Walker Lake Bulletin

A Genuine French Story.

The Paris News says: A few days ago, a little street musician with his violin under his arm, entered a pork butcher's shop in the Rue des Martyrs, and purchased a knuckle of ham for three francs. On feeling in his pocket he found that he had left his money at home which his mother had given him to pay for it. As it was luncheon time, and he would be scolded if he went home empty-handed, he asked the shopkeeper to take the violin in pledge; he would come and redeem it in the afternoon. The shopkeeper consented, and put the instrument away in a corner. A quarter of an hour later, a gentleman of distinguished appearance drove up in a landau, made purchases of pate de foie gras to the amount of 40 francs, and carelessly taking up the violin, exclaimed: "What a superb instrument!" He tried it en connoisseur and offered 100, 200, 500, and finally 1,000 francs for it. The shopkeeper could not dispose of what did not belong to him, but promised to try and obtain it for his wealthy customer, who took his departure, leaving as his address: "Lord Russell, Grand Hotel." A very pretty scene ensued on the return of the poor little musician. He for some time objected to the parting with his favorite fiddle, but at last, after going home to obtain his mother's consent, he gave it up for 850 francs. The pork-butcher dressed himself in his best, called a cab, and drove to the Grand Hotel, where he was politely informed that no such person as Lord Russell was staying there. The unfortunate tradesman turned all colors, excitedly insisted that he was not mistaken and brandished his fiddle with such energy that he had to be turned out. The value of the instrument has since been ascertained to be six francs.