Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-02-07

| Insisted on his drinking bowl of hot milk.
which was very acceptable. After thanking
them he set out on his journey.
1t was already quite dark when he reached
the great city, although the hour was early.
At first the lad was fairly bewildered with
the unaccustomed noise and hustle, the
crowds Of people and the thousands of
brilliant lights which he had never seen be-
fore.
He selected a place near a public square,
and took the cloth from the violin; with
trembling fingers he frightened and tuned
the strings and then began to play.
In a very short time a crowd gathered
around him. but he did not mind them in
the least and played bravely on. Two men,
tall and distinguished, attracted by the
sight, stopped to listen.
What have we here. Hans?" said one.
"A wandering minstrel, Ole. Let US 20
nearer and have a peep"
They crossed over the street and pushed
their way through the crowd. The stran-
ger called Ole went over to the lad, and
smiling down upon him asked him where he
lived and why he was out so late.
In few words the lad told the gentle
men his simple but touching story The tall
stranger stopped and took the lad I'D in mis-
arms and kissed him.
You must come with me- he said, and his
face and voice were SO kind that Berthold
was not at all alarmed
The two men spoke rapidly in a strange
language and halted before a magnificent
palace brilliant with many lights. They en-
tered. the tallest still bearing Berthold in
his arms.
They passed through an elegant corridor
with wonderful pictures and thousands of
lights, until they came to the door of
chamber at the end. The stranger put the
lad down and brushed his hair little.
Fear nothing" he whispered, "remem-
Der we are your friends"
They entered magnificent apartment
which was crowded with elegantly dressed
ladies and gentlemen. One Of the company,
oil rxyhf To hot
welcome them and Berthold could see by
their looks and gestures that he was the
subject of their conversation. and that the
old gentleman seemed to be very much
amused
He came over to the lad and pinched his
cheek. The lad noticed that his breast was
. covered with ribbons and stars, and he
knew he must be some great prince. After
rev minutes conversation he turned to
the assembled company. and in q strange
language began to address them.
AT this every one became silent, and The
lad saw that all eyes were upon him. When
the prince had ceased, the tall stranger,
Berthold's friend. stopped and whispered
to him.
Now. my lad. do not be afraid" he said
kindly: play your best"
Berthold raised his violin to his neck ana
began to play little song that he had COM
posed himself: it was very simple, but
sweet sweet and touching, and thrilled every
company applauded and the prince bada
him play again.
After the applause had subsidized the tai
stranger stopped and kissed the lad and
then took the violin into his own hands.
and, wonderful to relate, played Berthoid's
composition with variations, and the de-
lighted company applauded loudly.
But suddenly the Lao thought Of his sick
mother at home, and the tears came to his
eyes. His tall friend noticed this, and
when he questioned him the lad told him
MS thoughts and begged to be allowed 10
anxious
The two strangers babe the company
farewell, and Berthold bowed very low.
At the door Of the palace a splendid sleigh
was waiting and the lad explained to the
driver where to go, and the city was soon
left far behind
When they arrived at the cottage the lad
descended first and opened the door very
softly. His mother was awake ana Gretchen
was sitting beside her: she sprang up with
glad cry when she saw Berthold.
said his mother. kissing him. land who are
these gentlemenT
We are his friends, madame" said the
one who had played the violin; I'VE have
come to help YOU"
They had q long and earnest ccnversa-
ton with the sick woman and promised 10
return again on the morrow; on the table
they left a letter. and when they had
taken their departure the sick woman OPEN
ed 1t and found two large bank notes; the
letter begged her to accept the money and
educate his musical talents In the future
and the signatures at the bottom were the
worid-renowned "Ole Bull" Hans Chris-
tian Anderson" HENRY COYLE.