Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1901-06-27
Percy's Father.

GOOD heavens! Ii there isn't faith
erl" Percy futile, arm In arm with
Clifford Hill--both of the Alpha Mu
Society In the State University--stop-
ped short, hating his companion, at
the end of the railroad station plat.
form. An elderly, somewhat stiff
jointed gentleman was slowly desc end
ing the steps OF one OF the cars, de-
tanning a group of merry young people
who were behind him. He looked
decidedly rural" to use CLOSED
rm-''countrifiedn would have been
the out and out truth OF it,
Percy futile had secretly hoped
that his good father would never take
IL into his head to visit the University
simply because he had boy there.
But, OF all times, that he should have
put in an appearance on Founders
Day-that day of general rejoicing
and celebrating and putting ones best
foot forward, including ones most
presentable relatives. IL his sister had
come, now-but there was father! It
seemed to Percy that the merry young
people were already laughing at his
Anticipated parent; and what would
they do later on, when the old gentle
mans odd, unsophisticated ways came
out more distinctly?
1t was exasperating, particularly so
because the visit was so unexpected.
IL father had only written that he was
coming-why then Percy could have
found some excuse for going home
over Founders Day, even at the ex-
pense OF missing the good things al
ways provided for that anniversary
But now he was caught, now he was In
for it. Well, there was nothing to do
but face the music. Percy dropped
his chum's arm and stepped reluctant
ly forward. What pity that fine,
clever, stylish fellow like Clifford Hill
should have caught him In the very
act of acknowledging such fatherl
"Well, father" said Percy, walking
up to the confused old man, who evil
IDENTIFY did not know which way to turn
next, $50 you've come" The boys
tone was cold and reproachful, but his
fathers face lighted with joyful recog-
milton.
"How are We, Perez? How are YEP"
he cried, grasping his sons hand
warmly. "I'm glad to see We, my boy
Thought I'd run up on Founders Day
and give We little pleasant surprise. F"
ayes il is SURPRISE" admitted
Percy unresponsively. GLOW is
motherp"
80, she's just as pert as usual.
wanted her to come along, too: but
she said she wouldn't risk her neck on
railroad train for the hull University
and the Agricultural College thrown
in to boot. Elias first rate, too; but
the speckled hens due to come of with
brood OF chicks out OF a fancy settin'
tonight, and she naturally didn't feel
as if she ought to leave"
Percy did not feel interested or even
amused. He only wished, grimly, that
fear of the cars or domestic cares had
availed to keep his father at home
also. But, now that his father was
there, he would have to make the best
OF it, he thOught-or, rather, the least
OF it. He would keep his relative In
the background as much as possible.
"Well take car up the hill, l
guess" said Percy, reluctantly lifting
his fathers old.fashioned carpet-bag.
Poor, foolish boy! Let us not Judge
him too harshly at the onset. He had
his mistaken and unlovely notions of
life, to be sure; but they were natural
to his callow age, and very real to him
while thay lasted.
After the car had started Mr.. futile
CHANGED to look at the register, upon
which the conductor had rung ten
fares. 1.-TWO o'clock, Ell, ;" he exclaim-
ed in voice loud enough to be heard
all over the car. "Why, l didn't sup
pose 1t was noon yetl'
Percy blushed scarlet. There was q
depressed litter among the passengers
though one rude man laughed out
loud-and all the way up the hill peo-
pie were turning ip their seats and
looking out OF the windows, or making
superfluous use OF their handkerchief.
When his father was once safely
hidden In his room at the old "Mill,"
Percy drew a deep sigh of relief.
"Now, father he said, 81 wish you'd
make yourself at home here for a
while. have some arrangements to
make for the day, but will be back be-
fore dinner time"
Then he skunk off across the campus
to the college grove" and sat down
under tree to face the situation and
consider what he had better do. He
had invited young lady to the chapel
exercises In the afternoon and the
reception in the evening. BY good