the Jerky, labored breathing of Gavalrre. The tone of voice In which the last words were spoken meant volumes. The corporal could have lHirue a tor rent of abuse. The stinging, biting sar casm wns worse than anything. "Bopcnt all you know," salil the Em peror, coldly. "A corps of your Imperial guards stood at the entranco of the Somos sierra Pass In the early ..ours of yes lerday morning," began the corporal, In halting, measured tones. "A volley of musketry rang out, followed by an other and another, tight down the ra vine. The guards paused, ami drew back. Then a drummer stepped slow ly forward, quickly beating the charge A cheer rang out, and the men. daunt ed for a while, were thrilled. Thev began to advance. The drummer still beat the charge with his right hand l.i- . rtti ins ion was snot away. me men steadily inarched on, and then they saw their beloved Emperor on his charger. That instilled them with fresh courage. They rushed the ra vine. In the excitement and melee the drummer, In the thick of the shot and shell, lost his head and, well, sire, you know the rest. concluded Ga valrre, white as death. The hlHiorto Impassive countenance of the Emperor kindled with momen tary enthusiasm. "I remember the Incident, corporal Who was the drummer?" "My son. sire." "lour son Is a brave fellow. How came he to desert?" "It was his first taste of shot, sire, He confesses lie tried to run away." "Does General Lazello know of the Soniosslerra Incident?" "Yes, my Emperor." A look of nngor passed over Napo icon's face. He remembered the gen ernl's Intensely satisfied expression when the death warrant wns handed him. "lie never mentioned it to tne, my corporal. It was an important omls slon. It was unjust. Gavalrre," put In the Emperor suddenly, "what I ask you Is for no ears but yours. Perhaps It may be irrelevant to the subject am' contrary to strict military discipline but I am Emperor." The last words were proudly said. "Listen: Do you Know tr your- son has offended General Lazello In any way?" Lazello had risen from the ranks, in those days promotion was swift, how ever humble the soldier's birth. "Sire, they are rivals In the gatno of love," nnnworod Gavalrre, "Ah!" The exclamation escaped the Bmpo- por almost unawares. In n moment he trained completo sclf-fKWWOBslon nnd was onco more calm, Inflexible, Im passive. "Sire, sire!" cried tlio corporal, sud denly, forgetting all savo hi son, or n whoso presence ho was, and flinging military discipline to the winds by kneeling at the Emperor's feet; "u word from you, my Emperor " "Gavalrre! You forgot you aro a corporal In my guard," said Napoleon icily. In a moment the man rose, and once mote stood at salute, pale, motionless. Silence once more. Nothing could be icnrd but the thumping of the cor poral's heart, which beat as fast as his son's dr.umstleks. "The warrant for his execution has been sent In. I signed It half an hour ago, my corporal," began Napoleon at length. "He must pay the penalty, If only as an example to others." "As you say, my Emperor." "That's all, corporal." The man turned to go. "One moment, Gavalrre." Napoleon wrote a hurried note, sign ed and scaled It. 'Deliver this to the head of your son's guards at once. I promise noth ing, mind you hold out no hope, Cap tain Gavalrre." "Captain, sire?" "You are captain from this moment. Go." The gray shadows of the early dnwn crept stealthily over the camp. Faint sounds of life once more began to be leard; men moved about and guards were changed. Presently the steady but mullled tramp, tramp of eight men, with loaded rifles, a captain, and a prisoner with his right arm bound, his left In a rough sling, and eyes ban daged, approached a ready dug grave. near which stood a group of silent men, among whom wore Napoleon and General Lazollo, there for the purpose of snelng that all was properly carried out." "Halt!" The prisoner was deadly pale. He showed no other sign of fear. He stood still and erect to he eight titles leveled at him. "Beady!! The command rang out shnrp and clear. "Present!" "Fire!" The volley was simultane ous. The smoke rolled slowly away. The prisoner remained standing. calm, motionless, but, If possible, paler than ever. 