20 Short Stories for All Ages

By George Evans

Each story has a positive message, a learning experience and a happy ending.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jan 22, 2021
• ISBN: 9781665515108

George Evans

The author resides in Santa Rosa, Ca. Hes a retired educator who grew up in Gary, Indiana and he served in the Air Force during the Korean war. George received his degree from the University of Vermont and masters from the University of Colorado. Besides writing, he enjoys woodworking, painting and cooking. He has three sons, a daughter, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Book preview

Copyright © 2021 George Evans. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 01/22/2021

ISBN: 978-1-6655-1500-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6655-1510-8 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Manual’s Violin

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

A Crow and a Burglar

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

A Dilemma

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

The Shopping Cart

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

April Fourteenth

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Separation

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Carol

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Determination

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three, The Chapel Car’s Past.

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Deceived

Chapter One

Water Roots and Diamonds

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Hanno’s Song

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Kostas

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Nikos

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

The Painter of Dreams

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Love is Timeless

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

The Road to Friendship

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

The Unbroken Spirit

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

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Manual’s Violin

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By George Evans

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Chapter One

Maria looked out the kitchen window and she noticed that their horse, cow, lamb and goat were behaving out of the ordinary. They were quite unsettled and making unusual noises. Maria was certain that there must be a storm approaching the village.. So, she rushed out the door and she quickly removed the clothes from the clothes line and placed them in the large, wicker basket. Then, she picked up the heavy basket and carried it to the house. As soon as she entered, she told Joseph, her husband, that a storm was heading their way. The father and son ran to the barnyard and led the livestock into the barn.

The damp, cold, north winds pushed the black, omnious clouds above Cremona, a small, poor isolated village in Italy. A fierce storm was about to unleash its fury on the small, old houses,. People knew from past experience what to expect. The residents quickly secured the shutters, shut the windows.and they bolted their front doors to their small, single bedroom homes. A poor family of three worried about their recently- patched, roof. Would it withstand the relentless, strong gusts of the winds and prevent the rain from entering their makeshift home? They huddled around their small, stone fireplace, absorbing their sole source of heat. Joseph fed the blazing fire with scrap pieces of wood and pieces of a tree that he had removed last summer. He hoped that there was enough fuel on hand to last throughout the storm.

After a long period of anxious moments, the winds finally decided to move on and create havoc over a nearby village. The family breathed a sigh of relief. They and their humble home had survived another visit by an unwelcomed guest. Father went outside to see what destruction the storm had left in its wake. To his relief, the roof was still intact, except for a few missing shingles. The fence around the vegetable garden was still standing; but sections of the vegetable garden were ruined and they had to be replanted. The livestock was safe in the barn, preoccupied with munching on hay, as if nothing had happened. After dinner, mother sat in her rocking chair, knitting a wool sweater for their ten-year old son, Manual. Joseph, a carpenter by trade, sat by the fireplace, smoking his pipe, wondering where his next job would be. He expected to be quite busy repairing what the storm had damaged.

The following morning was clear and calm. The rising sun assured everyone in the village that the day would be warm and ideal for doing their daily chores. Manual was sitting on the fence, looking up at the clouds, imagining them to be different animals. His thoughts were interrupted by clanging sounds. Manual turned his head and he saw a mule pulling a wagon with an old man with a long, white beard and wearing a brown leather, tattered hat, holding the reins. The pedlar, who was short and stocky, parked his wagon in front of the house and he walked over to the front door. He was about to knock on the door, when Maria opened it to see what caused the clanging noise. She smiled when she saw the shiny pots and pans glistening in the sun. Excited, she quickly walked over to the wagon to get a closer look.

The pedlar approached her, Good morning, Mam! Would you be inerested in any of my pots and pans?

Maria smiled and she pointed to a copper kettle, Yes. How much is that copper kettle?

You have excellent taste. That’s one of my best pots and it’s quite expensive.

Maria’s smile faded and she lamented, I guess I’ll have to wait until I can afford it."

The pedlar sympathized, Perhaps, you’ll be able to buy it when I come this way again.

He climbed up to the wagon’s seat and he was about to leave when he noticed Manual admiring the violin hanging on a hook near the seat..

The pedler said, I bet you’re wondering what it is.

Manual nodded his head.

