The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1922-10-24
THE DAILY
SHORT STORY
Big Sister for Bill

As The members OF the Juniors
Boys Club Of Harlow street settle.
ment were dispensing after their
regular Tuesday afternoon meeting
their leader, Mr. Gordon, noticed
that one OF the number remained.
It was Bob Greedy. III whom Mr.,
Gordon was especially Interested,
as he waa beyond doubt the only
one Of the boys OF native American
parents-the only one. In fact,
who was not the product Of over.
crowded slums.
is there something ! can do for
you?" asked Mr.. Gordon, seeing
that the bay was waiting for him.
Sure there Is,' said Bob, trying
to hide his embarrassment. You
we're telling us fellows today that
you we're going TO get big broth.
er for each one OF us--a college fel.
low or something to help us along.
Well, now, honest. Mr.. Gordon, |
don't need a big brother. I've got
one. But-but---"
The idea !s.' explained Mr.. Cor
don, that In having college mon
for big brothers they could help
You in ways that your own broth.
crs could not. They would have
time and would possibly be better
educated"
mot than my big brother" pro-
tested Bob, "But what | was going
to say was this" There Bob be.
came completely embarrassed and
said something that sounded like
Couldn't y'manage TO gimme a big
sister instead?"
Mr.. Gordon laughed. III that Is
what you need most. It never oc'
CURED to us that any of you boys
would rather have big sister, stu
a sister can be very helpful All
right, Bob, I'll get you a big sis.
ter. I'll have her come to call on
you--just the way the big broth
ers are going to-"
THANK you, Mr.. Gordon" said
Bob beaming, and then as he
turned TO beat his retreat: "YOL
needn't say anything to any Of the
fellows about my wanting sister.
They mightn't understand"
Mr.. Gordon, expert wood crafts
man and friend OF small boys. was a
a volunteer work at the settlement.
Rumor had it that he was a dis.
illusioned Authenticated he hal
gone into" settlement work be.
cause Of the death of his young
bride. At all events, he seemed to
get immense satisfaction out Of his
club work and was always gener.
GUS in his contributions toward
any good work furthered BY the
settlement. The swimming pool,
the wonder of the youth of Har.
low street, was his excessive gift.
II Mr.. Gordon told Harlow street
little Of his personal affairs, he told
/ his acquainted and friends little OF
OF Harlow street. most OF them were
only mildly amused at this hobby
OF his, His sister among them.
The night Of Bob Greeley's re-
quest Mr.. Gordon was in som
perplexity, 1t had been an easy
enough matter TO get the required
number OF big brothers" lie
simply nut the proposition up tc
the younger men in his college
fraternity in town. Gordon had
; pledged several thousand dollars
for the new fraternity house and
rs he had promised that he
would see about doubling the
amount. the younger men did not
take long to decide TO fall in line
with his "big brother" PROPOSE
ton.
4 But how to get big sister?
The more Gordon thought Of
this problem the more perplexei
he became about It. Finally he de-
cided to ask his sister Helen
though she had not given very
sympathetic or understandings
heed to the few accounts he had
ever given OF Harlow street do.
ings.
Helen listened apparently with
one-halt attention to what her
brother told, but to his surprise
she volunteered herself for the big
sister needed.
~ didn't imagine you'd do
that" protested Mr.. Gordon. al
just thought you might know
some girl in your set who would
be interested in that sort Of
thing"
I'm interested-dreadtuny inter.