The Albany register. [volume] (Albany, Or.) 1868-18??, 1870-02-26
A Touching Incident.


the Prater. 1t is full of lovely trees, fine
walls and little pleasure houses. At the
time Of which / am speaking it was al
most covered with crowds of people.
Among large number of organ grinders,
beggars, and girls who played on harps,
there stood an old musician. He had
once been soldier, but his pension was
not enough to liveson. Still, he did not
like to beg, therefore on this particular
festival day he took his violin and played
under a tree in the park He had
faithful dog with him, which lay at his
feet and held hat in his mouth, SO that
passers by might cast coins in:o it.
On the day which have just mention
ed, the dog sat before him with the old
hat. Many people went by and heard
the musician playing, but they did not
help him much. / wonder the people
a pitiable object j His face was covered
with sears received in his country's bat
ties. and he were long gray coat, which
he had kept ever since he had been in
the army. He even had his old sword
| by his side, for he would not walk in the
street without carrying his trnsty friend
with him. He had only three fingers
on his right hand, so that he held the
bow with difficulty. A bullet had taken
| off the other two, and almost at the same
time cannon ball had taken off his left
| leg. The last money he had spent in
| buying new strings for his violin, and
/ he was now playing with all his strength
military airs he had learned when boy
with his father He looked sad enough
when he saw the multitudes pass by in
their strength and youth and beauty,
for he knew if he did not obtain some
money that evening he would have to 90
to bed supperless His dog was better
| off, for he sometimes found u bone here
and there to satisfy the carvings Of hum
ger.
1t was late in the afternoon-the
musician hopes were almost like the sun
they were both going down together
and he placed his violin down by his
side, and leaned aginst the tree, the
tears streaming down his cheek He
thought none of that giddy crowd saw
him but he was mistaken. Nos far off
stood gentleman in fue clothes, who
had kind heart; and when he saw that
no one gave the soldier anything he was
touched with sympathy. Going to the
dog, and looking into the hat, he saw
only two small copper coins in it. He
then said, 8. My good friend, why do you
not play longer?''
g Oh, replied the old man, ''my dear
sir, | cannot my arm is SO tired that
cannot hold the bow besides; have
had no dinner, and l have but little
prospect of any supper
The stranger resolved to aid him as
best he could, and, giving him piece OF
gold, said, Il will pay you if you will
lend me your violin for an hour
"Oh," said the musician, "this piece
of money is worth more than half dozen
fddles like mine"
Never mind,' said the stranger, 81
only want it for an hour"
Very wel'-you can do what you
will said the owner.
The gentleman took the fiddle and the
bow in his hands, and then said, - Now
you take the money. and | will play.
am quite sure the people will give US
something"
The first air had not been finished
before the people, observing the strange
sight and hearing beautiful music, stop
ped IA moment in curiosity. Every one
saw that the fine looking man was play
ing for the poor man, but none knew who
he was. By aud by the people began tt
dop money into the hat, and the
dog seemed delighted to receive so many
peiees of gold for his master. The circle
of hearers became larger and larger
Even the coachmen of the splendid car
riages begged the people inside to stol
and hear the music Still the money in
creased. Gold, silver and copper wcr,
thrown into the hat by old aud young
The dog now began to growl Wha
could be the matter? One gentleman
as he dropped large peice of money int
the hat had struck him on the nose, ant
F he came very near letting all the none,
fall But the hat soon became so heav,
that he could not hold it any longer
i" Empty your hat, old man." said tn
people, "and we will fill it again 70
you"
, He pulled out handkerchief and wrap
ped the money In it and put it in hi
, violin bag.
+ The stranger kept on playing and tn
people cried g Bravo, bravo!p I'll
played first one tune and then another
. The children seemed carried off witt
! delight. At last he played g God bles
the Emperor Francis" All hats an
! caps few off their heads, for the peopl
/ loved their Emperor. The music cam
to an end-the hour was ended, and tn
q perfolme handed back the violin to th
+ old man.
.sThank you," said the gentleman
. MAY God bless you!" and he disappear
] ed IN the crowd. 50
"Who is he who is he p said ih
peol lie. " Where does he come from
! A certain person sitting in one of tn
= coaches said, 8. know him. 1t is Alez
n ander Boucher, the distinguished violir
: ist. It is just like him. He saw tha
poor musician needed help, and he ha
helped him to good purpose. +" IS
: The people then gave three cheers fe
e Boucher, and put more money in the ha
! Its owner went home richer that evenin
LII. I 4 L