The San Francisco call., 1898-11-13

some cat, while Maria, of fl, couldn't help but join in. One night when the vessel was off the coast of England, a great storm came up. Maria and Ffe- sole crept downstairs they were so frightened. The ship tossed and top pied and the waves dashed high above her rail. It was only windstorm, but the water heaved and moaned and then with a terrible roar threw itself against the staggering ship The ves- sel trembled and the timbers creaked and groaned and seemed about to shat ter. The steerage passengers hid their faces in the bed clothes and all of them grabbed their Valuables and clothes, making them into a bundle Mrs. Decapoli bundled up the little they carried with them and waited for the crisis. It soon came A great wave, higher than all the rest, stronger than all the rest, came rumbling over toward the ship. They all heard it and they knew they must prepare for the worst.
 Stand back" the captain yelled to the crew as they attempted to board the lifeboats, "or I'll shoot you"
 Mrs. Decapoli, trembling and pale faced, gathered her children about her and Maria took little Emilietta and Filipino in her arms.
 Women and children first,' cried the captain. Mrs. Decapoli sent Maria first and then Morin handed down Emilietta and Philippine. Meanwhile the boats were being crowded with people and there was great tumult and babel of voices. Suddenly the ship they had just left went down.
 The men at the oars pulled hard and long, The morning was breaking and the lights on shore were vanishing. A tug came near Soon they were on board, their clothes drying by a warm furnace and a hot breakfast spread be- fore them.
 Within week they were on the At lantic again, bound for New York. It was a long time before they saw it. But one afternoon the vessel steamed slowly in to New York harbor A pilot boat and a tug came out to greet them and to guide them in. Then they rode in the busy streets of New York.
 Near where hey lived was church where the little boys sang in white robes. FiesoIe's mother had no objec- tions to his attending St. Margaret's on condition that he would sing there, for FieSole lad marvellous voice.
 Within a month Fiesole had learned enough English to talk with others and also Maria. One Friday night he ap- asking to be allowed to sing in the choir. Sing for me- said MT. Gray. He had heard so many voices that he was used to hearing good ones, but when Fiesole sang the choir master was delighted.
 Maria was going to school and al- though she was totally unused to the methods and companions she found there she progressed rapidly. One day she lad been drawing in school. Her tablet was filled with figures drawn from life, from her schoolmates around her.
 Maria Decapoli, please tell me what you are doing" cried the teacher, sec ing that her pupil was not studying.
 T am drawing" Maria answered.
 Well let me see what you are do- ing"
 In an instant the teachers practiced eye saw that talent lay in that little girl, and she sent her to her seat. It was soon arranged that Maria should take lessons of some artist.
 On Sunday, in the little church of St. Margaret's, Fiesole made his first ap- pearance as vocalst. The organ master played short prelude and then Fiesole sang. It was a revelation to everybody. Deep and mellow were the notes from his throat. The selection was a triumphant chant and the deep brown eyes of the Italian lad shone as his heart beat in steady rhythm, for the song was in lis mother tongue-and Maria. Marsherita, his mother and his father and his little brother and sister were there and-who else? Who. but one Of the greatest singing masters in the land.
 The people listened entranced and the notes died away in joyous cadence It seemed to the people as if an angel had suddenly come into their midst and left, carr~ing away the sunshine. More yeti One day before a great as- semblage of art students, art buyers and art seekers Maria Decapoli's pie ture won first prize. And what was it? A great ship clearing the home land, while many stood on shore and cried and others stood on deck and wept And when Maria Decapoli's name was called out to l ceive the prize-a gold medal and a scholarship at a great art school under a great master-a frail looking girl of 16 came up the aisle and thanked the presenter. And how every body applaudeo!
 So the new world" was good to them They were joined by the other members of the family from Italy and now they are all very happy together.