Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1901-04-24

cry day he had long talks with Willis,
who urged him almost pathetically to
90 with him. But when the last day OF
enlistment came Edward decided to
stay In college. Willis did not trv to
conceal his disappointment.
who's to look after my morals in
the armyY he asked, and there was a
noticeable absence Of his old f,ippancv
q he asked the question.
You'll have to look after them your
SELL" Edward replied truthfully. New
efeneless he could not help feeling that
the army life for q young man like VII
I'D would probably present temptations
mat would draw him farther away
from all right conduct than he had
even yet been enticed
It was this same evening that Ed
ward received Z surprise from Willis
that had 4 good deal to do with after
events al they came on In the college
lie Of both himself and Freeda.
Willis had come up to the college
room on leave Of absence from the
Temporary camp that had been estab-
ushed near Raynor. The two were in
the old room together, and Willis was
gathering up some last articles to send
home and disposing Of some Of his
books and papers to Edward. Finally.
when he was through with all that, he
took paper out Of his table drawer,
and, with q little show Of embarrass-
ment, brought it over to Edwards ta-
bic and sat down near him.
1--WE got thing here that want to
leave with you very much. Win you
look after 1t all right as l want you
top
"Of course I WILL" replied Edward
without exercising his usual cautious
ness In making promises.
well, two years ago l owned a pa
per route and rented 1t out as you
know. I've told you about that. The
route changed hands several times, but
In deal that l made last year it got
into my possession again. Bruce has
been carrying it, but he's in the CON-
pany now, and the whole thing comes
right back to me. Mother wrote about
it the last time she wrote giving her
consent to my going. didn't show
that part Of the letter. But It's her
wish and mine that the route be turned
over to you
How? In what wayT asked Ed
ward nervously.
"Oh, you needn't be afraid that I'm
going to try to corrupt you" said VIII
Lis, laughing, because know It can't
be done. II you'll just sign your name
right here you'll see what mean"
Edward read the paper through and
saw that 1t was a transfer Of the paper
route to him, entire, he agreeing to pay
800 for the route at his own conven-
fence.
But" he said, understanding Willis
motive. this route is worth seven
times a. much"
- much You pay me 800 on It at
your own convenience and it's your
route. II I'm killed In the war, you
can pay It to mother. We made the
arrangement together. You've prom
ised to do II" continued Willis as Ed
ward made a gesture Of refusal II
shall feel very much hurt II you don't
take It. So win mother. We are rich.
The money is Of little account to Us.
But you've got your way to make, and
the route IL the best one in Raynor.
You can make enough on it to pay in
the 500 inside Of six months, and"-
here Willis hesitated curiously aud
q nttle-"and you can az
ford to have your sister 60 back to the
ball. Don't refuse me, Ned. It's the
last favor !. may ever ask of you"
Edward had nothing else to do but
accept the otter. He signed the paper,
and Willis turned the route over to
him, giving him the original contract
signed and attested.
The next morning Willis was due at
the camp to report for final marching
orders. He had packed few Of the
things remaining after sending some
Of his effects home and leaving other
articles In the room under Edwards
care, and as Edward came In after
his first lecture he found Willis trying
to decide on a few articles such as
he might possibly carry with him. he
was going over the things he had
packed and expressing his regret that
he had to leave so much behind
Finally he made his selections and
began putting things in the small
handbag. As he dropped In one thing
after another he picked up a small
volume Of poems which somehow look
ed strangely familiar to Edward, who
was standing by his table silently
looking on.
Willis looked up and after moment
Of hesitation he said: II might as well
say that this book Of poems isn't mine.
It belongs to your sister. She didn't
give It to me, Of course. picked It
ND In the classroom one day. I'm 60
ing to take it with me If you don't OBJ
ject"
Edward was startled by the unex-
pected revelation Of Willis feeling to-
ward Freeda- He had never seen them
much together, and he had never had
the slightest suspicion that Willis cared
anything for her. Freeda was old for
her years. In spite Of her poverty she
always knew how to appear we'll dress
ed. She had an attractive personality,
was popular among the students and
was good talker. Edward thought he
knew and had given credit for his sis.
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