Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1899-07-18

Put down the bag" he, said. His
bright blue eyes sought his sons.
Have you set your heart on this?' he
slowly asked.
Yes, father, | have"
"And you really mean to marry and
settle down and take an active interest
in your fathers affairs? He's growing
old and needs you
Eyes, dad
The older man put out his hand and
the younger firmly grippei it.
''This is not" said the father, "quite
the surprise you may think it. Prof
Patton wrote to me some time ago pre-
pairing me for what he seemed to think
was inevitable. Still it is a little start
ling, coming from your own lips"
Annie has just turned the corner"
murmured the young man. Twill you
meet her now?"
III meet her mother first" said tie
father. you keep the daughter away
for half hour or so. Which is the
hOuSe?"
1.-The cottage back of the big free
dad
The older man picked up the bag, and
the younger one turned and walked rap
idly down the street.
John" the older man called after him.
"Wel, dadT'
Don't let it slip your mind that the
boycott must be lifted"
The young man smiled back at his
father and the latter wistfully watched
him as he FASTENED up the street toward
the trlm-bullt young woman who was
slowly approaching.
Just like me-" he muttered; ''same old
obstnacy Ready to go through thick
and thin for what he wants. God bless
him. he's all right
With which closing apostrophe the old
er man caught up the valise and turned
through the gateway that led to the cot
tage behind the big tree
de looked back once more as he as
cended the steps. He could see the two
hgures, now side by side, coming slowly
up the street
'Boycotted,'' he chuckled. .'boycottedr
1t was the evening of President Lam
sons reception to the graduating class.
Inc assembly room was filled with the
seniors and their friends. There had
been music by the glee club, and the
auditors were scattered in little groups
about the apartment. Over in one cor
ner sat John Sturges' father. with his
old friend and preceptor, Prof. Patton.
Near window at the side of the room
stood John Sturges himself. looking very
well indeed for penny saving country
lad in his immaculate evening clothes
BY him stood a sweet-faced girl to whom
he frequently bent in smiling Difference.
They were quite alone, Johns class
mates holding themselves strictly aloof. a
fact which drew frequent amused glances
from the boys father
Then President Lamson held I'D his
hand. When all was still be beckoned
to Prof. Patton. The latter arose and
stepped forward.
Friends he said II have some pleas
ant news to impart. 1t will be. l think.
of special interest to the graduating
class. You all know, | am sure, that our
n
atlng slowness, and that we are still
a long way off from the desired amount
At least we were until five minutes ago."
He paused and looked around
The fact is he smilingly went on,
we have been entertaining a good fairy
unawares. L am making this little eX-
PLANTATION quite without the fairy's
knowledge, because, as you will present
~ discover. he is the last man in the
college who wants his merits advertised
And yet just a little explanation is due
him. He came here quietly at his ia
Tiers suggestion to add year of special
work to the education he had already re-
ceived in one of the large Eastern col
leges. He was prompted, too, by the
necessity of giving Il strained knee a long
rest an accident he received on the foot
ball field, for he was, if the daily Jour
nails are to be believed, the great half
back of 90. He came to this college
because it was his fathers Alma Mater
and because that father who has left
his many business interests and come
across the continent to be here this even
ing, desired him to meet and know his
early friend and old preceptor Here
the professor bowed And now I have
only to add" he went on more hurriedly
that your classmate, John Sheldon
Sturges, has just subscribed $4,000 for
the completion and equipment of the
college gymnasium, and | want you to
give him three cheers and the college
YELL
There was q moments hesitation and
then the cheers and yell were given with
a royal will.
Father, father" cried John. as the
elder Sturges pressed forward with hands
outstretched to both his son and the
blushing girl This isn't what l wanted
at ALL
But the father only chuckled
L told you that boycott would have
t0 no ho lo,, ,oI1