Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1894-04-19

oetter posted IN ms studies than
you.'
I've been reading up since then,
replied Tom. III you will only re-
commend me now-this night
while there is yet time, l think
can psss* I've got to pass, sir, that
Bal1 there is to be said.'
Mr.. Hays. re-entering his bed
room, thought regretfnlly of his
interrupted slumbers, then made
ready to sacrifice himself. He told
Tom to make himself comfortable
| in the anteroom and proceeded to
dress himself. When he returned
the lad was fast asleep in his chair.
His saddle-bags lay beside him on
the floor; his shoes and clothing
were coarse and travel-stained.
Poor fellow thought the Con-
gresham pityingly. He certainly
deserves success
Then he woke Tom up, called a
hack and drove with him to the res
idence Of the Secretary Of War. On
the way Tom related his recent ex-
periences. His indomitables reso-
luton made deep impression upon
the Congressman. Something un-
usual would certainly be necessary
wherewith to mollify a great official
on being thus unoeremoneously
routed ont at a heathenish hour to
attend to the desires of back
country youth Perhaps a recital
of Toms story would be their best
excuse for so rude a violation of the
routine of official etiquette.
The Secretary was reached after
some difficulty. He was naturally
in no very amiable frame of mind.
But Tom told his simple tale, then
fell into doze while the Congress
man pleaded his cause. The unde-
niable proofs of the lads determi-
nation finally overcame the Secreta-
ry's intention of asserting his own
later prerogative in favor of pro-
tege of his own, and he agreed to
have Toms papers made out at
once, so as they might come within
the legal limit of the Congressman 8
power and recommendation.
A subordinate was sent for and
the task accomplished while the
youth still slumbered. Then Mr..
Hayes woke him up and the great
Cabinet official shook his hand.
Young man. said the Secretary,
your methods, though unusual, are
justified by the emergency. You
certainly ought to succeed
Tom came to his senses suiiici-
emily to express his thanks, but
once more went to sleep on his way
back to the Corgressman's board
ing house. Mr.. Hays was indul-
gent, however, and soon had the
young man comfortably bestowed
until morning.
Tom rose bright and early. He
changed his shirt, blacked his shoes
and otherwise made himself pre-
sentable. Yet his rustic appear
ance at the breakfast table was
amusingly noticeable. He made a
hearty meal, however, and thought
only of getting to West Point.
'How are you for money, Tom p
asked the Congressman, when they
were agaia alone together.
Tom pulled out the remainder OF
his seven dollars and half.
That will never see You through.
Did You expect to walk to West
Point like a tramp
Tom knew he was in a close place,
but he had reflected upon such a
contingency before.
No, sir, l did not he replied
boldly; then added, after pause,
mot you continue to be my friend.
This astute reply completed his
conquest of the Congressman, who
laughed and patted Tom upon the
shoulder.
'If you should fail, my boy, said
he, sit will not be for the lack oi
nerve. Come with me to my bank
ers.'
After this Toms most serious
difficulties were at an end. He OBJ
tanned the money he needed, went
to West Point, passed successful
examination and soon convinced