Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1872-02-13
Stlett Storp.
Il III h SOFT TON G u e
AND
THE BONE II BROKE.

singers of Machl llAn were 1" compete
With its singers. aud very great was the
excitement that prevailed. On the morn
ing OF the great day there was an influx
of strangers; special train had brought
many an old townsmsn, and many who
were jealous Tor the honor of Machyllyn.
to the quaint and romantic Abcpffiy.
which WAS built on the seashore, in the
cenue OF beautiful bay.
Knots of visitors sprinkled the market
place and the rock and the ruins OF the
castle and the shiny beach, on which the
tide Mas making its own music, so dear Ia
the true lover of the sea. The gay dresses
aud ribbons OF the company >hnne in The
sun like broken up rainbow and the
old high crowned Wclch hats. of which
there WIRE many, heightened the interest
of the scene.
Crossing the market place, near the
great clock in the centre, was broad.
faced. merry faced. strong faced old
WelShman, Owen Grittilhs 10y name.
He WAS everybody's friend, and mare tru
I IL 1.-the representative" ut the people OF
7 Abery yllly than WAS Ihc gentleman whom
I they had sent To Parliament; ter ho MAS
the champion Of their rights ia the total,
and the Sympathizer in their sorrows and
I ioys individually.
7 Nobody iced tn think What Abcryflly
would bc without Owen Griflih>; no.
body knew his age; everybody had al.
WAYS remembered him; hc WAS as much
an institution OF the place as the sea, The
rocks, or tho old ruins. Such smile
was on his broad face that morning. as
he nodded 10 one, gave Il word To another,
praised Winny Watts low and told Mary
Jones her fruit made his mouth wafer
As to the children, they sprang up wher
ever he WAS 10 be found rs naturally as
weeds grow by running water; and
whether they go, a shower of nuts or a
I flourish of the stick and threat made
with contradicting laugh, that he would
I throw them all into the sea, II mattcred
not they were round his legs, while he
allowed it. thick and threelold.
who is yonder? 1t isn't Richard
[ Hughes, surely ?" he said to Winny Watts.
as he noticed man hustling through the
crowd Of women and their baskets, with
al anxious face.
Indeed, il is" said Winny
What will he be doing here? Surely
it, getting time tor the last practice
said Owen.
Good day Mr. Griffiths Excuse me
slay ius To tAIk-I'm in wonderful hur-
- " ,aid Richard. who Was leader OF the
contest on the Abelyflly side
But, man. what brings YOU This way
AT This Iime?" cried Owen.
"Oh, I'm going TO see ii Robert Jones
will come and Try the first tenor" said
Richard.
Robert Jones What ails you to want
first tenor. when you've got John Phil
! ips ?"
Robert shook his head bad job, Mr.
Grifilhs bad job. John is gone of in
heal lust because told him he sung fiat
and doubt if Robert will come now, be-
cause he WAS not given the first place 1T
the outset. It's wonderfully provoking,
and I'm just bewideIed about it,"
Stop" cried Owen, as Richard was
busthng on his doubtful hunt after Robert
Jones; don't go. He's Il sulky man,
and bringing him out of the sulks is a
long job when YOU are in hurry and
lac is no tenor worth looking tor. Id a,
soon bite crab-apple as TO listen To
him any time. It's John you must have.
Wait while. and I'll get him for you
He's a peppery fellow, but he'll come
right with good words"
but Mr. Griffiths. the practice is in
less than an hour" Richard expostulated.
Owen waved his hand. II think Wen
be at the hall together in good time" he
said. "ie didn't say he wouldn't join
you sgain ?"
Not to me. but he did to others and
he has not been near me since the last
practice"
Very good. Keep his place for him,
and make no wonder of his coming back.
tn be all right" said Owen. going of
on his expedition.
Sooner than Il man oil his size could
have been expected TO travel. he was at
the door ol John Philips, shoemaker
by trade. and noted for possessing the
richest tenor voice in the whole district
"What, John ~ he cried, "you at home,
when all the band is going mp yonder to
the hall? | never thought, when my
pony strap broke this morning. and ! put
it ready Tor your man to fetch and mend,
that should soc you in the shop"
John looked rather forlornly about on
the pile of sand boots he had just been
bringing to the stand 10y the door and
said nothing.
John. man sure you don't know the
time :" exclaimed Mr. Griffiths. pulling
out his watch. Its little IL ore than
three quarters till you meet. and you are
no! dressed up. Make haste. and give
over the shop to Morgan and come with
me. expect to hear you sing till you
make my heart dance again"
No. indeed, Mr. Griffiths-no. indeed?
sir. I'll not sing to-day, nor tonight"
said .InLn nnirk 4, and a liiiIe thiclIr