The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-04-10

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
Tor . moment at least that | have
mad 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 deyo-
ton and reverence. Then he began to
play. Natalie sat fascinated. He was
a master in his line.
After that he came often to the quiet
rendezvous. He was a member of a
local orchestra, he told her; his life
was devoted to one devouring theme
music. Their preferences were iden-
teal, 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 a 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 single fifteen minutes
the great, glorious Carero-I know
should succeed"
She regarded him with a tender
light in her eyes.
You will be very careful of the in
strument?" she said
Il will guard it with my life" criet
the delighted enthusiast. "Oh, how
can l ever repay you? And with you
presence at the concert, l will brini
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 toll
) of the general effect of the beautiful
: music. The gifted player was give
r an ovation, and the pleased face c
the orchestra leader told that the foI
. tune of the young violinist was al
. Sured.
: Natalie had gone to the waitin
:, room when the program was finished
Victor was to join her there ana a
, company her home. Suddenly
scream startled her. The next instan
followed by excited members of II
orchestra, the young musician reelC
into the room with bloodless face al
staring eyes.
The Carero!" he shrieked 1T
stolen" and fell scnseless at her fec
A doctor was summoned. He lookC
grave as he felt the pulse and opcn'
the cyelid of the insensible youi
musician
Got him to hospital at once
he ordered IF the strain he is und
s is not soon relieved he will lose h
, mind"
Natalie heard the others tell of he
Victor had left the violin unguard
for a moment, to find it gone Fl
minutes later She sat softly cryi
to herself Natalie was about to pl
coed slowly home when the leader
the orchestra appeared hurriedly.
You are the young lady to who
the Carero belongs" he said. 1T
found. 1t seems that the carctaB
locked it up for safety, has Just
turned and found it."
ooh, | must hasten to the hospi
at once" fluttered Natalie. A nui
l.. led her to room where Victor S
- muttering to himself incoherently:
THE Carero! The Carero!'
is "Mr. Dalzell-Victor." spoke Nata
lg, tremblingly, I'VE have found the
DR. rero See, It is here" but he ne'
We even looked up.
If MAY try an experiment. faltel
in, Natalie, and, the nurse asserting,
ng removed the violin from its case.
I'M talie began playing the masterpiece
the concert as best she could.
tie Victor started at the first melodi'
no note. His eyes lost their moody
nd preston A rare ecstacy came i
his face-reason was recalled by
Id. marvellous magic!
he The Carero brought distinction
ng wealth to Victor, and love. marri
and happiness to both these talen
children Of art.
'ed