The Nezperce herald. (Nezperce, Idaho) 1900-1957, 1919-02-27
TED'S ORDEAL
BY LESTER BLOOM.

Silently the committee followed Te'
Hammond down the street. At tn
Afth house from the corner they sol
EMMY paused. Ted gave one appeal
ing look and mounted the steps. Their
was such a prompt response to hi
ring that they almost seemed to have
been waiting for him.
Ted waited miserably in the recep
ton room while the butler went to an
nounce his important business. He
rather envied little Silbon who was
getting off light. What was simulat
ing an epileptic fit in crowded dry
goods store to trying to sell the most
luxurious liver in town copy of '"The
Simple Life?"
The committee on initiation had
been most ingenious this year. The
tasks they allotted the candidates
were positively fiendish, but to order
him to seek to sell copy of that book
to Chester Alderman seemed to invite
him to self-destruction.
Nervously he followed the butler
down the long hall and into the library.
Alderman looked up at his entrance.
"What can 1 do for your he asked
sharply.
Il have book" explained Ted. 'It's
a very celebrated book and thought
you might like to buy copy"
"a book agent!" Numbered Acker-
man as he reached for the bell.
"See here" pleaded Ted. "Give me
q chance. Here Is book that every
ones been talking about"
Don't want it," snapped Alderman
"Have look, anyway" insisted
Ted. ''It's The Simple Life;' the book
that the president thought was such
hot stuff. I'll bet you've never reaG
1t and yet it's been talked about for
the last two years. You never did
read it, did your"
mo. And Tn not going to now" de-
clared Alderman. eff I thought you
meant that l needed to read that"
"You do need to-" reiterated Ted.
mot the way you mean, but because
man needs to keep posted. BY your
own admission, you're two years be-
hind. You can have a laugh, any
way"
He held the book invitingly toward
his victim and almost unconsciously
Alderman took 1t. He glanced over
the pages with an occasional grunt.
He was by no means an exponent Of
ho CT MI fn he nh, IN
deride.
Didn't I tell you 1t was good for
hugh?" insisted Ted. Alderman look
81 up with a smile.
"How much is it?" he demanded.
~You can satisfy your pride with the
knowledge that you're the first book
agent that ever sold me anything"
'In that case make 1t dollar" sug-
gested Ted. "Thanks. Good morning.
can find my own way out"
He was gone before Alderman could
ring, elated over his success and de-
voutly thankful that he had not been
thrown out. He was just opening the
front door when a girl came running
Town the stairs.
"Mr. Hammond" she cried. Ted
"Miss Druryl" he gasped. "What
'rings you here?"
"Mr. Alderman is my guardian" she
Explained. II thought that perhaps"
'he caught herself with blush.
NO" said Ted. "That was not 1t.
'ou and your party left the Point so
uddenly that could get no trace Of
on. The fact Is that was in selling
[r. Alderman a book"
"You are book agent?" she cried
| shocked surprise.
Amateur" he explained. "They
ant to make me feel properly humble
afore they admit me to fellowship In
e fraternity. had to sell copy OF
he Simple Life"
ITO Uncle Chester?" she cried.
low did you ever do it?"
II don't know myself" he admitted
ankly. "There are three of the COM
ttee outside now waiting to see me
rown down the steps. / did not ex-
ct to disappoint them"
I could call the butler" she sug-
,ted.
No, thanks. If you will permit me
take another chance with your
cle."
How" she asked curiously.
You know what was trying to ask
last summer" he said boldly. "You
before could propose. l was, and
conceited enough to think that you
care for me. May 1 go in and ask
consent to our marriage when I
duate?''
This is so sudden" she protested.
Not bit of 1t. I've been seven
lths getting 1t out. think you've
notice enough"
is eyes pleaded more eloquently
n his tongue, and blushingly she hid
face on his shoulder as she whis-
I'd "yes."
or second time that morning
ster Alderman was shocked out of
accustomed placidity, and for
nd time Ted won. This time his
ding was far more eloquent. He
d not go away at once but at last
said good-by.
the. shadow of the trees three :