The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-04-06

was stranger; the divine music!
That instrument, 1t came surely from
one of the music masters. May look
at it? May l hold it, to know that
for a moment at least that | have
had possession of the very soul or
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-
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-
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 a 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 tender
light in her eyes.
You will be very careful of the in
strument?" she said.
Il will guard it with my life" cried
the delighted enthusiast. "Oh. how
can ever repay you? And with your
presence at the concert, l 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 &C
company her home. Suddenly {
scream startled her. The next instant
followed by excited members of thu
orchestra, the young musician reele'
into the room with bloodless face AM
staring eyes.
| l.. oh
stolen,' and fell senseless at her feet
A doctor was summoned. He looke'
grave as he felt the pulse and opened
the cyelid of the insensible youn
musician.
Get him to a hospital at once!
he ordered. "If the strain he is undc
, is not soon relieved he will lose hi
mind"
Natalie heard the others tell of hoy
Victor had left the violin unguarde
for a moment, to find it gone fiv
minutes later. She sat softly cryin
to herself Natalie was about to pre-
coed slowly home when the leader c
the orchestra appeared hurriedly.
"You are the young lady to whoI
the Carero belongs" he said. 1T
found. 1t seems that the caretaks
locked it up for safety, has just r.
turned and found it."
ooh, l must hasten to the hospit;
at once," fluttered Natalie. A nurs
led her to room where Victor sa
y muttering to himself incoherently:
1.-THE Carero! The Carero!"
!. "Mr. Dalzell-Victor," spoke Natal
, tremblingly, I'VE have found the G.
r. rero See, It is here but he nevt
q even looked up.
!. MAY try an experiment." faltere
Natalie, and, the nurse asserting, 81
q removed the violin from its case. N
n talie began playing the masterpiece
the concert as best she could.
Victor started at the first melodio,
= note. His eyes lost their moody e
:, preston. A rare ecstacy came I'M
his face-reason was recalled by Il
marvellous magic!
The Carero brought distinction ar
- wealth to Victor, and love, marriat
and happiness to both these talentt
children of art