The pedler said, When I move this bow across the strings, beautiful sounds are made. I’ll show you.

The pedler removed the violin from the hook, picked up the bow, rested the violin on his left shoulder and played a short, soft melody. Manual’s eyes opened wide with excitement. I’ve never heard anything like that before. I really like it.

The pedler smiled and said, It takes years of practice to play it properly.

Manual asked, Could I try it?

The pedler hesitated at first; but after noticing the boy’s strong interest and his demeanor, he finally relented and said as he handed the violin to Manual, Be gentle with the bow. Just move it lightly over the strings.

Excited, Manual carefully held the violin the way the pedler did and he slowly moved the bow across the strings. Manual was amazed when he heard the sounds. Excited, he wanted to play more; but the pedler said, Sorry, but I have to leave and go to my next stop. I’m sure that I’ll see you again.

Manual reluctantly handed the violin and the bow to the pedler. The pedler thanked him and he said, I think you should take lessons. You have a natural feeling for the violin.

Hercules, the mule, slowly pulled the wagon away from the house.. The sound of the hanging, clanging pots and pans faded as the wagon slowly moved out of sight as it rounded the bend in the road. Manual reluctantly waived goodbye while he followed the wagon. He noticed something shining on the road. He ran up to it and he picked up a copper kettle.Then he ran, wanting to give the lost kettle to the pedler. But, there was no sign of the wagon. Manual didn’t understand why there weren’t any wagon wheel tracks. He decided to head for home. Carrying the copper kettle by its handle, a confused and disappointed Manual briskly walked back home, swinging the kettle to and fro.

Meanwhile, Maria overheard what both her son and the pedler had said. She smiled and then she returned to the house. As soon as she entered the house, Maria said to her husband, I’ve never seen our son so interested and excited about anything.

Smiling, He asked, What are you talking about?

Mother answered, Manual played the violin perfectly for the pedler.

That’s unusual. A violin is difficult to play.

Yes, it is.shiny, He should have a violin and take lessons.

He’s a little young, and we don’t have the money to buy one or pay for lessons.

Mother answered, We’ll just have to find a way to get the money.

I guess I could chop down a few trees and sell the firewood.

Maria added, And I could do more washing and ironing for the rich.

Maria, you already have enough to do. You don’t have the time.

Well, I’ll just have to find the time.

Out of breath and excited, Manual entered the house, holding the shiny, copper kettle.

Mother asked, Why do you have that kettle?

Manual answered, It fell off the wagon and I tried to return it; but the wagon was gone.

Father frowned, That’s quite a story. Are you sure that’s what really happened.

Almost in tears. Yes. Father.

Mother interceded, He’s telling truth.. But it is very strange that the wagon disappeared.

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Chapter Two

Maria decided to cook a stew in the copper kettle. She gathered beets, potatoes and string beans from the garden. After she had washed them, she cut the vegetables in small pieces and put them in the kettle. After adding water, salt and pepper and a few herbs from the garden, Maria put the kettle on a hook that swung over and above the glowing embers in the fireplace. After an hour, Maria asked Joseph to remove the kettle and to bring it to the table. He placed the hot kettle on a pad. Maria then put a large serving spoon in the kettle. Manual had already set the table. Maria placed a large portion of stew onto Joseph’s plate and smaller amounts for Manual and for herself. After Joseph said a prayer of thanks, they all reached for a slice of home-made bread from a basket set in the center of the table and they began to eat their favorite meal.

Joseph exclaimed, This stew is the best ever. The meat is so tender.

Manual added, Mom, I really like it.

With a puzzled look, Maria said, I don’t remember adding meat.

Joseph asked, Are you sure about that?

After a slight pause, Yes, I’m sure. You know that we only have meat on special occassions.

Maybe, you forgot that you did.

No, I didn’t forget.

Manual said, Maybe it’s a magic kettle!

Father frowned, That’s nonsense.

After a moment of silence, the mother concluded, I don’t think so. But, we’ll see what happens when I use this kettle again.

The following day, just before noon, there was a knock on the door. Manual answered it.

A short, young man in a uniform smiled and said, This package is for Manual.

Excited, Manual ran to the door and exclaimed, That’s me!

Yes.Please sign here.

