The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-01-31

A PLEASANT breeze tempered the
N warmth of the early July day.
L John Italian stretched himself
at full length on the soft turf and pres
entity rolling over on his back. stared
upward at the blue sky and the fleecy
clouds. It was a pleasant and an I'M
usual sight-the unfamiliarity being
largely dependent on the point of view
and John HalIan found 1t soothing and
restful Somehow it made him forget
his petty cares and worries Presently
1t made him forgetful of all things mum
dane
John Hallan had been confronted with
the first serious dilemma of his one and
twenty years. 1t bothered him good
deal IL meant. no matter which horn
he took. a decisive settlement of his flu
ture career He had virtually made a
choice when he entered college. but a
new and unexpected temptation had
come TO him. And it was very TEMPT
ing. There wasn't any doubt of that. II
was so tempting that John Hallan felt
like throwing up his hands and yielding
without further parley. But something
restrained him.
he had meant to be a lawyer. There
was law Office with an open door
awaiting him when he finished his col
lege course 1t was an excellent chance
He felt that he was fitted for the work.
His friends encouraged him. He re-
allied that it would be a struggle. 1t
meant years Of virtual waiting. IT
meant self-denial. close living. constant
labor. And then the temptation doomed
up stronger than ever.
John Italian hadn't run away from
this dilemma He was taking time to
consider the rival points Incidentally
he was taking a rest. He had worked
hard during his Junior year. IL was
the hardest year of the three he had
passed In college. He had done well.
There was not doubt of that And this
was not due to the marked favor he
was shown by his instructors. Every
body seemed determined to help hin,
along He was a boy who made friends.
and they were helpful friends, too. And
yet he asked no favors He proudly
told himself he did not need them
He had no money to waste in buying
popularity. II came to him without
price. Not only had he done well in
his studies, but the outside work he
did, as a tutor and in the college library.
had netted him a little sum above his
Z
he had ever enjoyed, that enabled him
to take the present vacation
He had promised to make his choice
In ten days. The time was grudgingly
yielded him. And partly TO escape the
opportunities of the tempters. and partly
for a change of surroundings, he had
come TO this pretty town in the hills.
where he knew nobody and nobody knew
him.
He was a country boy and had a
country boys longing to get close to the
soil. He loved the hills and the ripen-
ing fields He loved the country air and
the simple country food. He had found
a pleasant boarding place and told him
self that here he could play the idIer
to his hearts content, could loaf and
vegetate. and forget the OLD grind.
And so he had fallen asleep this early
July afternoon on the sunny hillside
He was aroused by shout, and Iazily
rolled over and sat up. There was more
shouting as he drowsily stared across
the field that stretched below him The
eLn H,1
at the sight. There was no avoiding
the fascinating sport. He had run away
from IT, and here II was awaiting him
This was not a regular game, he could
see. They were taking turns at batting
and filing the fielding positions in rota-
ton.
John Italians eyes sparkled as he
watched the sport The players were not
experts and yet there was something
celebrating in noting their efforts. They
enjoyed it all so thoroughly. Their
laughter rang out so clear, they were
so much in earnest
John arose and went down the little
inclina. and leaping the low fence en-
tered the field AS he did so he heard
the sharp crack OF the bat against the
bah and the sphere came sailing toward
him. II was a long hit and the man who
made it was merrily shouting as he ran
the bases. John quickened his walk
little and then leaping lightly forward
caught the ball, and threw il to the
pitcher. 1t was a long and accurate
throw and all the players turned and