Arizona republican., 1910-12-25


 gentle hand.
 Nay, Master Crane, it is friend; do not glare so hercey. See, Glsucon, it's leg is broken; oh, it IS cruel, poor bird" So togetlc- they worked until splint had been bound about the fracture and the hurt soon healed
 Time went on; the, golden summer days passed and the air tinged'wth the chill Of approaching winter. The big birds usual took their flight to their southern home
 When the Spring returned it brought no awak- ening gadness to Heraclea. To be sure, little Phorion waxed strong again; he was able to play out once more in the sunshine; the color crept into his little cheeks and the sweet curves came back to his dimpled limbs. But his mothers heart was agonizing the thought which had grown to dreadful certainty She longer could hide the truth from herself. There no possibility of her paying anything toward the debt
 One day Heraclca told Glaucon the fate which was hanging over them The boys grief and anger were piteous to
 Tt cannot be, Mother" he cried Our Phorionl Euclemion is wicked man. Can nothing be done"
 Heraclea shook her head. 'It is within the law, my son"
 Then Glaucon. with a look which sat strangely on his bOyish face. declared that he would offer him self in Phoriors place; that he would bury all hrs hopes in slavery that the little lad might grow up in freedom
 DiQ ever mother nave such a son.. thought Heraclea proudly; but sine only said, as she put her about him and looked into his clear true eyes
 Nay, my Glaucon, you your fathers eldest and the head of the home. It is the gods have willed. The luck las departed from the house. even the cranes have not returned to us.
 It warm. spring afternoon week later and Heraclea sat more at her door.
 soft stirring and futtering overhead, reused her for moment.
 The cranes have returned" she said to her self Tt IS too late. What good fortune can they bring?' and she put her face down to her lap and burst into so6s. slight touch her shoulder brought her back the present anG she raised her head. A great white bird stood by her side
 Master Crane" she cried Why, Master Crane! Did no one welcome you back, poor bird? Oh, it is sad house to which you come. Master Crane" The maintained his solemn and unruf1ed dignity Heraclea stroked the glossy neck. Then, putting out his long bill he dropped something into her lap. and with sudden whir was of to his nest Heraclea looked in astonishment. The pretty red glass;" she exclaimed aloud. ITO thin,, Of Master Cranes bringing gift Let one say that bird does not have grateful heart.
 little stone lay in her hand like a crimson drop. She fingered it curiousiy, and entering the house she laid it carefully on a shelf.
 Glaucon in before long, sad and tired but with look of resolve his young face.
 Mother, l have found work in the market Tomorrow leave the school"
 Heracleas heart rebelled within her, but she said nothing. She would not make the sacrifice harder for her good boy. So she only kissed his cheek and laid her hand softly the dark curs Then. to divert his attention. she told him of the cranes gift.
 "Is that it upon the shelf." cried Glaucon Why, Mother, in the dark corner it shines like lamp n-.- L--sE in astonishment; red glow illumined the shadows in which it lay.
 What can it be.- sHeexciaimed. "Ts it the wo.t of deron.1"
 Glaueon took the little stone between his thumb and finger and carried it to the light. It was glow ing like drop of rich red wine
 "Old Cleon, the goldsmith, is wise in such mat ters, he said. Twill go and bring him." and before his mother could remonstrate the boy was of and down the hill
 Glaucon forgot his tired limbs as he sped over the slope to Athens.
 Old Cleon was in his shop He growled a bit at the long walk the wild goose chase of boys notion, but he fond of the bright-faced willing lad who had more than done him favor and. leaving his stall in the of his apprentice. he bsde Glaucon lead on.
 Heraclea received Cleon as distinguished guest Chloris brought water for his tired feet and simple refreshments ot bread and fruit. Heraclca put the cranes gift into his hand. A change over the rough face. The eyes under the shaggy brows lighted up with glance keen that it seemed to penetrate to the very heart of the little crystal For some time he said nothing; he tapped and weighed the tiny stone and held it up. peerng at it in all lights. Then he turned to HeracIea:
 T know not how you by this he said but there is such in all Athens If it IS yours you favored of the gods Never but once have handled such ruby"
 The sun rose brightly the little house the next morning Heracles and Glaucon had been too happy to sleep. Phorion theirs. and peace and prosperity and Giaucons future were secure It was almost too much joy to come at once:- An, the blessed cranel