The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1907-06-26
He Won the Contest
by jeanette Whitlow.

AS Jed sat in the sun shadow sud
denly fell across the belt he was
mending. He knew by the sudden
contraction of his heart who II was
he would see, and he caught himself
idly wondering II It would always be
the same, If the same massive form
would follow him through life, al
ways casting its shadow over his
brightest hopes.
Ever since Norcross entered the
college year before they had been
rivals in their studies, rivals in ath-
letics, and now rivals for the affec-
ton of the fairest maid in all the
country, pretty Ora Chadwick. the
deans only daughter.
1t was q week before Christmas,
and wonderfully mild. In three days
the great annual dramatic meet at
Westlock College would occur, Jed
had taken first prize in the junior
year, and had worked hard or this
looming up a close second Jeds
brows contracted. He may get it,"
he muttered, but he won't get 1t
fairly. He'll win. Just as he won at
field day, by sneak's trick. Thank
heaven I've kept my record clear
even though 1t hasn't always landed
me first place"
He sprang quickly to his feet to
get a better view of the splendid
form as 1t swung across the campus.
It's the same man. | could swear It.
But what the deuce did he change
his name for? Oh, If | had proofs,
proofs; but, pshaw, what could | do,
even If | had? If she loves him
here the buckle in his fingers snap
ped sharply in two. And even II
she doesn't, could justify my
self?
Il couldn't be. Even II the fellows
are too true to me to notice it, !
should know myself that 1t was love
and not war whose fairness | was
guarding"
He laughed grimly at his own pun,
piChSu up NhS ulOhSu uuShiS anu
went up to his room. Come here,
Jed" said Gregory Henderson as he
entered. Here" meant the big
broad silled window overlooking the
campus. He pointed below to where
Norcross and Miss Chadwick were
pacing up and down. Are you go
Ing to stand for that sort of thing?
You were 1T before he landed. and
here you've allowed him to walk in
and help himself to whatever he
wants-and he's got deuced good
taste, confound him.
You're - you're awfully good,
Greg. IL know the boys depend on
me, and am going to try" His eyes
followed the two forms steadily for
minute. Then he held out his hand.
Greg" he said, and there was a
steely CLINT in his eyes, Gregory. l
am going to win!"
The evening of the great meet
came. OF the sixty-three competitors
It was readily ceded that only two
stood any chance of winning first
prize, jeremiah, alias Jed Far
mum, and Frederick Norcross. Both
men were in fine condition.
The affair progressed as such
things usually do-the minor lights
receiving their share of applause
from personal friends. When the
programme was finally finished 1t
was clear that either Jed or Norcross
would carry off the first prize, some
designated one, some the other. The
judges adjourned to the ante-room,
and Jed's heart sank as a messenger
called Norcross to join them. Well,
it was as he expected. What chance
had he against "A He didn't
dare to even think the word, lest he
should shout aloud in his hearts
sickness. And now Dean Chadwick's
voice reaches him. Ladies and gen.
tlemen, friends of our institution"
the dean is saying, Il regret exceed
ingly that very unpleasant feature
crept into our contest tonight. Pro-
fessor Bacon, whose word is indispu-
table, has fortunately recognized one
of our members before it was too
late. Frederick ID. Norcross, whose
true name is Frederick DAWSON, has
admitted that he not only was a pro-
fessional member of Benefits Con-
cert Company during the season Of
1867, but that during the follow
ing year he was on the track at
Wrentham and other places as pro-
facts, he cannot be considered in
making the awards. And when Jed
was finally announced the winner
the entire student body rose as one,
and gave the college yell three
times three"
When Jed was ushered into the
deans presence a day later he hard
ly knew what to expect The old
man looked up from his paper. Far
num-" he said slowly, was it not
| during the season of '99 that the
team sent you over to the Wrentham
meet?" "Yes, sir" And you have
| known all the time that this Nor
cross was a PROFESSIONAL" g, | sus-
pected 1t sir" Was 1t using me,
your college, even yourself. fairly?
Why didn't you speak?"
"Oh, sir, sir, if you only knew
how hard it was not to-"
For minute the dean stared, then