The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-08-01
TWO SIDES TO A QUESTION.
tFrom the Sunday Magazine.l


EVELYN Carpenter was girl of de-
cided opinions She was also possessed
of a viii of her own, and very de-
termined way Of enforcing it. A rather
tail. handsome girl. with dark. pensiye
eyes and smooth, thoughtIuI prov, u
rather comical contrast with the pfoua
bearing and independent appearance u
their owner. She wended her way
homeward with the quick, irregular step
of one who chafes inWardIy at the
world and knows none on Wnon 70
lay the blame. She sought a mission,
new sphere OF action for the benent OF
her fe1OW-creatures-
Suddenly, before she had sufficiently
awakened from her reVerie to notice
whence it came, 4 flood OF sweet song
seemed to soothe her rufaed feelings a
lark imprisoned in narrow cage,
poured forth TO the needless world out
side its soul of melody through hard
bars OF wire.
The sense of relief which had stolen
over the girl gave place to one Of anger,
cOmbined with some odd satisfaction
Here at last was an opportunity to do
good. even if it were but obtaining the
freedom Of one poor hopeless lark. And
who more suited to the task than she,
the president, self-constituted only
three days since, of the N Society
for the Promotion of Christian Charity
Toward Animals? The song that had
soothed her unawares now made her
soul burn within her Crossing the
road with decided step, she entered a
little shop, over the door of which the
bird sang on. 1t was a cObbler'S work
shop. she found. scattered as such places
are with implements of the trade, and
perVaded with the pleasant smell of
leather. a little, bent old man, with
large spectaclas on his wrinkIed nose.
and deft lean fingers that moved nimbly
over the rough leather, put aside his
work and shuf1ed forward to the coun-
ter. He moved slowly and with diff
Guilty, for his old limbs were getting
past their work Pleasantly. but rather
curiously, he babe her "Good-day."
scarce hoping for work in his poor shop
from so smart and nicely dressed a
lady. Evelyn felt somewhat uneasy at
the old mans harmless aspect
This bird she began rather tinidly;
The cobbler looked at the cage with
visible pride.
Yes. yes, miss, my bird sure enough;
and fine bird, too; not a 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.
It was my boys. my Dicks youngest
that's gone for a 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 win you take for the bfrd2'
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 a sovereign for him, now If I was
starving"
Evelyn took out her purse and count
ed its contents-tWo and seyenpence
halfpenny- She drew out two shilIings,
saying in firm and superior tones: Two
shillings; not a penny more"
The old man looked at her kindly,
and explained gently. as if to child
Git was really very irritating):
mo. miss, I don'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 Tt 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 thinlzin' how my boys coming
soon-eh. deaTi en-. dearl No, you cant
have him. but never mind. never mind .
He nodded kindly. as If to comfort her
in her disappointment
Evelyn's patience could stand it no
longer.
DO you suppose want to keep the
poor bird2" she broke forth. Il 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 confine a creature made to
soar and sing at the very gates of
heaven in narrow cage with scarce
room to turn
This was delivered fuently. being YER
batIm quotation from her speech at the
opening meeting of the before mentioned
Poor. miserable birdF, she concluded,
apostr0phizing the unconscious lark
The cobbler. simple soul- was good
deal taken aback at this convincing TRADE.
He attempted defense. however