Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1910-05-21
Among the Apple Trees
By Clifford v.
Gregory
CHAPTER VIII

j Sd<AI VIII.
@NE day shortly before time to
go back to school Beth came
out to see the girls.
college life seems to agree
with you," she said. "You look hap
pier than ever, and that's good DEAL"
Il don't see how any one can help
being happy" said Gladys. There's
10 much to do. and it's so much fun
to do IT, and, anyway, it's fun just I'd
be alive"
Eat college especially added Mabel
There's something happening every
minute. and it's all so very interesting
But you look as if something was the
matter, Beth. Aren't you well?''
Beth made a pitiful attempt to
smile and burst out crying. After a
moment she controlled herself with
an effort. I'll ought not to tell"
she said, "and wouldn't to any one
but you. but fists Harold"
''Whatw exclaimed Mabel. HE isn't
sick?'
Beth shook her head. II almost
wish he was,'' she said. 'instead of
this
The girls waited sympathetically for
her to go on.
Harold got in with fast set at
college," Beth continued after mo.
ment. You know how open hearted
and easily influenced he was? Well.
as soon as the boys found out that he
had plenty of money they got him to
join what was supposed the most fash
1onable fraternity in school, but which
must have been the wickedest. Har-
old isn't the kind Of a boy to do any.
thing halfway. He thought he must
do everything the rest of the boys in
his set did. and he got to leading a
pretty wild life. I'm afraid"
Beth paused for moment and then
went on. He went into athletics and
soon became football star. whatever
that is. OF course he was Immensely
popular"-there was note of pride In
her voice-"but with this popularity
came more temptations to get away
from all the best part Of college life
and go in simply for the sporty part
of It. The end of it all was that he
got to gambling and got into debt so
badly that he was almost afraid to
come home. Papa gave him an awful
lecture"-she shuddered at the recol-
lection-"and Harold finally got an
cry himself and said be couldn't be
young but once. and be was going to
enjoy life while he could.
''Then mamma talked to him, and
he finally broke down and promised
to do better. Papa wanted to take
him out of school and put him to work
at something. but he finally agreed 10
give him one more chance"
None OF the girls said anything for
long time after Beth had finished.
Harold could be such splendid
man IL he would only try" said Gladys
at last. with the ability he has
why, he might be the best lawyer in
the state"
Maybe 1t isn't altogether his fault"
said Mabel. 1T must be hard to
stand -out against all the rest of the
fellows"
That's the trouble" said Beth. He
got in with the wrong kind of crowd
to start with"
II don't believe the boys at Ames
are that way" said Mabel, "at least
none that know"
Gladys smiled. There are a whole
lot there that you don't know" she
said. There might be great deal Of
Improvement in the Ames boys; but,
all the same. don't believe there
could be any other school as nice as
Ames. Why can't you come down
with Us next term?" she added. turn
ing to Beth.
Beth shook her head. ''rm going to
Iowa City," she said. Maybe can
help Harold. It's going to be hard
enough fight for him anyway"
"Are you really going to the uni
versity?' asked Gladys. "We'll come
over and see you the day Of the Min
nesota game next fall II we get an
invitation" she added.
'I'll give you standing invitation
now that is good for any day in the
year." Beth answered. "And / WISH"