The Colorado statesman., 1920-04-24
BACK TO HIS
IDEAL
By r. RAY BAKER

do with England France or Germany
II was private family war-between
Leonard Moore and j. Griffen Moore.
Perhaps II had better be termed a rup-
ture In relations for no shots were
fired.
In his hand Leonard held the terms
Of peace. They were contained in
letter from j. Griffen Moore. who hap
pened to be his father. The situation
was summed up in the closing para
graph OF the letter:
so the doors of the old home are
open to you. learn from reliable
sources that you have settled down
and made good as an automobile sales
man. 1t has been trying three years
for me. all alone in the big house ex-
cept for the servants. but believe it
has done us both good. and we will
understand each other better when
you return. There is only one obliga-
tion will place you under; that is
that you marry at once, and of course
I; must be some one In your own class.
Maize Dixon would suit me. and you
used TO appear extremely fond of her.
I'll look for you shortly"
II was the first communication from
his father since the latter sent him out
into the world TO shift for himself
three years ago. 1t was after Leonard's
second expulsion from college that the
break occurred.
Leonard had steadfastly refused to
shoulder any responsibility in life, had
never been vicious, but had travelled
with clique that was not noted for
It's thrifty propensities or its mild
forms of amusement; had openly de-
fled hard and fast regulations of the
school and had ended his career there
with an extemporaneous valedictory
address delivered in the presence of
the faculty when the latter summoned
him before ii and which was far from
being a eulogy.
The summons had resulted from
series of misdemeanors which had
come to the faculty's attention. but
when the faculty tried to express its
opinion as TO the merit of Leonard's
sundry escapades the latter usurped
the stage and expressed his ideas CON
cerning the faculty. collectively and in
dividually. He went home by the next
train. bag and baggage.
When j. Griffen Moore shut the
door of his magnificent home that
night Leonard was on the outside with
$500 in his pocket with which to try
to make something of Yourself"
1t woke Leonard up and. taking an
inventory of himself he decided it
was high time to assume different at
titude toward life Heretofore he had
been irresponsible, because his father
was wealthy and he was the only heir;
consequently there had been no occa-
sion to shoulder responsibility.
Now. of sudden. there was plenty
of occasion. He had been disowned
by his parent. and his reasoning facul-
ties told him ]. Griffen Moore was
right. So he went to work.
Three years later found Leonard a
successful salesman, rOoming at
place where other young business men
and women made their homes. He
had responsibilities. and he was glad
of it.
Not once had he implored aid of his
father. He was proud of himself, but
not too proud to go back home when
invited. Leonard had no particular
liking for hard work. and he knew his
father would get him position where
that kind of activity played minor
role. He had worked hard. but be-
cause he had to.
His heart filed with exultatibn,
which showed in his eyes. he left his
room and walked down the hall, paus-
ing before a door, on which he knock
ed. 1t was opened by pretty bru-
nette, rather diminutive, attractive, in
telligent young woman. who smiled
him welcome and invited him to a
chair.
ITS come, Minnie" he announced
gleefully. Father has relented, and
I'm to go home. The world is rosy
once more"
She walked to the window and
looked out. The smile disappeared
from her face when her back was
turned to him.
"Tell me about it." she said.
He did. There was no reason why
he shouldn't, because Minnie had been
his confidante ever since he came to
room here. They had been great
friends-nothing more than that-and
had spent many an evening together,
discussing their hopes and ambitions.
Minnie edited the womnn's page on
one Of the newspapers. but had an in
tense yenrning to become police re-
porter.
They don't have women police re-
porters," she said, but l don't under
stand why. seeing that they have wom-
en- policemen. Anyhow. ! want to be
one. I'm tired of fashions and divorces
and marriages.and other heart throbs
of the feminine world. I'd like to
handle murders"