Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1899-08-30

" 1E7APE The coming
: lEsa2 one of the dali
l events in the co
E-- lege town. 1t wa
the only link that bound the quiet piac
to the noisy outside world
But this particular train meant NOR
than usual It brought visitors. pal
ents, friends, trustees. For this wa
the commencement time.
Among the arrivals was a quietl
dressed man Of middle age with a gra
mustache and keen blue eyes. A tai
young man pushed forward with out
stretched hand.
"Fatherr'
"John. my sonv'
A moment later the two were walk
ing up the long main street beneatl
the beautiful naples, the young mai
lightly carrying the heavy travelling
bag.
by George, my boy" cried the old
er man, as he drew a long breath anG
gazed admiringly at the youth, I'll
does me good to see you-and to see
you here. seem to see myself again
trudging up this very street-not quite
so tall, perhaps, but fancy much the
same build. And how are you. my lad I
You know I haven't laid eyes on you
for nearly a year"
spirits
"And the football kneer
Seems all right again. I'll prove II
to you when we do a little of that hill
climbing that you promised me-"
"Yes, yes, my boyT cried the old
man with a merry laugh. IT'D show
you where your father got in mischief
In those dear old days. And to think
that I've let all ~ slip b
without revisiting m. le."
AS he spoke a group Of merry boys
and maidens passed by. They swept
along without a glance at the tall
youth. The older man turned and look.
ed after them.
"How's that, my boyT
"what, fatherF'
"Why, II seemed to me that they
meant to snub you. Do you know
them?"
"Yes, father; they are all college
mates. They meant to snub me all
right. Fact is, I'm boycOtted."
"Bless my soul! BOycctted"
"Boycotted, father. It's funny
story. You know I came here deter
mined to devote a year to rest and spe-
cial study. I had the lame knee to
get in shape, and there were certain
lines of work I wanted to pursue with
Prof Patton. He's the only man In
the college or In the town who knows
who John Sturges' father is. Perhaps
wasn't very friendly at the start The
boys wanted me to Join them in sev-
eral things. They wanted me to try
for the football team"
But you promised me you wouldn't
play again."
II kept my word, though 1t was a
temptation"
The older man chuckled.
whats the joke, fatherf'
81 was laughing to think of tn,
greatest halfback of 90 trying for a
place on a village team"
"Of course they didn't know, and
they didn't like my excuse-the knee
1 said was too busy. That was the
beginning. I'm pretty sure they con-
sidered me stingy, too. Perhaps you
don't know, but made up my mind to
90 through this extra college year on
the same amount that you worried
through on. That didn't leave me
much for outside trifles. When they
aAked me for contribution for the
gymnasium fund had to refuse them"
THAT was Quixotic, my boy"
The young man looked his father
squarely In the face.
Besides, dad, there is a girl in the
case
The older man started.
"a girl In the case," he duly repeat
ed.
"Yes, father. "A charming girl.
But poor, very poor. She started in at
college, but had to stop. Now she's
teaching in a kindergarten. think the
glrIs-ner college mates, you KNOW
snubbed her because she couldn't dress
quite up to their standard. And I
think, too, they completed the boycott
on me because I sympathized with her
aHl paid her some attentions. But
she's quite a clever girl. father. You
must meet her."
Yes. yes," said the older man, a lit
tie hastily. Then he suddenly laughed.
$50 you're boycotted. both for lack Of
college spirit and lack Of college funds,
eh2"
That's about the size Of 1t, dad.
Funny isn't itr'
VERY. But where are you taking
mew
ITO my boarding place. I thought
you'd rather room with me than 60 to
the hotel"
"Of course. And who is your land
lordw
Its a landlady, dad, and I'm her
only boarder. Her name is Spencer
Mrs. Julia Spencer"
Julia Spencer Do you know who
Julia Spencer isY
why, no, dad. don't"
''She was your dead mothers deares,
and Oldest friend. She was Julia Ran
ney then, the prettiest girl in the vii
lage. At least she was untl I hap