The Red Cloud chief. [volume] (Red Cloud, Webster Co., Neb.) 1873-1923, 1919-10-02
Keeping a
Record
1918. BY Western Newspaper Union.)
BY Walter Joseph Delaney

systematic julius Thurston, professor
of philosophy at the Durham Institute.
AT the end of the year go over 1t and
sift out and preserve an epitome OF
the bearing of those incidents which
have had an influence I'm building up
character and mental strength"
''In other words. keep diary"
whispered madcap Blanche Deming to
her close chum, lola Vardaman, but
the latter was covcrtly viewing the Sc.
rious, interested face of Chester Mas
sey.
She was the daughter OF the local
banker, he the son of struggling farm
er. He was mastcrful enough, how
ever, to work his way through school,
and was no burden on his aged par
ents. An uncle of some means had
agreed to finance him as soon as he
graduated, in starting him in as
lawyer, and there was no doubt among
the professors that Chester Massey
was destined to make his mark in the
world.
1t was a few days after that when
Chester, entering the little stationery
store near the school, found lola there.
Their errands proved similar. Both had
come TO buy a neat, compact pocket
blank book following the suggestion of
Professor Thurston.
eve seem to be on the same Grand"
she said pleasantly, and, as she re-
ceived her purchase: "Do you know
what my first entry is to be? This
day Chester Massey patiently devoted
on hour to constituting my Greek for
me and won me high marking"
"And I shall write that the most
school honorcd me as helper and
cheercd me with her appreciation" re-
sponded Chester calamity.
As the weeks went by Chester and
lola saw good deal of one another.
Several times they met at little school
and college functions and seemed to
pair off naturally. At least once Il
week Chester was included in invita-
lions to tennis and archery ut tho
handsome Nardaman place, and the
banker father of lola took decided
liking to Chester when, incidentally in
conversation. the latter modestly dis
cussed the subject of trade acceptances
with Mr.. Vardaman. both being inter-
csted in the possibilities OF that new
discountlng system.
A closer bond was cemented between
the two young people through the fact
that they graduated together, the high
est In their class. The wealthy uncle
Of Chester was present Mt the exer-
cises, and before he left Durham ar
ranged for Chester to start into pro-
fessional life I'm good way. Chester
fingered week away from home amid
a series Of frolics and parties given
the class. The last day Of his So
| journ In the village he invited lola
to row down the river. She accepted
In her pretty, pleasant way, and his
heart thrilled as he fancied she was
sorrOwful over his prospective depart
ure, and told him frankly she would
miss him. A certain sense Of sadness
oppressed both as finally, shipping the
oars, Chester allowed the boat to drift
at will. They were each silent, a
conscious restraint affecting them as
they realized that parting was soon to
come. Then suddenly the boat veered
past an island that divided the stream.
"We must get ashore, and quickly"
he spoke. "Without oars we should soon
be In peril" lola uttered a cry meant
to be deterrent. but the next moment,
throwing of his coat, Chester sprang
into the water. flOated the boat toward
the island, forced 1t upon the shelly
ing beach. and emerged from the wa
ter. staggering and breathless.
"YOu can rest In the boat until re-
turn with another one" he said as
soon as he could recover his natural
poise.
"But how"
81 can swim to the mainland"
"Oh. no! not" She had arisen ia
her feet In the boat In a pleading at
titude. You would risk your life"
"But we cannot remain here indefi
ntely. No one might discover Us
through the whole day"
ooh, don't go--please! but with Il
| lEll IUlEu 'gIltNlfI ran uDNn lIll'l NV
water, struck out, and, her heart in
her mouth, lola watched him with feai
and trembling until he had reached
the other shore. A great sigh Of re-
lief swept her lips. She noticed lit
tie book lying in the bottom Of tn,
boat. 1t had fallen out of the pocket
of Chester's discarded coat. AS Il
opened In her hand she read her OWL
rame, once, twice, thrice. Then
flushed and half shamed that she hat
allowed herself to read what was
never intended for her eyes, she sa
and clasped the little book In Devil
dered and delicious daze.
For the memoranda pages here an,
there told of the growing love In thu
soul OF the writer. lola was so en-
crossed In thought that she did no
notice the arrival of Chester with tn,
relief boat until he leaped out an,
came toward her. He observed tina
| sha was svaved nv Soma intansa emo