The age-herald., 1900-01-28

subject
 This friendly rivally existed only in the school room for in the games and sports Fred had decided advantage Jim's na- tural quiekness in management of a game was, though a recognized talent. In reef tations Tom was sure to be within ons Or two points of the two to whom he grace fully yielded the right of precedence and would actually have felt unhappy if by any chance he should surpass either.
 N1lbuft and Harry were fair students and neither of them fell below the average. though Wilburts exceeding care of the smooth surface of his head gave him less time for attending to it's interior, and the fear of a spot upon his snowy shirt front or wrinkle in his trousers prevented his quite reaching the mark as a sportsman.
 Harry was fun of plans for business and devoid such world of thought to de- Vistng means of increasing his capital, in- Vesting to advantage the surplus from his fathers generous allowance of pocket money that he lacked the requ. site energy for record of excellence tn school work His marks were not poor, however and since the occasional statement of a months ex- penses, demanded by his father. always showed him with a balance in hand, he es- caped censurc from either source. while Tom. though commended for excellent grades dn school work. was severely repnimanded for foolish expenditure of money
 It had chanced that their father had call ed for a report of finances the very week after Tom. with a. dozen other boys had had a big oyster supper in his room. Of course oyster Suppers cost money. and Toms went. He had a good time and it was dearly purchased.
 Commencement week with its delights was near at hand and the boys were wild with the thought of the holidays. the trip home, the camping froNcs and other vaea- ton joys.
 Fred felt keenly his deprivation in being unable to participate in the home talk. Though homeless for so long a time, he never before recognized his loss with so great force as now, when groups of college boys chaltted together of going home.
 One beautiful May day when the trees We're wearing dainty, fresh garments of green. the air ladened with perfume from blossoms of fruit arees and flowers several students had grouped themselves after some exciting games of foot and base ball on the soft, thick carpet of grass that GOV cred the lawn and was discussing the home going. First one and another had talked as boys will of what he should do immediate ly on his return frequently the names of father and mother were introduced, virtues and talents of sisters were told about and Fred could but listen and perceive as he never before had done his deprivation. One boy who was proud of honors that he was 
 mother felt for him, and how glad he was net disappoint her this term; another had laughingly declared honors or no honors, it was all the same; tn the eyes of his mother and sisters he was the greatest boy in the world.
 Fred stood for a time listening but final ly turned and walked rapidly away tell he reached a woods back of the college grounds out of sight and hearing of them all. He seated himself upon fallen tree and wept for a joy he had never known. Scalding tears rained down his cheeks. and great sobs shook his frame as he thought no one cared that he won honors, no one was waiting eagerly to learn that he had passed his examinations creditably. No one was counting the days till he should come. After time, ashamed of what he eonsid- cred an unmanly grief he removed all traces of his outbrust and, after reading for time, returned to assist Mrs. Thomp- kins in the labors attending the preparation of the evening meal. She, observing that he appeared gloomy and absent minded arranged an unusually tempting plate or supper for him. She was not one to sym pathize with higher sensibiities, but she felt a love and respect for this hireling, whom she could in no wise comprehend, and attempted to show 1t by looking carefully after his material comforts. He was grate- full for thrs care for the physical man, and tried ito let it suffice for the heart hunger, 5,,,t in snite of him. his mind would finger ahout fine letters worked on those baby gar noeuts and wondered If fond mother nao nut in the stitches which he so treasured.
 A distraction came in the form of a let ter "Another letter concerning that ad- ,,ertisementr' he exclaimed. and eagerly onenea if to gather more of what was De- oomire a very mysterious correspondence.
 On the following morning, as ne was h,Yrrvtng to the college, he saw Tom conn ing to meet him with an open letter III HIS hand. ,.o,, n ;
 "Wha'ts the news rom iioihei se ii quired. ,
 "Why. just think of it. Fred" Tom ex- claimed I've are not ito go home at all. Father has written me that the FOLKS VIII all go to the mountains before we can get home and We are to go directly there lh- stead of going back to Birmingham first; I call that ightdown unfortunate. How in line name of wonder we stand 1t, not to see any of the boys at all?'
 well, you know I am not going back; so you are no worse off than l..
 .sro be sure you did say that where IS it you spoke of going?'
 .iWhy, believe it is away up near Ashe- vile. N C., little place in the noun tains.'
 Sure enough Well, that's luck. Father vrites me we are to go to little place named Asheville; the station is Elliotsvllle and there is big hotel for summer visit ors.''
 'I don't think I will engage board" Fred answered, jestingly, but I am sure the hotel is quite near the village set clement where I go. In fact, hope to get work at that hotel after my business is over"
 'fBusness? You are testing! What busi- ness, should like to know, carry you away from Mrs. Thompkins?"
 That's easy enough to answer. It's a lack of business that she will need me no longer. She says l am to come back, though, when the 'boarders return next fall, I am fortunate to have made so good a friend am I not?"
 "Yes, I am glad that you have such a one but I suspect you pay for all you get. eh?"
 "No, only for my board. I can never repay her for her friendship and kindness to me-
 'I dare say you repay that in the like con Veil, I am rejoiced to know we are to go to the same place. If we can have the other-oh, there is first bell. Goodbye; see you later"
 The next day second letter from home informed the boys of another delightful bit