The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1893-03-21

was marked by a disagreeable expression
of cynicisrn; here was q person whose
nature was absolutely perverted; to whom
sympathy was a stranger, and who wish
ed for no friend or ministcrinS hand to
be laid upon his brow, even at the final
moment That stubborn indifference to
everything human had been deeply en-
craven ON his nature by years of false
living There would be no weakening at
the last, and he would pass away with
hatred for the world and the people In it,
The warden hung the cage at the foot OF
the bed and then took his departure.
For a few moments the bird hoped
around as though frightened by its new
surroundings Zen gradually it became
reassurcd and tipped its head in pert in
curing manner, cogitating upon what
it saw. A number of figures were extend
ed on the touches, some moving reSueSsly
in pain. Then the bird apparently be
came tired Of the prolonged silence, ana
uttered a dismal sort of O. chirp, after
which, encouraged by the sound OF It's
own voice, it gave utterance to q musical
cadenZa, and then began to trill and
carol. After a time the man awoke and
opened his eyes. A flood of delicious
melody greeted his senses. He stared
stuDidly at the cage, and then closed his
eyes again. 1t was like spring time III
the woods, With the bright sunshine
shifting through the foliage.
"Whered that come from?" he finally
asked the doctor.
"a friend sent it, was the reply.
"Bah, | have no friendS!''
When the bird vas removed-lts per-
sistent vocal demonstration proving an
nOying to the other patientS-he seemed
to be unusually thoughtful. After
week, he had recovered sufficiently to be
discharged from the hospital, and he re-
sumed his work with the same indiffer-
ence. The bird was now hung up in bis
cell Gradually he seemed to take
slight interest In the little creature.
When he aWole in the morning, it greeted
him with a pleasing serenade. 1t was
always cheerful and happy. 1t, also,
was a prisoner; the bars Of its cage were
not so large as those Of his cell, but they
answered the same purpose. Without
realizing what he was doing, the man
studied the bird with deep interest It's
mood was always the same; 1t was as
happy as the day was long; prison walls
could not rob it Of its spirit; 1t seemed
to swell with pleasure as it lmprovlsed
some sweet melody. Moreover, he fan
cied that it knew him and was pleased
when he returned from labor to his cell.
At any rate, en- such OCCASIONS, 1t always
greeted him with n chiIp and then began
8; gay allegro movement or a Dlfd S
sonata. One day upon coming from sup
per to his cell, he took from his pocket
a lump of sugar and placed 1t between
the wires Of the cage. The bird had
feast, and, when it had devoured the
sugar, began to sing as though to pay
for this delicate attention. This was the
first indication that the man had any feel
no, lot ~
demonstrated. He opened the door Of
the cage and permitted the bird to fly
out. you may have your liberty he
said. He expected that it would fly
through the open window, but, instead,
it fluttered around the hall for a few
moments and then returned to the cage.
After that. he released the bird every
day. and it always came back. 1t be-
came quite tame, and would perch upon
his shoulder when he entered the cell
with the lump of sugar. For hours, when
not working, he amused himself with 1T
and taught it many tricks.
One Sunday he heard q wOman's voice
in the chapel Her tones were soft and
sweet, and, moreover, she was singing a
simple religious selection, which was
associated with the past. How many
times had he heard it in the little village
church in England. 1t was a favOrte
hymn Of his and well he remembered the
pretty village maiden, Carrie Walters,
whose cheeks were red rs roses, and who
was the delight of all the lads when she
lifted her voice in the little chapel. Then
the pleasant walks home! How the boys
fingered round the chapel door to see
her to the gate of the cottage where she
lived, the charming house overrun with
ivy, around whose windows clambered
hOpn
OF those who waited at the gate and
walked with the young girl. And it had
CHANGED that one moonlight night as, they
StrOIled down the lane, with the stars
overhead, and the fragrance Of the flow
erS in the air, that he had whispered
his tale Of passion in her willing ear.
But she was young and thoughtless, and,
after they had exchanged VOWS, played
fast and loose with him. OF course they
Illarreled, and then the pretty maid be-
came engaged to a wealthy American,
a distant relative who had made II great
fortune in the new country and now de-
sired a beautiful wife to grace his house
hold. No one was fairer than Carrie.
Truly, her dowry were teeth like pearls
and eyes that cleaned like diamonds.
The simple song she used to sing &C
companying herself on the organ when
he called at the cottage, fingered in his
memory, and seemed to describe her to
him through all time: "She walks IN
beauty like the night" Then from the
neighboring chapel he heard the same
voice begin that song, and he started IN
amaZement.
Soon his disease asserted itself again.
and he went into the hospital once more
"Who was it sent me the bird?' he asked
the doctor one Gay.
"The lady who assists the chaplain at
service" was the reply.
1.-THE lady who plays and sings?'
Eyes"
His face had become more human, and
one day he asked for the chaplain You
are a good man. he said to him, "and
I want to tell you my story. Go not be-
lieve in your religion, but | believe your
religion has made you pity the lives OF
those whose evil passions have misled
them"
The pastor drew near and listened to
a strange story of crime and vice; it was
an extremely sad tale, showing how the
nature of man may become warped and
moral traits sunk as Il consequence of
1ixrrr sounded like a