The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1903-10-23
c. August Mitchell


YOU to take or leave" Schelmer
heard the words his friend spoke to
him sn silence IL was not the first |
time Pollard had striven 10 help him,
but each time heretofore there had
been something impracticable in 1t.
This time. however, no single note OF
dscord appeared in the plan. All
seemed plain sailing SO plain; and
yet Schelmer hesitated.
You give me time for refection?"
Certainly. but the chance does not
remain open indefinitely. Some man
must fill II. and Schelmer. you have
been given the preference.
Yes. know
Down the straight parallel lines OF
steel flashed the headlight OF the COM
ing train. simultaneously with the
appearance came the shrill call for the
signal. Ii was given. The steam was
shut of. and the train rumbled up un-
der its own momentum. Schelmer
turned idly and watched il. At The
moment the fantasy flashed across his
mind that this relentless oacoming
monster was The physical representa-
ton Of his chance. II slowed down,
all for his climbing aboard, and II he
did not the power would be turned on
again, and lie and his little world
would be left To blink after the
rear lights. while the chance itself, his
opportunity. would speed on. unknow-
ing. uncaring. never To return.
Pollard's hand sought his and he
awoke with start.
Already" he muitered stupidity.
Il didn't know you went SO soon.
Well, then, il YOU must, goodbye.
Keep lie in mind. and be assured, III
answer soon
For his part Pollard said just the
right words OF reassuring cheer and
goodwill and then he. too. said good
bye. and swung aboard the nearest day
coach. From the platform he waved a
last farewell. and the train slowly
drew away from the miserable little
station.
Unblinkingly. Schelmer watched it
disappear. Then he arose, and though
there were friends and acQuaintances
at the station. he left them behind and
walked on alone.
At last had come 10 him that thing
which comes 10 no man twice. In that
career dreaming hours had been
mapped out before him. there at last
bcckoned n sure call. Long had he
waited for just such and now that il
was proffered him, he found himself
dumb. all but overcome. silence he
craved. and cold reflection; therefore
he chose 10 walk his way alone. His
friends noted the action, and though
he was companionable az al, times, so
clearly was his preference expressed
here that no one dared intrude.
Some distance away from the sta
ton lay mis- home. and unconsciously
toward it he turned. IL was as OF a
man seeking sure counsel, but knowing
not whittier to turn. being guided by
some instinct TO the only haven.
On the piazza. seated in mis- fayorite
rocking chair. smoking a favorite Ger
man pipe. sat his father. On the floor
beside him lay the little paper he received
intermittcniy from the "Heimath.
and which was 10 him as an oracle
speaking from some shrine OF Diana
well. Hans. your trent haf gone
he asked.
Schelmer nodded his head as he
dropped ON the step at his fathers
feet.
Yes he's gone"
wat he hat say Old man Schel
mer did not ask this out OF curiosity
Il was merely perfunctory effort e
he sociable.
Lots OF things" replied the boy.
lie plucked a leaf from the mora
ing glory vine and twirled 1t between
his fingers Here was peace, such di
vine peace. over across the river
whose fringe Of wood even in the star
light doomed dark and forbidding. h
heard the cry of certain birds of thu
night Time without number had the.
sung his lullaby In the younger days
and he had come 10 love them with tn
love Of early association. Nearer b.
he heard the uneasy stamping Of tn
horses in their stalls A restless cock
seeing the flash Of lantern, gave
sleepy cry for daylight from the hen
house In the backyard From down be
low the river buff came the mufac
chur-kcr-chug OF a rcwboat
..Derc's moskeeters here" said oil
man Schelmer. half TO himself.
After a moment the young ma
chimcd in absently:
Eyes. here some singing aroun
here"
lie arose 10 his feet uncasiy an
stretched himself. He wanted to d
something, he did no, know what Ths
the load on his mind worried him. b
scarcely admitted even to himsel
Tie old man watched him closely.
"Dere ISIS funny tinss somedimt
happens 10 bceples,' he volunteere
impersonally. lie waited long viii
TO let this sage obsery alton soak I'M
the brain Of the boy. and shen he COZ
tinuej.
You naf hear me speak Of Frai
Ecimler?"
Young Schelmer nodd~i ~