Cinder Path Tales

A VIRGINIA JUMPER 161 down the path asif he cared not where it led. When he turned, he looked up to the grand stand and gave the little blonde in the blue dress a glance and smile, forwhich he was most liberally applauded. At first only a few pairs of little gloved hands clapped, but they were persistent; others, who supposed for some reason or other applause was the proper thing at this time,joined in, and Dick received quite an ovation, althoughhe had done nothing and was expected to do nothing. I can see him to-day as he looked then. His arm out for his sprint; his bare legs, brown and sinewy, but smooth and graceful as a girl's; his whole figure a model for an artist. He was much surprised at the applause, for he was not used to it, and did not expect it. The color rose in his dark cheeks as he started down the path, quicken­ ing speed with every step, until just as his college cheer sounded its firstsharp note he caught the joist, and bounded into the air. It was a perfect jump, barring a little lackof determination, but withmuch more fire than usual. I watched as the measurer pulled out his tape, and waspleased enough when he gave the distance as twenty-one two. I had been thinking all the day of the mother down in the old home, whose heart was so bound up in the success of her boy. I