The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1899-03-02
THE RED LIGHT
By Sarah P. Brigham
HYRUS AMESBY'S father was a mill

NYRUS AMESBY'S father was a mill
l lionaire. The boy carried q yalu-
aDle watch, ard had plenty Of spend
ing-money. and a fine saddle-horse,
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 small,
unpainted house. Over the door was
a board displaying the words:
WASHING AND IRONING"
This was the home of Abel Harha..
way. His widowed mother, by hard
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 rival.
When the day came for the examina-
tion, the school-room was crowded
with an expectant audience. Compost
tion and defamation occupied the last
hours.
Cyrus Amesby was the first speaker.
He acquitted himself very creditably,
and the close attention he received was
hattering to his self-importance, and
made him confident of winning the
prize.
Abel stepped upon the platform with
a nervous, awkward gait. But the ex
citemeEt of the occasion acted as
spur 10 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 is wonderful boy" was the
hearty reply.
The committee unanimously decided
the prize belonged to Abel, as he
finest speaker in the school.
When Cyrus saw him take from Mr..
Monted's hands beautifully bound
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
=
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
humiliated 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 a right
mood for an assault, and longed to
taunt his rival
1t was Abel's work 10 lock the school
house. and he had not yet come out
and must be there.
Cyrus found him pilirg a little heap
Of wood in closet opening out of the
hall.
suppose you feel happy, row you've
got the prize" began Cyrus, in tan
taIzing voice
Yes; | am very much pleased. 1t
is a streak OF luck didn't expect. be-
gan to think good fortune would never
come to me"
well, l shouldn't feel very grand
about it, if my mother was a washer
woman" said Cyrus, provokingly.
The hot blood mounted to Abel face,
but he made no reply.
And your father was a drunhard
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 fash in Abel's eyes
at these stinging 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 so proud and domineer-
ing yol can't make friends. Every boy
in town hates you, and"
There was a 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 about me-"
commanded Cyrus.
Il WON'T" roared Abel.
Then stay where you are till you
learn to talk better!"
Cyrus started off, leaving Abel shut
III 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 10 punish Abel little for
his insolence.
In about five 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 shawl and me a
monkey. and lots of fine things"
This unexpected news sentall thought
Of the imprisoned Abel out of Cyrus
mind
He hurried home to meet his long
absent uncle. They had sumptuous
supper.
Uncle Peter had lots of stories to
tell of hunting tigers and wild beasts,
and two hours flew away.
Evening came on.
Cyl" exclaimed James who chanced
to look out of the window, "do you see
that red light behind the spruce tree?
l guess its Roger Belknap's Chinese
lantern-look,"
Cyrus turned his eyes in that direc-
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