The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-09-13
THE OLD MUSICIAN.

THE OLD MUSlClAN.
The following incident transla ted from
|he French. occurred in Paris in 1S41 on
hold, foggy December night, the oath of the
month. A tall man leaning on stick was
making his way slowly and painfully along
dazarine street. His clothing, an, insult
lent protection against the biting north
|Lind which was bowling furiously, consist
ID of pair of thin, summer pantaloons,
n old coat buttoned up to his chin and
road hat which was pulled down over his
lace 80 as to leave nothing visible except a
|ong beard and thin white locks Of hair fall
Ing upon his STOPPING shoulders. Under
! is arm he carried an object, oblong in
|hape. wrapped up in checked handker-
hief. He crossed the bridge and the
quare of the Carousel. reached the Palais
Royal and walked round the garden, stop
ing frequently; then, as if the
Gods of Light and the
|avory odors which issued from
he restaurants, where many merry feast
7as in progress, had the effect of giving
i'm vertigo, he hurried away with totter-
az steps toward the Cour des Fontaines.
Iere he looked up at the lighted windows.
nd then, stopping under small shed, put
is stick against the wall, within reach of
is hand, unfastened the checked handker-
hief and displayed violin. With trem-
ling hands he tuned the Instrument. and,
Gliding the handkerchief, placed it under
is chin, laid the violin tenderly upon it
nd began to play. His strains, however,
kere SO melancholy and so discordant that
ONE street urchins, who had stationed
themselves in front of him, took to their
teels, excla inning that such music was fit to
aise the devil; dog near him began to
leir pace.
At last the player in despair sat down on
step, laid his violin across his knees and
.urmured sadly: II can play no more. Oh,
~ God, my Godv' A deep sob escaped
i'm, and the next instant three young men
anne tripping down the dark, narrow
rect. They were singing merry song,
srvatory students, and, not perceiving the
iolinist. ran full against him, one of them
early knocking him over, another kicking
is hat along the sidewalk, while the third
God still and looked on with amazement.
9 the old man got up and came out of the
ladow, with an air of mingled dignity and
umility, the newcomers exclaimed anxi-
lsly: pardon us, sir! Have we hurt
pup "No,'' replied the player, STOPPING
ainfully to pick up his hat, but one OF the
,ung men sprang towards it and handed it
it's owner, and another, seeing the violin.
as" replied the old man, while tears rose
his eyes and rolled slowly down the deep
|rlnkles in his cheeks. What is the mat
kr? You are in trouble, can we do any,
ing to help your" cried the three COM
des in a breath, and the musician looked
them earnestly, for minute, then held
It his hat towards them as he answered:
live me aims. I can no longer earn my
ring BY playing. for my fingers have
own stiff. My daughter is dying of con-
smption and Of poverty"
There was an accent of deep distress in
10 speakers words and his hearers we're
uohed with pity; they hurriedly thrust
nth their whole contents. Alas! the first
an he'd but so centimes, the second 80 and
q third piece of resin; total, 80 confines.
was very little for the relief of so much
isery. They looked at each other sadly.
Friends" said one suddenly, something
brother musician. You, Adolphe, take
9 violin and accompany Gustave. while
i'll take charge of the funds" This was
!, sooner said than done. The three men
rned up their coat collars. drawing
cir hair across their foreheads, and
billing their caps down over their eyes.
Now. all together" cried the leader, Tin
sgin with your prize piece, Adolphe, go al
draw crowd" Beneath the practiced
UGH of the young virtuoso, the poor mans
olin resounded joyously, and the "Carni-
of Venice" rang out with wondrous
illiancy. Windows were thrown open,
ople crowded round the player, applause
unded on every side. and silver pieces
ere dropped into the poor mans hat,
aced conspicuously under the street lamp.
ter minutes pause the violinist played
prelude; Charles, the leader, whispered:
is your turn now, Gustave." and the
.ung tenor sang 'viens, eentille dame,"
q strong, clear, melting voice.
led "Again! Again!'' the crowd kept in
easing every moment and the collection
tn it. Charmed at the success of his
an. Charles said to his companions:
Nell. we will finish with the trio from
lillian Tellv Adolph, old fellow, play
9 accompaniment, and at the same time
actice your bass notes, while do my best
t to open your mouth and a fortune will
Il from heaven" The trio begun. The
4 musician, who had all this time stood
0tionless. hardly believing his eyes or
rs, and ereading to wake up and find
at dream had been hooking him, sud
u
zed his stick and began beatinc
ne with such mastery precision
at the young singers gathered fresh
SEPARATION and fairly electrified their
arers. As the song ceased the an
ause rang through the air, and money
opped from the windows and from every
cket, 80 that Charles was kept busy pick
up the coins. The concert over, the
ovid dispersed slowly, and wondering re-.
lrks were heard on every side. ''Those
. not street musicians" said the people.
they would make one forget that NJ. Fris-
ct is dead. What lot of money they
ade! They can have fine supper now.
i'd the old fellow with bludeeon-whirl-
around like . windmill. believe they
re artists who laid wager. have been
the Grand opera, tell you, and they
ng no better there. How he scraped the