THE STONE CUTTER—Continued from Page Thirty-four

was finding trouble with his horse. My companion soothed the ani-
mal, plucked from the hoof a thorn, and turning to the carter showed
him how the hoof was formed. They talked of diseases, the stranger
em all.
Bact the Holy father with whom my new friend spoke, display-
ing as great a knowledge of spiritual things, as he had of earthly
matters. With the farmer he talked of the seed and tilling. To the
pedagogue he recited sonnets, verse and theology. ae
“Of a sudden Signora Martelli rushed into the street; cried, ‘My
boy, my boy,’ and fainted. The stranger, leaving the unfortunate
woman in our care, strode to the house from which came the sound
of a child crying in delirium. ’Twas several moments before we could
restore the prostrate mother and when we entered we found the
stranger had already soothed the child and was on the point of
administering a draught of some liquid. He gave a phial to the
mother with instructions as to its use. We left.
“A crowd followed and I, making an excuse, dropped back with
them. Afraid? No. I am not fit to walk with such a man.
“The villagers started. Yes, your brother and sister too. Old Mark,
the worst, for he knows no better, stood as though catching flies.
“The stranger grew impatient and left, going into the fields. Then
into the field with Marti’s bull he climbed and followed the beast
with his book for near an hour. How did I know? I heard. For I
went down and started again to cut that stone. "Tis only a small
piece. But, so the Stranger said, this is the only spot that it is found
in all its purity. It must be precisely to the size.
“And while I worked he came. First admired my stone then asked
to wield the tools. I consented wonderingly and on my word I never
saw so true a blow. During this his book, which he had lain down,
fell open. You need not blush. ’T'was wonderful. As beautiful as
you are. He said that I was fortunate in such a wife and gave me
the one of little Nicholas. See, here it is. I would have shown you
sooner.
“I have other news. You heard? He was in town this hard task
master of mine, this sculptor. They pointed him out to me in the
square. He was with the Duke. I worked my way closer, and, my
dear, ag hated man, this sculptor, he is the Stranger, the Michael
ngelo!

FRED AMESS.

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