The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-07-22

When shadows fall.
Olive Beatrice Muir.
UNCLE TED'S MASCOT.
From ~. Nicholas for June.
1t had been decided that Bob should
not go to see the races on Thanksgiv-
ing Day. As Bob was only four years
old, there had not been much doubt
felt in the family as TO the impropriety
of allowing ''the kid' to witness the
athletic games. "Uncle Ted" as Bob
called him, Theodore, rs he was known
to the rest of the world-had determin-
ed views on the subject. He vas to be
one of the contestants in the 4i0-yard
dash, Ito the uninitiated, the quarter
mile DASH and he was certain that the
youngster ought to stay at home.
The truth of the matter was that
Bob's mother was Theodore's favorite
sister, and the young athlete was afraid
that the doting mamma would be too
much absorbed in looking after her
small son to note the triumphs or fall
ures of 'the fellows"
Theodore Ballard had been in train
ing for a month past. He went into
town daily to college, but every even
ing was eonscientiously devoted to
practice in running; and, yet, AS he
confessed frankly, although nervously,
to his interested sister, there was "hard-
ly show" for him. Until fortnight
ago he had been rather hopeful; then
his high hopes had been crushed by the
appearance in the quiet town of Milton
of young collegian famous in his set
tor his muscle and staying powers. AT
the earnest appeal Of the captain of the
Milton Athletic Team, he had entered
his name on the 440-yard dash. He
was senior in college, but for some
weeks past his eyes had given him so
much trouble that he had been obliged
to suspend all study, and was now Wis
iting friends in Milton. Theodore's
private opinion was that he had been
sent home because of some bit of mis-
chief; but of this he was not sure. The
fact that he belonged to rival college
added intensity to Billiards. desire to
see him beaten. He himself was only
a sophomore, with, consequently, two
years less of such athletic work as col
lege life brings with it.
Outsider. little guessed how great was
Theodore's chagrin at the entrance
upon the lists OF 50 strong q rival.
His sister had always been his conf
dante, and into her ears he poured
forth bis complaint shortly after her
arrival at the Milton homestead on
Thanksgiving eve. She lived in the
neighboring city, in which her husband
was prosperous lawyer but all holi-
days were spent at the old home.
al declare" confessed the would-be
victor, ''if it were not for the shame Of
the thing | would back out of the whole
affair. 1t would look mean to desert
the team now at the last minute. But
/ am sure / shall be wretchedly beaten
''Oh, perhaps not was the soothing
reply, which, however, did not raise
the boys depressed spirits.
II 81, H..
That fellow Thorndyke and l have
had several friendly trials of speed, in
practice, you know, and l VOW he
beats me every time And of course he
glories in it. He is as confident of sue
cess tomorrow as am of defeat. Pm
completely discouraged ~
1t was here that Bob, the only grand
son and the pet of the entire house
hold with the exception of Theodore,
who was just at the age when he inn
agined he "did no. like small chill
dren," put in his feeble plea.
Mamma, mayn't 90 and see Uncle
Ted wun waces?"
''Not much, yop don'tr growled
the uncle, Not il know it J., want
all your mothers attention for our
team to morrow. Kids are desperately
in the way al such a place. They
stand in the track and very likely they
get knocked over, and bring down
upon their innocent heads the male
dictions of ali interested spectators.
Theodore was only eighteen, and
consequently intolerant. His nephew
was sufficiently impressed by this out
burst to hold his peace, and resign
himself to a morning at home with his
nurse.
Thanksgiving day dawned cool and
fair, but not cold.
aust the weather for running" ex-
claimed Theodore, as the household as
sembled ia the cheerful breakfast-room.
There We're not many to celebrate
Thanksgiving, but the few were all
there-Mr. and Mrs. Ballard, Theodore,
Mrs. Newman (Sister Anna), little
Bob, and Tom Newman. The last
named was rollicking, jolly fellow,
who was, as Theodore acknowledged,
''the best kind of a brother-in-law-"
"Well, young man." said Tom, 1--WE
shall all turn out in force to see you
win the race this morning."
swim? No such luck ~ was the
discouraged rejoinder. ~ wish that
man Thorndyke was in the Desert OF
Sahara, If he was out of it / might
stand some chance against the othel
fellows.n
"Oh, come, my son" said his father,
"keep up a brave heart"
"Yes, DEAR" urged Mrs. Ballard