The Ozark spectator., 1917-08-11
HIS MASTERPIECE.

go around some wayT
 "Go around Broadway? Well, if that don't beat anything ever heard. For goodness sake, don't be so afraid of everything. You look countrified enough without acting It."
 The girl started as if she had been struck, then bravely followed him across the crowded thoroughfare. But two teardrops crept slowly down her flushed cheeks. A tremor shook her slender form, while her large brown eyes glanced appealingly at her com panion.
 Four years before Bruce Robertson left his home on the farm and had come to q celebrated art school in New York. His teachers had fostered and improved his very great talent until now his work had been recognized by prominent critics.
 At first the young artist went home often to see Mary Corbin, his country sweetheart. But the intervals be- tween visits grew longer and longer. until finally he decided he was too busy to go out at all. At last, tired of waiting, Mary came to spend the day in the city to see If Bruce was well. But she found far different lover from the one who had left her four years before. Ashamed of her simple, rustic ways, Bruce avoided his usual haunts. He acted bored while in her presence. To the girl 1t seemed the day would never end, but, finally. they came to the train which was to carry her home. It carried away girl torn with sobs and with an aching void in place of heart.
 Several months later, a national art exhibit for undergraduates of art schools was announced to be held at Washington. Bruce represented his school. For months he worked on Il painting that he determined would be his masterpiece. Win the prize he must and would. The subject he se- lected was ''The Spirit of Freedom" He obtained beautiful model and put forth his best efforts to make a perfect picture. He finished about a
 
 the picture to his teacher. The in- structor declared the picture was per feet and assured Bruce the prize was his. Beaming with satisfaction and pride, Bruce waited for the eventful day.
 The large art gallery was packed to the doors as the time drew near for the judges decision. After prelimi- nary exercises one of the three elderly men on the front of the platform arose and cleared his throat.
 Ladies and gentlemen" he began. "I assure you it was no easy task to tell the best painting from all those submitted. We decided that one of two pictures would win. These are The Spirit of Freedom and Dawn In The Spirit of Freedom you behold Il perfect picture. Not detail Is lack ing. It is triumph of technique. Dawn Is far from perfect. But 1t has one thing the first picture lacks 1t has soul. And The Spirit of Freedom without soul Is farce. Therefore l take great pleasure in be- slowing the grand prize on Harold Lockwood of Kansas
 As the applause died away a freck- led-faced young man arose and bowed while the judge handed the check giv- en as prize. With bitterness In his heart Bruce rose and left the hall.
 Day after day found the defeated nr iSf In hfS fnf n new masterpiece. But he lacked ideas. And new feeling began to creep over him-a feeling of loneliness. He realized that he had not q real friend in the world. He hadn't heard from Mary since her visit to the city.
 As he sat idly before his easel one day the clang of fire engines aroused Bruce to action. He dashed down the street and found large tenement in flames. The firemen had lost hope of saving it and were giving their atten- ton to the surrounding buildings.
 While Bruce was watching the blaze he turned to n man near by and ex- claimed: Do you see that shuttered window on the top story? l saw some thing move there just now. I believe someone Is there. They can't put up n ladder because of the flames below. I'm soing up there."
 Before the other recovered from his surprise, Bruce ran toward the door of the doomed dwelling. Up the burn ing stairs he sped until he reached the top, then he opened door on his right. Lying on bed was the wasted form of a girl. Bruce seized her and retraced his steps. Through fire and smoke he went until, at last. he stag gered out the door and fell into the arms of the firemen.
 The next day, by inquiring, Bruce round that the girl he had saved was in hospital. Being naturally inter- ested in her, he determined to pay her visit As he approached the bed on which the sick girl lay Bruce gasped. then fell on his knees beside her.
 Mary, how did you come to be hereY
 Il left home over a year ago. l thought that if l became citified you might like me again." she murmured.
 ily. |