Page:Stanwood Pier--Harding of St Timothys.djvu/174

146 be in that state of mind, and it was an idea out of which something might be made.

Then, Harry reflected, he could become personal, and take up the cases of various individuals. There was "Fatty" Myers, who wore five sweaters, and whose heroic abstinence all the season from sweetmeats and pastry had delighted the scornful; there was Tad Melville, who, when he was not exercising, was reading books on "How to Get Strong, and How to Stay So"—nicknamed "Old Stay-So," in consequence. There were many little incidents that Harry began to see he could utilize in his speech, and he sat up to the desk and began to write.

He grew more and more wrapped in the work. One thought followed another, his lips curved now and then in appreciation of his own humor; and finally he became involved in an eloquent climax, full of feeling and sentiment and pathos.

He stopped in the midst of it to read back a little way and admire it. "Oh, by George, it's a good speech!" he said to himself. He