14 The Acorn a man labors with diligence in his ordinary calling, and is faithful to all men in it, seclusion from friendly intercourse with his fellows will seriously injure him; for it will prevent the development of those social virtues so essential to the resistance of that selfishness which is ever leading us to see no good in others, and to have no regard for other's happiness. So long as this is felt, we make no progress whatever in the ascending circle of return to true order, and do nothing that really aids others in a similiar progression. Let every man, then, seek for associations in life; but let him be exceedingly careful how he makes his selection. Almost everything depends upon its being done with prudence. Think evil and seek it, you will find it; think good and seek it, you will find the good, and be made happy thereby. pearl smuin '08 "The thing that goes the farthest toward making life worth while That costs the least and does the most is just a pleasant smile. Its full of worth and goodness too, with hearty kindness bent. Its worth a million dollars and doesn't cost a cent." The Acorn 15 This One Christmas "Tick, tick a tick, tick-" said the telegraphic instrument. These dots and dashes evidently conveyed some message to the man who sat by the table, pencil in hand, for the expression of his face alternately changed from one of surprise to one of doubt. He could scarcely believe the words, so to make sure he was not mistaken, he asked the operator to repeat the message. This time he wrote it down as follows, John Wilson: Use building you now occupy for baggage room only. Build annex 16 by 20 feet, to be arranged as you see fit. Must be finished by December 30th. Yours E. W. South Supt. So at last he was to have a new home. For eighteen years John Wilson had been station agent at Beaver. Having neither wife nor children to make life pleasant, he gave all his attention to the care of his station. Everything about it was spotlessly clean although in places the plaster had fallen from the walls and ceiling, and all the paint had been worn away. Nevertheless John took a great deal of pride in it. When anyone inquired for tickets, he ushered him into the little room, where he acted as ticket agent and operator. He lived here as though it were his own home and a palace at that. Lately his work had been very strenuous, and as John was nearing his seventieth year, it began to tell on him, but he never thought of complaining and now to think he could have a new home and a larger one was almost more than he could believe! He had two months in which to finish the room, so hiring two carpenters he had the work commenced immediately. Untiringly he toiled often after dark one might have seen him looking over the work nad straightening things out, then before daylight he was there again. By December 15th the building-was finished except painting and furnishing. His one aim had been to have the work completed on the day the superintendent had named. One day the thought came to him, "Why not have it ready by Christmas, and the new building will be my Christmas present?" He had never received any token of regard from any one. He left the East when young and now did not have a living relative that he knew anything about, so Christmas Day was a lonely one for him. Then he worked extra hard that he might have at least one enjoyable holiday before he died.