The Democrat-sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1906-1935, 1906-10-18
4. II was afraid I'd made a

heennOltB proceeded TO business. He
met no ,iificuIty whatever, The pro-
fessor was all graciousness. He ac-
cepted the invita- tioD to fll the vacan-
cy with a graceful willingness that
won the instant admira Hon of his Wis.,
itor II shall be most happy" he de-
clared. although | do not know the
cabinet organ too well. Let me sug-
gest rather that your society accept the
loan OF my upright for the occasion.
Then, IL you wish / shall be able to
entertain you a little. | am seeking
pupils, you know, and 1t will serve ad
mlrably to introduce me. 1t will be
better than an advertisement in your
paper and shall save my moher and
also show you what l am able to do.
How does 1t please you?"
It pleased Mr.. Keenholts amazingly
well. and he said 30. He agreed to
have the piano carried across the hall
and promised that no harm should
come to It.
81 wish 1t might be the other, the
concert grand" the professor sighed.
81 could do myself infinitely better JUS
tice. But, alas, 1t is not possible! 1t
was so badly shaken In transit that 1t
must be silent until an expert re-
stores It,"
"It looks like mighty fine instru-
ment," Mr. keenholts hazarded.
1T is my very life-my stock In
trade, II you will permit me-" the mu
sician declared feelingly. Wherever
/ go 1t accompanies me. When we
separate 1t must be for most urgent
reason. 1t has had q career my dear
sir TO all the world 1t is shape
less box Of wood, filled with jangling
discords perhaps. but to me 1t is-my
very sine qua non"
Professor Gerard did not make his
appearance In the lodge room until the
members and their guests had assem-
bled and 1t was time for the proceed
ings to begin. AS he entered the
crowded hall and made his way to the
pla tform hush fell upon the assem-
bly,, and every neck was eraned 10 OBJ
tain glimpse of the newcomer. As
the professor stepped lightly upon the
pia tform and seated himself at the
piano murmur OF satisfaction made
the circuit OF the large room.
''If he only plays half as we'll as he
looks" began Mrs. Keenholts. an ami
able and very rotund woman. in an
audible whisper.
A warning "S-h!' from her equally
amiable and not quite so rotund daugh-
ter interfered with the worthy ma
trou's conclusion, and just then, after
brief consultation with Mr. Keen
holts, who was acting as master OF
ceremonies. the professor struck a
mighty chord.
He did look remarkably well. AS he
sat at the piano. his profile toward his
audience, he seemed singularly attrac-
tive and even distinguished looking. He
was dark and smooth shaven. and his
features were modelled on classic lines.
He was also slight and rather fragile
looking, and his eyes were large and
extremely bright. acceutuating the pal
lor OF his complexion. His hair was
worn longer than the prevailing mode,
and the traditional lock fell over his
forehead. He was clad in the most ir-
reproachable evening dress, and his
manner was everything that could be
desired.
The opening music was only hymn
sung by the members in unison, but
before 1t was ended Mr.. Keenholts.
who was the real musical purveyor for
the lodge, made up his mind that II
cabinet organ was conspicuously out
OF place in a lodge room and that II
plano should grace the platform here
after. Then followed the installation
ceremonies, during which the profess
or did not leave the piano, but sat
with his poetical face half concealed
behind the slender fingers OF his left
hand. At the conclusion OF the Undue
ton Office Mr.. Keenholts announced
from the platform that 1t afforded him
great pleasure-and his radiant counte-
nance did not belle the statement-to
introduce Professor Pierre Lucien
Gerard. a distinguished musician who
had most kindly come TO their assist
ance In the hour OF perplexity and who
was about to establish school OF mu-
sic In the village. Realizing deeply,
he continued affably. that the pro-
fessor had contributed greatly to the
success OF the evening. he would now
ask him, In behalf OF the organixa-
ton which be represented, TO favo.
the audience with piece OF his own
selection.
The man at the piano smiled engag-
ingly. squared himself with the instru-
ment. clasped his slender fingers tsnta-
lively and dashed on the preliminary
arpeggio which In so characteristics OF
the vlrtuoso. Then he began ana play
ed admirably. well enough almost 10
furnish the illusion that great artist
was masquerading in obscure Gross
kill So 1t seemed TO these young wo-
men present, who were cOnfessedly
musical and who had mad adyan-
tages" So 1t seemed even to Isabel
Vose. the bankers daughter. who had
Travelled and had often come In con-
tact with the genuine thing. Before
he had finished his hrst piece half OF
the young women In the room had
made up their minds to become his pu-
pills, and after he had played the half
dozen others demanded Yieiferously
their fathers and mothers were scarce
ly less impressed.
"Every bit as good as Paderewski.
and mighty sight cheaper" declared
Cornelius VOse, the bank president