In the Midst of Alarms | Page 5

academy than I did in mathematics or grammar. By handicapping
me with several poor players, and having the best players among the
boys in opposition, we made a pretty evenly matched team at school
section No. 12. One day, at noon, we began a game. The grounds were
in excellent condition, and the opposition boys were at their best. My
side was getting the worst of it. I was very much interested; and, when
one o'clock came, I thought it a pity to call school and spoil so good
and interesting a contest. The boys were unanimously of the same
opinion. The girls were happy, picnicking under the trees. So we played
cricket all the afternoon."
"I think that was carrying your theory a little too far," said the professor
dubiously.
"Just what the trustees thought when they came to hear of it. So they
dismissed me; and I think my leaving was the only case on record
where the pupils genuinely mourned a teacher's departure. I shook the
dust of Canada from my feet, and have never regretted it. I tramped to
Buffalo, continuing to shake the dust off at every step. (Hello! here's
your drinks at last, Stilly. I had forgotten about them--an unusual thing
with me. That's all right, boy; charge it to room 518. Ah! that hits the

spot on a hot day.) Well, where was I? Oh, yes, at Buffalo. I got a place
on a paper here, at just enough to keep life in me; but I liked the work.
Then I drifted to Rochester at a bigger salary, afterward to Albany at a
still bigger salary, and of course Albany is only a few hours from New
York, and that is where all newspaper men ultimately land, if they are
worth their salt. I saw a small section of the war as special
correspondent, got hurt, and rounded up in the hospital. Since then,
although only a reporter, I am about the top of the tree in that line, and
make enough money to pay my poker debts and purchase iced drinks to
soothe the asperities of the game. When there is anything big going on
anywhere in the country, I am there, with other fellows to do the
drudgery; I writing the picturesque descriptions and interviewing the
big men. My stuff goes red-hot over the telegraph wire, and the humble
postage stamp knows my envelopes no more. I am acquainted with
every hotel clerk that amounts to anything from New York to San
Francisco. If I could save money, I should be rich, for I make plenty;
but the hole at the top of my trousers pocket has lost me a lot of cash,
and I don't seem to be able to get it mended. Now, you've listened with
your customary patience in order to give my self-esteem, as you called
it, full sway. I am grateful. I will reciprocate. How about yourself?"
The professor spoke slowly. "I have had no such adventurous career,"
he began. "I have not shaken Canadian dust from my feet, and have not
made any great success. I have simply plodded; and am in no danger of
becoming rich, although I suppose I spend as little as any man. After
you were expel--after you left the aca--"
"Don't mutilate the good old English language, Stilly. You were right in
the first place. I am not thin-skinned. You were saying after I was
expelled. Go on."
"I thought perhaps it might be a sore subject. You remember, you were
very indignant at the time, and--"
"Of course I was--and am still, for that matter. It was an outrage!"
"I thought it was proved that you helped to put the pony in the
principal's room."

"Oh, certainly. That. Of course. But what I detested was the way the
principal worked the thing. He allowed that villain Spink to turn
evidence against us, and Spink stated I originated the affair, whereas I
could claim no such honor. It was Spink's own project, which I fell in
with, as I did with every disreputable thing proposed. Of course the
principal believed at once that I was the chief criminal. Do you happen
to know if Spink has been hanged yet?"
"I believe he is a very reputable business man in Montreal, and much
respected."
"I might have suspected that. Well, you keep your eye on the respected
Spink. If he doesn't fail some day, and make a lot of money, I'm a
Dutchman. But go on. This is digression. By the way, just push that
electric button. You're nearest, and it is too hot to move. Thanks. After
I was expelled--"
"After your departure I took a diploma, and for a year or two taught a
class in the academy. Then, as I