Manual slowly wrote his name on the special form. Then the man handed the package to Manual. Somewhat puzzled, Manual closed the door and he set the package on the table. Both mother and father were not present. Joseph was busy cutting wood and Maria was delivering a basket of freshly-ironed clothes.

Curious and anxious, Manual had to see what was in the box. He untied the string and he removed the brown wrapping paper. Then, he slowly raised the lid. To his surprise, there was a violin, a bow and an envelope. He opened the envelope and read the letter.

Dear Manual,

I have traveled many miles for years, looking for the right person to have this special violin. When you played it for me, I knew then that I had finally fulfilled my mission.Take good care of it and it will serve you well. You and the violin will bring joy to many people for years. I’ll always be with you in spirit whenever you perform. Always play with the heart. Learn to express your feelings through the obedient bow and a precious violin.

Your friend,

The old pedler

Excited, Manual showed the letter to his parents. Both mother and father smiled with pride.

Manual admired the special violin for a moment. Than he carefully removed the violin and bow from the box. He rested the violin on his left shoulder and he picked up the bow. After hesitating for a moment he cautiously moved the bow across the strings. Manual was surprised and moved as the music filled the room. As he played the violin, his confidence grew. He didn’t understand why he played such beautiful music. Manual believed that the bow had special powers since it knew what he was feeling..

As soon as his parents entered the house, Manual placed the bow and violin in the box.. Joseph said, We heard beautiful violin music just before came in. Was that you playing or the radio?

Manual hesitated and he finally said, I just held the bow. The bow did the rest.

Puzzled, mother said, That’s hard to believe. You should take some of the credit.

Manual concluded. With this bow, anyone could play the violin. Here, you try it. Manual handed the bow and violin to his father. The father tried to play it; but only unpleasant sounds were produced. He, in turn, then handed the bow and violin to Maria. Here, you try it.

The results were the same as Joseph’s.

Mother smiled as she looked at her son, Honey, this violin can only be played by you. Take good care of it.

Father wondered, Son, would you play the violin at church tomorrow?

Mother interceded, Joseph, you’re asking too much of Manual. He needs more time to practice.

After a moment of silence, Manual said, It’s okay, mom. The pedlar said I would bring joy to people when I played this violin.

However, just to be sure, Manual took the violin to the barn to practice. He played the violin while the animals were eating. To his surprise, the animals stopped eating and they all stood still, their heads high, as Manual played.

That evening, Maria decided to use her old pot to cook dinner without any pieces of meat. She even took notes of each ingredient she added to the pot. Both the father and son were disappointed that there was no meat and the stew was not nearly as tasty as before. However, mother was still not convinced that it was the copper kettle that had created a better tasting dinner.

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Chapter Three

While lying in bed, Manual was quite worried that he would not perform very well at the church. What if the bow and violin didn’t cooperate? He finally fell asleep. Mother had to shake Manual a few times before he finally woke up. He dressed in his Sunday best as fast as he could. He ate the bowl of oatmeal, combed his hair and picked up his violin case. The family of three rushed out to their horse-drawn wagon. They were finally on their way to church. 5.

Although Maria and Joseph were anxious about their son playing in front of the congregation, they managed to hide their feelings. They didn’t want to see their son fail. Father wished that he hadn’t mentioned the idea. Manual quietly sat in the back of the wagon with the violin case on his lap. The green pastures and the trees dressed in their colorful autumn hues releived some of his anxiety. Manual thought that he had seen the smiling pedlar sitting on a large branch, waving as the wagon passed by. Manual kept the mysterious vision to himself. There was very little conversation. The family of three would soon find out if they had made the right decision. The horse-drawn wagon stopped in front of the church. Maria and Manual got off and they waited while the father parked the wagon in a nearby open field. Together again, they entered the small, white church with a tall steeple. They sat near the front of a church. Manual was somewhat relieved that many of the oak pews were empty. Before the church service began, Joseph went up to the priest to ask permission for Manual to play the violin after the regular church service ended. The priest smiled with approval. He believed that it would be something different and also a pleasant way to end the church service.

The priest looked at Manual and he smiled as he invited him to come up to the raised platform. Both mother and father quietly told him that he would do well..

Mother whispered, Manual, pretend that you’re at home playing the violin.

