Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1891-03-05
MY PRIZE PICTURE.

friends, anu my wOrK nau received In0
club prizes for artistic merit more than
once. However, as they were nothing
more than printed slips of paper, these
prizes were mere empty honors.
But now l had decided to enter COM
petition that was worthy of the name,
and where the first prize-which felt
sure that l could win-was a check of
dazzling dimensions to a youth whose
modest income was drawn alarmingly
low by the constant sacrifices demanded
by the all devouring camera god, which
had set up in the place of Lares and
Penates.
This summer had had no holiday at
all, for two days before l was to start
for Lenox-where on the last of June l
was to have been best man to my old
chum Fred-I was laid on my back, fast
in the clutches Of pneumonia, and
though more than two months had pass
ed since then, was only just out of the
doctors hands, l still felt shaky, and
acquaintances were continually stopping
me in the street to tell me how badly
looked.
1t was now the middle of September,
and just the time for flying trip in
search of the picturesque, so laid in a
good supply of rapid plates, packed my
traps, and started off to find my prize
picture.
1t proved pleasant jaunt, and !
changed my plans to suit those of. the
friends l often fell in with on the way;
for although my camera was company
enough in pleasant weather, it was not
disagreeable to have friends to talk to on
cloudy days, or pretty girl to dance
and firt with during the long evenings.
took many delightful tramp DER
hill and dale in search of the prize pict-
ure which was sure that should come
across some day. have always leaned
toward belief in fate, and "Kismet" is
the motto engraved upon my seal.
Several dozen of my rapid Cramers
had been used already, and was well
pleased with my collection of river views
and mountains, cattle pictures and old
farmhouses with quaint interiors-to be
developed when should return to town.
One bright morning, when was far
up in the valley of the Naugatuck,
wandered into fairyland by chance.
had left the high road and struck
through the woods, not knowing
whittier the path would lead me, and at
last came out upon level tract be-
tween the hilly woodland and the river,
which was fringed with fine old trees.
A dazzling mass of bloom was spread
before me, clumps of feathery white
blossoms and plumes of vivid goldenrod
were nodding in the breeze, and under
foot the ground was carpeted with every
shade of aster, from richest purple to the
most delicate tints of lilac and rose. In
this secluded spot Dame Nature had
strewn her treasures with a lavish hand.
No photograph could catch all its
elusive beauty, yet I wanted one for a
souvenir, and proceeded to set up my
camera. 1t made charming bit upon
the ground glass, with the level, f1owery
foreground and the old gnarled oak in
the middle distance, while beneath its
widespread branches the ripping river
showed its rare lights and shadows. 1t
struck ME as just the setting for pict.
ure of some fair maiden; but alas where
could find her in this solitude?
buried my head under the dark cloth,
intent upon the focus; but when came
out into the sunshine again what vision
of loveliness did | see approaching2
saw maiden whose perfect figure was
clad in soft, white drapery, and hel
hands were full of wild flowers and
crimson sumach leaves. She stopped
from time to time, to pick the tall
white asters that seemed to bend theil
flower laden sprays out toward her hand
and then continued her way, slowly anG
graciously, and all unconscious of the
eager, waiting amateur.
In went the plate holder and out came
the slide. A breathless moment of sus
pense. and then she stood just where
would have placed her. Her position
was one of perfect grace. Pausing, sht
had turned slightly and bent to pluck ;
flower, looking up and past me with 1
bewildering smile.
/ pressed the bulb, the shutter snap
ped, and with feeling of triumph
knew that the prize picture was mine
beyond recall!
When l got back to the inn where
was stopping found telegram recall
ing me to town. The summons did no
disconcert me in the least, for my shor
holiday had proved an eminent success
In health felt like different man, ant
Twas exultant over my stolen picture.
Some days passed before 1 had leisur
to develop the plate, but then found
had indeed prize, for it proved tn
best negative in every way among IN.
entire collection.
Before went down town the mex
morning hastily printed proof, whicl
Hooked at with increasing rapture sew
eral times during the day.
What perfect pose that girl had un
consciously taken, and how very beauti
full she was! had only thought of he
before as "good subject" but now.
could not get her lovely face and grace
full figure out Of my mind. Who wa