South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1880-03-12


from breaking down under the confine-
ment OF study. So, on the whole, the
actual work that he did in the college
course was not very extensive.
This didn't seem TO have any bad ef-
feet till we'll along in the winter, when
the habit OF Sinking work had grown
90 strong. without his noticing il, that
he fell easily into reading novels when
he ought to have been in the recitation-
room. Gymnasium. theater, billiards,
smoking-and am afraid must saw
a little drinkiny-frittered away his
time.
One horrible, snowy, sleety morning.
when he had got up too late for prayers.
the postman brought him a note from
the Faculty--an 'admonition.'
He dropped the pipe ho was just
lighting and boiled OF to recitalion.-
But no beaded immediately and that.
discouraged him.
He soon began to make light Of the
warning, and did himself no credit in
his studies. Though he managed to
squeeze through the examination at the
end of the freshman year, he came out
far down toward the foot of his class.
He wasn't quite contented with him.
self and thought he would try to do bet
ter the next year. But during tile jour
ney home he recovered his usual spirits.
Whom he walked up the village to.
wards the parsonage farm, he was think
ing that-since he was sophomore now
he wonld buy the knottiest and big
gest headed cane in Cambridge when he
should 60 back there. And what do YOU
suppose was the first sight that met him
at home?
1T was his father out in the field, dig.
ging for new potatoes, his coat OFF, and
his specialized face perspiring
Tho sight struck shame into the bow.
He vaulted the fence, and, running no
with hardly pause for greeting. cried
%, father let me do that +! 1 don't
like to see you at such work.
Mr.. Blake stopped and looked earn.
cs.ly and rather sadly at him.
well, Sam, think that's about as
good How -do-you>do as you could
have offered me. There's something
right about you after ALL
1t hadn't occurred to Sam that there
was any doubt on that point before. He
blushed rs he asked
'Pve discharged him. can't afford
one at present, my son. was the an
! swer.
Sam was rather puzzled, and began
to reflect.
They went into the house. and there
when tho minister reappcared after IN Ak.
ing his toilet, his son noticed that he
wore the old shabby, shiny coat. At
this he WAS more than ever astonished.
The supper, also, notwithstanding
that it was tire first night Of the proli
gals return. was very mcager. Not
single extra luxury was on the table,
and Sam observed that his father and
mother took no sugar nor butter. His
own appetite began 10 fail st seeing
this, and his perception was sharpaned
accordingly. He was now aware that
his father looked very thin, as we'll as
sad. Suddenly he laid down his knife,
and exclaimed TO his sister Katy
sis, what does ell this mean?-this
going without. the hired man, and starry
ing yourselves?
His sister looked at him, then CLAN
ced at Mr.. Blake and her mother. and
made no answer.
Il thought said Sam, petulantly,'
that Wiliiston's money was going to
make it easy for you, father: and here
tue pinching is going on five times worse
than ever
Il don't own my friend wilIiston's
money said the minister, quietly.
OF course not. But the five hundred
dol Sam stopped abruptly on an ca
treating gesture from his sister.
The subject was not resumed But
before he went TO bed, Sam obtained an
interview with his sister slone. He felt
secretly, that he was responsible for the
depression and trouble which seemed to
oil the household. but that only made
him speak more impetuously- Now,
Sis he began, can l get two words of
sense out Of your
Not until you ask politely she re.
Piled.
well, then, please tell me what the
mystery is
1t oughtn't to be a mystery to you.
Sam, that you haven't done well at col
lege. Papa is terribly disappointed
i don't see why he should commit
suicide, II he is,' Sam retorted. Il hay
ent cost BIN much this year
'Ob, yes, you have. Do you know he
actually sold the new coat?'
'WhyY Sam frowned.
Because he's been trying every way
to save money since he began TO get re.
ports OF how you were wasting your
time
What forP' asked Sam, though be be-
gan to suspect.
well, he--how should | kno8?-
Don't you see? He's ashamed to have
had that money from his old class
mate, and he's nearly saved enough.
and he's going TO pay IL all back
There, | was TO keep il secret, and now
I've told you'll And his sister burst in
to tears. You've nearly broken his
heart, Sam-poor papaP
The next day Mr.. Blske's son went
Off directly after breakfast, and was not