After Manual removed the violin and the bow from its case, he went up to the front. The priest introduced him. Facing the anxious congregation, Manual set the violin on his left should and he was about to begin playing when he saw the pedlar sitting at the rear of the church, smiling and nodding his approval.. With confidence, Manual began to play. His anxious parents were greatly relieved when the pure, moving sounds, that only a violin could make, filled the air. Both the priest and the people were surprised and they were very impressed.

As Manual played, his confidence grew. His parents smiled with pride. After the final note was played, a stunned congregation was silent for a moment and then they all stood and clapped with approval. The priest went up to Manual and he congratulated him. He invited Manual to play his violin on the following Sunday. Surprised, Manual gladly accepted the invitation. As the people were leaving, several of them went up to Manual and his parents, offering their congratulations and encouraging comments.

The ride back home was filled with happy chatter. It would be a memorable Sunday. Their son had made his violin debut and it was a very successful one.

The priest was very pleased that the following Sundays, the church attendance was overflowing. Manual managed to create sounds with his violin which often created smiles and tears. During one Sunday, a man, dressed in a fine suit, approached Manual and his parents. He introduced himself as Roberto, the conductor of an orchestra in Rome.

Roberto asked Manual, May I see your violin?

Manual looked up at his parents and the father said, It’s alright. Let him see it.

Manual handed the violin to Roberto. After closely examinining it, he smiled and said, I knew it. It’s a Stradivarious!! The sound it makes is unique. Where did you get this violin?

Manual answered, A pedlar gave it to me. 6.

Roberto was stunned and he finally advised, Be sure to have it insured. This violin is very rare and it’s worth thousands if not millions.

Both parents were wide-eyed and speechless. Manual smiled as he carefully put the violin in its case.

Robeto said, I’ve never heard anyone play a violin so well, especially someone so young. He certainly has a special gift. With your permission, I would like to have him play as a guest artist at our next performance.

Joseph looked at Manual and asked, Do you want to do that?

After a moment of hesitation, Manual smiled and he said, Yes.

Father said, Our son doesn’t read music. He plays what he feels and if hears any music, he’ll remember it and play it note for note.

After Roberto gave this revelation some thought, he said, That’s even better. I know that people will love whatever he plays.

After Roberto left, Joseph said to Manual. Let me take a close look at the violin and the bow.. I wonder what makes it so special.

He carefully examined it. Shined a flashlight through the openings and he concluded, This wood is old growth. It’s very dense. According to the grain, it looks like the top is made of spruce and the back is probably made of maple. Furniture is often made out of maple. The strings look like horse hairs.

Mother remarked, That’s interesting. Isn’t it amazing that wood, a bow with strings made of horse hairs can create such beautiful sounds.

Father added, It’s hard to believe that people knew enough about wood to make this violin hundreds of years ago. Today, with all of our technology, we can’t duplicate the sounds this violin makes.

A family of three was no longer poor. They were rich with more friends and notiriety. The village church attracted people from miles around. It had to be enlarged to accommodate the growing number of people. During dinner Manual finally shared his unusual experience of seeing the pedlar every time he had played the violin. Both parents were concerned; for they had never seen the pedlar at any of the church services. But they accepted their son’s imagination as being true.

Manual’s unusual talent had quickly spread and soon became front-page news in several major cities. He was also interviewed by radio stations. Appearing as a guest artist with the orchestra that was to perform in Rome in a few weeks, promoted the sale of tickets. It had become a sold-out event. In addition, because the concert was to be held in Rome, the Pope was scheduled to attend.

Meantime, Manual practiced playing the violin daily. Sometimes he listened to music on the radio and then played what he heard. The orchestra’s manager had arranged to pay all travel and hotel accommodations for the family. In addition, Manual was to paid a handsome amount. The day of the big event had finally arrived. The village, those attending the concert and the country were all anxiously waiting to hear Manual perform on stage and on the radio.. 7.

The audience stood and applauded when the Pope appeared. He sat in a special reserved seat.. As the curtain was raised, members of the orchestra, who were already seated in their places, waited for the conductor to appear. When the conductor came on the stage, the audience applauded. After the conductor bowed, he turned and he faced the orchestra. He raised his baton and the orchestra began to play their instruments. After playing a few selections and a lengthy applause, there was an intermission. The people gathered in the lobby. Several people discussed Manual, the guest artist. They were all curious and wondered if he were as good as they heard and read. After the people returned to their seats, Manual appeared and he walked to the center of the stage.. The audience applauded. Roberto explained how he had heard Manula play the violin at a church service.

