Cinder Path Tales

A VIRGINIA JUMPER 131 dressed to me in a particularly old-fashioned and graceful hand. When at last I broke the seal, I found its contents asfollows: THE OAKS, FAIRFAX Co., VA. DEAR SIR : I am desirous that my son may win distinction in some form of athletic sport. I under­ stand that you have charge of the instruction in this department. It is my wish that he be given especial training in that exercise to which he is best adapted. I have already advised him concerning my plan. I write you also, because he has unfortunately little ambition in this direction, and I must ask that he be given particular care and attention. I shall be pleased to have you send me the customary bill for such extra work. My son comes ofa family renowned for strength and vigor, and should be able to surpass all competitors. I should consider a second place no better than absolute failure. Asking your serious consideration of the above, I am. Sincerely yours, MARGARET LEE FAIRFAX. To MR. WALTER BROWN. Now, I have received a great many letters concerning athletic matters in my time, but few more interesting than this. Concealed under a very matter-of-fact speechand man­ ner, there is in me a vein of the imaginative which I occasionally indulge. Sometimes a very small matter willbe enough to send me