The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1922-05-04

much clustered discussion of the form
and phraSng of the proposed tele-
gram, but, after everything seemed to
have been settled, some one aseer-
tanned by telephone that the telegraph
company would not accept messages
containing words customarily defined
as profane; so the telegram had to he
rewritten. This led to further amend
ment, and 1t was finally decided to adj
dress the senator's from that state. In
stead of the secretary of war. and
thus in a somewhat plodified form the
message was finally dispatched.
Next day, news of what the frat"
had done made great stir In the uni
versity. Other "frats" sent kilograms.
so did the "BarbarianS,n haters Of The
'frats" but joining them in this: while
a small band of "German-American"
students found 1t their duty to go be-
fore the faculty and report these
breaches of neutrality They pro-
tested heavily, demanding the expul-
sion of the "breachers" as disloyal cit
liens, therefore unfit students. but SUI
fered disappointment. for the faculty
itself had been sending tclegrams Of
similar spirit, addressing not only the
senators and congressman of the state
but the President of the United States
Flabbergasted, the "German-Amerl-
cans" retired; they were confused and
disguised by this higher-up outbreak
of unneutrality-it overwhelmed them
that citizens of the United States
should not remain neutral in the dis
pute between the United States and
Germany. All day the campus was in
ferment.
At twilight, Ramsey Was Walking
meditatively on his way to dinner ut
the frat house," across the campus
from his apartment at Mrs. Meigs.
Everything was quiet now, both town
and gown; the students were ut their
dinners and so were the burghers.
Ramsey was late, but did not quicken
his thoughtful steps. which We're those
of one lost in reverie. He had forgot
ten that Springtime was all about him
and, with his head down, walked I'M
regardful Of the new gayeties flung
forth upon the air by great clusters of
Towering shrubs, just come into white
blossom and lavender.
He was unconscious that somebody
behind him. going the same way, came
Fastening to overtake him and called
his name, Ramsey! Ramsey Milhol-
land,' Not until he had been called
three times did he realize that he was
being hailed-and in Il girls voice
BY that time the girl herself was be-
side him, and Ramsey halted, quite
taken aback. The girl was Dora Io-
cum.
She was pale. n little hreathless,
and her eyes were bright and severe.
II want to speak to YOU" she said,
quickly. II want to ask you about
something. Mr.. C0lburn and Fred
Mitchell are the only people | know in
your frat except you, and | haven't
seen either of them today, or I'd have
asked one of them"
Most uncomfortable astonished,
Ramsey took his hands out of his peck
cts, picked leaf from Il lilac bush be-
side the path, and put the stem of the
leaf seriously into a corner of his
mouth, before finding anything to say.
"Well-well, all right he finally re-
sponded. "rl tell you-if it's any
thing l know about"
you know about IT, said Dora.
THAT Is, you certainly do If YOU were
at your frat meeting last night.
Were you?"
Eyes, | was there Ramsey an
swered, wondering what in the world
she wanted to know, though he sup
posed vaguely that 1t must be some
thing about Colburn, whom he had
several times seen walking with her.
"Of course l couldn't tell you much"
he added, with an afterthought. you
see, a good deal that goes on at frat
meeting isn't supposed to be talked
about"
Eyes" she said, smiling family
though with a satire that missed him.
'Tve been member Of a sorority since
September, and l think | have an idea
of what could be told or not told
Suppose we walk on, II you don't mind
My question needn't embarrass YOU"
Nevertheless, as they slowly went on
together, Ramsey was embarrassed.
He felt queer" They had known
each other so long, In a way had
shared so much, sitting daily for years
near each other and undergoing the
same outward experiences; they had
almost grown up together" yet this
was the first time they had ever talked
together or walked together.
"Well--" he said. "If you want TO
ask anything it's all right for me to
tell you-well, just as soon, guess"
at has nothing TO do with the secret
proceedings of your frat" said Dora,
primly. What l want to ask about
has been talked of all over the place
today. Everyone has been saying 1t
was your frat that sent the first tele-
gram to members Of the government
offering support in case of war with
Germany. They say you didn't even
wait until today, but sent off mes
sage last night. What ] wanted to
oolr Won uoS whether this story is frup