The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1891-12-25

and award the prize, all being present ex-
cept Mr. Rockford.
They waited some time for him, but
were obliged at length to proceed without
him. They were very much interested in
the first few stories, and indicated their
approval by various signs and exclama-
tions, but during the reading, the interest
tagged considerably, and they had COM
menced to smoke, talk and joke amongst
themselves, when the one appointed
to read recalled their wandering
attention by exclaimIng: "Gentlemenl
There are only few more manuscripts.
have one here which l think will interest
all of you, for it is extraordinarily good.n
Whereupon he read the story Harry had
sent. A murmur of approval ran through
the assembly as he finished, and the manu-
script was passed from one to the other.
When this excitement had somewhat sub
sided, the next roll was opened and read.
This story raised another murmur of ap-
proval, which lasted until one of the judges
said: "Gentlemen, let US continue our
reading. l think, though, we will all agree
that the prize belongs to one of the last
two stories, and it only remains to decide
which one"
They all agreed to this, and after giving
the other stories due consideration, Harry's
was finally chosen.
Immediately afterwards, Rockford en-
tered and apologized for his non-appear-
ance at an earlier hour. He asked if they
had finished reading the manuscripts, and
| { no1
story was given him to read, while one OF
the judges opened the corresponding en-
velope to ascertain the name of the author.
"Well," said Rockford, when ne had
read it, 'ltis very cleverly written. But
Tom Trivet always does good work"
Thomas Trivet!" exclaimed the Judge,
who had opened the envelope; sit was not
written by Trivet. Here is the name of
the author"
He handed the paper to Rockford, who
upon seeing Harry Wright's signature
said:
"There is something wrong about this,
for [ certainly saw Trivet writing the
story"
He then told them how this had happened
and suggested that the matter be investi.
gated. ''F'or,'' said he, while I know ]
am not mistaken, l want it satisfactorily
droven to the rest Of you. We will show
people how honest editors can be-"
This remark called forth general merri-
ment, for nearly every one present was
either an editor or otherwise interested in
newspaper work.
The following morning Rockford and
several others of the committee called on
Trivet at his rooms, and found him prepar
ing to go out.
He was somewhat surprised by his visi-
tors, but invited them to enter.
Rockford told Tommy what had brought
them there and demanded to know why he
had allowed himself to become party Il
such fraudulent transaction. Tommy al
first attempted to defend himself but find
ing the evidence against him too strong
merely requested them for his own and his
friends sake to keep the matter quiet as he
considered the discarding of the story &
sufficient penalty for their joint deception
This was put before the entire committee
who decided to use leniency, so they only
barred the story from competition ard the
one that had been read Immediately after
t, took the prize.
Christmas morning dawned bright auC
clear. The earth was covered with snow
and icicles hung sparkling in the sunligh
of cloudless day.
There were three young people VIII
sought the Christmas number of the Morn
ing News with various feelings-Harry
with the confidence OF one reasonably sure
of winning what he had long desired
WHY'S, with melancholy curiosity, art
Philine wondering whether the youn!
men had entered the competition, and if SO
whether either had won the prize.
Harry opened his paper and coolly sough
, the part devoted to the Chritmas stories
But he looked in vain for his; il was no
even mentioned. he then knew that some