The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1899-06-29
AnEzperiment in Friendship
BY Murray seasongood-

DOLKER, during his four years at
D college, never made friend. To
him neighbor in q lecture meant either
nuisance, If fidgety and inclined to talk.
or object Of Indifference, II quiet aud
taciturn; snob. II we'll dressed; nonent-
ity II, like himself, shabby. In those
four years of toll Bolker never commit
ted the conventional college sins Of
drinking, smoking or loahng. Instead.
he spent his time on mathematics, now
computing. with infinite patience, how
long It takes (disullowing friction) for
q drop of water 10 flow from the north
pole to the EQUATOR. and now mastering
the eccentricities Of parabolas and
other devilish curves. His mathematics
stamped themselves on his appearance,
his habits and his character. The part
In his black hair was the perfection Of
straightness; Just a. regular ~ 1880,
1890 and 9; 90 came each day, 70 regular
ly he regaled himself at Foxcroft As
for work. his was invariably ready three
days before tho required time. Bolker
graduated finally with q summa cum
(highest honors in mathematics). an
abnormally developed character and q
vague longing. This last he proved con-
olusively TO himself was for continu-
ance Of his student life, and in hopes OF
satisfying 1t he pleaded successfully
to the regent for proctorship.
The next fall found him ensconced In
office heartily trusting he should never
have to assert himself. While beautify-
ing his new quarters, ON the day before
college opened, with n much connoting
sheepskin, he was startled by loud:
"Oh, excuse me-but will you lend me o
match?" from well-dressed lad, stand
ing ut the door.
Certainly, yes; come In, }" stammered
the proctor, blushing.
Thanks, awfully." said the visitor.
"I didn't really want match, you
know. I'm your neighbor, and I thought
we might MS we'll meet. I'm o fresh
man; my names Watson"
Strangely, the proctor was not bored !;
indeed, he was glad. "Mine," he said.
holding out his hand tmidly, 'is
Bolker." The ingenious intruder
grasped 1t heartily.
"What a jolly room you have!"-it
was in reality almost bare-~I suppose
you're senior"
"No; I'm graduate this year.
THAT is dignifled! What an age II
must seem since you came. But zee
you're busy fixing up. ought to be,
too. I'm such lazy dog, though. I'd
sit around and talk all day, II you'd let
me. Well, 80 long. Come and see me,
Fifteen, right next door," and out he
strobe, whistling.
Bolker's heart seemed pushing up to
ward his collarbone. He had not men.
toned that he was proctor, because he
feared the boy, once knowing It, would
not come back. and he wanted him
back; wanted him to come often.
His wish was gratified. That very
night Watson dropped in. now without
excuse. He spoke of the strangeness OF
the place, Of how thoroughly insignifl
can't one felt in II, as though no one
would care II you lived or died; where
in It was all quite different from home
(home being in Dayton, O., and very
far away. Then Bolker surprised him
self by playing the comforter.
"Must you be off?" he said, sincerely
sorry, when the lad finally rose to go.
ayes, I want TO start in well and ge'
up early. I'm tremendously obliged Il
-whew, it's late"
"Dy Jove, had no idea II was 80 late
Half past ten! I'll have to stop tha'
fellow playing his piano up there"
"Why, you don't mind II, do your"
"No-but you sec-rm proctor in th,
building"
Your" the lad laughed. why
you've just graduated. You're joking
aren't your"
mo, I really am the proctor"
"Oh, what cinch I've got" chuckiet
the boy, impudently. Good night Oh
mau-thst. II. ] mean. dr..