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The University Courier.
LITERARY.
COMPENSATION.
A certain college newspaper editor, overwhelmed by the responsibilities and perplexities of his office, suddenly died. The editor had been an ambitious youth on earth, always striving to get the best of everything and to make the most of his circumstances.
His spirit, therefore, in accord with his previous life, was desirous of entering heaven. The editor knew he had many shortcomings—many sins both of commission and omission. But he had an idea that St. Peter was indulgent, so that there might be a chance for him. At any rate he would interview the doorkeeper and see how he felt about the matter.
After a long journey he came into the presence of St. Peter. His reception was anything but cordial and the editor felt his case to be hopeless, and he was on the point of turning away But St. Peter, relaxing his stern countenance, detained him. "Young man, I have examined your record. There are many things against you and few in your favor. Your case is well nigh hopeless. But tell me, young man, what you last did while on earth."
"Your Honor, I was editor of a college paper, and a hard and thankless task it was."
"Son, there is a chance for you. Tell me further; did the faculty give you credit for your newspaper work.
"Your honor, to my sorrow I must say it did not."
"My dear son," cried St. Peter, embracing him, "compensation is a law of the universe! Step right in and take a front seat!"
THE MYSTERY OF BLUE MOUND.
Blue Mound! what University student does not know Blue Mound, and where is the student who has not spent some of the happiest days of his life wandering about its summit or prowling about among the rocks and brush which line its sides? Who can forget the view that is there on every side spread before him? A veritable panorama, the most beautiful in Kansas, the view from Mount Oread not excepted!
Blue Mound is associated among my earliest recollections. The mound could be seen from my home hazily looming up in the distance, the nebulous blue tint surrounding it softening its outline and lending a charm and mystery to it. I never tired of watching the mound, especially towards evening, when the setting sun outlined it against the sky. In my childish way I wondered what manner of people lived there so far removed from me, and what was the mystery of that blue pile reposing peacefully far to the westward.
Had Blue Mound a story to tell? When I grew older I laughed at the idea; my reason said no, but I felt that my childish intuitions might be true. At last I had an opportunity to visit Blue Mound. When there I had in mind the answering of my childish questions. My first visit was unsuccessful. I found nothing that hinted of anything beyond the most prosaic. But I was not discouraged. On a second trip I went over the mound carefully, observing it at every point. On a slope of the hill which I had not previously examined, I found a sort of cave dug out of the side of the mound and covered branches of trees arched to form a covering. The cave had evidently been a rude human habitation many years deserted, for the roof had partly fallen in and the passage-way was overgrown with small trees and underbrush.
I pushed my way in and groped about in the dim light. As my eyes became accustomed to the change of light I saw that it had been occupied by someone as a dwelling. The place was damp and redolent of decay. In the farther end was a rude fireplace with a few ashes yet lying on the hearth. At the side of the room was a rude bunk. Examining closer I was startled to find a human skeleton, evidently of a man, partly covered by rotten clothings, tretched upon the bunk. My first impulse was to leave the place at once. But I conquered the impulse and resolved to discover, if possible, the history of the occupant of this strange place.
I examined the room, then the clothing and skeleton in the bunk. On one of the bony fingers I found a ring with the words "From
Delia" on the inside. My curiosity was fully aroused, but apparently there was nothing more which could give me any clue to the history of the place or its occupant. Finally I found a small tin box, much rusted, lying in one corner. With trembling fingers I pried it open. It contained nothing but a small piece of leaf tobacco and a scrap of paper. The paper was soiled and yellow with age. A few lines written in lead pencil were scrawled upon it. Taking the paper to the light I succeeded in deciphering the writing. It was as follows: "I feel my strength leaving me and that in a few days I will die. The story of my life would serve as a warning to the world, but I owe the world nothing. Society has outlawed, banished and scorned me. Women are false and men dastardly! With my dying breath I curse society and all who bow to its decrees!" That was all.
I hurried away with a feeling of relief. What bitterness must have been in that man's heart when he died: who was this man who evidently had shunned his fellow men, and what cause could have driven him away? These thoughts filled my mind as I walked homeward.
I notified the proper authorities of my discovery and an investigation was held. From the testimony of the old settlers it was learned that many years ago an old man had lived somewhere about Blue Mound, but they knew little concerning him. He shunned the settlers and very seldom came to town. They knew nothing of his history nor why he lived alone. He had disappeared years ago and it was generally believed he had left the country.
We buried him under a great cottonwood tree near his cave, but nothing more was ever learned regarding him, and the mystery of the old man of Blue Mound will probably never be cleared up.
EXCHANGES.
The Utah University Chronicle this week mourns over the smallness of their appropriation which is so small that the school will be seriously crippled.
The Spring Hill Era is a welcome addition to our exchange list. Its new editor is S. N. Simmons, '92, formerly editor-in-chief of the University Courier. Mr. Simmons is a good newspaper man, and will make the Era a success.
The Ottawa Campus of last issue is much elated over winning fourth place in the recent contest.
The Utah-Colorado joint debate has been declared off. Colorado failed to do her part. ___
The Baldwin Ledger comes as usual, disgruntled over athletics.
The history department of Ohio State University is making a collection of the portraits of great statesmen, generals, etc., of all countries.
With this issue Walter J. Sears severs his connection as editor-in-chief of the Ohio S. U. Lantern. Mr. Sears is well known in K. U., being in '91 local editor of the COURIER.
Cornell University has decided to discontinue examinations. The student's knowledge will be decided by the character of his daily recitations.
Two maids as fair as maids can be,
Fair maids both blonde are they,
But both coquettes and shallow souled. Dressed up in style to-day.
They paint sometimes when color fails, Delight in laces fine;
Two maids, two ready mades are they,
Those russet shoes of mine.
Ex