Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-11-16

said Henry's mother, "and alth ough it is
now old and useless, we shall stlll keep it
on the mantel as an ornament"
NO" said the farmer, Eve shall not
throw away the old clock; for it has be-
longed both to my father and to my grand
father, and it has always been 4 faithful
servant. Let it keep its place in the parlor."
When he had heard his fathers words,
Henry looked carefully at the old clock,
aud Tor the first time noticed how really
beautiful it was. The upper part was OF
black ebony, and stood on four columns of
almost transparent onyx, which rested on a
black base. On the top OF the clock was
CiIded eagle, and on either side stood two
small figures holding in their hands tiny
trumpets. Between the onyx columns was
q verv small hall, having mirrors ior walls.
In this space stood figure of the Grecian
goddess, Minerva, wearing a helmet, and
holding a spear and shield. The more
Henry looked at the old clock, the more
sorry he was that nothing could be done for
II. and as he stood looking at it, suddenly
the regulator went 'Tic-tac, zic-zac, schic-
schac." And then seemed to be laughing
TO itself, and Henry was sure he heard low
moaning sound proceed from the clock on
the ma3tel.
That night, Henry did not sleep as well
as usual, Tor his room was next to the parlor,
and the loud ticking OF the regulator kept
him awake. As the little boy tossed rest
}essly about, he again heard the ''tic-tac,
zic-zac, schic-Schac" of the regulator, and
this time it laughed quite heartily, and
more distinctly than before came the groan
from the old clock. Then Henry fell asleep,
only TO be awakened by the regulator strik-
ing - and a moment later he was surprised
to hear the old clock, with its silvery voice.
also chime u. AT the same time the room
was filled with a bright light. Could it be
the moon which cast such a glow over the
place? As he looked about for the cause of
the light, Henry saw the door of his room
open, and the Minerva from the old clock
entered; nut she was no longer a small, silent
figure. She had become tall and stately,
ana advanced toward Henry with quick,
hurried step. In her right hand she car
ried the spear, and in her left, the shield.
Come - she said, "the old clock begs for
few moments conversation with you."
Henry felt that he must obey. and rising
from his couch he followed his fair guide,
who led the way into the parlor. Heresuch
a wonderful change had taken place that
the little boy gave a crv of surprise; but
Minerva only smiled kindly, and said:
1--WE must be careful or We shall waken
YOUR father and mother"
As Henry looked wonderingly about he
noticed that the room was so large that he
could scarcely see the other side and at one
end of the parlor stood the old clock But
how large it had become. 1t now resembled
small palace and cleaned with MANY
lights. As Henry and the goddess ap-
preached, the two figures on either side of
the clock, soun ed their trumpets. and
the eagle, after Tapping its wings,
turned around three times. Then Minerva
still followed by the little boy. mounted the
marble steps, and passed down the long
hail. lined on both sides with large mirrors.
When the end of the hall was reached and
Henry was wondering what would happen
next, the goddess raised her spear and the
mirrors, opening like folding doors, dis
closed a small room in which sat an old
man, with his head resting on table which
stood in the middle of the room. AS Henry
and his guide entered, the old man raised
his head, and in a weak, feeble voice said:
"I am glad that you have come, for feel
that in you l have a kind, interested friend.
And yet what can you do to Tighten my sor-
row ?''
Henry did not know what reply to make
TO this speech.
"I am the guardian of the clock" contin-
ned the old man; 81 have been with your
father and grandfather in times of sorrow
and of ioy; but now that 1 am weary and
old, nv faithful service is forgotten, and no
care is taken Of me. All the attention is
given to the hne new regulator, which
spends its time mocklng me and making
sport of my feeble efforts"
Here the regulators "Tic-tac, zic, zac,
schIc-schac" was heard, and the old man
bowed his head and groaned aloud. Minerva
also began TO weep bitterly, and in the
presence OF such sorrow Henry could
scarcely restrain his own tears.
IF they would only put me away in the
attic, where could he free from that hate
fUl sound, {" sighed the old man. Then sud-
denly his eyes frightened and in less sor-
row vi tone he said:
81 had one hope in sending for you. II
you could persuade your father to have new
works put in the clock then should serve
him "a fsithfully 81 before, Ny old heart