Free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1888-1908, 1902-11-01
A PardOnabIe Deception.
BY JENNIE EDDIE.


Copyright. 1902, by DailZ Story Pub. Coz
There was dire CONSERVATION in
athletic circles of the University of
Michigan when Stubby Shaw's resig-
nation from the ball team came in
just two weeks before the Cornell
game. Moreover, this young man re
manned firm as adamant in the face of
entreaties, expostulations, threats.
Its my own fault" he insisted.
Father wouldn't have said a word if
l had passed my exams. But as it is,
I've got to brace up in Math or go
home, and baseball is strictly ruled
out" Thompson, who was manager
of the team, was the brother of a very
pretty girl whom Stubby had adored
for three years. Their engagement
was but a few hours old when SEN
tence was passed upon Stubby's sport
ing career by his hitherto indulgent
father.
The Rev John Shaw loved his only
son with all the strength of his earn
est, strong heart, and because of that
love he was ambitious that John Jr.,
should make a success of life from
start to finish. He had sent him
proudly to his own Alma Mater and
had watched his progress with tender
solicitude, hoping, longing for some
evidence of especial brilliancy, yet
ever patiently content with his medi-
OGRE attachments. He hasn't found
himself yet" the fond father would
say, but when he does" and the
pleasant old gray eyes would light up
with an almost divine fire as his mind
ni0f1rnd 10 re- f11t1I of
On a perfect spring morning Mr..
Shaw received a letter from his boy.
1t was a frank, manly letter, telling
of his love for Margaret Thompson,
her promise to be his wife, and ask
ing his fathers approval Of the en-
gagement. The maid interrupted his
reverie. "A telegram for you, SIR
He tore it open and read it with a
puzzled smile
DO you consent to Johns engage
ment to Margaret? Telegraph reply.
"R. Thompson
Rather singular" said Mr.. Shaw.
"I never had such an experience be-
fore. But then it's good many years
since 1 knew anything about love af-
fairs. This must be the latest for
maIity."
Two hours later Thompson burst
into Stubby's room waving a bit of
yellow paper. 1--WE got it, he shout
ed, holding it still long enough for
Stubby to read, Il give my consent.
John Shaw" What does it mean?'
gasped Stubby. Mean? Why it means
that you agreed to stay on the team
until after the Cornell game if l got
your fathers consent, and here it is"
The famous shortstop was speeches.
with joy, but he wrung his friends
hand until Thompson WINGED and
drew it away.
The practice weeks were gone be-
fore anyone realized it and the morn
Ing Of the great day dawned clear and
crisp. Hundreds of students loaded
the special for Detroit That city was
In gala attire. College enthusiasm
was fairly saturating the atmosphere
and nowhere was greater loyalty
shown than in the ranks of the alum
ni-the "old grads" Was it Fate
that induced the Rev. John Shaw to
leave his coy study on that great day
and take the suburban for Detroit?
He certainly knew nothing about the
game until the Haunting streamers of
yellow and blue stirred something
warm in the depths of his heart and |
brought mist before his eyes.
well, well, Shaw. Down for the |
game, suppose" said a jolly voice as |
pair of big hands grasped his own |
heartily.
God bless my soul if it isn't Jack |
Thornton exclaimed the minister. |
What game is it?"
why, don't you know? Cornell |
and Michigan Best game of the year.
You used to be better posted on these |
things in our day. Ell, Shawl" Visions
of his long forgotten triumphs on
the diamond made him smile reflect !