Show STUNG by THOMAS ARKLE CLARK dean of men university Uni verity of illinois IIIi IWAS ten I 1 suppose and the pup and I 1 were wandering across the dry stubble of prairie grass I 1 was waa picking my way cautiously in a vain endeavor to save my bare feet f from rom th the e sharp ends of the dead w weeds eeds the pup young curious and unsophisticated was making ilde a ide excursions in all directions searing scaring up a flock of quails or nosing in a gophers hole I 1 was carrying a jui jug of water to the men la in the hayfield the pup was intent on new experiences we bad not gone far until we came upon a bumblebees nest burled buried under the prairie sod the bees were not in a good humor they were buzzing about petulantly and remembering former experiences I 1 veered to one side the pup was fascinated lie he show showed ed interest but with head erect he be kept at first at a safe distance then his curiosity getting the better of him he drew nearer A hoary lio aryl obese bumblebee made a pass at him and lie ran yelping to my heels the temptation to see something new was too great for him boi however ever and not heeding my voice he be went slowly back stuck his nose into the hole and vas stung it was a sad little pup with a limp tall fail and a wry distorted countenance that trotted dejectedly and thoughtfully at my heels as we ave winded our way back from the hayfields ile he had sought and found adventure he had seen the world he had had experience but he had paid dearly for it ills Is an experience not confine to young and venturesome dogs it Is characteristic of youth the young fellow curious eager inexperienced perien ced full of vitality finds it hard bard to avoid the bumblebees nest there Is the temptation to grow wise to see a little of life to approach near enough to those untried dangers to satisfy curiosity and yet not to be stung few boys expect to come out of these derelict excursions any the worse for the experience they want only to see bee but lie ho Is the rare exception who does not ultimately feel the sting of shame and disgrace and phys ghys leal ical pain the girl who la Is eager to be a good fellow who Is out for a lark and who laughs at conventionalities Is run ning into the bumblebees nest she will hardly be able to keep herself from criticism frum vulgar cheap comment from the sting of a tarnished reputation it la Is a foolish pup that sticks hla his nose into a bees nest ac 1925 newspaper union |