Cheyenne record., 1916-11-02
CHAIRS FOR TWO
BY EARL slLvERs.

successful dances IN history. IL was
after midnight when the last speech
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 1t would be q
ane thing to visit the verandas OF the
Glenwood homes and make collec-
uon of chairs. No sooner was the
suggestion made than the high-spirtted
students swooped down upon the dark
ened houses. Soon a 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 a 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 characters
tic stubbornness, refused to part with
his treasure. It was a fine chair OF
solid mahogany.
On the very next night, Jim met FL
sic Thurston. It was ut q 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 60 to see her on the
next evening.
Jim appeared at the Thurston resi-
dence shortly after eight o'clock. FL
sic, having decided to look her very
best, was not ready when the visitor
arrived, SO Mr.. 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 question Of the
older man. But, then, we study
bit, too"
"Well." Mr.. Thurston answered
grimly, II know one time when some
of you didn't study any. That was
two nights ago."
Jim's 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 it was dark and Mr..
| Thurston did not notice. 1T was a
chair I value highly" he continued,
land If could find out who took 1t
would prosecute him to the full e1-
tent Of the law"
Maybe 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 a crea-
ton of shimmering blue.
"Would you like to go in and look
at that picture was telling you about
last nightT she asked.
Jim followed her into the spacious
library. The first thing his eyes fell
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-erwas looking at that
chair" he managed to answer. "It's
rather odd, isn't it,"
Eyes, 1t is one of a pair we used to
have that has been in the family for
years."
Jim examined the chair with inter
est.
"You say that there was another
one?" he asked. 'Where is it1''
"A group Of college boys stole It the
night before last" she answered.
"Oh, that's shame" He spoke in
dignantly. do they At together7"
Eyes, they were SO made that they
could be Joined to form a tete-a-tete.
Do you see where the joints are7'
Maybe" he suggested, II can look
around the dormitory and find the
other one. And If I do, I'll bring 1t
back to you"
So bright and early the next MORN
ing, he seated himself at his desk and
wrote letter:
Dear Elsie:
II secuted around last night and
found your chair in one Of the stu
dents rooms. Unless hear from you
by phone, shall bring 1t over to-
night"
No phone message was Forthcoming,
SO at eight o'clock Jim packed the
chair in his runabout and departed
for Glenwood. Mr.. Thurston was seat
ed ON his veranda when he arrived.
IT am very much obliged and In
debted to you." he announced, when
! 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,