Virginia gazette. [volume] (Williamsburg, Va.) 1893-192?, 1899-02-04
The RED LIGHT


pony and small phaeton for his exclu-
sive use He 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 Haths.
way. His widowed mother, by hard
work earned their livelihood
Abers possessions were a robust body
and an unusual aptitude for learning.
The two boys attended the sanle
school. aud the lavish praises Abel re-
ceived from the teacher excited the
envy and hatred OF Cyrus. he saw Ia
him rival.
When the day came for the examiua-
ton. the school-rOom was crowded
4 with an eNpectant audience. Compost
tion and defamation occupied the last
3 hours.
Cyrus Amesby was the frst speaker.
He acquitted himself very erediiably.
aud the close attention he received was
iattering 10 his self-importsnce. 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
spur 20 his energies. In a moment all
dread was over. Words lesped from
his mouth. and the people were
charmed and delighted
abel Hathaway is a natural orator."
said Esquire Jones 20 another Of the
committee
"He II 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..
d Monted's hands a beautifully bound
b 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. He was
greatly surprised and disappointed. A
poor boy son OF a washerwoman. who
earned his books by making hres and
taking care Of the schoolhouse. had
surpassed him. He felt wounded and
humiliated by "a.
When the exercises were over the
visitors departed Then Mr.. Monted
/ AhNh ANAfN ga tAe IA AktArr aAA R~A =
ed and started for their respective
homes
o Cyrus went as far as the street and
stopped a moment, and began 20 re
trace his steps. he was in a right
{ mood for an assault. and longed q
taunt his rival
IL was Abels work 10 lock the school
Z house. and he bad not yet come oui
q and must be there.
Cyrus found him piling \ little heaI
Of wood in a closet opening out Of th'
y hall
suppose you feel happy SOW you'v'
got the prizei" began Cyrus. in a tan
talizing voice.
Yes; l am very much pleased.
- is a streak o: luck didn't expect. I be
gan TO think good fortune would neve
come 10 me"
~ 'Wel. 1 shouldn't feel very gran,
about Il. IL my mother was a washer
y woman" said Cyrus. provokingly.
u The hot blood mounted TO Abels fRcs
but he made no reply.
sc And your father was a drunkar
: and your grandfather died In the poor
- house. Don't see "a you have much {
IN boast Of"
Still Abel spoke not.
CT What DO you expect 10 become wit
Is such blood in your veins2 Expect to h
u judge. general or PRESIDENT"
y There was a fiery fash IN Abel's eve
& at these stinging words.
Nv Cyrus Amesby. I won't be insulte
by youl II your father Is rich and live
&C in a big house, you are not any bette
for IL. You are so proud and domines
OF ing you can't make friends. Every DO
M in town hates you, and"
OF There was a loud slam OF the clos,
door. Cyrus shut IL violently an
ne pushed forward the bolt, and Abel wi
his prisoner.
OF "Open the door and let me out,
'u shouted Abel.
0' Take back what you said about me
=, commanded Cyrus.
tn Il sonti" roared Abel.
Then stay where you are till ~
Gu learn 10 talk better!"
Cyrus started of. leaving Abel sh
II the closet,
He intended 20 return in few IN
- - ments and let him out. He had Civ,
IN vent to his angry feelings, and al
wanted was 10 punish Abel little Z
his insolence.
~ In about five minutes his Cous
=. James was seen approaching.
-. Cyl" he called out, "who do y,
think has Gomez"
III Who has?'' inquired Cyrus quick
Uncle Peter, from India. and b,
4. brought mother a shawl and me
monkey. and lots OF fine things"
This unexpected newssentallth thong
Of the imprisoned Abel out Of Cyr'
- mind.
iii ne nurIisu nome - i"ee' n'S ion