The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1889-12-20
A NOBLE FAILURE.

ing, melody played by no unskilliul
hand. 1t was so soft and mournful that
few hearers, who had stopped just
outside the fence, stood very still as if
afraid of missing note; and they spoke
in whisper only:
Poor Tedl He's very sad tonight"
Eyes; sadder than usual"
Poor ladl It's such pity"
One of them who had seemed more
deeply touched by the sweet tones than
the others, stood very thoughtful for a
little, then left the group and opened
the gate. No sooner had the latch clicked
than the music ceased, and as he walked
to the open door his hands were tightly
clasped between two others. and soft
voice exclaimed:
"Oh, it's you, Hal. I'm 50 glad"
How did you know that it was L.
Ted?' asked Hal. laying hand affec-
tionately on the others shoulder.
"My ears are very quick. knew you
by the way you opened the gate, and
your step. 1t is such a kind provision
that when we lose one sense the others
grow sharper. Lead me to the window,
Hal; I've something to tell you"
The blind boy spoke the last words
very sadly, and the other, knowing by it
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 accidental ex-
plosion of powder, an impenetrable veil
Of darkness had been drawn between
Ted's eyes and the manifold beauties of
earth. blotting out bright hopes and fair
prospects of happy and successful flu
ture The blow was dreadful to such a
lad as he-so merry, SO active, so prom
ising.
Hal Goodwin was just Teds age-sev-
enteen-a healthy, strong-limbed fellow
with heart as big as his body. The
two had been fast friends, but when Ted
became a helpless object of pity Halls
friendship rose to strong, controlling
affection. He could not be reconciled to
his friends ''hard luck" as he called it.
"Now, what is it," asked Hal, as they
we're seated by the window.
MAYBE worry you, or tire you, Hal.
with my complaining" responded the
blind boy, feeling about for his friends
hand.
Worry me-" exclaimed Hal, closely
grasping the cropping hand. Don't talk
like that. | would be worried if I
thought you didn't tell me all your
troubles. What am good for if not to
straighten out your difficulties, and try
to beeyes for you? Dear knows, they'r
poor enough. Never be afraid of worry
ing me or asking me too much"
you're 50 kind, Hal"
Nonsense, wish was"
"Why, HalN began Ted, "since father
was discharged, witt the other men at
the shop. it has gone pretty hard with
us. You know we bought She organ on
instalments. It's about half paid for,
but father wasn't able to pay the last in
stalment, and the man kindly gave him
time. But now another one is due next
Saturday, and we cannot ask him to
wait any longer"
"How much is due?" ce'-ed Hal. with
evident meaning.
But Ter~ stoned to
say: n
mo, p1 for it..
for W r me
thar told
me md
ing D at
to do n
to com
PAR ~
astonish
would yc
please
said Ted, Ia
arm. II trl
want father
doing-but IifsA
find the place ag.A
up. No, don't try
Hal. I've thought
hurt me if you don
learn to knit or max
cane for chairs, or soi.A
will be better than playing
think l CAM can learn to-
it, Hal, SO please write the letter.
Knowing how completely los
would be without the organ: how it
his only companion in his solitude and
how great help it had been since the
accident, Hal gently endeavored to dis
suade him, but finding it only panied
aim he sat down to the table to write.
He could not restrain the tears as he saw
there Ted's pathetic attempt to write
all blurred and unreliable.
"What day shall tell him to come for
it," asked Hal, taking up the pen.
Thursday" replied Ted. mo, Fri.
day, Hal. ibid like to have two DAYS
with it, Hal"
"Fhat's right, said Ted, approvingly
Now. please mail it tonight and prom
Use me you won't say anything about it
to father and Lucy"
Hal hesitated a moment, then prom
ised.
Nov tell me about your bicycle
race said Ted. when you are going
and all about it.
This was opening subject absorbing
~ interesting to Hal. He was proud of
his wheel" and unflagging in his zeal
70 sustain the reputation he had Justly
acquired of being the most expert rider
in the village.
I'VE 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 l lose my record. 1t