Los Angeles herald., 1905-12-31

Wonder why Paul don't hurry up ques
toned the old man, anxiously. Hell be toe
late if he don't watch out"
The judges remarks went on.
"Hain't Paul goin' to come at all?' The old
man was a-qulver with anxiety.
Harry Ballard smiled.
Ihars one more speaker yiti'' cried the
old man, outside of the window.
At the sound OF the old mans voice, i
small, mlsshapen figure rose timidly.
That's him!" whispered the old man, Gag
erly.
,a'oh, its only Cripply Paul" said the judge,
half scornfully.
Only Crpply Paul! The lad sank back on
the seat, his thin face flushing pitifully.
Hes awfully. bashful, pore little feller!''
the old man whispered.
l am glad you gave it up, Cripply," said
the Judge No time to waste; the banquet
Is ready now"
H., They was 50 certain Harry would win that
they We got a big eat up at his fathers house, ;"
the old mans whisper explained.
Mindful, probably, of the demands of the
waiting banquet, the Judge announced hastily
that Harry Ballard was the winner.
In the. midst of the applause, Cripply Paul
rose again and timidly advanced toward the
rostrum- His thin face burned hotly but the
thoughts OF the unmarked grave on the slope
urged him on.
4 must speak!'' he faltered.
We'll, | suppose wen have to let you, -
growled the Judge, 'for it's open to every
body. Go on. but be quick about it"
Hes goIn' to surprise 'em now," the old
man whispered. pridefully.
Dependent solely upon his own efforts little
Paul's theme was very simple one, plainly
treated, and his gestures, original, to say
the least. The small distorted figure with
its long arms swinging in eccentric gestures,
looked, somehow, ike that of a big monkey
Twice the thin voice faltered, and the little
cripple almost broke down, but the thought
Of the neglected grave and of the poor old
cobbler sustained him.
Then, as he paused again in his ridiculous
little Grafton, confused, meeting no glances of
encouragement anywhere except from the old
man at the window, he saw the Judge. with
gesture Of impatience hand the prize to Har.
ry Ballard.
There was a cheer from the audience and
little Paul stopped, with look of desnaiI
driving the flush from his face and. with q
sobbing cry, covered his face with his hands
and hurried toward the door, amid a snort Of
looked relieved.
''The banquet" he began.
There came an interruption that made tb,
entire audience stare with astonisbment Dur
ing the whole of the old mans story and tn,
subsequent events Ike Leavenworth and lin
Springer had shown little more motion or ex
preston than wooden men; but now TX,
scrambled in at the window, and Jim followed
him.
The old man outside settled weakly hack or
to the ground, in spite of the twinges Of rhen
Hold on thar!" Ike Leavenworth cried
loudly.
'"You betl" said Jim Springer, as if to show
his comrade that he was in sympathy with
any movement he might make. "'-
Ike had intercepted the little cripple on his
way to the door.
EiWho are you?' demanded the judge.
I'm the State Superintendent Of pubI;c
Instruction, and don't you forget it," answer
ed Ike, promptly.
And Jim Springer indorsed this sudden self.
election with a refractory "You bet!'
Thus it will be seen that Mr.. Springer not
only allowed his comrade to lie unreproved,
but actually encouraged him in it.