'What has happened?" whispered La.elle. "Some one has blundered. It Is well," said the Emperor, calm and Impassive as ever. "The rifles were loaded with blank cartridges. Gavalrre's punishment will suffice. The shock hn.s been great." "But, sire." expostulated the gen eral. In a fever. "It is "Silence, general; It was my order!" thundered tho Emperor. Lnzolle saluted, meeting with dllll- eultv the hawklike gaze of Napoleon. Tho sun was just rising. Chicago Tribune. SPORTS IN GERMANY. Wrcnllinu iul "Heavy Athletics" Are Most in Favor There. Wrestling Is one of tho most popu lar forms of athletic exercises In Ger many, and It seems as if the heavy and muscular build of the Germans peculiarly adnpts them for this kind of sport. The general public Inter prets the word "athleto" as meaning a wrestler, weight lifter or "strong man." When the English style of aih letlcs was Introduced Into Germany it was termed "light athletics;" wrestling is termed as "heavy athletics." In every town there are many clubs In dulging In "heavy athletics," and nu merous public contests are arranged, In connection with which challenges to "all comers" tiro Issued. Here one can often witness a pitched buttle between science and brute power see an "all comer" of stupendous build, probably a butcher, brewer or furniture remov er, la III flat on both shoulder blades in Hie most approved style by a little wiry fellow as slippery as an eel. On the occasion of the world's champion ships held In Berlin, an open arena, roofed only in the center, whore tiic wrestling took place, was erected, wit): tiers of seats for the public all round As luck would have it, tiio weather proved boisterous and tho public shy of the fair; the championships ended dismally, and the Impresario, unable to pay the men's retainers, very dis creetly decided to "leave town." O. li. Fry's Magazine. Wasn't Hiiro Whioh. A Scottish minister, taking his wnlk early In tho morning, found orfe of hla parishioners recumbent in a ditch. "Where have you been the night, An drew?" asked the minister. "Wool, I dlnua tichtly ken," answered tho pros trate one. "whether It was a wmldlng or a funeral, but whichever It was. it was a most extraordinary success." A Good Scheme. "How on earth did you ever get a messenger boy to deliver your note and bring back the answer so quick?" "I took his dime novel away from him and held It as security." Bhila delphitt Press. "Cherries Is ripe," said the grocery man, producing his order book and sinking Into the kitchen rocker with a sigh of content. "Fresh picked from tho tree, sound In wind and limb an' free from vice. Want some?" "Who told you you could sit down in that cluilr?" demanded the pretty cook. "Nobody," replied the groceryman. "but It looked easy. I was tol'ble sure 1 could do It If 1 tried. The hard work'll be to git up again. How's the girl this fine chilly summer mornin'?" "What girl?" "You, loveliness." "See hore." said the pretty cook, "you're too fresh to keep. What are the cherries worth ?" "Thirty-five a box." "Keep 'em!" "They're worth that, but we've got 'em marked down to two boxes for a quarter. Full quart boxes; six of 'em would come near flllin' a gallon meas ure. Tradin' stamp with every box. Say, Evelina, didn't I see you a Sunday afternoon In the park In a blue lint?" "I went out In the country a Sun day afternoon." "Well, I seen some girl In a blue hat. I was dtivin' in my ortertinibub Dle an' I couldn't stop, but If It had be'n you an' I hadn't be'n in a hurry I'd 'a' give you an invite to take a ride. How many cherries do you want?" "You can bring tne a couple o' hoses If they're any good. If they ain't you'll have tho pleasure o' takln' 'em bad;. Would you like a plller for your head?" "Don't trouble," replied the grocery- man, "it's kind o' you to offer, but 1 can't stay long anyway. I jest thought I'd run in an' see if there wasn't nothln' I could do for you. Honey?" The pretty cook gave him a look of scorn and Indignation. v A iai I itmM Tiir CTAr:i,Mr. f .:...:..:..;..;...:..;..;..:..:..:..:...:..:....;..:..;..:..:..t..j. "I had an experience once that near ly whitened my hair," said the artist. Spill whlto paint on it?" asked the man in tho big leather chair. "No; It was something worse than that. I was just starting out to earn my liv ing witli a brush, and was willing to paint almost anything, from a portrait to the sky piece in theater scenery." And then he went on to tell the story: "One of tho public buildings In the capital had a big dome, and on the celling of the dome was n groat (leal of elaborate painting that had become dingy, and needed retouching. I was pleased enough when 1 got tho job of doing It. "They erected a staging for mo to work on a frail-looking affair, which almost turned me sick when I arrived with my outfit and stood In tho ro tunda, looking up at the dome, a hun dred and fifty feet above me. " 'I shall bo so dizzy I can't hold a brush,' said I to tho carpenter. " 'Oh, that will be all right!' said he. 