The Richfield recorder. (Richfield, Idaho) 1909-1931, 1913-02-27
CLUBS WERE TRUMP
FROM JUDGE.

He looked like a gentleman Como tc
seed Though patched and frayed as
to clothing, he was immaculate both
in dress and person. He sat upoa the
kitchen doorstep, Smelling peas. His
expression betokened reconciled des-
pair
Be so kind" he said meekly, but
emphatically, "as not to utter the
word club to me, sir. The induce
ments that could tempt me to join any
kind Of association whatever do not
exist"
Before saying more, he glanced ap-
prehersively over his shoulder. Then
he explained in low tone:
"To clubs are due all my misfor
tunes; and I endure sufficient, I as
sure you. When | was young man
and that seems centuries agc-this
village passed through an epidemic Of
clubs. How or why the pestiIence
broke out, no one knows But sud
denly every one was forming them
Joining them, canvassing for them
There was the Farmers club, the
Housewives club. the Card club the
Glee CLUB and a score Of others. Ev-
cry organization had its badge and
some of my neighbors proudly wore
FIVE or six
"At that time I was lust young
enough 10 know all about life, and
was certain that it offered no prize
like personal liberty. Consequently J
was confirmed bachelor and rather
prone 70 boast Of it. fear Ny asso-
ciates were all young men who pro
claimed loudly that they scorned the
female sex Each had been most
cruelty rejected by some false-hearted
charmer, and when they organized the
Bachelors club the receipt of one re
lection at least was made a qualifica-
ton for membership. ] was eager to
Join but this excluded me-
Isn't there a way to pet around |
the rple?' ! asked Lon Pendleton
president.
NO he replied. We mustn't be
gin that way Don't try to get around
Just qualify
" Propose to some one?'
Certainly
Suppose I am acepted?'
You needn't be afraid of that he
'eplied; then noticing my look lame
V added select some one who doesn't
Ike you. I mean
THAT was easily done. Salina
Briggs and had been sworn enemies
ince we went barefooted to the dis
riot school She was bigger than the
eacher then. and I called her Jumbo
he retaliated by calling me Whiffet
he years that had added TO her bulk
nd coarseness had left me under
lied. but a gentleman and (hemD a
cholar"
He sent a quick, sensitive glance
ito my eyes. and I bowed gravely.
Whenever we CHANGED TO pass on !
lie street. she would make some audi
lie remark about me, to raise the
lughter Of the congenial friends 7
round her and her vulgar laugh
ould raise above them all and follow T
e farthest
'Loathing her rs 7 did nothing ex I
,pt my great desire to join the Bach z
ors' club could have made me ad- r
'ess her-let alone upon such a sub
ct But in those days when I want.
thing I went it blind as the say.
9 is. Moreover. I was sure that
slina would consider my proposal a Z
lSe-perhaps the result Of a wager S
ID this ] knew would enrage her be- U
nd measure"
He was silent SO long, gazing miser. Il
ly into space, that was obliged to
eak to him. He looked up pathet- D
lily and whispered:
she said IS" T.
"And you I ventured C,
Il am a gentleman he returned N
d 7 nodded
IF it isn't-er' l began, after
~ pause
Not at all" he answered. "She was Ct
d to join the Matrons club, that's
Before I could utter word of sym. tn
-hy on untidy head appeared at the tn
1r and coarse voice cried:
John Hennery be them peas done Co
p,
md as passed through the gate
lrd in gentle and refined tones:
No, Selma; they'll be done in a
lute" tn
you are cold, take cup of Beef