Charles. He often came home late,
with one of these on either arm, all singing different tunes and
stopping at every twenty steps to tell secrets. But by and by the fort
was demolished, church and goverment property melted down under the warm
demand for building-lots, the city spread like a ringworm,--and one day
'Sieur George steps out of the old house in full regimentals!
The Creole neighbors rush bareheaded into the middle of the street, as
though there were an earthquake or a chimney on fire. What to do or say
or think they do not know; they are at their wits' ends, therefore
well-nigh happy. However, there is a German blacksmith's shop near by,
and they watch to see what _Jacob_ will do. Jacob steps into the street
with every eye upon him; he approaches Monsieur--he addresses to him a
few remarks--they shake hands--they engage in some conversation--Monsieur
places his hand on his sword!--now Monsieur passes.
The populace crowd around the blacksmith, children clap their hands
softly and jump up and down on tiptoes of expectation--'Sieur George is
going to the war in Mexico!
"Ah!" says a little girl in the throng, '"Sieur George's two rooms will
be empty; I find that very droll.
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