'We're going to spread a big canvas under the staging, for the rotunda is in use all the time, and you'd be spot ting everybody below with paint un less wo had something to protect them.' "I felt relieved when 1 heard that, and still more relieved when I had climbed up Into the dome and found Hint the entire rotunda below was hidden by a taut cloth which the work men had stretched across. "1 hud been nt work nearly two days when I began to get careless In step ping round the staging. I suppose the canvas below me'gave me a feeling of comparative safety. About noon ono day I took a step backward to look up at some drapery which 1 had just re painted. My foot touched only tlu air, and I fell Into the canvas. "There was a ripping and tearing of cloth as I settled down Into the hollow. I lay there flat on my back, and looked round with an Interest In the quality and strength of the enn vas and the way In which It was fas toned that you may be sure was sin cere. "There wns no doubt about the fas strength of tho fastenings; they were of rope, tied round big knots In the cloth, and strong enough to hold a horse. But the canvas Itself was frightfully thin, nnd was mildewed in spots. I turned over on my face and found myself staring through a rip down to the marble tlooiing of the rotunda, a hundred feet below. "I was comfortable enough physical ly, but mentally! Every time I moved something would stretch and tear. ' "Of course I yelled for help, and nf tor a time 1 heard answering shouts below. The. canvas was sagging down in the middle mid straining and squeak "I say we've got In a lot of whlto clover honey. I know you don't need sweot'nln', but It might do for the fam'ly. Eighteen a box. No? Well, you say somethln', then. Laundry soap Mother's Marvel washes tho most dellket fa brio.1! 'tliout crockln'. slninkln' or ruunln' down nt the heel. Eggs? Fancy pedigreed eggs real shell no celluloid imitations. Any matches?" "You may bring me two dozen eggs and a can o' bakln powder, half a dozen lemons an' two pounds o' cof fee." "Goin' to make coffee cake?" "Never you mind what I'm goin' to make. Oh, and I want butter. Two pounds o' butter an' a couple o bundles o' spnrrergrass. I guess thnt'H all. Was you In the park, honest, a Sunday afternoon?" "Sure thing. An' there was a girl In a blue hat there, too. 1 wouldn't string you, Evelina." "Don't you think you're smart!" "I wouldn't he to blnme If I did. Most everybody else does. So you think that will be about all, do you? Say, the nex' time you make a date witli mo an' don't keep it it'll bo be cause I've lost my memory, I tell you those." "Well, I wns there," said the pretty cook. "You wasn't, though." "Come off." "I was, honest." "Wol, I missed you, then. I stayed around for " There was the sound of a footstep beyond tho inner kitchen door and the groceryman jumped hastily out of the chair and began to write in his order book. "Cherries eggs, bakln' powder, lemons, coffee, butter an spnrrer grass." he repeated in businesslike, tones as tho lady of the house entered. "That till? Thank you." Chicago Daily News. ing along the edges. I figured out that It would lake tho workmen at least two minutes to climb Into the dome. By the time they got to mo I thought I should be spread out below. "1 fried to move up the inclino of doth, scrambling along on my stom ach, and pushlug with my feet; but tho nttempt widened the lip In tho can vas. Suddenly, ns I pushed harder with my feet, ono foot and nearly tho whole leg shot through tho canvas. "I could hear the scream of women below. My finger-nails scratched nnd clawed the rough surface, but of course made little impression. They simply kept me from slipping qulto so fast. Then I heard tho steps of men on tho scaffolding. They let down n rope that curled near my lingers, but It wns several seconds before I dared to let go my hold on the canvas for a sufficient time to grusp it. "Finally I got both hands upon it, and they dragged mo up tho inclino to the staging." HAD THE NURSERY ALL RIGHT. JJut 'Twiw for the lVopnjxat ion of Flowera, Not KsiliicH. The anxious mother lings up what sho thinks Is tho day nursery to ask for some advice as to her child. Sho asks the central for the nursery, and Is given Mr. Gottfried Glubor, the lloiist and tree dealer. Tho following conversation ensues: "I called up the nursory. Is this tho nursery?" "Yes ma'am." "I am so worried about my little Boso." "Vat seems to ho dor madder?" "Oh, not so very much, perhaps, but Just a general UsUessness and lack oC life." "Aln'd growing righd, eh?" "No. sir." "Veil, I doll you vat you do. You dnke- dor sklssors and cut oil' apoud two- Inches vroui dor limbs, und " "WJiat-a-at?" "I say, dakc dor sklssors and cut off apoud two Inches vrom der limbs, un den turn der gnrton hose on for apoud four hours In der morning " "What-a-at?" "Turn der gnrton hose on for apoucl four hours In der morning, und den pile a lot of plack dirt all around, and shprlnklo mlt incegt powder all ofer, der top " "SIr-r-r?" "Shprlnklo mlt insegt powder all ofer der top. You know usually Id la' noddlngs but pugs dot " "How daro you? What do you menu by such language?" "Noddlngs but pugs dot chonerally. causes der troubles; und den you vatit to vash der rose tuit a liquid breparn tions 1 hnf for sale " "Who In the world aro you, any way?" "Gottfried Gluber. the HorisL" "0-o-oh!" .(weakly). "Goodby.'. Buffalo Express! 0