The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-07-05
A GOLFERS PREDICAMENT.


To be stock broker is not necessarily
to be a wealthy man. and Cecil III.
Stokes knew this. 'Kaffirs' and other
luxuries had been knocked into pieces
by the war. What little there was to
pick was not worth the wear and tear
of boot-leather in perambulating the
floor of the house.
Cant stand this any longer" he con-
fded to his partner as they sat having
lunch. II shall take a run up Scotland
You won't see me for a week Don
touch anything in China"
The IL O'Clock express from Euston
oughly glad to see the lights of Lon
don disappearing. YES" Mr.. Stokes
reflected as he settled himself comfor-
tably in corner, things are deuced bad
in the city; glad I'm off. Daresay they'll
brighten up by the time come back. "
Early next morning he stood on Gou-
rock quay waiting for the boat due
from Glasgow. An easterly wind, with
an accompaniment of wet drizzle, made
him cast his thoughts longingly back
ward to the previous day and sunny
London. This may be healthy. but it
is not pleasant; rather be in the neigh
borhood of the bank" He cast a wistful
glance up the river. But no sign of the
COLUMBIA! There were other passengers
about, and all seemed equally miserable.
A stout, elderly gentleman, with a very
evident look of wealth about him, stood
grumbling at the delay. Don't tell me
ABOUT dcclQGnLS, mabel, tLdl 6lca1llcA
should have been here. Nothing what
ever can excuse it."
"Oh, papa, the COLUMBIA is usually so
punctuaL"
Then why the deuce should 1t have
gone wrong this morning."
1.-The man here says she'll be along
side in ten minutes" Mr.. Stokes gently
interpolated.
"Eh, whatv' and the choleric individ-
ual glared at the tall young man in
roll q
golfer. I think"
Yes, sir. I'm going to ArdnA,nore. -
''Eh! going where? What is your
name?"
Stokes. at your service"
Stocks! Why. you have changed
your mind, Ell? Mr.. Gordon wrote me
that you wouldn't accept my offer to
come to my private links and coach
fessional golfers nowadays. like cele-
brated Jockeys and women novelists,
think no end of yourselves"
ooh, papa" the demure young lady
murmured.
Cad, but it's true. There was a time
when a professional would never be
seen in knickerbockers; but since Var
don set the example. every lad of TWEEN
ty who can swing club graduates
from a plowed field or market garden
into fancy topped stockings and a Nor
folk jacket"
The arrival of the Columbia fortune
ately made a diversion. As the boat
churned her way through the Kyles Of
Butte, Mr.. Stokes sat in mirthful
frame of mind in an out-of- the-way
corner. A break in the weather. and
for moment he forgot his ''employer.'
Charming, indeed, was the landscape as
the boat passed Kames pier. The CLINT
of the sun sparkling on the wet rocks
and heather, and the flashing OF the
waters, was a subject for a poet to
dream about. Enraptured, Mr.. Stokes
QaZa6. T6rOQnnrfOn street faF-0f1
memory.
Enjoying the view, Mr.. Stocks?" and
he woke up with a start to find the
pretty form of the daughter Of the
house.
Yes, it is delightful"
You will find my father rather try
ing perhaps, but I do hope you will
stay and teach us the game properly.
week"
Ardnamore was picturesque place
SO Mr.. Stokes reflected as in the wake
of the plutocrat he landed, and was
re0-headed. bare-kneed individual who
drove vanished cart with the luggage.
Next morning a four-mile drive took
the house party to Mr.. Morgan's pri-
vate links. 1t was a useful nine-hole
green. on the rough side naturally, but
we'll endowed with hazards.
Mr.. Stokes took to his duties nobly.
In the exhibition match with the young
to play, and he defeated the Laird of
Skelmorlie in the afternoon by eight up
and seven to play. His style was ad-
a group of dignitaries at the rustic
club house, Il thought it better to get
down an English professional. They
are smarter than the Scotch product.
and dress better. Don't aggravate you
too, by their drawl or uncouth way Of
talking"
Where did that chap come from. Mr..
Morgan?"
From course near London, my lord;
forget its name. My agent in London
got him. I'm giving him 910 week
and all his expenses"
Mr. Stokes was no less successful with
his tuition. With the ladies he was In
constant request. But it was Miss Nor
gan who received his most careful at
tentiOn. He was never weary of show
ing that dainty damsel the correct way
to hold the clubs. and. as she was an
apt pupil, three weeks time gave the
little lady a nice opinion of golf. In
fact, she won, with a handicap, the gold
star gifted by the lord-lieutenant of the
county, and had her photograph in the
golf papers
What with his salary and tips" from
grateful clients, Mr.. Stokes was making
money.
Don't know how I'll stand as an am
ateur,' he could not help ruefully con-
templating. II expect I'd better keep a
note of it all. and send a check to the
nearest charitable institution"
"Ah, Stocks" shouted the portly cap
italist, 81 have just put you down for
an exhibition match with Braid. You
will have to keep up the credit OF Adj
namore."
"Yessir."
Thirty pounds is the money to be
divided. ego to the winner and R10 to
the loser. If you win shall double your
prize money"
Thank you, sir." and as Mr. Stokes
stood gazing medftatively over the ex-
panse of moor and heather he wondered
If he had not better call a halt and take
the train back to London His partner
was getting inQuisitive In his letters as
to the special attraction that kept him
In that out-of- the-way Highland spot