The Somerset reporter., 1885-11-11
SELECTED.
Toms Sophomore Year.

Tom stood in the middle of the room
with his hands in his pockets, whistling
softly, and looking about him.
1t was plain little room just under the
roof, but it had been Toms room ever
since he had had one of his own, and lie
was attached To it.
But III a day or two, so he was say NJ
to himself, he was about to leave it for
nearly year There, near the end of the
bed. stood his trunk-a funny old trunk
that had belonged to his grandfather, and
was covered with hairy hide fastened with
brass nails.
lie had just been packing it, and a
glance at lis contents told where he was
going 10 spend the coming year
For beside, his clothing might be seen
grccn-coyercd Latin and Greek graInmars
lcathern-hound lexicous, an algebra, n
geometry copy of Livy. and several
other books, which spoke of college
course.
For three days later. at his college in
country town more than hundred miles
away. Tom Sargent intended to make his
first appcarancc as a learned sophomore.
Just to think" he said TO himself, Its
ONLY three DAYS now aud then I'll see all
the fellows Won't we have some pow
vows? And won't we dig into the old
classic, and mathematics? And he gave
n boyish shuttle on the floor to give vent
to his delight.
just then he heard step below ms
window, and, looking out, he SAW his
father entering the yard on foot
"Why. father" cried Tom, suddenly
''Did Won walk all the way homer!
Yes"
WHY, where's Topsy?"
TopSv was Mr.. Sargcants little black
horse that he had for years, and now that
he was getting old and growing heavier
and more bulky as age crcpt on he had
done but little walking in his business
about town. but made Topsy his inNari-
bic companion.
Where's Topsy, father" asked Tom
again.
well Tom" said his father. laying
down his knife and fork, ii suppose I've
sold Topsy,"
sold Topsy!" cried Tom. did you
know it, mothcr?"
But his mothers face was answer
enough
why, what for, father" Tom con
tinued. "Sold Topsy! And the new
buggy you bought last year to make your
driving easy have you sold that too
ayes. Eve practically sold them both.
The bargain isn't really closed but Joe
Watson has taken them to Try to-day and
if his offers fair shall take it.
WHY, father" said Tom, in remon-
Stratyc tone, as he brushed back his sun
hair. why, your business keeps You
travelling between your shop and the folks
that work for you all the time. You
can't walk all that much
Il must cut down expenses, SAID Mr..
Sergeant. II ran behind last year. There
no other way
Nothing more was said.
After dinner Tom went up to his room
again and sat down on corner OF the
trunk.
Topsy sold. And the buggy sold 1t did
not seem possible. And to think OF ms
father, far from being vigorous now, YET
forced to plod about continually over the
rough roads.
The backs of the grammars and leNl-
cons smiling up at him from the lrui'k'
made him uncomfortable.
He rose and shut down the cover of the
trunk. and stood for long time with ms
hands in his pockets, looking out OF the
window.
There was very pretty landscape OF
Tom saw nothing of il. His eyes seemed
to be fixed on some PARKWAY place beyond
the horizon.
After awhile he turned and began pac
ing the room, Then he paused by his
trunk and opened it again. and again
looked in. What pleasant suggestions il
offered, what promises it held out:
The room was small and plain, and
Tom was BY no means a gooI-lookinT boy
But such bows are sometimes the heroes,
and such rooms the battle grounds OF con-
tests which make no noise in the world
and which vet demanded rs much pluck
and character in the victor as has many
famous contest for a kingdom and
crown.
Tom continued his walking to and fro
in the little room, whistlng now and
then, and from time to time throwing
himself in chair rcstlcssly.
The afternoon wore away The sun
dropped till it seemed to rest an instant
ON n peak which Tom could see from his
window, and the room suddenly grew
dark.
The change seemed to rouse Tom to
decision. He put on his hat and mo-
moment later was walking toward the
center OF the town.
The next morning when breakfast was
ready Tom was not on hand. But just as
his father and mother were beginning TO
wonder where he could be- what should
they see but Tom driving Topsy up 10 the
door and hitching her to the post
Tom said his father as he came n'
what does this mean?"
| cit means you are going to keep IopSy,
sir answered Tom, going up to him and
puttiny hand on each shoulder. Faith.
err I've thought it all over, and I've de
cided not to go back t college this year
but stay at home and work That will be
enough saving so that you can keep thu
horse and buggy, and I'll lay up what
earn and pay my own way when | g
back to college next year. I'm youn!
enough to wait. So you mustn't say
word. I'd rather do it, and it won't hur
me bit"