Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1905-06-16
CHAPTER VIII.
In which Wilkie Speaks His Mind.

CHAPTER VIII
In Which Wilkie Speaks His Mind
"You seem to be putting on a good
deal OF style lately" said Wilkie. in a
sulky tone, as he met him on the street
next day.
Il do not Know what you mean" re-
piled Ned, II was not aware of assum-
ing any airs"
you wasn't aware OF it, eh?" said
Wilkie, sullenly. Well, the fellows
know it, if you don't"
How so, Wikie? You do not ap-
pear as jolly as usual; what is the mat
ter?"
Il do not like 10 see a fellow putting
himself where he don't belong" replied
Wilkie, Just because you raised a few
potatoes last summer, you now think
you own the town"
you talk foolshly, Wilkie.
Perhaps | do" said Wilkie, but
have an idea OF a fellow who goes
hanging around people and meetings.
just 10 coax up people to give him an
Office"
But | have done no such thing re-
piled Ned
We'll, say you have snarled Will
kie Did you not go to the Farmer
meeting only just TO make yourself
conspicuous, and hung round Col
Hooper and Hon. Mr. Sharp. just to
get them TO get you in secretary? /
say YOU did You are a schemer, but
you are getting on too fast.
But ! did nothing OF the kind, VIII
kie. | never dreamed of being elected
TO any office | went because | was in
terested in farm work. and | thought
could learn something. | was much
surprised that any one took any notice
of me: you do me injustice, Willlie.
"Oh, yes. just as If ! cannot see
what you have been around old Hunt
so much for of late growled Wilkie.
81 think il is only a sneak that goes
fawing about a teacher, just TO get
favors. | saw through il last night
when he seconded your nomination"
Il have only hung around Prof.
Hunt, as you call II, to talk over my
lessons and TO gain information. He
appears very willing TO help any one
who tries TO do" replied Ned. Il
think he would be equally willing 10
help you or any of the boys, II he saw
them actually trying"
81 saw you speaking to Nellie Sharp
after the meeting last night, said
Wilkie, Il call that putting on airs.
III bet dollar you never spoke to her
before last night 1t beats all how
much cheek you put on after getting
in as secretary. One would suppose
you owned everybody"
why, Wilkie, exclaimed Ned you
appear to be determined TO be cross
and unreasonable to-day. | was not
bold enough to speak TO Nellie without
introduction. never sought intro
duction, either. Her father gave it 10
me. and OF course | did not turn my
back or resent il, nor was | rude TO
her"
1T is not likely that she would have
been introduced to you there, by her
father, If you had not been putting
yourself forward" replied Wilkie.
IF you keep on, Wilkie, l shall be-
gin to think you are Jealous" said Ned.
We'll. am getting tired OF hearing
folks talk OF your being too ALFRED
smart. just because you happened to
raise a few potatoes this year" cross
" replied Wilkie. "Once you used TO
play with the boys, and now for year
you have been trying to get into places
beyond your station"
Il have been trying TO make mai
Of myself" replied Ned, and if |. by
faithfulness in my daily task, by hard
study. and diligence, have attained the
position you claim | have above you,
who have spent your time in play and
lounging around town, think ! shall
take no back tracks. | will press for
waru. My summers work appears 10
keep bearing fruit. | suppose ii rs UNI
usual for a boy to be elected secretary
of a Farmers Club. | suppose they
thought me fitted for the position or
| should not have been so unanimous
ly elected: nor do / think il right for
YOU to charge Mr.. Hunt OF favOritism
because he spoke kindly OF me. when
I was nominated. In fact, Wilkie, /
feel my own little ness so much beside
those older and m ore experienced and
learned than I am that | should feel
IL absurd TO put on style or airs as you
call il"
We'll. you have got on mighty fast
think. for the past year continued
Wilkie. ,"and of course il is natural
TO feel big after receiving so much at
tention."
Il feel pleased. Wilkie. but not big.
have done no more the past year than
any boy could do IL he was similarly
placed. and worked as hard as ! did.
| denied myself many fine times with
the boys-it was a great cross TO me
sometimes TO see YOU all going off for
a fishing excursion, or 10 a game OF
foot ball, but am glad | did deny my
self now II you had spent the same
time and energy that | did, ! presume
you might have won even greater hon.
ors yourself. You once ranked higher
In the classes than L."
Yes. it is the same old story, IL
would be as smart as Ned. must fol-
low his example that is what they all
80 lad ara tired Ok heariE= -" 80