Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1891-12-24

At every fresh argument he repeated his
singular demonstration. with such in
timidating additions as swapping his fin
gers and shaking his fist in the face Of
his neighbor. Having exhausted his rea-
soning, and Phillips becoming more in
famed all the while. Mr.. Coville was
about TO beat retreat for the safety OF
his own person when the beautiful story
of the clergyman and the maniac sud
denly flashed into his mind. Here was
sure and unexpected relief. Mr.. Phillips
had danced down to the walk. and was
dancing back with half dozen imaginary
boys in tow, whom he was belaboring il
a most murderous manner, but Mr.. Co
vile did not mind him. He felt that hi
had the turbulent mass of passion with
in his control, and as he realized his
power faint smile of triumph and pleas
ure stole into his face. Then he began
TO sing.
1t is years since Mr.. Coville INDUCED
in the luxury of vocal music and his cat
alogue of pieces is neither large MOI
varied, but he took up the first one that
presented itself and rolled it out II
was "A Life ON the ocean Wave"-s
very pretty piece and quite popular
when Mr. Coville retired from singing
1t is long time, as we have said. since
Mr.. Coville had occasion to use his
voice. and it worked trife awkward
and uneven at first. but he remem berec
that his purpose was a noble one and ht
did not shrink from criticism AS hi
advanced in the song he was pleased but
not surprised to see Phillips first stare al
MIN. then drop his hands at his side anC
afterward draw back and look around
as if he were planning an escape.
But Mr.. Coville did not stop; he gath
cred strength as he proceeded. and turn
ing his eyes to heaven and keeping time
with his feet reared along through the
measure with amazing force He hac
got up on the highest note he could find
and was bursting into perfect apo
plectic howl of melody. when he felt
himself caught abruptly by the collar,
and the next instant was made aware
that he was on his back on the walk. and
that a man looking dreadfully like Phil
lips was pounding his head against the
frozen ground, and doing something
with his ribs that appeared to be un.
called for Then he felt himself slide
through planning mill. and opening his
eyes saw that Phillips was gone an6
that Mrs. Coville was trying to get him
ON his feet In this direction he gave
her all the help possible, and getting NJ
looked around for the planning mill, but
not seeing it allowed her to lead him
into the house.
To all her questions she could get nc
answer, but occasionally, while apply
ing the IMMINENT, he would start up with
"A Life on the Ocean," and then sud.
denly stop, smile family and softly rub
his nose. 1t was several hours before he
acted natural again. but aside from con.
ceding that possibly Phillips didn't have
the right kind of madness, or he himself
may not have got hold of the right tune.
he shows no disposition to converse on
the matter. Sunday afternoon young
Coville, to be smart. and thinking that
his father was asleep in the chair. under
took to start the tune for the edifcation
Of his mother. and the futility of that
air for enchanting an audience was again
demonstrated in a most signal manner
J. NJ BAILEY.