The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1919-05-23
PHILIPS TRIUMPH
BY HELEN A. PARKER.

were dragging their long double-run-
ner sleds past his house. He could hear
their gay shouts, the c%runching Of the
hard snow under their feet and the
girls laughter as they came up behind.
He started to get up. then sat down
again. Then a flash of light shone
through the window. 1t was the
searchlight Charley Loomis had at the
head of his sled, and the admiration
OF all the other boys. Charley's hello
OF Invitation followed as he got op-
posite the house. That was too much
for Philip, and this time he closed his
book with a bang and got up.
Lesson all finished?" asked his
mother, who was sewing at the other
side of the table.
swell, not exactly, only partly" Phil
ip answered; but, mother, they are
having such fun! and l haven't been
out this whole week"
He ran to the window and looked
out. There they were, a long line of
them, with Charley Loomis ahead. Yes
and that was Edith Jones with him,
for he could see the bright curls peep
ing from behind her tam o'shanter.
She was president of Philips class in
high school and far the most popular
girl in town. Philip and she had been
friends since they were children and
lived opposite n another, but since
Philips father died his mother had to
move into a smaller house.
Then Charley LOomis came to town
and entered the high school soon aft
er. He had everything he wanted and
asked Edith everywhere. She, liking a
good time, readily accepted. She did
not forget Philip, however, although he
thought she had, and in her heart OF
hearts preferred him to Charley in
spite of the candy and invitations the
latter gave her.
But Philip did not know this, and 1t
was a doleful face that met his moth
er's.
She looked grave as she said: you
know how much your success In matl-
ematics will count towards your get
ting the place In Mr.. Grants store.
and we SO need the money! But do
as you please, my son." she added. i
feel as badly as you do, even worse,
i think. to have you miss so much OF
the fun" And she gave him q loving
look.
Philips sled, though an old one, was
by no means one OF the slowest, and
he was the best steerer Of them all. It
was a glorious night to be out, and he
longed to be with them. Then he
thought Of his mothers hard work,
how she had patched and mended his
clothes and made yer her own. And
now she was sacrificing everything to
keep him through the last year of high
school that he might obtain the posi-
ton which was promised, if his stand
ing proved good. He gave a long sigh,
but his mothers face settled 1t. Turn
ing resolutely away from the window
he sat down again to study.
He no longer listened to his school
mates voices, but worked away with
all his might. A week more and it
would be time for the midyear exami-
nations. They were reviewing now,
and In geometry Professor Strong had
sent In an original problem thy were
to be responsible for. Miss Stephens
was very anxious they should solve 1t,
but no one had so far.
Its come, mother, at last" he said ;
here it is, proof and all !" and he gave
- C~1,H chn,k no hn chcvpnH hna \hn
finished work.
Meanwhile, after Charley's unsuc-
cessful summons, the boys waited a
few minutes, thinking Philip might
change his mind. Then he gave 1t up
and went on.
"What a baby Philip Is" said Char
ley.
"Well. anyway. l guess he'll be glad
cially II that problem is n Of the
questions" said Ralph Wood. "And
you know, whoever gets marked high
est Is to be valedictorian. and Pro-
lessor Strong cares more for our ge-
ometry thanj anything"
ooh, Professor Strong and his old
geometry" said Charley. II wouldn't
lose this coasting for all the original
problems going. would you. Edith"
Edith did not answer. She had al
ways respected Philips devotion to his
mother. Now she admired him very
much for giving up an evenings pleas
ure to study.
When the day arrived for the exam
ination Philip was triumphant. The
FIRST question was the original prob
lem. He soon solved It and then an.
swered the rest. He finished before
the others and handed his paper to
Miss Stephens.
A day or two after she gave him
his mark, which was IS per cent. "You
had a perfectly splendid paper" she
said. and your mark IL the best ever
attained by anyone In the class, and
Professor Strong says you are to be
valedictOrian In June"
Just then Edith came up. II want
to congratulate you, Philip" she said
In her sweetest manner. "And mother
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