Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1916-05-11
THIJRAONT FREDERICK COUNTY, MD THURSDAY, MAY H.

was stranger; "the divine music!
That instrument! 1t came surely from
one of the music masters. May look
at it? May | hold it, to know that
for moment at least that | have
had possession of the very soul OF
ravishing melody?"
His fine, statuesque face inspired
Natalie with confidence. She opened
the little garden gate. She welcomed
him as a brother in art. He took up
the violin with an air Of rare devo-
tion and reverence. Then he began to
play. Natalie sat fascinated. He was
master in his line.
After that he came often to the quiet
rendezvous. He was a member of
local orchestra, he told her; his life
was devoted to one devouring theme
music Their preferences were iden-
tical, they grew to be friends One
day Victor Dalzell came to Natalie in
a state Of great trepidation.
"Oh Miss Prescott he said anxious
ly. Il have a great favor to ask!
They have placed me on program
for violin solo at the great symphony
concert. The leader says it will set
tie my admission to his circle at high
compensation. Oh, if | had only the
Carero for a single fifteen MINUTES
the great, glorious Carero-I know l
should succeed"
She regarded him with a tender
light in her eyes.
"You will be very careful of the in
strumcnt?" she said.
Il will guard it with my life!' cried
the delighted enthusiast. "Oh, how
can I ever repay you? And with your
presence at the concert, will bring
the very soul out of the violin!'
Natalie sat entranced when Victor,
at the concert, began his solo number.
All about her tense. strained faces told
of the general effect of the beautiful
music. The gifted player was given
an ovation, and the pleased face OF
the orchestra leader told that the for
tune of the young violinist was as
sured.
Natalie had gone to the waiting
room when the program was finished.
Victor was to join her there and ac.
company her home. Suddenly a
scream startled her. The next instant,
followed by excited members of the
orchestra, the young musician reeled
into the room with bloodess face and
staring eyes.
The Carero." he shrieked. 1T is
stolen!" and fell senseless at her feet.
A doctor was summoned. He looked
grave as he felt the pulse and opened
the eyelid Of the insensible young
musician.
Get him to hospital at once!"
he ordered "lf the strain he is under
is not soon relieved he will lose his
mind"
Natalie heard the others tell of how
Victor had left the violin unguarded
for a moment to find it gone five
minutes later She sat softly crying
to herself Natalie was about to pro-
ceed slowly home when the leader of
the orchestra appeared hurricdly.
You are the young lady to whom
the Carero belongs he said. 1T is
found 1t seems that the caretaker
locked it up for safety, has just re.
turned and found it
"Oh, | mHst hasten to the hospital
at once!" fluttered Natalie. A nurse
led her to a room where Victor sat-
muttering to himself incoherently:
"The Carero! The Caroro!'
"Mr. Dalzell-Victor," spoke Natalie
tremblingly, I'VE have found the Ca
rero. See, 1t is here but he never
even looked up.
MAY try an experiment." faltered
Natalie, and, the nurse asserting, she
removed the violin from its case. Ma
talie began playing the masterpiece OF
the concert as best she could.
Victor started at the first melodious
note. His eyes lost their moody eX-
preston. A rare ecstacy came into
his face-reason was recalled by the
marvellous magic!
The Carero brought distinction and
wealth to Victor, and love, marriage
and happiness to both these talented
children of art.