Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1905-08-17
CHAPTER l.
Little Sonsof the Rich" We're
gathered about the long table
in Pettingiil's studio. There

more or less enterprising hopeful and
reasonably sure Of better things to
come. Most of them bore names that
meant something in the story of New
York Indeed one of them had re-
marked, "A man is known by the
street that's named after him." and as
he was a new member they called him
Subway.
The most popular man in the COM
pany was young Monty Brewster. He
9xaaa---------
shaven. People called him 'clean look
ing" Older women were interested in
him because his father and mother had
made a romantic runaway match,
which was the talk of the town in the
seventies, and had never been forgiven.
Worldly women were interested in him
because he was the only grandson Of
Edwin Peter Brewster, who was many
times millionaire, and Monty was
fairly certain to be his heir, barring an
absentminded gift to charity. Younger
women were interested for much
more obvious and simple reason-they
liked him. Men also took to Monty be-
cause ne was good sportsman, man
among men, because he had decent
respect for himself and no great aver
sion to work.
His father and mother had both died
while he was still child, and as If to
make up for his long "reminiscences the
grandfather had taken the boy to his
own house and had cared for him with
what he called affection. After college
however, Monty had preferred to be
independent. Old Mr.. Brewster had
found him place In the bank, but be-
yond this and occasional dinners Mon
ty asked for and received no favors.
1t was a question OF work. and hard
work and small pay. He lived ON his
salary because he had to, but he did
not resent his grandfather's attitude.
He was better satisfied to spend his
weakly salary. as he called 1t, In his
own way than to earn more by dining
seven nights a week with an old man
who had forgotten he was ever young.
1t was less wearing, he said.
Among the Little Sons of the Rich
birthdays were always occasions for
feasting. The table was covered with
dishes sent up from the French res
taurant in the basement. The chairs
were pushed back, cigarettes were
lighted, men had their knees crossed.
Then Pettingill got up.
Gentlemen" he began, I'VE are here
to celebrate the twenty-fifth birthday
Of Mr.. Montgomery Brewster. l ask
you all to join me In drinking to his
long life and happiness"
mo heel tapsr' same one shouted.
brewster! Brewster!" all called at
once.
For he's jolly good fellow,
For he's jolly good fellow"
The sudden ringing OF an electric bell
cut off this fow of sentiment, and SO
unusual was the interruption that the
ten members Strengthened up as il
jerked into position by string
THE policer' some one suggested.
All faces were turned toward the door.
A waiter stood there. uncertain whether
to turn the knob or push the bolt.
"Nuisancer' said Richard Van Win
kle. II want to hear Brewster's
SPEECH"
Speech! Speech Echoed every
where. Men settled into their places.
Mr.. Montgomery Brewster Pettin-
gill introduced.
Again the bell rang-loud and long.
'Re-enfcrcements. I'll bet there's
patrol In the street." remarked Oliver
Harrison
III It's only the police. let them In"
said Pettingill Il thought 1t was a
creditor
The waiter opened the door.
Some one to see Mr.. Brewster. sir"
he announced.
rs she pretty, waiter?" called Nc
Cloud.
He says he is Ellis. from your grand
fathers, SIR
my compliments to Ellis and ask him
to inform my grandfather that it's aft
er banking hours I'll see him In the
morning" said Mr.. Brewster, who had
reddened under the jests Of his COM
panions.
"Grandpa doesn't want his Monty
- stay out after dark" chuckled Sub
way Smith.
1T was most Thoughtful Of the old
gentleman to have the man call FOR
you with the perambulator," shouted
Pettmgill above the laughter. "Tell
him you've already had your bottle, Z
added McClcud.
waiter, ten Ellis I'm too busy to
Be seen, = commanded Brewster. and az
Eliis went down n the elevator a roar
followed him.
Nov for Brewster's speech! Brew
pterr'
Monty rose.
~Gentlemen. you seem to have Tor
gotten for the moment that I am TWEEN
V-1ye years old this day ana that your
remarks hare been childish ana Wholly
unbecoming the dignity Of ny AZ.
That have arrived At period of dis-
erection h evident from my choice IL
friends; that am entitled 10 your n
spect = evident from my grapdfather's
uO<oE1ou9 wealth. You have dana ~