8 THE ACORN Rex's Selfishness "Well, he's just naturally stingy, that's what's the matter. He doesn't want to help any one but himself," Walter said, angrily. "Yes," joined one of the group of students, standing outside of Walter's home, "he's about as selfish as they make 'em." "Well, sir, I asked him twice if he intended to give a dollar or two, as the others have done, towards our club, and both times he said he would like to, but he didn't know if he could," added Walter, sarcastically. Before the boys separated that evening, a plan was made. It was to let Rex Milford know, in the most unpleasant way, just what they thought of him. Walter's mother happened to overhear some of the sarcastic remarks and slurs cast out by the boys and, after supper, she asked kindly: "Walter, of whom were you boys talking, this evening?" "Well, mother," we boys are all disgusted with one of the boys at school, and have decided to let him know it. His name is Rex Milford." "Rex Milford!" ejaculated Mrs. Edwards! "Does Rex Milford go to the University?" "Why Mother," exclaimed Walter, do you know him? I'm sure, if so, you'll agree with us." Mrs. Edward's face, however, did not look as though she agreed. "Sit down a few moments, son," she said, "I have something to tell you." "About six years ago, Mr. Milford, Rex's father, died, leaving Rex, who was then only fourteen, to support his delicate mother and two little sisters. Nothing-was left to them but a little farm from which to get their living. Since then Rex has worked and planned both day and night, to get the comforts needed by his frail mother. He always had a desire to go to College, and during this six years, he has managed to save enough money to pay for his books and entrance fee; and to get the farm in such a condition that it can be cared for during his absence. He is so determined that he is now, while not in school, working for a man by the name of Cooke. With these wages he keeps himself and sends some to his mother. A hired man takes care of the farm." During this recital, the expression on Walter's face had changed many times, as he thought of the times he had thrown out ugly hints and slurs at Rex. When she had finished he said. "But Mother, from whom did you get this information? It seems you did not even know he was here." "I didn't Walter. His mother and I were the best of friends at school. The other day she wrote me a long letter, telling what I have told you. She did not give the name of the College he attends, and I had no idea it was this one." THE ACORN 9 Rex was surprised, but much pleased at the change in the attitude of the boys towards him, during the following weeks. By his earnest work in school, he soon won the love and respect of his teachers and classmates. The story of his heroic efforts soon got around and friends, on all sides, The White and Blue says that the "Acorn locals are wormy." So let them think. We will say however, that the local editor may be a book-worm, but he doesn't collect any of his worm-wood from the bark of the White and Blue; neither does he crawl, worm-like, thro' the moth-eaten collections of the said White and Blue to glean his harvest. were willing to help him in getting his education. Walter soon became his best friend; and Rex was always welcome at the Edwards' home. Walter often thinks, how little one can judge a man by his outward appearances. Ruth Larson, '08. A Scotch laboring man who had married a rich widow exceptional for her plainness was accosted by his employer. "Well, Thomas," he said, "I hear you are married. What sort of wife have you got?" "Well sir," was the response, "She's the Lord's handiwork, but I canna say she's his masterpiece." Ex. Oh Wind, Thou King Of The Night Roar, roar, howl and roar, Oh Wind, thou king of the night, Bend the boughs of the mighty trees; Send the rain patt'ring down the eaves; Shake thy snow drifts over the leaves. Oh wind, thou king of the night. Blow, blow, shriek, and blow, Oh wind, thou king of the night! Sing yet louder thy loud voiced song, Send thy challenge and hurry along. Forward the justice of right for wrong, Oh wind, thou king of the night. S. M. W. '06