The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1899-09-14

iT he painted ship"
10 cnnnin7ly that, to those who dill
not like ships, they looked like stone
fences, nnl mountains SO that they
ooiel like rising fog, il one wanted
oSs. HIS trees usually were interest
ing puzzles that would serve 70. hours
81 contemplation, AL his cows were
creatures that stood a. il spell bound
by the wonderful scenery about them.
His rivers always had two little islands,
and his boats were 20 evidently uu-
seaworthy thai to relieve cautious per-
sons they were representa- always az !
being drawn mp on shore to prevent
them from sinkinG.
Jobblot's caavasc3 were incascl in
raudy gilt frames, ani were to be
iounl mostly OH the walls OF boarding
houses, where they inspired terror in
the minds OF delinquent boardcrs.
Many boarder in arrears has been
known 10 settle his bill aud depart in !
haste, under the mental strain Of JOB.
blots paintings. Therefore, for job
blot, but no did not know it, were
treasures laid up in Heaven.
Jobblots studio was n six by four
room GA the top floor of humble
dwelling, OH the east side OF town.
He might have lived in the country,
where a wealthy relative hal a vacant
old bou e. which was at the disposal
of his poor relations; but Jobblot PEE
ferrel tho city, where he could live in
an art atmosphere.
|. wRs serted in some quarters
that Jobblo was not an artist nj all,
but NEE lanical genius who had
lnveutel machine which, on
the pressure OF button, painted
the pictures which he produced rs
his Own, anl that when he pre-
fectel it he would become i'm
measurably wealthy. Bat glance i'll
his studio dispe!led that idea. A
lounge, table AMI fragments OF some
chairs were oil the furniture, and in
the centre Of the room stood tall
easel, supporting pioce OF canvas,
which usually concealed JoJb!ot at
work on his WOO Hand, meadow aud
mountain scenes. The visitor looked
n. the walls in vain for completed ex-
amples OF Jobblot's skill, because they
wero taken to tho auction shop of his
friend as soon "a they were finished,
aud the only visible evidence of their
being was what food was left over from
the last meal.
The artist was thin featured man,
who affected Van Dyke beard. To
see him trudge through the street with
frosh painting to tho auction shop,
was a pathetic sight, and his friend
the auctioneer was always willing to
accept his work aud to pay spot cash
for it.
III have another painting, Mr..
Flagg," was Jobblot's stcreotyped
formula, upon introducing q new sci
of trees, water and cows, and Mr..
Flagg would glance at the canvas aud
say:
This Is the second one in two
weeks, Mr.. Jobblot. You are work
ing very hard now. But it is equal tt
the last one. Will ten dollars pay you
for your trorble?'
And Jobblot woald answer in the
Affirmative aud pocket the money
Then he would invite Flagg to have ,
cigar, and Flagg would select two fol
nquarter, and the deal would be com
pleted.
One day Flagg said to Jobblot: I"
notice the price of paint has gon,
down; will that make difference il
the valuo of your pictures?"
Jobblot earnestly explained tina
talent, not paint, made picture, an'
no matter how cheap paint might be
come, talent never could be cheap
ened.
"That's what I thought" said tn
auctioneer; "but wanted to be sure
so as to explain it to my customers, i
case they haggled."
Jobblot had friend to whom h
con6ded everything but his poverty
She was an artist, with whom he bt
camo acquainted in Central Parl
where she went frequently to sketc
still life from nature. Like Jobbio
her specially was landscapes. II
used to take his canvas aud easel
the park; but when she was there h
used them rarely, preferring, he sait
TO watch her def manipulation
co,ors. Somstimes both easels woul
be left standing idle while the coup
sat beneath O tree and talked of ar
and other matters. Miss Styles la
exhibited in shows and had sold h,
paintings, and once she had bes
mentioned in the art columns of Q
afternoon newspaper as ~ your
woman whose work will be heard fro
IN the future" Jobblot occasional
wondered when rs much would
raid Of him. His Imagination at tim
was quito strong.
Jobblot one day fell ill. He hi
just commenced q meadow scene, al
he was obliged to leave it on t
easel, Incomplete. A physical
whom his landlady summoned, so
he had typhoid fever, and the Ian
lady asked him whether he had a
friends. Jobblot mentioned Fla
aud Miss Styles, and the landla
sent tor both. Flagg called, l.
Jobblot was asleep, aud he took &
vantage OF the chance to make ca
full inventory of the room, anticip
ing an auction sale OF a deceased
lists effects. He did not include |
painting, because 1t was unfinish,
When Miss Styles called, Jobb
was awake aud they had quiet Il
together. He was Obliged to ackno
edge his poverty. He mourned
rause he could not work and compl
his picture, which, he said, was G.
tiauslly calling to him. Miss Sly
tried to encourage him. and told 1
be would snoa be we'll and busy Ae
with his'orush and paints. =
The next time Miss Styles eel
Jobb!ot was in delirium and con,
Ually talked Of his picture. He
ngined it was finished, and that & !
been pronounced ono of the Great
ct it's kind. Miss Styles iiste,
TO him in sympathetio silen