Let’s give this fine young boy a round of applause. The people responded with enthusiasm,encouraging Manual.

The conductor smiled as he looked at Manual and he whispered, Manual, the stage is yours. Just be yourself. Pretend that you’re playing the violin for your parents at home.

People had looked forward to this moment. But Manual froze. He just stood there with a lost, frightened look. Everyone in the audience was stunned into silence and hoping that he would eventually play.. The conductor went over to Manual and did his best to encourage Manual to play. But Manual continued to stand motionless, searching in vain for his friend, the pedlar; but there was no sign of him. Then, Manual’s mother left her seat and she quickly went on stage. The audience remained silent. Maria stopped to talk to the conductor, then she went up to her bewildered, frightened son.

Honey, what’s wrong?

Manual looked up, teary eyed,The pedlar isn’t here. I can’t play without him.

My dear son, the pedlar is not here in person; but he’s here in spirit. He believed that you are more than ready to perform. I’m sure that he’s listening. Show the pedlar that he was right. He recognized that you have a special gift. Your father and I are very proud of you. The people and your father and I want to hear our son play a very special violin.

While mother was walking backing to her seat, the entire audience stood and began to clap. The applause became louder and louder. Manual smiled. He placed the violin on his shoulder and with his special bow, he began playing the emotions he felt. The people quietly listened. . Manual played longer than planned. By now, the conductor had set aside his baton and the members of the orchestra sat spellbound. Several people in the audience wiped away their tears. Manual and his violin had captivated everyone, including the Pope. After Manual stopped playing, there was a completely silent moment. Then, the people stood, including the Pope and the members of the orchestra. The concert hall had erupted with loud cheers and a long applause. Manual and his parents smiled and they brushed aside their tears. Manual gratefully bowed his thanks. The conductor went over to congratulate Manual. The people would not stop clapping until Manual played again. Encouraged and with more confidence Manual played more of his own vibrant and energetic creations.. The audience still couldn’t get enough. They wanted more of Manual’s music.

Finally, the conductor had to intercede, He raised his arms to ask for silence.

We have all witnessed something extraordinary and certainly memorable. I promise that Manual will return; but for now, this young musician is tired and it’s past his bedtime.

The people understood and they quietly left..

The family of three was no longer poor. Manual had enriched the lives of many with a gift from the pedlar who wore a tattered hat and had a long white beard.

Mother was still wondering about the meat in her stew, cooked in the copper kettle.

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Chapter Four

Needless to say that Manual became very well known in Italy. His gifted talent had also spread to other countries. Manual had received many offers from people to act as his business and publicity manager. The family seriously considered the offers; but they declined.Manual’s parents decided that they would handle all business matters until Manual reached adulthood. The transition from chores on their quiet, small farm to dealing with the tough business world would certainly be a new family experience. It was not always trouble-free since some people try to take advantage of others for their own personal gain.

Manual was sought by several countries,including the United States. Eventually, the family decided to rent their farm house on the condition that the tenants would take care of the livestock. The family decided to rent an apartment in Rome where there was a major airport since they had to travel a great deal.

As soon as they were settled in their apartment, they followed the tourist trail and they made a poinr of seeing all of the popular sites. The tour was especially inspirational for Manual. He had the unique talent of translating the emotions he felt when he saw the historic sites into his own renditions. His parents were his audience as well as his critics; of which he gladly welcomed. His mother and father were quite pleased that their son had improved as time evolved. Also, he finally learned to read music; of which gave Manual a broader repertoire. Because of Manual’s interest in classical music, his parents also became fans of the classics. When the windows were opened, people passing by enjoyed the sounds of a violin. A few people stopped to listen. One might interpret their experiences as a sidewalk violin concert.

Manual always checked the mail box. He scanned the mail as he walked up the steps to their apartment. One of the letters attracted his attention. It was a letter from the manager of Carnegie Hall in New York. Excited, he ran down the hall and rushed into the apartment.

Mom, dad, there’s a letter from Cargegie Hall. He then removed the letter from the envelope and read it. His eyes opened wide with excitement. Mom, dad, they want me to be a guest artist at Carnegie Hall.

