The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1899-07-25
THE BOYCOTT
OF
JOHN STURGES
And How Il Was Lifted.

+ And How It Was Lifted. +
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The train creakinsly drew up to the
little station. A score or more Of passen-
gers alighted. There were 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. It 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 dress
ed man Of middle age, with gray mus
tache and keen blue eyes. A tall young
man pushed forward with outstretched
hand.
"Fatherw
20 "John, my son"
A moment later the two were walking
up the long main street beneath the beau
tiful naples, the young man lightly car
rying the heavy travelling bag.
by George, my boy" cried the older
man as he drew in long breath and
gazed admiringly at the youth, cit does
one good to see you, and to see you here!
seem to see myself again trudging up
this very street-not quite SO tall, per-
haps, but l fancy much the same build.
And how are you, my lad? You know I
haven't laid eyes on you for nNarly q
year."
"Quits well, father, and in excellent
spirits"
"And the football kneeT
Seems all right again. I'll prove it to
you when we do little of that hill climb
ing that yon promised me-"
ayes, yes, my boy" cried the older man.
with merry laugh. "I'll show you where
your father got in mischief in those dear
old days. And to think that I've let all
those years slip by without revisiting the
old home!'
As he spoke group of merry boys and
maidens passed by. They swept along
without glance at the tall youth. The
older man turned and looked after them.
"How's that, my boy?"
"What, fAtherW
"Why, it seemed to me that they meant
to snub you. Do you know themY'
"Yes, father. They are all college
mates. They meant to snub me all right
Fact is, I'm boycotted."
"Bless my soul! Boycotted"
"Boycotted, father. It's funny story.
You know l came here determined to de-
vote year to rest and special study. 1
had the lame knee to get in shape, and
there were certain lines of work I want
ed to pursue with Professor Patton. He's
the only man in the college or in the town
who knows who John Sturges' father Is.
Perhaps l wasn't very friendly at the
start. The boys wanted me to join them
In several things. They wanted me to
try for the football team"
But you promised me you wouldn't
play again."
Il kept my word, though it was temp
tation."
The older man chuckled.
whats the joke, father7"
II was laughing to think of the great
est half back of 1896 trying for place
on a village team"
"Of course they didn't know, and they
didn't like my excuse-the knee. said
was too busy. That was the beginning.
Pm pretty sure they considered me stin-
gy too. Perhaps you don't know, but
made up my mind to go through this ex-
ira college year on the same amount that
you worried through ON. That didn't
leave me much for outside tribes. When
they asked me for q contribution for the
gymnasium fund, l had to refuse them"
THAT was quixotic, my boy"
The young man looked his father
sQuarely in the face.
Besides, dad, there is girl in the
case"
The older man started.
"a girl in the easel" he DULY repeated.
eyes, father, IA charming girl-but
poor, very poor. She started in at col
lege, but had to stop. Now she's teach
ing in n kindergarten. think the girls
her college mates, you know-snubbed
her because she couldn't dress quite up
to their standard, and l think. too, they
completed the boycott on me because I
sympathized with her and paid her some
attentions. But she's quite clever girl,
father. You must meet her."
Eyes, yes" said the older man a little
hastily. Then he suddenly laughed. $50
you're boycotted both for lack Of college
spirit and lack Of college funds, eh3''
"That's about the size of it, dad. Fun
ny, isn't Iti"
Every. But where are you taking mel"
"To my boarding place. thought
you'd rather room with me than go to
the hotel"
"Of course. And who Is your land
lord?"
"It's n lnndlady. dad, and I'm her only
boarder. Her name is Spencer-Mrs.
Julia Spencer"
Julia Spencer! Do you know who
Julia Spencer ISL"
"Why, no, dad, don't"
"Shs was your dead mothers dearest
and Oldest friend. She was Julia Ran
ney then, the prettiest girl in the vii
lage. At least she was until happened
to meet some one prettier. Why, boy,
Julia Spencer might hayo been your
mother"
"I'm very glad she isn't" said tho
young man.
"And why?"
"Because mean to marry Julia Spen-
GERS daughter"
Ino oluer man stopped Snort.
"Put down the bng," he said. His
bright blue eyes sought his sons.
"Have you set your heart on thisT he
slowly asked.
eyes. father. I 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 gripped it.
"This is not" said the father, quite
the surprise you think It, Professor Pat
ton wrote to me some time ago preparing
me for what he seemed to think was in
evitable. Still it Is little startling COM
ing from your own lips"
"Anne has just turned the corner"
Al.