Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1920-11-25
HIS INSPIRATION
BY MILDRED WHITE.

around the platform of the church
! which was to hold the throng coming
from far and near to rejoice in the
success Of a former townsman. Hal
Rupert was only remembered as an
ambitious boy who had early left the
great house on the hill, TO pursue
musical study abroad. But Hal Ru-
pert the father, and the still older
Hal had been honOred and beloved by
the entire community. For their
sakes, though both had long passed
away, this gifted musician was now
lovingly welcomed
1t was the progressive Madame
Weston who first conceived the idea
Of extending to Hal Ormond Rupert
an invitation to visit the town of his
ancestors, so near the big city where
he was now, on concert tour And
Rupert, the violinist, responding
promptly and cordially, suggested
that his services would be at their
disposal for one evening.
So Madame Weston Immediately
planned a recital for the benefit Of
local charity. Among all the eager
faces appraised before him the violin
list saw but one-the young, old face
of a child. EnthraIed. motionless,
it was as though the boy were hypno-
tized by the music, hypnotizing in
turn the player, by his tense wrapt
attention. Nainly, Rupert endeavored
to withdraw his interested gaze from
the boys face. Then smiling whim-
sically, found that face, his inspira-
ton.
When the last note had been lost
in applause it was to the white-faced
boy that Rupert made his acknowl-
edging bow. And then, following an
inexplicable impulse he seated him
self on the end of the front seat be-
side the boy, as Madame assembled the
platform to make one of her speeches
of appreciation. With a SILVER of de-
light the boy looked up into the mans
face.
THAT was great" he breathed.
81 want to see you when this is
over" the musician said. He noticed |
that the boy sank back as if crippled. |
And true to his word, after what |
seemed an nterminable time of hand |
he sought out again his pa
tient watcher
you liked my music?" he asked
abruptly.
The little fellow drew long breath.
IF I,could learn to play like that"
he said, I'D want nothing else-in all
the world I've got a VIOLIN" he went
On excitedly. "They offered one at a
grocery place as a premium, if you'd
get enough grocery orders
81 went out every day, and I got the
orders. Cissy said--that's my sister
hat she was afraid people gave me
he orders just because my spine is
BAD. But, I told Cissy that they got
heir goods all right, didn't they?"
His pleading eyes were questioning.
"Of course they did" the musician
greed.
"And l learned to play myself" the
10Y went on, little things that I'd
lear. Cissy says my playing is beau
iful unto tears Cissy says queer
hings, but oh how she does wish she
Ould let me have lessons.
"She does a darn lot too much for
ne as it is" he burst out unexpect-
dly. "You see first, she was mother
0 me when mother died l don't re-
lember her Then she was dad to
lie after dad died-earns our living |
mean up in the bank Office
"Your sister," Rupert asked-he was
interested in this absorbed
Dung admirer, sis not as fond of mu-
&c as you are. She is not here to-
ght?" ,
The boy moved uneasily. 9
"She was crazy to come" he said. NJ
knew that all the time, though she a
lid, she wasn't. But, a dollar means a
lot to us. Cissy didn't know how NJ
lie was going to let me come, when ! n
he read your bills in the store win q
ows. Then all at once it came TO NJ
n, just the way everything comes FL
Cissy. She had bought new a
raw hat, cheapest little hat, but then NJ
erything looks pretty, on Cissy. and f3
e was going to Miss Smiths. where g
ey' sell navy-blue pompons. Cissy W
as going to perk the navy-blue POM S
n up in front of her hat to make a
stylish. And the pompon was Just w
e dollar, don't you seer" S
Rupert, the musician, put an arm 3
ound the child to guide him down W
e aisle
Thanks" the boy said cheerfully a
rowds do jostle my spine. if You "
MT hold 'em back"
The girl waiting in the hall looked 8
wide eyed as the two approached. NJ
Paul, dear" she exclaimed, I'm IN
glad you have come" O.
This is Rupert" the boy said VI
Sly. IN
oh Cissy-myl You should have
lrd him play" NJ