The Farmville herald. [volume] (Farmville, Va.) 1890-1934, 1899-04-14
- 3
s THE RED LIGHT
Z BY Sarah P. Brigham 1
!.

" IOnalre. lne boy carried Nalu-
aDle watch, ard had plenty of spend
ing-money, and a fine saddle-horse,
pony and small phaetOn for his exclu-
siye use. lie possessed, moreover, quite
a capital in conceit and arrogance.
Not far from the Amesby estate, at
the narrow crossroad, stood a small,
unpainted house. Over the door was
board displaying the words:
WASHING AND IRONING"
This was the home Of Abel Hatha-
way. His widowed mother, by hard
work. earned their livelihood.
Abel's possessions were a robust body
and an unusual aptitude for learning.
The two boys attended the same
school, and the lavish praises Abel re-
ceiyed from the teacher excited the
envy and hatred of Cyrus. He saw in
him a rival.
When the day came for the eXamina-
ton, the school-room was crowded
with an expectant audience. Compost
tion and defamation occupied the last
hours.
Cyrus Amesby was the first speaker.
He acquitted himself very creditably,
and the close attention he received was
lattering to his self-importance, and
made him confident of winning the
prize.
Abel stepped upon the platform with
a nervous, awkward gait. But the ex-
citement of the occasion acted as a
spur to his energies. In a moment all
dread was over. Words leaped from
his mouth, and the people were
charmed and delighted.
abel Hathaway is a natural orator."
said Esquire Jones to another Of the
committee.
'IIe IS a wonderful boy" was the
hearty reply.
The committee unanimously decided
the prize belonged to Abel, as the
finest speaker in the school.
When Cyrus saw him take from Mr..
Monted's hands a beautifully-bound
volume of Longfellow's poems, and
heard his praises, there was a fierce
glare in his eyes, and jealousy and rage
burned hotly within him. lie was
greatly surprised and disappointed. A
poor boy, son of a washerwoman, who
earned his books by making fires and
taking care Of the schoolhouse, had
surpassed him. lie felt wounded and
Inundated by it.
When the exercises were over the
visitors departed. Then Mr.. Monted
took leave Of his pupils, and they part
ed and started for their respective
homes.
Cyrus went as far as the street and
stopped a moment, and began to re-
trace bis steps. lie was in a right
mood for an assault, and longed to
taunt his rival.
1t was Abel's work TO lock the school
house. and he had not yet come out
and must be there.
Cyrus found him piling little heap
Of wood in a closet opening out Of the
hall.
Suppose you feel happy. now you've
got the prize!" began Cyrus, in a tan
talizing voice.
ayes; l am very much pleased. 1t
is a streak Of luck didn't expect. be-
gan to think good fortune would never
come TO me-"
well, l shouldn't feel very grand
about It. If my mother was a washer
woman" said Cyrus. provokingly.
The hot blood mounted to Abel's face,
but he made no reply.
"And your father was a drunkard
and your grandfather died in the poor
house Don't see as you have much to
boast Of"
Still Abel spoke not.
"What do you expect to become with
such blood in your veins? Expect to be
judge, general or PRESIDENT"
There was a fiery fash in Abel's eyes
at these stinging words.
Cyrus Amesby, 1 won't be insulted
by you! If your father is rich and lives
in big house, you are not any better
for It. You are so proud and domineer-
ing you can't make friends. Every boy
in town hates you, and"
There was a loud slam Of the closet /
door. Cyrus shut it violently and
pushed forward the bolt, and Abel was
his prisoner.
"Open the door and let me outl"
shouted Abel.
"Take back what you said about me-"
commanded Cyrus.
Il won'ti" roared Abel.
Then stay where you are till you
learn TO talk betterl"
Cyrus started off. leaving Abel shut
in the closet.
lie intended to return in a few mo-
ments and let him out. He had given
vent TO his angry feelings, and all he
wanted was TO punish Abel a little for
his insolence.
In about five minutes his Cousin
James was seen approaching
cyl" he called out, who do you
think has Gomez"
"Who has?' inquired Cyrus quickly.
"Uncle Peter, from India, and he's
brought mother a shawl and me a
monkey, and lots Of fine things"
This unexpected news sentall thought
Of the imprisoned Abel out of Cyrus
mind.
He hurried home to meet his long
absent uncle. They had sumptuous
supper.
Uncle Peter had lots of stories to
tell of hunting tigers and wild beasts,