Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1916-01-26


'Oh, by the way. father will meet
US there said Tom Ralston joyfully
Il wired him last week we would leave
today. He said last spring he wanted
to see the fair and would try to get
down in time, 50 l heard from him yes
terday He's already there and has
engaged quarters for us at the hotel"
IN be mighty glad to see him." said
Joe. And l guess it's Il good thing he
has rooms for us. l saw in the paper
that there was such a crowd in town
that all the places were TILED up and
folks were sleeping in chairs in the
hotel lobbies"
I'm glad he's fixed it. too.' said Mr.
Weston. Il amt much on this chair
snoozin Every time go to sleep in
my chair it gives me a crick in my
neck"
They arrived at the capital city n bit
before noon. Streets and stores We're
gay with banners and bunting, bands
were parading, and an excited, eager
stream Of people extended from the
depot, where several excursion trains
Mr.. Ralston was watching for the
party and seized on them at once. shak-
ing hands jubilantly.
MY. my; it's sight for sore eyes to
see you! I've been here a day and a
half, and, say. this fair is great! It's
liberal education to see it. I'm COM
ing every year. And such stock:
Why, l never saw the like Of fine
cows
ANY muley black ones?' innocently
inquired Tom. His father gulped, be-
gan to turn red and grinneu sheep
ishly.
"Now, Tom; now. Tom" he began
pleadingly.
II just wanted to know. think the
muley ones are the safest. They cant
hook-only butt" said Tom demurely.
Mr.. Ralston srinned.
Eyes. | suppose so, and if we ever
buy any more cows I'm strong for the
muley kind he said.
"Look here, what's the joke?" de-
handed Joe Weston.
'Oh. just little private one between
u.s. said Tom. II can't give 1t away
yet"
Come on up to our rooms and wash
up. Well get some dinner first, then
go to the fair afterwaru. We can get
supper there" suggested Mr.. Ralston.
He had got two handsome adjoining
rooms, and after the dust Of travel had
been removed from the new arrivals
Mr. Ralston handed Joe the mornin.
paper
They are expecting YOU. joe" he
said. Big writeup of the Corn club
contest, and you seem to be considered
the man they've all got to beat. It's
the field against you Joe saw his
name in big type in the headlines.
II think I've got 'em tied OUT he
said confidently. rs he showed Mr.
Ralston the record.
why. gee whiz. you are as certain
to win on this showing as we are to go
downstairs" the manufacturer exulted
That's fine. And I'm going to send
Tom along with you. If you don't mind.
for year at that school,"
Suits me all right 1t will be just
uedAlu iSFeeO joe w eSCOu.
II looked into the matter Of the
prize" said Mr. Weston. That schol-
arship Is with $500. The fair manage
ment got it for less on account of the
advertising. but if you want they'll
commute it for $500 cash. That's what
they are actually to pay for it. l under
stand
mo. sir; if l win want that scholar.
Ship said Joe.
money. by a heap" agreed Mr.. Weston.
All right. let's go down and eat"
suggested their host and led the way
to the crowded dining room.
The four were seated at table piac-
ed close to another one At the next
table We're three men, ana one WIFI
his back to them was talking. Evi
IDENTIFY, from his conversation. he wa:
a county superintendent Of education
ed in rather a loud voice, and every
word of what he said was audible.
What l am afraid Of" said he, Il!
that Joe Weston, the state champion
Of last year, will enter The men
ton of Joe's name made his part,
prick up their ears.
III Joe Weston amt In it thinl
my boy will win the prize, and l an
dreadfully anxious for him to. l neve
did have my heart so set on anything.
he continued.
ANY special reason?" said one o
the men at his table, helping himsel
to stalk Of celery and munching idl.
away on it.
Eyes, there u.s. asserted the school
teacher earnestly. 1.-The most urgen
reasons. You see, this boy l am in
terested In Is only fifteen years old
He's the eldest Of four children, al
three considerably younger than he is
His mother is a widow-been 80 70
four years now Her husband was
triding drunkard who mistreated then
and died, leaving them absolutely des
titute and on the hands Of charity An
this boy has been the man of the fam
lily ever since"
TOO bad, too bad!' said the other O
the listeners.
"They moved out In the edge O
town on this little patch Of groun
and in a tumble down cabin. Th
church ladies helped them out tha
first year. The mother took in sew