The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1905-08-04
HELVERTON'S CASE.

Helverton was "knocker." He
knocked" continuously, so that con-
Tersation with him was like listening
to lather working up the side OF a
wall-like steady rappings at this and
that
Naturally Helverton was not popu-
lar. There were plenty Of men who
never saw him without wishing to kick
him. The trouble was that he was a
strapping big man and as strong as an
OK. II it had not been for that he
probably would have received an aver
age of dozen kickings week, allow
ing for rest on Sundays. No, he was
not popular; still people liked to have
him around occasionally to hear what
he had to say in the way of distrac-
ton about their friends. 1t was anus
ing at times. He got into the club in
that way. Horrigan wanted to black
ball him and announced his intention
of doing so. II mention it." he said,
because II there should happen by any
chance to be white ballot in the box
I might otherwise get the blame for
it."
That provoked discussion. II con-
tend that Helverton isn't any common,
ordinary backbiter," said Bursar.
I'm with you there" agreed Horri-
gan. Hes an extraordinary one and
he bites uncommon hard. There
wouldn't be an unsecured back in the
club If he got chance to use his
teeth"
- What I meant to say and what I
mean to say is that Helverton isn't a
backbiter at ALL" persisted Bursar.
Doesn't he bite back?" demanded
Horrigan.
Only when backs happen to be
handiest. He'd just as soon take the
end OF your nose as not. But the
point make is that he has no pride Of
possession. If you don't believe it,
just admire anything he owns and
watch him get out his little hammer
and pulverize it. No, he's just a plain
knocker. l vote to abolish the COM
plant book and let him in"
When Helverton got in the first
thing he did was to knock" the club.
He remarked to an acquaintance, who
had said he had heard it was nice
sort of club, that 1t had its drawbacks.
well, it's membership is tolerably
select, isn't it?" asked the acQuaint-
ance.
Helverton smiled pityingly. Did
you know that Chumway and Bolso-
yer and Ganzweiler and Ben Kayne
were members of that club?" he asked.
"Chumway made his money in get
rich-quick concern-that is, of course,
he got rich quick. Ganzweiler is a
professional politician, though l UNI
derstand he was respectable burglar
at one time. Bolsover is sewer con-
tractor, but he smells sweet alongside
OF Kayne. Select"
One evening, Of set purpose, CAM
weller spoke of the beauty of Helyer-
toms watch.
tits pretty enough to look at" said
Helverton, "but I've always had a sus.
picion that the cases are filed. It's
a little too ornate for my taste any
way, though I might put up with that
II II Kept correct time"
Helverton was in his second year of
membership when they put him on
their library committee and he bought
lot Of new books. He was superin-
tending their arrangement on the
shelves when Horrigan, who was one
OF the mildly interested group looking
on, picked up gaudy little volume
and opened it.
Hello" he said. Here's some
poetry. Helverton's going to refine
our rough natures. Poetry, by
George!"
I'm aware, Of course, that swine
prefer swill as a steady diet to orient
pearls" said Helverton In his pleasant
way.
oh, this Is rich!" said Horrigan.
who was reading and not noticing.
This fellow is a peach, whoever he
Is. Listen to this, men:
The aftermath,
Cleaned from the blighted harvest of un-
rest
subordinated to the souls behest,
The sullen wrath
III.
While shallow precepts of experience,
Calm and dull eyed
Heap ashes on quickened ecstacy
And deadened it again. All! this see
dissatisfied
Wouldn't that jar your What do
you think Of 1t, Helverton?"
II think" said Helverton, that
there is a beautiful thought expressed
subtly and unsteady. 1 don't see
anything to grin at in the least"
.Horrigan opened his eyes wide and
gasped. Here's more of it," he said,
strangling, after a moment:
But all will pass;
The glowing grandeur of the mighty
thought,
The fair abundance of the Word unsought
Must die, alas!
Still coexistsnt with the richer tone
Vibrating to my list'ning ear alone
A melody
Will permeate each inward soul recess
And later moments with its music bless.
Though may de-"
There was a general shout Blu.
Helverton turned red and looked de.
cidedly annoyed. "Ridicule is cheap
he said. "Detraction requires neither
intellect nor feeling. Criticism comes
easy to those who themselves have &C
complished nothing. A sneer is the