Abilene weekly reflector., 1899-09-07

FIRST EXPERIENCE.

Evelyn Carpenter was girl OF de-
cided opinions. She was also possess
ed of will Of her own, and very
determined way Of enforcing it. A
rather tall, handsome girl, with dark,
pensive eyes, and smooth, thoughtful
brow, in rather comical contrast with
the proud bearing and independent
appearance of their owner. She
wended her way homeward with the
quick, irregular step of one who
chafes inwardly at the world,
and knows none on whom to lay the
blame. She sought mission, a new
sphere of action for the benefit OF her
fellow creatures.
Suddenly, before she had sufficient.
ly awakened from her reverie to no.
tice whence it came, food OF sweet
song seemed to soothe her ruffied
feelings. A lark, imprisoned in a mar
row cage, poured forth to the heed
less world outside its soul of melody
through hard bars of wire.
The sense of relief which had stolen
over the girl gave place to one OF an
ger, combined with some odd salts
faction. Here at last was an oppor'
tunity to do good, even if it were OBJ
tanning the freedom of one poor, hope
less lark. And who more suited to the
task than she, the president, self-con-
stituted only three days since, OF the
N Society for the Promotion OF
Christian Charity Toward Animals?
The song that had soothed her una.
wares now made her soul burn within
her. Crossing the road with decided
step, she entered little shop, over
the door of which the bird sang on.
1t was cobblers workshop, she
found, scattered as such places are
with implements Of the trade, and per-
vaded with the pleasant smell OF
leather. A little, bent old man, with
large spectacles on his wrinkled nose,
and deft lean fingers that moved
nimbly over the rough leather, put
aside his work and shuftied forward
to the counter. He moved slowly and
with difficulty, for his old limbs were
getting past their work. Pleasantly,
but rather curiously, he bade her
Good day. scarce hoping for work in
his poor shop from so smart and nice.
ly dressed lady. Evelyn fele some
what uneasy at the old mans harm
less aspect.
This Bird, she began rather tim
idly; sis it yours"
The cobbler looked at the cage with
visible pride.
"Yes, yes, miss, my bird sure
enough; and a fine bird, too; not u
better bird in all N, miss" He
rubbed his hands and smiled genially.
Evelyn was silent as he continued,
half to himself, as old men do:
-Four years IT is I've had him; four
years, and scarce day off his song.
1t was my boys, my Dicks youngest
that's gone for sailor; it seems only
yesterday he came in just as it might
have been you, miss, today, with the
bird in his hand, and says he
But begin your pardon; you was
saying
What will you take for the bird?'
she asked, not feeling quite so sure
of her cause, now she had actually
plunged into the battle.
Wouldn't sell him, miss; wouldn't
take sovereign for him, not If | was
starving"
Evelyn took out her purse and
counted its contents-two and seven
pence halfpenny. She drew out two
shillings, saying in firm and superior
tones. "Two shillings, not a penny
more"
The old man looked at her kindly,
and explained gently, as II to a child
(it was really very irritating):
mo, miss, kdon't want to sell him.
|. was sayin', you see, it was my lad
gave me the little bird before he went
to sea. No, I'm not likely to part with
him for that, dearie,' indicating the
coin with smiling contempt. "Ay, and
him all the chick or child I've got left
since Dick died. Minds me o. my lad
when | hear him sing so bright; often
when I'm feeling lonesome and low.
spirited he'll chime in so CHEEKY, and
set me thinkin how my boys comm
soon-eh, dear, eh, dear! No, you
can't have him; but never mind, never
mind" He nodded kindly, as If to
comfort her in her disappointment.
Evelyn's patience could stand 1t no
longer.
DO you suppose ] want to keep the
poor bird?" she broke forth. 81 want
to buy it to give it back its liberty,
to let it be free in the fields and the
blue sky. Surely you know how very,
very cruel it is to confne creature
made to soar and sing at the very
gates of Heaven in narrow cage with
scarce room to turn!"
This was delivered Auently, being a
verbatim quotation from her speech al
the opening meeting of the before
mentioned society.
Poor, miserable Bird" she con-
cluded, apostrophizing the uncon-
scious lark.
The cobbler, simple soul, was good
deal taken aback at this convincing
TRADE. He attempted defense, how
ever:
NAY, he's not miserable-hear to
him sing. Would he sing like that II
he weren't happy?'
"Yes, cried Evelyn, 'he sings be-
cause he longs to be free. That il the