5 ACORN If I Were You If I were you, whoever you are, And especially if you are young, I should hold to the truth, and, peace or war, No lie should sully my tongue: Neither a false nor a slanderous word Should ever my speech demean; I should scorn the slang of the vulgar herd, I should ban the phrase unclean. If I were you, whatever you be, And especially young and strong, I'd be eyes to the blind who cannot see, And the weak I'd help along; I should give an arm to the aged one, No matter the low estate; I should solace the weary, and cheer the lone, And aid the poor at the gate. If I were you, O sweet girl maid, Or youth in your halcyon morn, I should strive to lighten the poor man's lade And share in the burden borne. I should try to win the ear and the trust Of the erring, tripped into sin; I should seek to soften the hardened crust, Till the love of God shone in. If I were you, and especially you With the strong young heart and hand, I should help with a kindly word or two, Those wrecked on the social strand The outcasts who are under eclipse, Derelict on life's tossing sea And perchance you might hear from the Master's lips, "Ye have done it unto Me." ACORN 6 The Guiding Star "Hasn't this semester passed quickly?" questioned Ora Greenwell as she entered the student body room. "It hardly seems possible that there is just three more months of school." Robert Warrington, the student body president, answered: "I'll be glad when school is out; it will be a change from every-day work." His thoughts were not on this subject and he turned his back toward Ora and stared out of the window. Ora was astonished to see Warrington, who' was always so cheerful and friendly, act in such a rude way. Though much of her good feeling had been stamped out, she thought he must have much to do and many troubles, so she left the room. When Ora left the room he muttered to himself, "Well, she is extraordinary, she had sense enough to leave." Then he drew a crumpled letter from his pocket, unfolded it and re-read it. My Dear Son: I cannot understand why you should ask for money to pay your tuition fee. Judging from your former letters I thought you had paid it. I cannot send the money you desire until after I have spoken to you about it. Your loving Father. Warrington gripped the letter and said, "Why didn't I pay that at the first of the year instead of thinking I would have just as much money to pay now?" Bill Goddard came into the room. Bob approached him and, laying, his hand on Bill's shoulder, said quietly, "Have you done it, Bill?" "Not yet. Sometimes I think it's altogether unnecessary. If it weren't for you I wouldn't do it." "I am of the opinion that you would, but never mind who is responsible, let's get this thing over with." The next morning Bob took the train to Hillsboro. All the way he wondered what kind of treatment he would receive at home. It was about two o'clock when Bob reached his home town, and no one was there to meet him, as there had been the years before. He had to walk a mile and a half through the snow, so he was tired and really glad to get home. But, despite his mother's and his little sister Vera's greetings, he felt that something of the home was gone. Bob went immediately to his room, which had been carefully prepared for his coming. About an hour after Bob's arrival, his father and younger brother came from the ranch. Vera went to meet them just to tell that Bob was home. Mrs. Warrington told her husband that Bob seemed a stranger and overburdened with work and care. Then Mr. Warrington said: