Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1912-01-25

for him to yield gracefully than to
fight senseleSsly.
That's nothing less than cowardice,"
said McCracken.
Then we would all better be cow
ards at times" replied Scoyill. "If Il
man were to send me word that he
was going to shoot me on sight I'd
send back word that | hoped he would
not see me-
81 should tell him that l would be
prepared for him." said McCracken.
"DO you mean to say" pursued SEQ
will, that If you cringed to a man who
had the drop on you you would be Il
coward?"
That's my conviction" said the 9th
er, twirling a young mustache.
Then you'll prove yourself a coward
some day, you may bet your boots"
THAT remains to be seem
With this the speaker left the party.
81 tell you what, fellows" said SEQ
will, II have a mind to prove Mack
coward on his own theory"
"Try it," said several students. "We'l
give you supper if you succeed"
VERY WELL" replied Scovill. ''Pll do
It,"
"When?"
"As to that I'll let you know here
after. In the meantime I'll do u job of
thinking on it,
In the university grounds was an old
plaster cast of Washington that had
been there from time immemorial In
going from his room to the armory Nc
Cracker was obliged to pass this
statue. One Wednesday evening be-
tween dusk and darkness he was hur
rying over his accustomed walk, for
he was trifie behind time, when he
came face to face with the statue
standing silent and rigid in the waning
light. Suddenly the Father Of His
Country, In tone that was evidently
meant to be obeyed, called "Haltr' At
the same time the right arm was raised
from the side, revolver grasped in the
hand.
McCracken stood still as suddenly as
If he had run up against stone wall
"Throw up your hands,"
The order was obeyed with alacrity.
Fright facer'
BY this time McCrackens equipoise
had somewhat reasserted itself, and he
did not obey the order. A bullet sang
disagreeably near to his ear. Not TAX
ing note of the fact that the bullet
passed quicker than he could act. he
involuntarW ducked.
Fright facet
This time the lieutenant turned on
his heels without waiting for another
bullet which might possibly hit him.
Forward, march! Halt! About
face! TO the rear, march, Halt! Front
facet
The lieutenant obeyed these orders
with minute exactness. Once during
the drill, thinking that 1t might be a
students joke. he again stood still
when ordered to march, hut another
bullet, coming closer than the first ad-
monished him that If Il joke it was a
serious one. 1t was certainly amusing,
this drilling of an officer of the nation
al guard by the statue of General
George Washington. but McCrackcn
saw nothing in it to move his risible
muscles in the slightest degree. In
deed he was quaking lest he should
make some blunder and the general
shoot him down on the spot
Finally the drillmaster directed the
lieutenant to stoop and perform the
"du ks march," which he did not
daring to lower his hands. There was
a smoker behind a bush, another be
hind n tree, which, acting like a light
ed fuse on gunpowder, brought about
an explosion of laughter from every
surrounding hiding place. Then the
generals threatening arm fell to it's
proper place and Scovill stepped down
from behind the statue. At the same
time dozen students emerged from
behind trees. bushes and other availa-
BILE screens.
"Well, Mack, what do you think of
your theory now?" asked Scovill.
81 think my theory is all rot"
"Tm glad of that We don't want
to consider you coward. Any of us
would have obeyed under similar cir
cumStanceS."
but now ulu you Work the Stdtue.
asked McCracken.
''This white sleeve was all that was
needed" And Scovill pulled Off cot
ton sleeve cut the same shape as the
generals Continental uniform coat.
"Boys. meet me at the Beefsteak
after drill. and I'll blow you Off to
supper"
THAT'S provided for, but We'll be
there"
That night private room at the
Reefsteak rang with stirring songs
McCracken was the merriest OF the
party He had been taught lesson.
but to learn lessons, not only from
books. but from association. was what
he was at college for He is now with
49,, In Tia ahiIiIais.sss dains. c.nnd