The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1907-03-07
Stories by Normal Students.
A PLUCKY BOY.
BY MARTHA HERRING.

with him, not only the honors #
his class, but the friendship ard ad-
mira,ion of all his classmates and
teachers.
He was the only child in the
family Of three, and was, therefore,
the pride and JOY of both father and
mother. His mother was all invalid
and, although his father was hard
working, economical man, the
doctors bills seemed to keep the
family purse constantly drained.
For this reason, Stephen bade
farewell to his Alma Mater with a
sad heart, for he was fond of his
studies, and would tain have pur-
sued them until he had finished
college. but the financial condition
of the family discouraged even the
thought of such course. How
ever, no one knew oil the longings
Of the boys heart, for, whenever
the subject was broached, he turn.
ed it jokingly aside, saying that
hereafter he was going to work,
and then they would soon be las
rich as Cresus."
Fe secured a position in a store
near his home. and worked earnest
ly during the summer months. One
lot day in August he received a
letter from a wealthy uncle saying
that he had been hearing good re
ports of his nephew from all sides.
and would like to suggest that if
Stephen had any inclination what
ever to continue his school life, he
would be delighted to treat the boy
as one Of his own, and pay all cx-
penses of college career. Ste.
phen's father Immediately decided
that the boy should go, and al
though Stephen at first objected OH
the plea that he was needed al
home, he was soon persuaded that
1t was a chance not to be ignored,
and in a few weeks was on his way.
He entered the college as a
Freshman. after passing the pre-
liminary examinations, but contrary
to his expectations. the boys in
general refused to be friendly with
him. 1t may have been be.
cause he did not mingle much with
them, and spent most of his time
studying, but whatever the cause
it hurt him more than he would ac-
knowledge.
During the month of December,
millionaire living near the school
offered prize of $1,000 to the boy
who could write the best essay on
How to be Happy" At first
Stephen gave little heed to the sub
ject. but when the idea finally oc-
Cured to him, the more he ponder
ed it, the more feasible the plar
became.
About two weeks before the es-
says were to be read, Stephen had
his all prepared, and took much
satisfaction in the result. He cop.
led it neatly in ink aad placed it on
the shelf in his room.
Ore evening, few days tefore
the important event, he received a
notice which read as follows:-S.
c., Your essay is in our posses.
sion. If you want it, do as we di-
rect. Meet us in the gymnasium
at 80 tonight, and we will ccn-
du:t you to the place where it may
be found. You will have no light,
and must, therefore, feel your way
10 the box containing it. 1t rests
Oh a bench in the rear, right hand
corner. On no Other conditions
will you get it.
Signed,
COMMITTEES.
Stephens surprise was so great
as he read the epistle, that some
time elapsed before he realized its
import. Then he went quickly to
his shelf, almost expecting to find
lis essay still there, but, sure
enough. it was gone. He did not
like the idea Of obeying the direc-
tions of the mssive, but, deter
IN ned to show that he was no
coward, be quietly descended the
steps promptly at II.3o o'clock As
lie entered the room, he perceived
tour masked figures in one corner,
They advanced, and after blind
folding him, led him forth. For
long time they marched onward
and not word was spoken. Pre-.
sently they halted. took off the
cloth from his eyes, and immediate
ly disappeared.
Stephen found himself IN pitch
darkness. and upon reaching for
ward he discovered door before
him. He opened it somewhat
and although a Decu