The Prescott daily news., 1911-04-04
FEDS ORDEAL

There was such prompt response to his ring that they almost seemed to have been waiting for him.
 Ted waited miserably in the recep- ton room while the butler went to an nounce his important business. He rather envied little Silbon who was getting off light. What was simulat- ing an epileptic fit in a crowded dry goods store to trying to sell the most luxurious liver in town copy of "The Simple Life?"
 The committee on initiation had been most ingenious this year. The tasks they allotted the candidates were positively fendish but to order him to seek to sell copy of that book to Chester Alderman seemed to in vite him to self-destruction
 Nervously he followed the butler down the long hall and into the H. brary. Alderman looked up at his entrance
 What can I do for you?" he asked sharply
 T have book" explained Ted. Its very celebrated beck and I thought you might like to buy a copy"
 "A book agentl" thundered Acker- man, as he reached for the bell
 See here, pleaded Ted Give me chance. Here is book that every ones been talking about
 Don't want it." snapped Acker- man.
 Have look, anyway" insisted Ted Its The Simple Life; the book that the president thought was such hot stuff I'll bet you've never read 1t and yet it's been talked about for the last two years. You never did read 1t, did your"
 No. And I'm not going to now de- clared Alderman. If l thought you meant that l needed to read that" You do need to" reiterated Ted Not the way you mean, but because man needs to keep posted By your own admission. you're two years behind. You can have a laugh, any way"
 He held the book invitingly toward his vic.ip and almost unconsciously Ackern took 1t. He glanced over the pages with an occasional grunt He was by no means an exponent of the simple life, and he found much to deride
 Didn't l tell you it was good for a laugh?' insisted Ted Alderman look ed up with a smile.
 How much is it?" he demanded You can satisfy your pride with the Knowledge that you're the first book hot oII
 Tn that case make it dollar" sug- gested Ted. Thanks. Good morning l can find my own way out"
 He was gone before Alderman could ring, elated over his success and de- voutly thankful that he had not been thrown out. He was just opening the front door when a girl came running down the stairs.
 MT. Hammond?" she cried. Ted turned
 Miss Drury!" he gasped. What brings you here?"
 MT. Alderman Is my guardian" she explained. T thought that per haps-" She caught herself with a blush.
 'No,' said Ted. That was not it. You and your party left the Point so suddenly that l could get no trace of you. The fact is that I was in selling MT Alderman a book"
 You are a book agent?" she cried in shocked surprise.
 Amateur" he explained They want to make me feel properly hum. ble before they admit me to fellowship in the fraternity 1 had to sell a copy of The Simple Life"
 "To Uncle Chester?" she cried How did you ever do it?'
 T don't know myself" he admitted frankly There are three of the com mitte outside now waiting to see me thrown down the steps l did not ex- pect to disappoint them"
 T could call the butler" she sug- gested.
 No, thanks. If you will permit me I'll take another chance with your uncle"
 "How2' she asked curiously.
 You know what I was trying to ask you last summer" he said bold ly. You left before I could propose. I was, and am, conceited enough to think that you do care for me. May I go in and ask his consent to our mar riage when I graduate?"
 This is so sudden" she protested
 Not bit of it. I've been seven months getting it out think you've had notice appuUh