The Russellville Democrat. [volume] (Russellville, Ark.) 1875-1898, 1893-12-07

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DESTINY KNOCKING AT THE DOOR. "
Henauseated himself with that vile
coantenanee Could the thing con-
tinuei What bound him nowf
Had be 40 rightsi-only the obliga-
ton to 20 on, without discharge or
furlough, bearing the onbearablef
Icb t,age uaertTagliches, y the quo
tation rose in bis mind be repeated
the whole piece, one Of the most per-
feet Of the most perfect poets; and a
phrase struck him like blow
Du stolses hers, dr. hast e ~ geao0IH
Where was the pride Of his hearth
And be ragged against himself as
man bites on a sore tooth, in a
heady ssnsuality Of scorn. ~ have
no pride, no heart, no manhood, "
be thought, "or why should / pro-
long a life more shameful than the
galIowsi Or why should | have
fallen to itf No pride, no capacity,
no force. Not even a bandit-and
to be starving here with worse than
banditti-with this trivial hell.
hound ~ His rage against his com
rade rose and flooded him, and he
shook trembling fist at the sleeper
a swift step was audible. The
captain appeared upon the threshold
of the cell, painting and flushed and
with foolish face Of happiness. In
bis arms he carried loaf Of bread
and bottles Of beer; the pockets Of
his coat we're bullying with cigars.
he rolled his treasures on the floor.
grasped Herriek by both hands, and
crowed with laughter.
Breach the beer - he shouted.
"Broaeh the beer, and glory hallslu-
jah :"
"Beerf" repeated Hush, strug-
Cling to his feet.
Beer It is" cried Davis. Beer
and plenty of it. Any number Of
persons can use it (like Lyons
tooth tablet) with perfect propriety
and neatness. Who's to officiateI"
Leave me alone for that" said
the clerk. He knocked the necks
off with lump Of coral, and each
drank in succession from the shell
"Hsve weed, said Davis.
It's all 10 the BILL"
What is upi" asked Herrick.
The captain fell suddenly grave.
'Pm coming to that, said be. ~
want to speak with Herrick here.
You, Hay, or Hush, or whatever
your name is, you take weed and
the other a bottle, and go and see
how the wind is down by the purao.
I'll call you when you are wanted"
"Heyi Secretsf That amt the
ticket, said Hush.
Look here. my SON." said the
captain, "this is business, and don't
you make any mistake about it. If
you re going 10 make trouble you can
have ii your own way and stop right
here. Only get the right thing if
Herrick and | 90, we take the beer.
Sayvyf"
fOh. / don't want TO shove my
oar in, returned Hush. "I'll cut
right enough. Give me the swipes.
You can jaw till you're blue in the
face for what care. don't think
it's the friendly touch; that's all. "
And he shambled grumbling out Of
the cell into the staring sun.
The captain watched him clear Of
the courtyard; then turned to Her
rick.
"what is it," asked Herrick,
thickly.
"l'll tell YOU" said Davis. ~
want to consult you. It's a chance
we've got What's that" he
cried, pointing to the music on the
wall.
What" said the other. 30,
that It's music it's phrase Of
Beethoven's | was writing up. 1t
means destiny knocking at the
door"
Does iti" said the captain, rath-
er low; and he went near and
studied the inscription "and this
Frenchi" he asked, pointing to the |
Latin.
80, it Just means / should have
been luckier if / had died at home"
returned Herrick impatiently.
What is this busiuessi"
Destiny knocking at the door,"
repeated the captain and then, look I
ing over bis shoulder. "Weil Mr..
Herriek, that about what it comes
to, I" be added
What do you meant Explain
yourself, said Herrick.
But the captain was again staring
al the music. About how long
ago since you wrote up this truck77
he asked,