The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1899-02-17
! THE RED LIGHT
BY Sarah P. Brigham

NYRUS AMESBY'S father was mil
lionaire. The boy carried a valu-
aUle watch, ard had plenty of spend
pony and small phaeton for his eXclu-
sive use. He possessed, moreover, quite
capital in conceit and arrogance
Not far from the Amesby estate, at
the narrow crossroad, stood small,
implanted house. Over the door was
beard displaying the words:
WASHING AND IRONING"
This was the home of Abel HaJha-
way. His widowed mother, by hard
work. earned their livelihood.
Abels possessions were Il robust body
and an unusual aptitude for learning.
The two boys attended the same
school, and the lavish praises Abel re-
ceived from the teacher excited the
envy and hatred of Cyrus. He saw in
him rival.
When the day came for the eXamina-
ton, 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
q nervous, awkward gait. But the ex-
element of the occasion acted as n
spur to his energies. In 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.
ale is 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 fierce
glare in his eyes, and jealousy and rage
burned holly within him. He was
greatly surprised and disappointed. A
poor boy, son of washerwoman, who
earned his books by making fires and
taking care of the schoolhouse, had
surpassed him. He 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 his steps. He was in right
mood for an assault, and longed to
taunt his rival 4u#
1t was Abel's work to lock the sch ool-
house, and he had not yet come out
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 tam
talizing voice.
r. "4es; am very much pleased. It
Is streak o: luck didn't expect. be-
gan to think good fortune would never
come to me-"
well, shouldn't feel very grand
about it. if my mother was washer
woman" said Cyrus. provokingly.
The hot blood mounted to Abel's face,
but he made no reply.
And your father was 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 fiery flash in Abel's eyes
at these singing words.
~ Cyrus Amesby, | won't be insulted
by you! If your father is rich and lives
in big house. you are not any better
for ii. You are soproud and domineer-
Ing you can't make friends. Every boy
in town hates you. and" N
There was a loud slam of the closet
door. Cyrus shut it violently and
pushed forward the bolt, and Abel was
his prisoner. Un
open the door and let me outl"
Shouted Abel
Take back what you said about me-"
commanded Cyrus.
Il won't!" roared Abel. s
Then stay where you are till you
learn to talk better!" $40 .H
Cyrus started off, leaving Abel shut
liz the closet. rsD ..4. .5. la
He intended to return in 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. 5t
In about five minutes his Cousin
James was seen approaching.
"Cy!" he called out, who do you
think has Gomez .aHn ~ M
who has?' inquired Cyrus quickly.
"Uncle Peter, from India, and he's
brought mother a shawl and me
monkey, and lots Of fine things"
This unexpected news sent all thought
of the imprisoned Abel out of Cyrus
mind. unia8 a
He hurried home to meet his long
absent uncle, They had a sumptuous
supper. III.
Uncle Peter had lots of stories to
tell of hunting tigers and wild beasts,
and two hours flew away. d
Evening came on. 0al udTfls
"Cy!" exclaimed James, who CHANGED
to look out of the window. do you see
that red light behind the spruce tree?
T ~. N ~ -. Il