The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1916-01-07

with me. 10 ahead I've got II com
ing to me. and 1t don't make me madz
He grinned amiably at their chair
ing, and when the boys found he
would not lose his temper over It they
let him alone.
The second week after he started 10
school the county superintendent OF
education came over to start the Boys
Corn club again and to get ready for
the approaching season Somehow
there seemed TO be an utter lack of en-
thuslasm among the boys. They did
not applaud his utterances, and only
few of them went forward and sign
ed the roll
what on earth is the matter with
them?" whispered the superintendent
TO the teacher, CONSERVATION written
all over his countenance.
Goodness knows, but 1t is some
thing; that is certain" she replied in
an undertone
Joe Weston instinctively felt that he
was In some way concerned in the re-
fusal Of the boys to join. He caught
several Of them looking at him out Of
the corners of their eyes and shifting
their glances when he looked in their
direction
Then at recess he overheard group
of the boys talking. They did not
know he was near. Reddy Haywood
was holding, forth, and the rest of
them nodded approvingly.
"Ain't no use our goin' in that Corn
club-Joe Weston's goin' in. He's al
ready won the state championship and
knows how. What chance we gotf
No more'n rabbit in burning sedge
field just amt goin' in. that's
whatr'
ME, tool Me. tool' echoed several
others.
The whole situation was clear now.
Joe Weston went to the principal and
the county superintendent.
1--WE found out what's the matter
with EN-" he said. when we take
In, If you'll let me. think. maybe, 1
can fix things.
Accordingly. after the bell rang and
the school was seated. Joe rose in his
seat.
"Mr. Superintendent, want to say
few words, If you please" he said.
in self possessed manner. The super
intendent nodded affirmatively and
looked at the principal.
THE school will pay attention to Joe
Weston said the teacher, rapping for
order.
"Mr. Principal, find the boys Of the
school don't want to go In this Corn
club because they think am going in,
and because have made state rec
ord they think they Will have no
chance with me In 1t.
II just want to say this, that l am
going In the club. but won't compete
for the county prizes. And / won't
compete for any of the state prizes II
any of the boys from this county come
near enough to my record this coming
year to make 1t competition between
me and them. Is that fair enoughT
In answer storm Of applause greet
ed the words. Joe smiled with pleas
ure.
I'm going in this club this year to
benefit myself and try to learn some
thing more. I raised a big crop of corn
and won the state prize on amount.
put that amt the main thing. 1t is to
learn how to raise big crop at small
cost. That Is the business end Of It
If 1t costs you In fertilizer and labor
about what your corn is worth to make
1t, then you've had your work for moth
ing. 1t amt bit better than raising
small crop at little or no cost on poor
land.
Now, | want to say this-that IL
there's any boy in this club who wants
the benefit of what I've learned I'll
gladly help him in every way can.
You fellows go on in, and If you can
win do 1t, and I'll be glad to see it.
I'm working on other lines now; but,
at any rate, don't think it just fair
to you boys to compete against you,
and | amt going to do it. That's all
I've got to say"
There was another silence for mo-
ment after Joe sat down, and the APP
plause broke forth afresh.
81 think Joe has acted admirably and
fairly" said the county superintendent.
You boys have seen what he has done
against more odds than any one or
you will ever be called on to face
First, he has satisfied himself that he
can make the ground produce largely.
and now he's figuring on how to do SO
at the least cost. That is the lesson
we want you TO learn. Now the books
are open. Who else will join?"
Every boy in the school marched for
ward and enrolled for the contest.