Abbeville progress. (Abbeville, Vermilion Parish, La.) 1913-1944, 1916-12-23
&c SO lavishly tinctured with unut,er.

Moore'S. So. with this argument for
my weapon, | determined 10 conOuer
the superstition that had almost over
powered me. | had noticed. too in
poth former instances a singular fact :
Inc OLD man, though so ready 10 fend
OH all comment that might reflect a
single ray of praise upon himself. lis
tened with more of the air of Il critic
IMAM one whose interest was merely
th@t of curiosity. and still when the
IfasincntHry productions we're read
ALOUD, a look of more than ordinary
satisfaction would Tighten up his eyes.
Inc facts. hastily reviewed. deter
mined me upon Il course of action | had
instant opportunity To adopt
Read 1t aloud" said the old man.
ihhpauentiy; read it aloud"
complied with more than usual
enthusiasm. reading verbatim from the
copy until | came To the repetition OF
the hrst four lines, which l thus trans
posed or, rather, paraphrased.
The harp of the minstrel has never
note
As sad as the song in his bosom ex-
pressed.
And the magical touch of his fingers
afloat
Dri1ts over the echoes that sleep in
the breast"
Ihis l was careful TO deliver without
emphasis or mark of any kind by which
ne might discover any imposition ON
my part. As / closed / stole a hasty
glance at his face, and was gratified
10 ma 1t wearing rather startled ex-
preston: not only did his features be-
Tray puzzled and questioning air, but
his hand was mechanically extended
as though reaching for the paper in
my own.
do you want to see it?" | asked |
suddenly, handing him the scrap.
Yes, I-Oh, no-no," he broke in
cropping his hand, and his face col
ored wildly. But turning again as
he added: yes, give Il to me.
Where are the others? l must be CO.
ing"
why must you go?" 1 asked. still
retaining the scrap; II had hoped"
i am gOing" he interrupted brusk-
" snatching up the scraps that lay
upon the counter, and reaching for the
)ne L still held. "Give me the poem. |
Will trouble you no longer"
ALLOW me to retain 1t, beg of YOU"
'ald l, with significant smile, and the
'hghtest tinge Of sarcasm in my voice.
Let me Keep il as BETTING memen-
o OF the inspiration 1 have seen so
'otently exercised"
His face was pale with anger as he
eplied:
Il will not. When you want rhyme
write it yourself. You can at least
write dOggerel."
very neat" said l, laughing. 1--WE
Understand each other, so let's be
riends. Here is my hand and a dol
ar besides. Give me the other scraps
Il want them ALL"
TOOK them from him as he clutched
the bill, which he smothered in his
aim, and then turned away without ,
word.
Here, Charley" called one of the
ystanders, half of that's enough for
Oh tonight" -,
The door slammed violently and he f
as gone. r
Old Cain will have that dollar in e
st five minutes" continued the man.
"And who's Old Cain?" 1 asked.
keeps the doggery just over the
le." le
"Old Charley" NJ Is n we'll In
Town character in Union City-his al
me, in fact, although he often dis a
pears for long periods, but, as nv to
formant remarked, always turns I'D tr
ain like bad penny" or
His story Of his early life is at least or
sed upon the truth, but now so high Sc
colored 1t is a decidedly difficult
litter to detect that simple element. III
originally he was printer but he lH'
rly abandoned that vocation for an ", We
Ter, and that In turn for another. liz
so on. until by easy graduations he ui'
become, as the old saw has IT,
ack of all trades and master of la'
ne." pa
wi
Among his many accomplishments 60
is musician of considerable skill ,',
lays the flute, violin, and guitar A.,
quite passably; is a great reader, a or'
: cOnversationalist-w accom- N
'hment personally vouch for. But 'p'
eff OF all his accomplishments is
t of writing clever limitations of the
authors and poets. These produc-
rs he prepares with great care. COM hg
s to memory, and is ready to dis Ing
e OF by as ingenious a method. 10
nd yet, although he be a vagabond. spi
Tough his friends-such as they are '"ii
re first to call him sot; although ud'
selfish world that hurries past may ny
lie him unnOticed from the path Nn'
although he styles himself nea
iceless dog, in all candOr, and in vi,
Ice to my true belief, I call him a oru
arkable man. reh
SINS