New Mexico state record. (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1914-19??, 1918-12-20

know his Christian name, nor wher,
he lodged. But he knew the corps h
belonged to, by his small gray cal
with q red band.
He was very nervous when he mad
this final effort. Corps houses wer'
curious places, he had heard, and full
Of secrets. Even the great professor,
from the university might not enrel
without invitation. And his experience
had been that students paid small re
spect to uniforms or to age. In truth
he passed the building twice before
he could summon courage to touch thu
great brass knocker. And the AFRO
gance Of its clamor, when at last hi
raped, startled him again. But here
at least he need not have feared.
The student who was also door
keeper eyed him kindly. swell. com
rade?" he said.
II am seeking a student named
Haeckel. Of this corps" said old Abel.
bert stoutly.
"Haeckel7" repeated the doorkeeper.
II think-come in, comrade. I will
inquire"
For the name Of Haeckel was. just
then, one c%uriously significant.
He disappeared. and old Adelbert
waited. When the doorkeeper re-
turned, 1t was to tell him to follow
him. and to lead the way downstairs.
Two or three students came toward
him at once. you are seeking
Haeckel?" one Of them asked.
II am. l knew him, but not well.
Lately, however. 1 have thoughts he
here"
The students exchanged glances.
'He is not here" n said. "Where
did you know him."
HE came frequently to a shop I
know OLA cobbler's shop. a n%eighbor-
hood meeting place. A fine lad. 1
liked him. But recently he has not
come, and knowing his corps, l came
here to find him."
They had hoped to learn something
from him, and he knew nothing. HE
has disappeared" they told him. HE
is not at his lodging. and he has left
his classes. He went away suddenly,
leaving everything. That is all We
know"
It sounded sinister. Old Adelbert,
heavy hearted, turned away and
climbed again to the street. That gate
way was closed, too. And he felt q
pang of uneasiness. What could have
happened to the boy? Was the world,
all, only a place Of trouble?
But o came good fortune, and,
like evil, 1t came not slngly. The
operation was over, and his daughter
on the mend. The fee was paid also.
And the second followed ON the heels
Of the first.
He did not like Americans. Too
often, in better days. had he heard the
merits of the American republic COM
pared with the shortcomings of his
OWN government. When, as happened
low and then. he met the American
on the staircase. he drew
aside that no touch of repub-
icanism might contaminate his uni.
'orm.
On that day, however, things
hanged.
First Of all, he met the American
ad in the hallway. and was pleased
o see him dof his bit of a car. Not
many, nowadays, uncovered a head to
The American lad was going
Adelbert was climbing. one step
It a time, and carrying a small basket
4 provisions.
The American boy, having passed,
urned, hesitated, went back. I'D
Ike to carry that for you, if you don't
Garry itT
Il am very strong" said the Ameri-
an boy stOutly.
So Adelbert gave up his basket, and
he two went up. Four long flights
f stone stairs led to Adelbert's room.
he ascent took time and patience.
At the door Adelbert paused. Then,
.'neliness overcoming prejudice,
Come in," he said.
The bare little room appealed to the
oy. TITS very nice, isn't itY he
aid. "There's nothing to fall over"
And but little to sit on" old Adel-
ert added dryly. "However, two peo-
lie require but two chairs. Here is
ne."
But the boy would not sit down.
ranged the room, frankly curious,
kclaimed at the pair Of ring doves
no lived In a box tied to the window
IL, and asked for crumbs for them.
delbert brought bread from his small
ore.
The boy cheered him. His interest
the old saber, the intentness with
hich he listened to its history. the
bitterness with which he ignored his