The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1919-07-10
PHILIPS TRIUMPH
BY HELEN A. PARKER.

Philip Rogers raised his head from
porting over plane geometry. The boys
were dragging their long double-run-
ner sleds past his house. He could hear
their gay shouts, the crunching 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 OPP
posite the house That was too much
for Philip, and this time he closed his
book with bang and got up.
Lesson all finished?" asked his
mother, who was sewing at the other
side of the table.
'WeIl, 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 LOOMS 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 one 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
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 it
was doleful face that met his moth
er's
She looked grave as she said: 'YOu
know how much your success in math-
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. L
feel as badly as you do, even worse,
/ think, to have you miss so much OF
the fun And she gave him 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. 1t
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 over 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 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 thIy were
to be responsible for. Miss Stephens
was very anxious they should solve it,
but no one had so far.
ITS come, mother, at last" he said
'here it is, proof and ALI" and he gave
glad shout as he showed her the
finished work.
Meanwhile, after Charley's, unsuc
cessful summons, the boys waited g
few minutes, thinking Philip might
change his mind. Then he gave 1t VI
and went on.
What baby Philip is" said Char
ley.
well, anyway, guess he'll be GLAD
when examination time comes, espe
ciauy If that problem is one Of the
questions" said Ralph Wood. "Ant
you know, whoever gets marked high
est is to be valedIctorian, and Pro
fessor Strong cares more for our ge
ometry than anything"
"Oh, Professor Strong and his ole
geometry said Charley. 81 wouldn'