Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1920-12-31
Star Shine
and Poetry
By ALVIN BARTLETT

There had never been tinge Of ro-
nance to the life of Hugh pierson,
ana as to the fancifuI and sentimental
little that was dreamy or idealistic had
ever entered his thoughts. Hc was as
tronolner at Boyden college, was
looked upon by his professional asso.
ciates and the students as very wise
and gifted person in his especial line
OF scholastic dignity, and when he was
seated at his table in the little cupola
with revolving windows and scanning
the armament he was all in n class by
himself. for he knew every stellar at
traction intimately.
1t was just before twilight and the
professor was gazing sadly Mt the far
nebulae Of the milky way, and wonder
Ing how many thousand years II would
take to reach Venus in taxicab when
a fiery sphere with a long tnil tioated
across the lens of the telescope.
Il declare" uttered the professor,
sluing his eye closer to the instrument.
Then wild uproar assailed his
sense Of hearing. The campus beyond
the little surface tower of observation
was free territory for any who chose
TO invade it rs to stroll or exercise
Gazing out through the window Mt his
side. the professor made out two little
urchins wailing frantically and point
Ing upward. The comet the erudite
astronomer had viewed was forthwith
revealed in its real form and SUBJ
stance. Caught on wire running
from the pagodn to the main building
was wObbling whirling object, Il kite,
but attractive and unique and not OF
the ordinary paper type. It's lantern
attachment was eXtinguiShed as the
tail switched that appendage around
the wire. The professor outside
"Whnt is It. my little man?" he liz
CURED Of the five-year-oid leader of
the youthful mob.
"Plcase, sir, I'm Teddy Bleyer," came
the doleful reply, "and Winnie Is my
sister,"
what has that to do with it, Teddy
Bleyer, If you pleaseT" challenged the
professor, always kindly with children.
Amos Mansey, here" and the lad
indicated an urchin about his own age.
a chubby, resolute faced chum mani
testify Of ruder stripe. "says he that
old silk waist Of your sister will make
beautiful faced kite and it did but
1t broke loose. And we made the tall
out OF some Of her poetry pages, and
now It's caught In the wires. And may
be we hadn't ought to have used the
stuff. and It's too late now--boo-hoO O."
Professor Picrson cast his eye crit
ically aloft. "See here, little man." he
observed, ct Is too dark to risk climb
Ing that pole and reaching for the
wires. but will see that first thing In
the morning the kite Is rescued all safe
and sound"
"Oh. will you--will your pressed
the small grateful Teddy eagerly.
won't be glad And. say! because
you look so kind and smart and good,
won't you take the kite back to Winnie
and tell her all about it?"
Professor Pierson smiled quantity,
but the confidence placed in his abil-
ity to do almost anything in the esti-
nation Of little Teddy Bleyer and his
artless, sincere compliment won the
day.
GIVE me your sisters address, little
Teddy Bleyer," he directed.
The professor was an early riser. He
escaped observation and possible ridl-
Guile by arming himself with long
pole almost before dawn and getting
the kite safely to terra firma. Its silk
face was unmarried, but It's tail, formed
&c Cold n1 al, Il
with knots Of cloth, needed some UNI
tangling. He was pursuing this part
of his task when one came free, then
another and for over an hour Profess
sor Person sat engrossed in scanning
Sister Winnie's poetry sheets"
Poetry! He was not much given to
It, but he knew that here were the sln.
cere outpourings Of guilelcss. artess
soul, amateurish but fervent and as a
polished, cultured student he recog-
nized the true afflatus. Professor Pier
son began to take o dreamy interest In
the young lady he had never seen. The
silk face Of the kite could probably
never again be used for even patching,
but the transcripts Of vagrunt
thoughts Of beauty were intact. Sister
Wiunte's poetry sheetsi Really, Pro
fessor Pierson had Toasted on senti-
ment and was glad OF 1t.
1t was odd, but the professor made
an immaculate toilet That morning. He
even placed rose bud in his button
hole. He wore Il really attractive tic,
almost sporty" student observed to
q companion MS they passed the astute