Omaha daily bee., 1921-07-03
Stuck a Feather in His Hat By Wolff

her to Paris for a weekend; he must 60 with
her in the motor when she went shopping: be
home when people came in for tea.
He was glad to get back to school. He was
made a prefect; Trail major had not come
back, having gone to Sandhurst. The Head
talked to him soberly of his new responsible
ties. and Bill was rather awed 1t was some
thing to be one Of those to hold in charge ira
ditions that had come down through centuries.
The school a medieval foundation.
The quarrel between Bill and Ted was for
gotten. Ted had impaired all his knowledge Of
the art OF curving ball, so that Bill. who had
always been a good slow bowler, became al
most invincible. Then, too, he and Ted played
tennis together. and in the long hours Of prac-
tice Ted grew accustomed to turf courts and
taught Bill to come up to the net and hold his
place. volleying always and how to kill rising
ball. In doubles they soon proved themselves
the masters Of the school; Bill's conservative
game, quickened by Ted's teaching, fitted in
we'll with Lttles dashng play.
This was to be the last term for Little and
Murray; Bill could not see enough OF them.
Both were going home that summer
Its crime-the way We have to stay here
all through July" said Murray. "Lord-at home
we get through early in June. Ted and I'll get
back just about in time to get ready to go
back in September"
That's SELL" Bill agreed. "But you're go
ing home"
"You bet we are Wish you were coming,
too, old scout! Say-come on! Make them let
you. Come on up to Exeter with me and to
Yale next year. You'd have good chance to
make the freshman team-and I'll bet you'd
make the Varsity afterward."
FORGET 1t, jim! He's booked for Prince
ton"
Bill sighed He was losing hope. His moth
or had told him that he had been entered al
ready for Magdalen college at Oxford; he should
~ 1n1
April passed into May; May. swiftly, into
June. Bill could begin to count the days that
were left Of companionship with Jim and Ted.
They had formed triumvirate; one for all and
all for one, against the school, Jsill would have
to pay later, he knew. when they were gone; the
school would neither forget nor forgive But
henclung desperately to his last link with home.
And on day late in June, in the same post let
ters came to Little and to Murray that set them
to cheering.
'we're going home!" Ted shouted to Bill,
waving his letter. ION the same ship! We're
sailing from Southampton on the third Of Au-
gust! On. boy-Ill see ball game at the Polo
grounds in less than two months!
You're coming to stay with me-" said Jim.
We're going straight to Maine and open the
house I've got a motor boat
2ill turned away. But later he went into
Beds. loyEly. to join the celebration. Coffee
and cake, and reptissaus cgaret, to be
smoked with q duly wa1chful eye Lrg stray mas
ters who might be passing.
wish we were going home for the Fourth"
said Teo. This makes twice I've missed that!"
I've never seen aNv fireworks for the
Fourth" said Bill.
Say"
broad grin. 80.
Cant we pull something off next week?" he
said. I'VE might get hold Of few fireworks!
Glory-wouldn't they be sore
Bill lifted his head. His eyes were shining;
his cheeks flushed
Those French chaps-they got a half holi-
day last year for Bastile day." he said Sup
pose we asked the Head"
For moment Little and Murray were silent,
awed by the sheer spendor of the thought. They
then whooped.
Would he? Would there be a chance? Let's
ask! Oh, Lord-think Of the school-how
they'd hate us!"
"We'l ask" said Bill AFTER call-over to-
day. And then-if we could get some fire.
works" He emptied his pockets. 1--WE got nine
and threepence-and all get some pocket
money Saturday"
'"They pooled their wealth. They had nearly
two pounds among them. They left half filled
cups; hurried to sadler's, the shop that lived on
the schools trade
Fireworks? Ho-yuss-w h n fireworks
time comes. boys! Fifth of November therell
be plenty"
But for the Fourth of July-not SO much as
a rocket or a squib!
'That's all right too." said Ted. "Ill write
to my father!"
'Soll T." Jim echoed. Bill would have CIV
en- anything he possessed to be able to say the
same. But he dared not. But he pressed his
money upon Ted; begged him to send 1t to his
father, and ask him to spend 1t for his share
This-why, this might be his last as 1t was his
first opportunity to celebrate the Fourth!
The letters were posted; Sadler could furnish
paper and envelopes. pen and stamps And
later the three of them fled into the Heads
study and made their request. He received 1t
without smile. But then, his long beard hid
his lips. ....-
Il might call this Yankee cheek" he sug-
gested. Have you thought that the school
would not be-er-pleased?"
"You gave 1t to Blanc and Michaud last
year, sir" said Bill stoutly.
$50 did-so did! On your own heads be
It! You shall have your half holiday. You may
be excused from afternoon call over and from
games"
Now-if Mr.. Little and Mr.. Murray would
do their part! And they did! There were two
great packages. wrapped in brown paper, for
Ted and Jim on the third Of July; the school,
hcvering about, eager in the anticipation of