Father said, Let me see the letter.

Smiling broadly, Manual is right! Congratulations, son!

Mother also read the great news. She said, Manual, that’s quite an honor. How do you feel about it?

Mom, dad, I’m really excited!. I’ve always wanted to see New York!

Father intervened, I guess we all agree to go to New York. We’ll answer the letter and state the conditions.

Father advised the manager of Carnegie Hall that they wanted accommodations near Carnegie Hall and all expenses paid for a family of three for a week.

Within a week, the family received a phone call. It was Mr. Gordon, the manager of Carnegie Hall. Mother had answered the Phone. She said, Honey, it’s for you. She handed the phone to Joseph.

Yes, this is Joseph.

Hello, this is John Gordon, the business manager. I received your letter and all of your requests will be honored. I’ve listed the dates of the concerts and enclosed are three round-trip tickets. Also, a cashier’s check for your routine expenses. Hotel reserevations have been made.Your son will receive a sizeable amount of money after the final concert. We look forward to meeting you and we all are excited about hearing your young son, Manual, play the violin. He can begin practicing Mozart’s Violin Concerto Number Three. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call.

Joseph said, Thank you. We also look forward to meeting you and our son appreciates the opportunity to play in Carnegie Hall.

After Joseph placed the phone down, he said, It’s all set. The business manager, John Gordon, gave us all that we asked for and more. Manual, start practicing Mozart’s Violin Concerto Number Three.

Mother said, We had better go to the music store and buy the sheet music this afternoon.

They called a cab and instructed the cab driver to take them to the nearest music store. After a fifteen minute drive, the family entered the store. Maria told the clerk what they were looking for. But, the clerk informed her that the store didn’t have it. Disappointed, Maria asked if the clerk knew of any other store that might have it..

The clerk said, I’ll call another place and see if they have it.

The clerk returned and he informed the family that he called two stores and neither one had it.

Disappointed, Joseph asked, Is there another store you could call.

I’m sorry, there isn’t.

Joseph looked at Maria, What do we do now?

Before Maria could answer, the clerk informed them that the library has a collection of classical sheet music."

Where is it?asked Joseph.

It’s only a couple of block from here. As you leave the store, go right and you can’t miss it. It’s an old two-story, stone building with long, narrow windows." .

They thanked the clerk and the three briskly walked to the library. Within a few minutes, they ran up the steps, Joseph opened the massive doors and then they all went straight to the counter.

Maria asked the librarian if they had the sheet music they were looking for.

Yes, we do. But you can’t check it out.

The librarian couldn’t help but notice the disappointed look on their faces. She asked, Why do you want the music? It’s a very unusual request.

Maria answered, Our son is going to play his violin at Carnegie Hall in New York and he needs to practice.

The librarian smiled and she said, That’s quite an honor. In that case, I’ll be happy to make a copy for you. Please wait here.

After a few minutes, the librarian returned with the sheet music. Our new copy machine certainly comes in handy. Wish you all the best.

The satisfied and happy family left and Joseph hailed a cab. As soon as they entered the apartment, Manual studied the music. Then he placed them on the music stand and he began to practice. Both parents smiled with pride.

Joseph asked Maria, Were there any musicians in your family?

No, I was going ask you the same question.

Joseph answered, None. I wonder where he got it from.

Maria said, Perhaps from the pedlar. After all, his copper kettle made the best stew with meat."

Manual practiced for hours until he was perfectly satisfied. He knew the music so well, that he no long needed the sheets of music. While he played, thoughts of the old pedlar came to mind. . He wodered if he would ever see him again.

That evening, while lying in bed, Maria commented, I’m worried about our son playing at Carnegie Hall.

Joseph, trying to reassure her, He’ll be fine.

It’s New York, the largest city in the world with its tall skyscrappers and only the best perform at Carnegie Hall. I’m afraid that he’ll be overwhelmed.

Perhaps you’re right. What can we do about it.?

I have an idea. It may sound crazy; but it’s worth a try.

What is it?

Place a notice in the newspapers..

What would it be about?

How does this sound? Manual needs the old pedlar at Carnegie Hall on Nov. 5th."

After a slight pause, Joseph said, I guess it’s worth a try. I can’t think of anything else.

