St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1889-12-14
ROY'S BATTLE.


ngled mass Of black hair on his head, a
4 garette in his mouth and an insolent
gaggefin his manner.
Roy stopped and glanced around. Yes,
AZ here was another, and he looked like an
american. He was long and lean and
Ink, but looked eager and intelligent.
was looking shyly and curiously into
pc studio Of the "Beaux Arts His
= ray tweed suit was worn and seedy III
la egtnssne. There was a real hunger
his eye, and his hands seemed to trem-
lie as he still kept them on the half open
e Dor.
s$, The hall was a long one, and there
Pinned, to be a perfect forest of easels,
rom each Of which had sprung wild
boxing figure, with unkempt looks and
aancE black eyes and hooking grins.
# walk in, gentlemen, cried one voice.
4 You weren't expected this morning, or
Fed have had the studio painted. :"
Roy had heard something of the re-
3ption given to new student at the
v FAUX Arts, so he kept his temper and
swed.
Delighted to welcome native of the
nd of the great Barnum," cried another,
Ezing Roy's hand and working it like
lmp handle: ''How many scalps have
bu on hand2"
SsTwo new fellows--a double treat.
Here, monsieur, interrogate the gentle
aen.S> But first let us give three cheers
d. ffs1United StatesP'
G These cheers are given with gusto, and
he supervisor approaches Roy.
Thirty francs from you.
Roy reddens, and looks at his com
anion. 1t is rather hard for two free
orn American citizens to be brow
eaten in this way.
"What do they mean" asks the other,
ITS tax on every newcomer"
I "Must we pay ita"
81 suppose SO; it's beastly shame"
Il "But-T cannot" faltered the other.
i have only five francs in the world"
'Stop chattering, new fellows" cried
he supervisor. "We're thirsty"
Roy felt a strange pity for the lank
oung man with the hungry eyes.
only five francs2 Oh! see; your
+ remittance has not arrived"
# @I-never get remittances, faltered
The other.
4Why, how do you liver"
II work my way
"a thousand thunders," vociferated
he supervisor. I'm the name of George
yashington, how long must we waltz"
It's no use-I1must give it up for
sheS present, said the young man, grow
Sngf paler, and casting longing look at
the forest Of easels.
tsStop! will pay for you, exclaimed
Roy, with a sudden impulse of friendli-
hess to the forlorn being. ''You can give
lit back-when you're able.
s He was unprepared for the tears that
Suddenly rushed into the cavernous
hungry eyes of the other.
= ssThanks. You have saved me; and
IL ever forget it,"
Ee held out one gaunt, bony hand,
that still trembled in Roy's grasp.
II believe the fellow is hungry Roy
iecided, his heart melting at the thought.
& So, after the noisy crew had disposed
Sf the feast and drank the health Of the
wo and Of all their compatriots, he in
lifted shis new acquaintance to dinner,
Ind they grew quite conf rptial over it.
II haven't relative in the world but
maiden aunt, who believes in my
Genius and sent me over here said
Roy. II had some opinion of myself at
nome. thought knew something of
rt matters. am now certain am a
lunces I've been here year, working
with a teacher. I've been getting rid of
Lii the old methods, and haven't any
new ..oaes. That's my condition at
present.
II have not even an aunt am alone.
depend upon myself, and have lived SO
Rar, 3 said the other, who gave Roy
d oniawhat battered bit of pasteboard.
That is my name, and / have den at
hat number. I intend to go in for all
he prizes, and If pluck and work can do
nytlsng shall win. You have done me
service today
Never mind that, = interrupted Roy,
boxing at the card and reading thereon
he Name of Nathan Lang, written in
bold free hand. sWe must stand by
bne ANOTHER against these Philistines.
In this way friendship began that
asted through the year. One lowering
Hight toward the end of it Roy Mather
vas making his way somewhat gloonily
1glr that picturesque tangle of streets
Jailed the Latin Quarter. He had just
II deceived letter from Aunt Roxie which
e had stopped BY lighted window to
Fad.
It ran as follows:
dear Roy-I've got to tell you some
lad news. There amt no escapin' Of it,
putin of it off. But perhaps, by
bis thine. you're carvin' out your for
klne, and gettin' able to dowithout help.
hope you II keep to straight and mar
er path, and never deviate into paintin'
hem there Wenuses and Dinahs which
pervertin' public taste, and didn't
hight 10 BE allowed. The bad news is
hat .Sentured all my little fortin' in an
iswell, which accordin' to our Deacon
Josiah Slater was a runnin' eighteen
lousin' barrels a day. Well, it's run off
Il my money, at any rate. There's an
Ia sayin' about truth bein' at the bottom
d well, but that wasn't the one I
Rckon Deacon Slater lows it was to
L, an it's no use goin' agin the ordi-
dances; but faint clear to me as Provi-
ence had anything to do with it, and
lon & know as twill be to you, and SO I
Bid him. He spoke quits feelin' about
lou, an said il the paintin didn't turn
El1t d po0d lob there was fha r,iaca ao