Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1900-09-26
Observation-Disclosures
The Mysterious M0SIeT.
By William lie Oueux.

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really ought not to relate this story
suppose. because the person II chiefv
concerns Is still living and IL one. az tho
best known men I'm Europe. but os hi
ographers have habit OF bctravinr
ronhdences think that In this matter
may be forgiven II anticipate them.
was poor. my clothes were thr.nd.
bare. and my stomach va, often main.
fully empty.
While busy copying Durer's "Adora.
ton OF the Magi' in the Umzi In an NJ
tempt TO grasp its marvellous technical
handling aud huency ~ colorin.. tbre..
bright faced English girls probably
tourists, entered the Tribuna. One OF
them passed behind me 10 examine INV
work. then. probably taking mo for an
ltailhn because or my pegtCp trousers
ana SOFT hat. exclaimed quite audlblv
IN English 10 one OF her COMPANIONS:
Look. dear. What a frighiful daubi
The poor fellow is student. sun
pose. Hut he'll never make an artist
that's certain"
An hour later was sitting in the at
Tic. high up above the noisy Via Con-
dotti. which served me AS n studio and
living room. plunged in black despair.
The door opened. and there advanced
tmidly into the room a strange. III
dressed. white haired old man. who. re-
moving his shabby hat. greeted me af-
fahly In Italian. His face was thin and
wlzened. his figure lean and shriVeled.
but his eyes were black and full OF a
hre that age had not dimmed. Accom-
panying him was a young girl OF Der
haps Is or that rare type the fair hair
Ell Florentine.
Il trust you will pardon my intru-
sion" crOaked the queer old fellow In a
thin, squeaky voice. Il noticed YOU
copying In the Tribuna today. aud IL
sfterwRrd- occurred TO me that YOU
might have some pictures for sale
When / returned. however. you had
gone. Therefore | ascertained your
address and came here. Have | your
pardon?
"Ah," he added. you have something
there. | see"
He raised his eyes TO mine with an
inQuiring glance and then proceeded TO
criticise my work in manner which
showed him 10 he no tyro in art
The young girl with the blue eyes sat
gazing at the picture. but uttering
- word. fancied. however. that she
sighed
You see my work. have no tai
ent." ! added despondently. when In
answer TO his Inquiries ! told him my
story.
You mistake" he answered kindly.
You have some talent. but you lack
the dexterity which makes an artist
That picture there. for instance" and
he pointed to the easel. might be turn
ed into a very creditable piece OF work
with but little effort. IL youll allow
me. I'll give you an Illustration OF
what mean"
To this ! made no objection, and q
few moments later he was at work
with brush and palette painting away
with astounding rapidity. while l
stood by wondering as the picture grew
beneath his hand. BY the addition OF
transforming the work,
showing the tinted and throbbing flesh
against the warm light ground with
technical execution that bewildered
me. had never seen a man paint like
that before.
"Ah," exclaimed at last In profound
''the signore is n painter"
81 have painted" he answered enig-
matically. and his lips closed as though
he wished to say nothing of himself 81
do not buy my own poor work But
you are In need" he said. Tomorrow
take II to Ferroni In the Via CaizaIoli."
ITO Ferroni"' ! exclaimed. but he
10 the greatest and most critical Of all
the dealers. Surely he win not care
Tor my wOrk?''
Take Il TO him and see"
stood before the easel in the soft,
red light OF the italian afterglow and
at the transformation that
had been effected.
Next day. with the canvas under my
arm. l entered Ferroni's. not. must
without some trepidation.
When the dealer saw Il. he grunted:
The old man has done this! IL isn't
your own work." he said bluntiy. look
ing at me. THE mysterious master
has been at work again. How did he
discover you?''
stances
"Ah. you are lucky indeed.' he re-