The notice was placed in all of the major newspapers. And to their surprise, radio stations also joined in on the effort to locate the pedlar.

Two weeks had passed and there was no sign of the pedlar. The family flew to New York and they were in awe when they saw their spacious hotel room with two bedrooms. They had two days to acclimate to the new surroundings. In the apartment, he played the music with confidence. Maria and Joseph thought that perhaps they had underestimated their son’s ability to cope with the city of New York.. The day of the concert had finally arrived. Mr. Gordon greeted them as they entered the spacious auditorium and he led them to their reserved box seats.

Manual was waiting for his turn to appear on stage. Every seat was filled. It was an opportunity of a lifetime. Maria and Joseph hoped that Manual would not lose his confidence. Somewhat nervous and also excited, Manual tightly held onto his violin. When the conductor appeared, the audience applauded loudly. The conductor then turned to his left and he signaled Manual to enter the stage. All of the sudden, Manual felt extremely afraid. His confidence disappeared. He had difficulty taking the all-important first step. But he had to fullfill his obligation and not disappoint his parents and the audience.. A nervous ten-year old was about to enter the stage when someone tapped him on his shoulder. You forgot this.

Manual turned around. To his great delight he saw an old man with a long white beard, wearing a brown leather, tattered hat.

The pedlar smiled as he handed the bow to Manual. Tears of joy and confidence reentered Manual’s soul. He embraced the old pedlar and then he confidently walked out to the center of the stage as the audience greeted him with an applause.

The conductor raised his baton and the orchestra began to play. When it was time for Manual to perform, the conductor looked at him. Manual’s parents were quite apprehensive until the first few notes were perfectly played on the violin. Both his parents and Manual were now confident that he would be at his best. As Manual played, the people in the audience were captivated by the purity of each note. After Manual played the final note, the audience stood and gave Manual a long, thunderous applause. The pedlar smiled; for he knew for certain that Manual and his precious violin would bring joy to the world for years to come.

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A Crow and a Burglar

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By George S. Evans

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Chapter One

Vincent, a forty year old bachelor prepared to paint his two-story home on warm, spring day. He spread a drop cloth over the shrubbery next to the house and set up his extension ladder. With a rag and brush stuffed in his back pocket, he carried a bucket of paint up the ladder. Vincent wiped off the dust and just as he was about to apply the paint, he was attacked by a crow. Her nest of newly-born chicks was high in a tree close to the house. In his attempt to fight off the angry crow with his brush, her wing was splattered with paint. The crow was relentless. Defeated and afraid of falling, Vincent quickly climbed down the ladder, spilling paint on the way.

He moved the ladder to the other end of the house; but she,Spots, continued to go at him. Vincent wisely abandoned the idea of painting for now and he put away the ladder and drop cloths. To his dismay, from that day forward, whenever Vincent walked out the front door and walked to his car in driveway, Spots always shrilled out a warning before attacking him, forcing Vincent to run to his car in the driveway, fighting her off the best he could and quickly shutting the car door.

Vincent was a locksmith by day and a burglar by night. He preferred his evening hobby since it was more challenging and much more lucrative than making keys and fixing locks. As a locksmith, Vincent could easily enter any home without leaving a clue. The numerous thefts befuddled the police in spite of trying everything in their arsenal of strategies and expertise to catch the Phantom.

Vincent often left his bedroom window open whenever it was a warm day. Spots was attracted by the shiny gold pieces and glittering jewels in a large dish that were visible from her nest. She first stole necklaces and used them to reinforce her nest of twigs. Not satisfied, Spots continued to raid Vincent’s stash of stolen jewels and stored them in her nest. Vincent failed to notice the missing jewelry since there was so much of it and Spots performed her covert missions with an expertise that no burglar could have ever ever duplicated.

Spots continued to attack Vincent as he dashed to the car to go to work. Desperate, Vincent called his close friend, Mark, about how to deal with an angry and vengeful crow.

Hi, Mark.

What’s up, Vincent?

I have an unusual problem and I need help. I was painting the house and I got too close to a crow’s nest and she attacked me. I almost fell off the ladder. She’s been after me ever since. Any ideas?

Mark laughed. "Vince, crows are very smart birds and they have a memory like an elephant. Your best bet is to wear a mask. It’s a scientific fact that they don’t forget a face.