Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-12-07

Softest easy chair while senior hat men perched
intentionally on the arms, and juniors and
SophomoreS stood. Duke Fletcher, chairman of
the Rushing Committee, was talking earnestly.
II want you to realize the importance of the
step you're going to take, Sawtelle. You've got
big decision to make. There are two big de-
cisions in a mans life, Sawtelle when he
chooses fraternity and when he chooses
wife,"
That's right" Several Beta xi's nodded
their heads
YES" Duke want on, land choosing
fraternity comes ahead of wife, If you make
mistake in the girl you can get new deal,
but the fraternity is yours until you die. Now
that's why the question of national standing is
so important" Duke seemed unconscious of
the apprehensive gances toward the door.
You can go into any college town in the
country and hold your head up and say you're
q Beta XII.
Wherever we've got chapter it's strong
chapter. Strong here we're just q
sample of what you'll find in any Beta XII house
in the country. can say that without fear Of
contradiction" Duke looked inquiringy around
the circle.
That's right, Duke" The voices were filled
with cOnvictfon-almost too much conviction
but again several pairs of eyes strayed nervously
to the door.
Duke noted with satisfaction that Elbridge
Sawtelle Strawbridge seemed impressed He
was hooked Now it just question of
manipulation 70 la0Q him. beCCef DlaY
him q bit first.
What do you think Sawtelle?" he asked
Il see the Importance of national standing
all right and I'm considering you fellows pretty
seriously" Duke showed no trace of ANNOYANCE
at the freshmans patronizing manner. A pad
ole would take that out of him quick enough
after he was pledged. Eyes, I'm giving you
fellows very serious consideration don't minc
telling you liked the rating you got in Baird's
Manual"
Nov was the time to reel him in a little
closer to shore. Cautiously Duke began:
IF you've read 'Baird's Manual you know the
whole story. OF course, wouldn't sling any
mud-but as long you've read 'Bairds
Manual you know well as I do what the
national standing Of the Pi Rios is. It's q
joke, that's what it is, with chapter In every
hick college in the country. They're about as
select as"
Tell me-" Elbridge sawtelle strawbridge in
teTrupted, haven't you got Western transfer
this term, fellow named Groben, stroke Of last
years Mariposa crew."
Il was evident from Dukes expression that
the fish had wrapped the line around snag.
"Well-er-thats right" he said Pine
fellow, great oarsman. Here have a cigarette"
He reached for a large wooden bowl heaped
with countless cigarettes.
mo thanks, big boy" parted the freshman
wit. I'm a banjo player-not a singer"
That laughter followed-uproarious laughter
instead Of blows showed how badly the Beta
xis wanted Elbridge Sawtelle Strawbridge
Still chuckling at his own cleverneSs and
happily unaware that another black mark had
gone down against his name to be taken out
Of his hide on initiation night, the freshman
pulled out his watch and jumped to his feet
Here, can't give you fellows all my time
you know. I'm overdue at the Pi Rho house
now"
Two Senior Society men helped him on with
Rnaf ofn f11TI IL
at least dozen not quite such big men on the
campus wrung him by the hand.
Don't forget tomorrow; you've got a meal
date with us, and there's a smoker in the
evening"
Curiously enough. although the prize had
escaped without committing himself to Beta
XII. general relief was evident
Well we got by this time, anyway" said
Beanie Edwards but every time you pulled
that line about national standing, Duke I
nearly passed out. Sweet stuff If the brother
from Mu had barged in right then"
Don't know it?" Duke said. But national
standing Is one place we've got it over the ri
Rios like tent. 1t was going across big too.
until Sawtele knocked me for a row with that
question about our brother from Mu. III bet
the Pi Rios put him up to it."
"Sh-h!" Boor Committee gave warning.
Here he comes"
The doorway filled with the towering
bulk of Brother Groben from Mu, hand out
stretched, fingers widespread ready TO give the
grip. sculptor would have liked his lean
craggy face and towering build shoulders like
q buffalo and arms that filled his coat sleeves
But Duke was no sculptor. He noted that
Groben wore no hat, and in addition 10 this
crime had his hair clipped 50 short that the
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