Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1878-10-08

|
captive daughters OF Zion who hung their
harps on the willows that fringed the
rivers OF Babylon. This was Marcelli-
uo's simile. lie stated, too, that there
were two occasions when the village put
aside its robes OF sackclo,h and woke the
harp to strains of gayer measure. The
first was at the time of tho spring races
(ior the horsey men Of Savannah had es-
'hhls 9trotling park at ThunderbolD
ard no s I'd was Whenever the colorod
Baptist arp, ted camp-meeting in
their viC.4,ty. Olo year not very long
after the lsto war 10th of these festivities
ehanced to fall upon the samo time. and
the Druids of Tbundorbolt shook their
wlthered limbs and tore their hair in dis
appreciation OF the revelry going on be-
meath them.
Marcellino was one OF the negroes who
had s5en tit to remain with his master
sltor The passage OF the Civil Rights Bill,
with no oerceDlible change OF condition
except that his master now gave him
money with which to purchase his clothes,
Instead Of taking the trouble TO buy them
for him. The war bad made a far greater
change in the circumstances OF Marcel
limos former master, Walter Prouddt.
Though too young 20 take part in it per-
| sOnaily, his father had fallen in one OF its
earlier battles, aud on Walter had de-
VOWED the care OF his mother and the
estate, which las: had dwiudled rapidly,
until the year OF which Marcellino spoke
found him the possessor only OF the fam
lily mansion ON Bull Street and OF fine
race-horse.
Things might have been worse than
this, ior grea, deal OF money might be
made by a shrewd, INSCRIPTIONS man 10
racing the splendid animal. which he had
named Thunderboli, from the little town
with its trotting course near by; and il
Mrs. Prouddt had chosen she could have
replenished their empty Golfers from the
pockets OF the Noriherners who every
winter looked OBVIOUSLY at the tea-rosos
blooming in her garden. wishing that
thoy would only take boarders at that
lovely place. Bat Mrs. Proudit did not
choose-,o her any suffering was pretera.
bic 10 the ignominY OF taxing boarders-
and the cherry satin OF the parlor fuTni-
ture grew every year more tattered and
shabby, tor she could not afford the linen
to cover it.
Walter had no taste Tor betting. but IL
was the only way Of earning = livelihood
tor his mother. and from participating
regularly in races ne grew to have q
Takish air as well as reputation. Bot
there was one little girl who could no,
bear 10 sec Walter go 10 the bad, and
that Was Mock CaTutb. Judge Car1th
had named his daughter for the mock
bird of his native State, and her voice had
justified the name But In spite of her
marvellous dover OF song. Mock-bird
Caruth seemed rather = clumsy, self-as-
serling name, and she grew to be called
Mock. since she herself liked it best.
Walter Proudit loved her unteignedly (;
buI when he told her so, Mock had re-
piled that she would believe him in
earnest just as soon as he sold Thunder
bo!t and gave up horse-racing.
But, Mock, pleaded the young man,
no. without some show OF reason. chow
am | to make living? You haven't
Any money either; and even II you had.
| wouldn't lei you support me-
Your father was doctor" suggested
Mock, land you could step right into his
practice"
Yes. If hsd medical education.
which haven't"
Why don't you study p
Il will"
Aud so Walter divided his atten ion
between his betting book and the cali
covered volumes in lis fathers study
bUt II was uphill work. Ii he could only
90 70 Paris, and take medical course
One evening, when this desire was
stronger than ever within him, stran ger
celed-a gentleman who wished to pur-
chase racer. They visited the stable
together, and discussed ThundeTboh. -
The stranger offered price which made
Walkers heat leap for joy. 1t was
enough 10 take Mock aud his mother and
himself to Europe and back, and he re-
membered that some one had offered TO
rent their house ready furnished for a
yesr at q sufficient sum to support them
modeslly in Paris. He could cram at the
medical school, and Mock could have her
wish. But the strangers offer was only
conditional: he would pay that price for
Thunderbolt provided he won the races
for which he had been entered at the
town OF the same name. Walter men
tally reviewed the list oil Thunderbolt S
competitors He had been confident be-
fore OF success; now q vague feeling
came over him that he should fail. The
stakes were too great. None of this hes
itation betrayed itself in bis bearing.
however lie appointed an interview for
the day after the races. and bowed his
visitor politely to the door Nothing oi