Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1903-06-25

THERE 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.
1t 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 a
young man arrived from New York
and applied for the position. After
a brief examination Mr.. 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-
crossed undisturbed. The day final
ly came when Wadsworth, aided and
abetted by Louise, boldly asked the
astronomer for his daughters hand.
Prof. Muller manifested a mild sur
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 sutton.
"You know the first principles, but
not enough to satisfy me. Wait a
few years until 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 reputation and stamp him
as an astronomer.
Wadsworth and Miss Muller waited;
but a reputation is an elusive thing.
At last aid came from an unexpect-
ed quarter. Just why the sun took
it into its 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 Wis
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 loath to leave his observa tory 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 OBJ
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, and, 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?"
ooh, fatherl love him more than
can ever tell"
Harvey, do you love Louise?'
"Prof. Muller" replied Harvey,
with fervor, 81 love her far better
than she says she loves me-"
Mother" said the professor, as
calmly as if he were discussing the
weather, when Harvey has shown
what he can do as an astronomer,
they shall marry, but not till then.
ing over and over the apparently life
less little body, gave to thepoor mothel
and the anxious friends who were witt
her, has opinion.
Yes, he thought the boy would live
he might get well, but he could neyel
be right, he feared, he never coult
walk again. There was an injury to thu
spine-the spinal cord was affected b.
it. There was little hope that he coul'
ever be right. Yes, there was one hope
Just one. There was a great docto
and he was in this city now, who per
formed very wonderful operation IL
such cases, and had cured many, wh'
almost never failed. But, and thu
good man hesitated to go on, as If h
did not want to say what he though
next.
"But what, what is It," cried half
dozen voices, and the mothers pal'
face and anxious eyes besought ham
with more eloquence than words, u
speak.
at COSTS" he said slowly, "a grea
deal of money"
The cruel force of the words he hal
hesitated to speak came home to then
all. Money, a great deal of money
and they, if they had but their dali.
bread were, perforce, satisfied, if no
content.