Iowa voter. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1867-1874, 1870-03-17
A Touching Incident In the Life Of
Distinguished Yi0linist.

great festival in the large park at Vienna
This para is called by the people the Pra
ter 1t is full of lovely trees, fine walks
and little pleasure houses. At the tim'
of which am speasin it was almost GOV
cred with crowds OF people. Among
number Of organ grinders, beggars ant
girls who played on harps there stood al
old musician. He had once been sol
der but his pension was not enough Il
live on. Still, he did not like to beg
therefore, on this particular festival day
he took his violin and played under tree
in the park. He had a faithful dog with
him, which lay at his feet and held hal
in his mouth, SO that passers-by might
Cast coins into it.
On the day which have just mentioned
the dog sat before him with the old hat
Many people went by, and heard the mu
stefan playing, but they did not help him
much. l wonder the people did not give
him more, for he was truly pitlable OBJ
iect His face was covered with scars re-
ceived in his country's battles, and he
wore 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 car
rying his trusty 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 two others, and
almost at the same time a cannon ball had
taken Off his left leg. The last money he
had had been spent in buying new strings
for his violin, and he was now playing
with all his strength the military air he
had learned when boy with his father.
He looked sad enough as he saw the mul
titudes pass by in their strength, and
youth and beauty for he knew that if he
did not obtain some money that evening
he would have to go to bed supperless
His dog was better off. for he sometimes
found a bone here and there to satisfy the
cravings of hunger.
1t was late IN the afternoon, the must
clans hopes were almost like the sun
they were both going down together
and he placed his violin down by his side,
and leaned against the trees, the tears
streaming down his cheeks He thought
none Of that giddy crowd saw him; but
he was mistaken. Not far off stood gen.
tleman in fine 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, "My
good friend, why do you not play longer?"
60" replied t. old man, "my dear sir,
I cannot my arn is SO tired that cannot
hold the bow; besides have had no din
ner, and have little prospect of supper"
The stranger resolved to aid him as
best he could; and giving him piece OF
gold, said, IL will pay you il you will
lend me your violin for an hour
90" said the musician, "this piece of
money is worth more than half dozen
fiddles like mine"
"Never mind" said the stranger II
only want to hire it one hour"
Every well &; you can do what you will"
said the owner.
The gentleman took the fiddle and the
bow in his hands, and then said, Nov,
you take the money, and | will play. l
am quite sure the people will give me some
thing"
The first air had not been finished be-
fore the people, observing the strange
sight, and hearing beautiful music, stopped
a moment in curiosity. Every one saw
that the fine looking stranger was playing
for the poor man but none knew who he
was. by and by the peOpie hogan tn drnD
money into the hat, and the dog seemed
delighted to receive so many pieces OF
gold for his master The circle Of hearers
became larger and larger. Even the
coachmen of the splendid carriages begged
the people inside to stop and hear the
music. Still the money increased. Gold,
silver and copper were thrown into the
hat by old and young. The dog now be
gan to growl. What could be the matters
One gentleman, as he dropped large
piece of money into the hat had struck
him on the nose, and he came very near
letting all the money fall, But the hat
soon became so heavy that he could not
hold it any longer.
empty your hat, old man." said the
people, sand we will fiji it again for you"
He pulled out handkerchief and wrap
ped the money in it and put it in bis violin
bag.
The stranger kept on playing, and the
people cried out, q Bravo! bravor He
played first one tune and then another.
The children seemed carried off with de-
light. At last he played "God bless the
Emperor Francis" All hats and caps
few off their heads, for the people loved
their emperor. The music came to an
end; the hour was ended, and the per
former handed back the violin to the
happy and delighted old man.
"Thank you," said the gentleman.
"May God bless you I" and he disappeared
in the crowd. Who is he, cried the peo-
pie?
A certain person sitting in one Of the
coaches said, II know him. 1t is Alex
ander Boucher, the distinguished violinist.
1t is just like him. He saw that the poor
musician needed help, and he has helped
him to good purpose"
The people then gave three cheers for
Boucher, and put more money in the hat.
Its owner went home that evening richer
than he had ever been before. When he
went to his bed he folded his hands and
prayed that God might bless good
Boucher; !" SO that, when he should come
to be old, he, too, might have a friend to
help him.-Edrty London Days.
The Heart OF Turtle Found In Hens