The Ozark spectator., 1916-09-16
CHAIRS FOR TWO
By EARL SlLVERS.

 was given, the last song sung and the happy pleasure-seekers bundled into the four big stages which waited to take them back to Collegeville. The desire for activity had increased so much that one of the more adven- turous suggested that it would be a fine thing to visit the verandas of the Glenwood homes and make collec- ton of chairs. No sooner was the suggestion made than the high-spirited students swooped down upon the dark ened houses. Soon miscellaneous collection of chairs was piled upon the coaches.
 When the end of the village was reached, however, the more sober members of the party called halt. The chairs were piled high in the lawn of one of the most prominent citizens.
 But not all the trophies were left be- hind. Jim Duncan, with characteris- tic stubbornness, refused to part with his treasure. It was a fine chair of solid mahogany.
 On the very next night, Jim met El- sic Thurston. It was at a Country club dance, and after the third fox trot, Jim decided that Elsie was alto gether the finest girl he had ever met. Elsie, on her part, evidently consid- cred Jim with favorable light, for she gave him three other dances before the evening was over, and just before they parted she acquiesced in his sug- gestion that he go to see her on the next evening.
 |. Jim appeared at the Thurston resi- dence shortly after eight o'clock. El- sic, having decided to look her very best, was not ready when the visitor arrived, so Mir. Thurston introducing himself, accepted the role of enter tainer. The conversation drifted to college and the pranks of various stu dents.
 "Yes, we do have lots of fun," Jim said in answer to a question of the older man. But, then, we study q bit, too"
 We'll" Mir. Thurston answered grimly, I know one time when some of you didn't study any. That was two nights ago."
 Jims heart missed beat.
 What happened!" he asked inno- gently.
 "A bunch of students came over here after midnight and stole one of my best chairs" .Jim's face took on slight tinge, but 1t was dark and Mr. Thurston did not notice. Tt was a chair I value highly" he continued "and if could find out who took it l would prosecute him to the full ex- tent of the law"
 Maybe I could scout around and find it for you," Jim suggested.
 If you do I shall be eternally obliged to you" the other anwered.
 Elsie appeared radiant in crea- ton of shimmering blue.
 Would you like to go in and look at that picture I was telling you about last night?" she asked.
 Jim followed her into the spacious library. The first thing his eyes fell upon was chair identical in appear ance with the one which reposed in the corner of his own room. Elsie fol lowed his glance.
 What's the matter?" she asked, noting his startled expression.
 "Why-I-er-was looking at that chair" he managed to answer. Its rather odd, isn't it?"
 "Yes, it is one of pair we used to have that has been in the family for years"
 est.
 You say that there was another oneF' he asked. "Where Is it?'
 "A group of college boys stole it the night before last" she answered.
 "Oh. that's shamel" He spoke in. dgnantly. Do they fit together?"
 "YeS, they were so made that they could he joined to form tete-a-tete Do you see where the joints are?"
 Maybe" he suggested. T can look around the dormitory and find the other one. And if l do, I'll bring il back to you."
 So bright and early the next morn ing, he seated himself at his desk and wrote q letter:
 Dear Elsie:
 "I secuted around last night and found your chair in one of the stu dents rooms. Unless I hear from you by phone, I shall bring it over to- night"
 No phone message was forthcoming so at eight o'clock Jim packed the chair in his runabout and departed for Glenwood. Mir. Thurston was seat. ed on his veranda when he arrived.
 q nm very much obliged and in debted to you" he announced, wher Jim showed him his precious cargo Elsie is in the library"
 Taking the chair with him Jim en' tered the house. When Elsie saw him she gave q cry of delight.
 "Oh, it is just fine of you!" she ex loiy