The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1883-11-14
Door negro Gomez will have no one to con-


sole him in bis slavery
'oh, how sad how dreadful it is to be a
slave!, exclaimed the boy, weeping bitterly
at is the will of God" replied the negro,
with an air of resignation.
God" CALCULATED Sebastian, as he raised
his eyes to the dome OF the studio. through
which the stars glittered-"Godi | pray con-
stantly to Him, my father land He will one
day listen TO mel that we may no longer be
slaves. But 90 to bed, father; 80, so, and |
shall go to mine there in that corner, and
shall soon fall asleep Goodnight, father,
goodnight"
Goodnight. my SON." and having kissed
the boy, the negro retired
The moment Sebastian found himself
alone he uttered an exclamation Of TOY. Then
suddenly checking himself, he said: "rwen-
Iy-five lashes tomorrow If 90 not tell who
sketched these figures, and perhaps more if |
do Oh, my God, come to my aid" and the
little mulatto threw himself upon the mat
which served him for bed, where he soon
fell fast asleep.
Sebastian awoke at daybreak; it was only
three o'clock, Courage, courage, Sebastian"
he exclaimed. as he shook himself awake;
three hours are thine-only three hours;
then profit by them; the rest belong to thy
master. Slave! Let me at least be my own
master for three short hours. To begin, these
figures must be effaced," and seizing brush,
he approached the Virgin, which, viewed by
the soft light OF morning appeared more
''Eface thls he exclaimed-"efTace thisl
No; will die first. Eflace this-they dare
not-neither dare /. NO-that head
breathes-speaks; it seems as il her blood
would flow if should offer to eface it. and
that should be her murderer. No, no, no;
rather let me finish il.
Scarcely had he uttered these words, when,
seizing a palette, he seated himself at the
easel. and was soon totally absorbed in his
occupation. Hour after hour passed unheed-
ed by Sebastian, who was too much engrossed
by the beautiful creation of his pencil, which
seemed bursting into life, to mark the flight
of time.
But who can describe the horror and con-
sternation of the unhappy slave. when, on
suddenly turning round, he beheld all the
pupils, with his master at their head, stand
ing beside himl
Sebastian never once dreamed of justifying
himself, and, with his palette in one hand
and his brushes in the other he hung down
his head, awaiting in silence the punishment
he believed that he justly merited.
MurillO having, with gesture OF the hand,
imposed silence on his pupils, aud conceal
ing his emotion, said in a cold and severe
tone, while he looked alternately from the
beautiful picture 10 the terrified slave.
Who is your master. Sebastian
You" replied the boy, in voice scarcely
audible
II mean your drawing master" said Muir
lilo.
"You, senior" again replied the trembling
slave.
1T can not be; | never gave you Lessons"
said the aStOnished painter.
But you gave them to others, and | lis.
tened to them" rejoined the boy, embold-
ened by the kindness Of his master.
And you have done better than listen;
you have proited by them" exclaimed Muir
lilo unable longer to conceal his admiration.
Gentlemen, does this boy merit punishment
or reward"
At the word punishment Sebastian's heart
beat quick; the word reward gave him lit
tie courage but fearing that his ears deceived
him. he looked with timid and imploring
| eyes toward his master.
"A reward, senior" cried the pupils, in a
| breath
THAT is we'll; but what shall it be-
Sebastian began to breathe.
Speak, Sebastian" said Murillo, looking
| at his slave. Tell me what you wish for;
am so much pleased with your beautiful
composition that | will grant any request
you may make. Speak, then; do not be
| afraid"
"Oh, master, if dared" And Sebastian,
claSping MS hands, fell at the feet of his mas
| ter.
the pupils suggested some favor for him to
| demand.
Ask gold Sebas tian."
Ask rich dresses, Sebastian"
Ask to be received as a pupil. Sebastian"
A faint smile passed over the countenance
| OF the slave at the last words, but he hung
| down his head and remained silent.
Come, take courage said Murillo, gayly.
THE master is so kind" said Ferdinand,
| half aloud, II would risk something; ask
| your freedom, Sebastian
At these words Sebastian uttered a cry of
! anguish, and raising his eyes to his master,
| he exclaimed. in voice choked with sobs,
The freedom of my father the freedom OF
my fatherr
"And thine also" said Murillo,;; who, no
| longer able TO conceal his emotion, threw
| his arms round sebastian and pressed him to
| his breast Your pencil" he continued.
shows that you have talent; Your request
proves that you have heart: the artist is
| complete. From this day consider yourself
not only as my pupil, but as my son. Happy
Murilloi / have done more than paint
have made painter"
Murillo kept his word, and Sebastian Co.
mez, better known under the name of the
| Mulatto of Murillo, became one of the most
/ celebrated painters in Spain. There may yet
be seen in the churches of Seville the cele.
brated picture which he had been found
painting by his master, and others of the
! highest merit.