The Princeton union., 1879-08-20
"A FLAT" "
A College Story.

- "A FLAT" -..r II.
A College Story.
Arthur Hoyat looked at himself in the
glass seriously, and without self-lovc or
self-prejudice. He saw there frank,
good natured face. pair of blue eyes,
and mass of curly brown hair. As far
as he could Judge there was nothing par
ticularly out Of the way with his counte-
nance.
Say, Dick" he began, to his ROOM
mate, who was puzzling over page Of
Xenophon, 1--we been taking account Of
stock, and don't see anything unpar-
donably wrong abont MY features. They
are not angular enough to be called sharp,
nor level enough to be justly styled fiat
so can't exactly see the suitableness of
the expression which has somehow come
to be my college cognomen."
''Don't be tool" growled Dick, with
out looking up from his book.
Il have always been great stickler
for the fitness Of things, eternal and tenn
poral," continued Arthur; ':and if to be
"A Flat is really applicable as a correct
description of the impression my person
al appearance makes on my companions,
all right! I'd as soon respond to that
name as any other; but il it's not mine,
then, old fellow, it's got to be stopped!"
'If you'd rob hen's-roosts, and steal
the housekeeper's preserves, and lay traps
to trip up old men and women, and raise
Cain generally, you'd be the most popu-
lar fellow in college," said Dick, with a
disdainful grimace, still with his eyes
fixed on his book. ::They let me alone,
you see, because don't care hang for
em, and because they know I'm as poor
as poverty and as dull as hard-shell
clam. You get ahead Of 'em in class.
I'm always in the rear. You have money
to subscribe to everything there is going,
and you refuse to spend It in riotous liV-
ing. ! havnt any money, and therefore
I'm OF no. consequence. Whoever says
that there isn't compensation for every-
thing don't know what they are talking
about.''
"You're a patient old soldier" said
Arthur, with a merry laugh, land wish
| mad something Of your philosophy! !
But, the fact is, every time I'm called "A
Flat l feel the fight tingling all over
me. l am afraid that some time my fist
will become unmanageable."
II guess mott" Dick replied. You'd
only get yourself in worse muss, beside
having something to be sorry for all the
days Of your life, perhaps! But there's
the bell, and I'm out of the bolt-ropes
as usual"
''There's row in the camp!'' said Ar
thurs right-hand neighbor, as the young
men took their seats in class. Some Of
the boys scared old Mrs. Allen into fits
last night, and they say it is a sliner.'
Nobody thinks she'll pull through. One
Of the fellows dressed up in white, and
rode the Old woman's COW clear into the
kitchen. They let out the pig, and stoned
the house and broke the windows. and
goodness knows what they didn't do.
There won't be any show for the bows
that cut up those capers''
'Well, there oughtn't to be!'' said Ar
thur, Indignantly
Just then the Greek Professor entered
the classroom, and, after surveying the
students moment, said with great seri-
business:
II am requested by the President to
say to Arthur Hoyt and Richard Denham
that they were to repair at once to the
library, where the Faculty Of this college
wait to see them.'
"All right, SIR" responded Arthur,
pleasantly. Conscious Integrity made
him bold. Dick rose slowly, and walked
out IN his usual dogged manner.
''Say, "A Flat you're in for it!'' said
one Of the class, in a low toae, as the
young man passed him. E'You're turn
has come now, "A Flat!' - said another.
"Mcbbe YOU won't he so high and
mighty now that you're found out at
lastr'
"What do you suppose it is?' Dick
inquired, as he came up with Arthur.
''Some contemplate trick Of the boys"
said Arthur; "but we shall soon know,
Brace up old fellow, for here we are.
A few words sufficed to put the visitors
in possession Of all they wanted to know.
After few preliminary remarks, such as
having been led to expect better things
from the young men before him, the
President produced large silk handker-
Chief, with "Arthur Hoyt' plainly marked
in one corner.
"Does this belong to you, Hoyt?" the
President inquired.
ut does sir,' replied Arthur, pleas
antly.
"And is this yours?" the gentleman
asked OF Dick, presenting crooked stick,
or cane, which the young man was acz
customed to carry on long walks.
''That's mine sir,'' said Dick.
"And here is a cuff with "A. Hovt
marked on it," the President continued
'torn from the wrist probably in the
pleasant excitement of frightening an in
nocent old woman into a fit I shall he
compelled to bold your property, sirs,
until such time as the law of the college.
or the law of the State, shall be passed
upon you. Mrs. Allen IS not ex pected
to live"