The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1893-01-13
CHAPTER VIII.

/ Once again the college haG sent forth into
the world its annual quota Of half-educated
youths To repair, as best they could, the
mental ravages incurred during the last
four years. Go forth" the Spirit Of the
Times had said. We Bachelors Of Arts. and
learn the lessons Of the busy throng. Go
forth from the shady groves OF Academic
and read In the heart of man that which
your books have never taught. Go forth
and measure your strength in the battle OF
life, and fight the fight as best you may.
The world and all its treasures lie before
you. Did you stand high among the
scholars Of your olassi Beware Of him up
on whose dullness you have cast the glance
OF scorn. New conditions surround you
all, new foes there are to fight, new roads
to tread. And perhaps as the years glide
by the last shall be first and the first last
for the standards of the world are just"
One year more, Jackl" exclaimed Har-
Ian Otis, as he reclned on wndow-seat
and watched the smoke from his pipe as
1t embraced the wanton breeze and sped
away.
"Aye, one year more-the crisis of your
life, old man."
Otis cast sharp, impatient glance at his
chum who, attired in jersey and blazer,
lay outstretched on q divan. The noble
proportions of the athlete were outlined
against the dark red background of the
couch He was magnificent specimen OF
young American manhood symmetrical,
muscular, well-balanced. Perhaps there
was suggestion of jealousy in the eyes
of the poet as they rested on the man OF
might.
Be careful, Jack. You are approaching
forbidden topic
Well them" returned Arnold good-na-
turedly, let us change the subject What
are you going to do, Hal, for the next three
months?
Heighho, I don't know! Ny father
wants me to read law That's absurd of
course. Imagine a summer spent in New
York. cooped up among musty tones and
subject TO parental guidance. | couldn't
stand it, old man. / shall tell him so when
/ see him, but he's sometimes very stub
born, the Governor, SO don't know how it
will all end"
Do you want my adviceP asked Arnold,
casting an affectionate glance at his err
rattle chum.
No"
The monosyllable was so uncomprofnis-
ing that the athlete had nothing more to
say.
Come, come" exclaimed Otis presently.
knocking the ashes out of his pipe and
jumping down from the window-seat Its
high time did some packing. l must get
away tomorrow morning, and l have a
thousand things to dc"
Arnold smiled as he watched the efforts
Of his chum to bring order out of the chaos
that reigned in the room, His own trunks
were already packed. his superfluous be-
longings We're safely locked, his books
Were arranged in their appropriate places,
his bills We're all paid and nothing re-
manned for him to do save to await the
the hour of departure. Otis, on the other
hand was surrounded by an ocean of petty
difficulties. What he wanted he could not
find what he needed not was close at hand.
A pile of unreceipted bills lay upon his
desk. His books were scattered around
the apartment in undigniiied disorder
His method of packing a trunk-if method
it could be caIled-was unique Whatever
came first to hand went first into the tray.
Clothes, tennis-racquets, books, shoes,
tobacco-pipes, brushes, pajamas, smoking
jackets and other paraphernalia we're
iumbled together in most picturesque con-
fusion.
81 wish were an artist" remarked Ar
mold as he watched the frantic endeavors
of the poet to close and lock an over
stocked trunk. should paint picture
entitled Genius Preparing for Journey
l think it would make a hit"
ooh, keep quiet will your" exclaimed
Otis testify. Come here and lock this
trunk. I'll sit on the lid There, that's
right. Thanks. Now, what the deuce am
going to do about these bills?"
Our hero gazed ruefully at the desk. At
that moment there came a knock at the
door.
Come in," cried Arnold.
hot III a do +I,o+
asked Otis, annoyed His sensitive tenn
permanent assured him that a creditor was
in the hall.
"Ah, Mr.. Otis,' exclaimed a small,
hook-nosed man, entering the room in a
half-apologetic manner. Il see you are
going away. l hat come for my leetle
pill"
ITO the dickens with your pill Isaac.
You'll have to wait until next term" said
Otis emphatically
"Oh, but Mr.. Otees, I hat vanity to
SUPPORT. Your pill has been running for a
year and half. l must have tho money
now"
Il tell you 1 can't pay you now Do
YOU hear? What's three months to YOU.
Isaac2 Wait till the fall. I'll pay you as
soon as l return"
But Mr.. Otees-"
"Stop right there, Isaac. 1 haven't time
to argue with you. I'm in a great hurry.
/ have told you"
" But Mr.. Otees -"
Get out, do you hear?' cried the young
man angrily; and taking the little Jew by
the shoulders he hustled him into the hall
way, shut the door and locked it,
Arnold looked grave.
"What foolish fellow you are, Hal.
Why don't you telegraph to your father
and settle up here before you leave?"
why don't l? You wouldn't ask me if
you knew the Governor. He's grumbling
already because I've spent so much money
this year, Heighho, I'll have to economic
next term. I'll give up my pipe and take
to cigars"
Arnold laughed at his chum's idea Of
practical economy. At that moment
another rap at the door made Otis jump
See who's there, Jack" he whispered as
he disappeared behind the door of his bed