Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1900-01-25
IN A TIME OF NEED.

Der of little stockings would be well filled
with mementoes of the season on Christmas
morning
1t was late in the afternoon of dreary
day. The air was charged with dampness,
and, although for the moment it was not
raining, there was no assurance that the
drizze would not begin as soon as the
weather had rested bit.
At one corner of State street a little
Salvation Army band prepared to take ad
vantage Of the reprieve The drums rolled
out sharp challenge to those who, intent
on the observance of the great Christian
festival, were in danger of forgetting that
which it commentaries. A nimble-f fin
gered lassie tossed her tinkling tambourine.
One by one the crowd yielded its quota Of
curious and devout and sinful. The usual
circle was drawn about the army" and
tuneful voices took up an air with fierce
covenanter swing-a better battle hymn
than psalm of praise.
So far all was in accord with the pro-
gramme Of the ordinary street meeting So
were the crude words Of exhortation punctu-
ated by the "Amens" of the lassies But
presently there was stir among the bon
lleltQ uGdNSJ OClOhlHS oOliN GANltOIChb'
The circle grew closer.
A girl in army uniform stood little apart
from the others, violin tucked lovingly
under her bonnet strings, and the bow
poised in her hand. She was rather pale.
Evidently it was her first musical flight out
side the friendly atmosphere Of the bar
racks. She felt like running away. But the
novelty Of it caught the crowd.
Go it, sister. Tune up" some one in
the crowd shouted, encouragingly.
The girl smiled little, then answered
with the readiness characteristic of her class
and calling:
Il can't play very well, but III do what
| can for the Master"
"Amen!" came in volley, and then the
strains of Gospel hymn were waited halt
ingly upon the air.
Two well-dressed, rather distinguished
looking men, attracted by the flare of the
torches, had paused on the edge Of the
crowd just as Sister Lucia began her solo.
The taller of the two smiled slightly as her
nervousness betrayed itself more and more.
But his half amused, half contemptuous look
changed instantly to one Of sympathy as she
struck false note, then another, faltered,
and stopped, dropping her violin by her side
and standing before her listeners weak and
embarrassed. Tears Of chagrn stood in her
eyes. The pride of an artist was hurt A
woman's self-confidence was shaken.
'l'm-Im sorry" she said, brokenly.
I've forgotten"
Never mind, sister," said the leader,
sootmngly. 1--WE know your willing heart.
That's more than all the music in the
world"
His hand was half lifted to give signal to
the tambourines and the disappointed au-
dience was already beginning to straggle
away.
Suddenly the man with the sympathy in
his eyes broke away from his astonished
companion and stepped quickly over TO the
mortified lassie.
wi you then let me take your violin
vonce!" he asked, gently, in broken English
Il can play heem little. | would hat the
wish to show you and these good people.
Do not hat fear. | shall not hurt heem.
There-so! thank YOU"
She surrendered it to him, wondering, half
suspicious, wholly surprised at his request.
His friend had meanwhile recovered his
breath and his power of locomotion. lie
now laid restraining hand on the shoulder
Of the violinst.
Carl, in Heavens name, what madness
is this?" he said. Come away. You ought
to be at the hotel by this time instead of
playing the fool here"
The man with the violin placed it in posi-.
ton and shook off his comrade good
naturally.
My friend, it ees IS you say-fn Heafens
name, zis folly. Listen, them"
State street is a fairly exciting thorough
fare. 1t is never at loss for matters OF
interest with which to regale its devotees;
seldom for a sensation. Worlds fair crowds
have thronged it. 1t has worn proudly the
regal decorations of an autumn festival.
Over its pavements pass beauty and wealth,
poverty and crime. Daily its shop windows
are hung with what there is of gayest and
brightest and most artistic in the world.
Nightly its lights hang like stars above the
needless heads of pleasure seekers.
But in all its varied history never has the
street experienced anything like that which
befe it when the poor little violin Of the
Salvation Army lassie responded to the
touch Of that hand.
Clear and sweet and triumphant, like the
tidings of some great victory, the notes came
at first.
The people gathered like bees. Shop gazing
was forgotten. The gorgeous colors in the
windows paled, the lights faded. Changing
of street car bells and call of newsboys fell
upon ears so filled with harmony as to be
deaf to them There was but a common i'm
pulse-to listen. As far as the music carried
there was silence.
After the first joyous outburst there came
notes of tenderness and pleading persuasive.
ness. Then sorrow, giving speedy place to
Joy. Last great hymn of praise and thanks
giving falling like benediction.
When it was over people fingered for
awhile, and then turned away slowly,
thoughtfully. The Christmas season seemed
to have taken on a new significance, apart
from material things, beauty of which the
giving of gifts was but small part.
As quickly as he could the magician who
had wrought the miracle extricated himself
from the crowd and rejoined his friend. But
Sister Luella, following, laid timid, de-
tanning hand upon his arm.
20, won't you tell me who you are?" she
begged. 81 do not know how to thank you,
but shall never forget"
The violinst looked pleased, but only
shook his head.
My name," he said, "eet does not mat
ter Think of me as one Who has known
failure also, and when the music leaves you
be not discouraged"
So Private, or she may be Lieutenant,
Luella cherishes a nameless memory. Only
the man who followed the strange violinist
to his hotel on the lake front knows his
name. And he is forbidden to make it
known, lest people who have paid big prices
for seats at the concerts of certain famous
master should think that their idol was
using for advertising purposes what he de-
clares was nothing-'just a within. Chi
eago I ibune.