The Monte Vista journal. (Monte Vista, Rio Grande County, Colo.) 1888-1921, 1915-05-01
FIRST STORY
1916, by Pathe Exchange. Inc.
eign Conyr3ghfs

rugged battlementS against the tW1-
lisht that marked q definite end to
his vacation. Vacation-rest from
the weary grind, the loathsome task
q, training voices that could never be
otber than mediocre, voices that tor
mred his finely tuned nerves so ex
ouisitely he had been forced to these
same hills that the vast silences might
nerform their healing function. He
onened his mouth, having his throat
with the clear air, drinking in great
drafts of it as though trying to store
away a reserve fund of that silence
for the future. And then
Then the voice reached out to him.
Family, at first, but steadily increas-
ipg in volume until the silence was
put to utter rout.
Such voicei Rivaling in purity,
clarity and sweetness the voices OF
nature. Dazed by his incredulous de-
light, the singing master followed the
sounds till he found himself, leaning
against farm house fence. staring at
young man upon the porch. his hand
some face pressed against the bars OF
q canary's cage. his eyes glistening
with delight as he held vocal contest
with the fluffy little creature. A rich,
warm red came from beneath the
heavy coat Of tan as he caught sight
Of the stranger, hating his song alb
ruptly as he inquiringly approached.
Such voice! Such an organ"
De Retsky stopped abruptly as he
found his enthusiasm carrying him
away. II have never heard the song
before" he continued inquiringly.
Song" The young chap laughed.
81 was just teasing the bird-that's
all"
FTeasing the bird!" the singing
teacher repeated the words in bewil-
derment. He drew = card from his
pocket as the youth smiled. He did
not care to be laughed at-De Retsky.
The young man caught his displeasure
instantly.
Thank you," he murmured CRATE
fully. 81 was smiling because my IA
Their just told me that my voice didn't
20 very far when 1t came to killing
weeds"
you should cultivate that voice
such voices belong to the world and
not to the individual" De Retsky
ifowned.
He stopped as he noticed the change
Of expression that had come over the
singers face as he studied the card
with evident recognition.
Cultivate my voice." His voice
was husky, hoarse. Cultivate it! But
who will pay for the job-who pays?"
He looked about him. at the tiny farm
mouse, the small farm, the shabby out
houses, all indicative Of small means.
"Yes-that's 1t. Who pays?" De
fetsky muttered, a faint smile upon
MIS- lips For he knew the ultimate
payment would not be found within so
small space; would not be taken
from wealth or that which went to
make wealth. but from the human
heart. Whose heart?
and for q long time, my dear
Bella, could not keep that voice from
my ears. Everything was there ex-
eept the training. As you know.
nave heard them all and have not
oeen rated the worst myself, but for
natural singing quality l have never
neard this young Henry Merwin's
superior"
-, IL merely shows" he continued,
now possible 1t IL to dodge duty.
mat voice belonged to the world. But
l recalled what the struggle meant.
what must be gone through before the
summit is attained. I did not have the
courage Like coward. q traitor to
my art, l ned" He smiled whimsi-
.Siiy' But 1t was to be. returned
my work, to the horrible grind.
h''ened to the sounds that could never
Se made into song and always I was
nearing the voice Of the farmer boy
VINO leased the bird"
AND my little words of encourage.
ment had fallen upon a soul worthy
VI mat divine voice. Henry Merwin
.ousnt MS way to the wagon seat Of
mix wagon. That was what he did
. men ne found me, that il what he is
Noas now-driving a milk wagon"
was In laundry" the great So
ssno murmured softly. as though to
We hetsky started to speak. but the
pression ON her face deferred him.
abruptly.
AAzrlsd TIA Mttls beauty l sAx him