Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-04-29
THE PILGRIM STAR
By HARRY KING ToOTLB.
Copyright 1908. by Daily Story Pub. Co>

Copyright 1908. by Daily Story Pub. Co3 T HERE was one point on which Prof \ Lysander Muller was firm; his daughter should marry no man who was not an astronomer, and, further more, he must be an astronomer of more than ordinary ability.
 About this time Prof. Muller be- gan the monumental work which was to perpetuate his name to posterity. It was nothing less than & photo graphic chart of the heavens. He found that this would be neces- sary to employ an assistant. ~ The fact was mentioned casually in Lou ise's presence; five days later 8 young man arrived from New York and applied for the position. After brief examination MT. Harvey Wads- worth was engaged as assistant as- tronomer.
 Harvey Wadsworth told little about himself or his intentions. A change took place after his arrival; Louise often visited the observatory to watch the progress of the stars, and to study astronomy under his tutel- age. The interest which the pro- lessor had tried in vain to awaken was aroused by his assistant.
 All the while Prof. Muller was blind to what went on under his very eyes, and the love-making pro- gressed undisturbed. The day final ly came when Wadsworth, aided and abetted by Louise, boldly asked the astronomer for his daughters hand.
 
 prise, and declared that it was out of the question: He explained that he was anxious for his daughter to marry an astronomer.
 "Am l not an astronomer" de- manded the suitor.
 "You know the first principles, but not enough to satisfy me. Wait 8 few, years until I can see what you can do."
 Wadsworth stormed and ragged, Louise begged and pleaded, but the astronomer was obdurate. In the end it was agreed that nothing more was to be said about marriage until Har- vey had done something which would give him a reputation and stamp him as an astronomer
 Wadsworth and Miss Muller waited; but reputation is an elusive thing At last aid came from an unexpect- ed quarter. Just why the sun took it into it's head to cast a shadow on an insignificant speck of an is- land II miles long and six miles broad in the southern Pacific no one ever knew; but such was the case, and the United States government found it necessary to observe it. The government sent Prof. Muller in charge of the expedition which vis- tied Easter island for the purpose of observing an eclipse. Considerable pressure had been brought to bear to make, him accept the post, for he was Ioath to leave his observatory and his stellar chart; but at last he was prevailed upon to go. As far as the mechanical details were concerned, Wadsworth could manage the ob- servatory as well as he could. All that, was necessary was to point the telescope at that part of the heavens which was being mapped, to arrange the photographic attachment prop erly, andy after the desired exposure, to develop the plate.
 Calling his family around him, his wife, his daughter, and his prospec- tive son-in-law, Prof. Muller deliv- cred his orders, from which there was no appeal, just before embarking.
 ''Louise," began the professor, abruptly, "do you love Harvey?"
 "Oh, father! I love him more than I can ever tell"
 Harvey, do you love Louise?'
 "Prof. Muller" replied Harvey, with fervor, "I love her far better than she says she loves me-"
 Mother" said the professor, as calmly as if he were discussing the weather, 'fw.hen Harvey has shown what he can do as an astronomer, they shall marry, but not till then. If he puts forward any claim while l am away, you shall be the judge"
 For the next two weeks Wads- worth performed his duties in per- functory manner. One night, after & long debate, Wadsworth declared that he would have to marry Louise, despite parental objection, and follow some other calling.
 'I am tired of faking astronomy" he said. T believe that I had better go back to civil engineering. You know that I can always make a Ev- ang for two," he added as an after thought.
 ''Of course you can," she said, proudly, "but I love my father and ] want you to win me under the con- ditions he has named. Anyway, you can't leave the observatory until he returns"
 That is true. Tn the meantime, however, can be looking about for something else to do. Although I am bad astronomer, am a good engi- neer. I know that I can make my services valuable some place. Here my talents are as good as wasted"
 "Oh, Harvey!" she exclaimed, Eff you only could do something near at hand, where I could see you, and share in your triumph! Why can't you discover a comet or a new star, or get famous in some way like AL 0sS