The Holly chieftain., 1915-01-22

| the werminous cancers that snaw our
yitals. But look into your own heart.
question yourself"
Jaw. pound yer ear" snapped
James.
Some one was heard approaching
and Mike paused from cleaning the
blade of his knife in the ground before
him to listen.
"The youth comes" said he. and
rose clumsily to his little fat legs. He
stepped aside to see up the path. but
James did not move. :.
"A radiant vision of manly beauty.
announced Mike. ono hand on his
heart, the other shading his small
eyes az though dazzled by great ana
brilliant light.
James glanced up sullenly. Ayouth
was coming through the trees. tall and
graceful and broad-shouldered. His
suit of soft brown, his gently tipped
panama. his light shoes and silk socks
brought with them breath Of motor.
cars and steam yachts, of the smoker
in q railway train, with white-clad.
attentive porter, instead Of the brake
beam underneath and an irate station
master and furious conductor From
the lapel of his coat cleaned heavy
gold chain and in his stylish tie pin
OF odd but costly workmanship caught
the eye of the enraptured beholder.
Mike laid his hand on his heart
again, removed his hat. and standing
aside for the youth to pass. bowed
low.
me lud," said he in humble saluta.
tion.
James glanced up from his seat un-
der the butternut tree. He regarded
the vision OF afiuence before him a
moment in growing admiration and
awe. Then he removed his pipe and
spoke.
you'll get three years for this, :"
said he cheerfully, and put his pipe
back into his mouth.
The Watermelon drew himself up to
his full height, threw back his shoul-
/ ders and fastidiously adjusted his
cuffs, with their heavy gold links.
with every passing moment more
beautiful" murmured Mike.
James snorted.
"Well," asked the Watermelon, "who
gets the prize?"
me humble faculties" said Mike,
with one wary eye on James. me
humble faculties are incapable of rem
dering true and accurate judgment in
the present case where two such rare
specimens of manly beauty compete in
my honored and deeply grateful pres
ence."
| The Watermelon laughed and ran
| his hand over his smooth chin and
hairless cheeks with a gesture Of gen.
tie pride. James said IL could not
| get a suit, / would be counted down
and out. l." and he drew himself up,
Il do not have to take advantage Of
q mere technicality. scorn to win
by default"
True nobility" said Mike. "is in
them words"
"Aw, cut the gas!" growled James.
"Where'd you get the blooming out
att"
81 win, do II" persisted the Water
melon.
Mikes the judge" returned James.
losing interest in what was too obyi.
ously a one-sided contest.
Mike glanced thoughtfully from one
to the othe- and decided that danger
lay in either choice. Neither of you, !"
said he slowly and wisely, win. For
unexcelled art in raiment, me young
friend here, might be said to be the
only competitor. For rare physical
beauty and winning charm in looks,
unaided by mere externals, me friend
and fellow-citizen, James, gets the Just
reward, and for pure, manly beauty
Of the soul, truth, which always fol.
low. compels me to give the prize to
me humble self"
"Aw," growled James, this amt no
show. We will have another"
The Watermelon hitched up his
trousers and chose clean seat on 4
fallen log. When coat and trousers
legs were adjusted so as best to keen
their faultless creases. he spoke with
the bored accents Of the weary scion
Of great wealth.
I'm starting for motor tour with
some Of me friends" said he.
a." said Mike, "have always felt for
you as for dear and only son."
"Gwan." said James imperiously.
Where did you get the glad rags?"
The Watermelon told them briefly