The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1899-02-09
THE RED LIGHT
BY Sarah p. Brigham
Observation-Disclosures
NYRUs AMEsRY's father was mil

NYRUS AMESBY's father was mil
Il ionairc. The boy carried valu-
uole watch. ard had plenty of spend-
ing-money, and fine saddle-horse,
pony and small phaeton for his exclu-
s,e use. lie possessed, moreover. quite
u capital IN couceit and arrogance.
Not far from the Amesby estate, at
The narrow crossroad, stood a small,
unpuinted house. Over the door WAS
a board displaying the words:
WASHING AND IRONING"
This WAS the home Of Abel Hatho-
way. His widowed mother, by hsrti
work. earned their livelihood.
Abel's possessions were 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 q rival.
When the day came for the eXamina-
tion, the school-room was crowded
with an expectant audience. Compost
ton and defamation occupied the last
hours.
Cyrus Amesby was the first speaker.
He acquitted himself very creditably,
and the close attention lie received was
fattering to his self-importance, and
made him confident of winning the
prize.
Abel stepped upon the platform with
nervous, awkward gait. But the eN-
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.
"He IL u 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 MIR.
Monted's hands a beautifully bound
volume of Longfellow's poems. and
heard his praises, there was fierce
glare in his eyes, and jealousy and rage
burned hotly within him. He was
greatly surprised and disappoinicc. \
poor boy. son of washerwomun. who
earned his books by making fires and
taking care of the schoolhousr. had
surpassed him. He felt wounded and
Inundated by it.
When the exercises were over the
visitors departed. Then Mr.. Mou,ed
took leave of his pupils. and they part
ed and started for their respective
homes.
Cyrus went as far as the street and
stopped moment, and began to re-
trace his steps. He 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 ont
and must be there.
Cyrus found him piling little heap
of wood in closet opening out of the
hall.
Suppose you feel happy. now you've
got the prize!" began Cyrus, In tan
talizing voice.
"Yes; I am very much pleased. 1t
is streak Of luck didn't expect. Ibe.
gan to think good fortune would never
Come to me-"
well, / shouldn't feel very grand
about it. II my mother was q wusher-
Woman" said Cyrus, provokingly.
The hot blood lnoypted to Abel's face.
but he made no reply. =,
"AnS your father was drunkard
and your grandfather died ip the poor
house. Don't see ss 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 fery fash in Abel's eyes
at these stinging words.
"Cyrus Amesby. won't be insulted
by you! II your father is rich and lives
in big house, you are not any better
for 1t. You are SO proud and domineer-
ing you can't make friends. Every boy
in town hates you, and"
There was 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 out!"
shouted Abel.
Take back what you said bout me" ="
commanded Cyrus.
Iwont!" roared Abel.
Then stay where you are till you
learn to talk better!"
Cyrus started on. leaving Abel shu:
In the closet.
He 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 little for
his insolence.
In about ifve minutes his Cousin
James was seen approaching.
"Cy!" he called out, "who do you
think has Gomez"
who has?" inquired Cyrus quickly.
"Uncle Peter. from India, and he's
brought mother q shawl and me .
monkey, and lots Of fne things"
This unexpected news thought
Of the imprisoned Abel out Of Cyrus
| mind. A