The times., 1899-07-16

TIE slation. A score or more or passengers /
alighted. There we're many young men and |
young women on hand to note the arrivals. |
The coming OF that train was one of the |
daily events in the college town. 1t was |
the only link that bound the quiet place to
the noisy outside world.
But this particular train meant more
than usual. 1t brought visitors. parents.
friends. trustees. For this was commence
ment time
Among the arrivals was quietly dressed
man of middle age with a grey mustaehe
and keen blue eyes tall young man
pushed forward with outstretched hand.
Father"
John, my soni''
moment later the two were walking
up tho long main street beneath the beau
tiful naples, the young man lightly carry
ing the heavy travelling bag.
by George, my boy" cried the older
man. as he drew in q long breath and
gazed admiringly at the youth, lit 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? You know ! haven't
laid eyes ON you for nearly q year"
quite well. father. and In excellent
| spirits
| .'And the football kneef'
Seems all right again. I'll prove It
| to you when we do little of that hill
| climbing that you promised me-"
"Yes, yes, my hoy," cried the old man
J with q merry laugh. I'm show you where
/ your father got in mischief In those dear
old days. And to think that I've let all
these years slip by without revisiting the
old home"
AS he spoke group of merry boys and
msidens passed by. They swept along
older man turned and looked after them
'How's that, my hoy?"
what, father?n
why, 1t seemed to me that they meant
to snub you. Do you know them?"
''Yes, father; they are all college mates.
They meant to saub me all right. Fact is,
I'm boyeotted."
''Bless my soul! Boyeotted?'
'Boyootted, father. It's a funny story.
You know l came here determined to de-
vote q year to rest and special study. 1
had the lame knee to get in shape. and
there were certain lines OF work ! wanted
to pursue with Professor Patton. He's the
only man in college or in the town who
knows who John Sturges' father Is. Per-
haps l wasn't very friendly at the start.
The boys wanted me to join them in sew
eral things. They wanted me to try for
the football team
'But you promised me you wouldn't
play again.
81 kept my word. though 1t was a temp
tatioG"
The older man chuekled.
whats the Joke. father?'
II was laughing to think OF the greatest
halfback of '9s trying for a place on a
village team"
'Of course they didn't know, and they
didn't like my excuse-the knee. l said
was too busy. That was the beginning.
I'm pretty sure they considered me stlngy,
too. Perhaps you don't know, but 1 made
up my mind to go through this extra col
lege year on the same amount that you
worried through on. That didn't leave me
much for outside trifes. When they ask
ed me for contribution for the gymnas-
ium fund I had to refuse them"
THAT was quixotic, my boy"
The young man looked his father square
ly in the face.
Besides, dad. there is girl in the
case"
The alderman started.
"A girl in the case" he duly repeated.
"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. 1 think the girls-her col
lege mates. you know-snubbed her be-
cause she couldn't dress quite up to their
standard. And think, too. they complet-
ed the boycott on me because l sympathiZ-
ed with her and paid her some attentions.
But she's quite clever girl, father. You
must meet her.
"Yes, yes" said the older man, little
hastily. Then he suddenly laughed. $50
you're boycotted. both for lack of college
spirit and lack of college funds. eh?"
That's about the size of it, dad. Funny.
isn't it?"
Every. But where are you taking me?'
ITO my boarding place. 1 thought you'd
rather room with me than go to the hotel." /"
j ''Of course, and who's your landlord?''
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 is?
why. no, dad. DON'T
''She was your dead mothers dearest and
!, oldest friend. She was Julia Ranney then
, , the prettiest girl in the village. At least
. she was until happened to meet some one
prettier. Why, boy. Julia Spencer might
have been your mother"
I'm very glad she isn't" said the young
man.
"And why?"
! Because mean to marry Julia spen-
!, GERS daughter"
1
,, "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 set
tie down and take an active interest in
5 your fathers affairs? He's growing o!d
and needs you"
) Yes, dad"
: The older man put out his hand and tht
younger firmly gripped it.
This Is not" said the father, "quitt
A the surprise you may think II. Prof Pat
i ton wrote TO me some time ago preparing
me for what he seemed to think was in
evitable. Still, 1t is a little startling, com
ing from your own lips"
, annie has Just turned the corner.
n murmured the young man. "Will yot
q meet her now?"
= III meet her mother first" said tn
: father. You keep the daughter away 70
9 half hour or so. Which is the house?"
o 1.-THE cottage back Of the big tree, dad.
p p The older man picked up the bag. ant
a the younger one turned and walked rapid
e ly down the street
!. John" the older man called after him
y We'll, dad?"
. Don't let II slip your mind that thl
o boycott must be lifted"
a The young man smiled back at bis fathe
and the latter wistfully watched him as h
u hastened up the street toward the trim
o built young woman who was slowly ap
= preaching.
Just like me-" he muttered. same ol.
= obstinacy. Ready to go through thick an
= thin for what lie wants. God bless HIN
o he's all right