Idaho semi-weekly world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1875-1908, 1889-12-24
A NOBLE FAILURE.

cottage, tHeTe came, chS ou'"S'
ing. melody played by no unskillful
hand. II was SO soft and mournful that
few hearers, who had stopped just
outside the fence, stood very still rs II
afraid of missing note: and they spoke
in whisper only;
poor Ted! He's very sad tonight"
'.Yes: sadder than usual"
Poor ladl It's such pity"
One of them who had seemed more
deeply touched by the sweet tones THAI
the others. stood very thoughtful for
little, then left the group and opened
the gate. No sooner had the latch clicked
than the music ceased. and as he walked
20 the open door his hands were tightly
elasped between two others, and soft
| voice exclaimed.
"oh. it's you. Hal. I'm 80 glad"
How did you know that II was |,
redg asked Hal, laying hand nffec'
tiona,e.y on the others shoulder.
MY ears nre very quick knew you
by the way you opened the gate, and
your step II Ia such kind provision
that when we lose one sense the others
grow sharper. Lead me to tho window.
Hal. I've something TO tell you.
Tho blind boy spoke the last words
very sadly, and the other, knowing by II
that he was to hear some serious trouble
led him, with compassionate tenderness,
to an easy chair by the window.
Two years before, by an accidens.ti ex
) piosion Of powder, AN inirenetrable veil
7 Il dar kneaa had heen drawn between
reds eycs and the manifold beauties OF
lasrth. blp,.ssns out hrisht hopes aud fair
v ' ~ = snpy and successful fu.
w, = ,,sms orr rerr 4 drea l.ni to such n
sing.
Hal Goodwin was JUS r.,,r. a,v 40.
entcen Ia healthy. strons va n.y. I'll o's ',
two had been fast friends. but MY -,
became helpless object OF pity llss.
friendship rose to strong. controlling
sasataen. ffu could not be recoiicilcd X
his friends hard luck. as he called IL
"Now, what is itS" asked Hal, as they
we're seated by the window.
maybe ! worry you, or tire you, Hal
with my complaining. responded ths
blind boy, feeling about for his friend.
hand.
Worry me-" exclaimed Hal. CLOSELY
grasping the cropping hand. Dent tala
like that. | would be worried IL
thought you didn't tell me all YOU
troubles. What am good for if not tc
straighten out your difficulties, and try
to be eyes for youY Dear knows, they're
poor enough Never DO afraid of worry
ing me or asking me too much"
You're 80 kind, Hal"
Nonsense, wish was"
"Why, Hal" began Ted "since father
was discharged, with the other men at
the shop, Il has gone pretty hard with
us. You know we bought the organ OF
instalments lt's about half paid for
but father wasn't able to pay the last i'll
stalment and the man kindly gave him
time. But now another one is due next
Saturday, and we cannot ask him tc
wait any longer"
How much Ia due?" asked Hal, with
evident meaning.
But Ted detected it and FASTENED tc
say,
mo. no, Hal. you mustn't pay for it
for you've done more already for m,
|
me your father had cut down your spend
ing money, I've made up my mind what
to do, | want you to write to the man
to come for the organ.
Part with tho organ" cried Hal In
astonishment Why. what in the world
would you do without it, Tedy"
PLEASE write the letter for me, Hal,
said Ted, laying his head ON his friend
arm. II tried To write it--for | don't
want father or Lucy to know what I'm
doing-but lifted the pen and couldn't
lind the place again. and had TO give Il
up No. don't try to change my mind
Hal. I've thought 1t ali out, and it'll
hurt me IL you don't write it eau
learn to knit or make baskets. or plat
cane for chairs, or something, which
viii he better than playing the organ.
think can--l can learn to do without
il, HAL SO please write the letter"
Knowing how completely lost Ted
would be without the organ; how il was
bis only companion in his solitude and
how gres; help 1t had been since the
accident, Hal gently cndeavored 10 dis.
suade him, but finding it only panied
aim he sat down to the table to write
Tie could not restrain the tears as he saw
there Teds pathetic attempt to write
all blurred and unreadable.
What day shall tell him To come foI
itg' asked Hal. taking up the pen.
Thursday" replied Ted mo. Fri
day, Hal rd--rd like to have two days
with il, Hal
That's right" said Ted, approvingly
Now, please mail it tonight and prom
ise me you won't say anything about il
90 father and Lucy"
Hal hesitated a moment, then prom
ised
Now tell me about your bicycle
race" said Ted When you are going
ana all about it,"
This was opening a subject absorbing
iy interesting to Hal. He was proud OF
his wheel, and unilagging in his yea
10 sustain the reputation he had justly
acquired of being the most expert rider
Ia the village
we are going to the city ON Friday
From there We'll race back to the village,
the first one riding the fifteen miles from
there here being the winner. Three OF
The best city riders are going to try our
strength. There are some tough hills
coming this way, and some of the fell
lows here say lam afraid with those city
men, for fear lose my record. II
would be pretty hard on me if failed,
but won't back down and intend to