s Oyster and
he had an Opener in every Pocket.

He began grabbing Public Service Utilities by Strong-Arm methods,
whereupon a lot of Uplifters became excited and wanted some one else
to head him off.

He put things Across because when he tucked the Ball under his Arm and
began to dig for the Goal of his Immediate Ambition all the Friends of
Public Weal were scared Blue and retired behind the Ropes.

Edgar took his Degree out into the Cold World and began to make
apologetic Inquiries regarding Humble Employment which would involve
no Responsibilities.

He became an Office Lawyer of the dull gray Variety with a special
Aptitude for drawing up Leases and examining Abstracts.

He could not face a Jury or fight a Case because the fond Parents had
put the Sign on him and robbed him of all his Gimp.

But a Nice Fellow?

You know it.

Any one who had a Book to sell, or a Petition to be signed, or a Note
that needed endorsing came dashing right into Edgar's Office and hailed
him as the Champion Patsy.

Not one of these ever ventured into the Lair of the Street Railway
Czar, for he knew that Rufus might jump over the Mahogany Table and
bite him in the Arm.

Even Edgar, when he made a Business Call on Boyhood Friend and loving
Classmate, was permitted to wait in the Outer Room, resting his Hat on
his knees, and mingling on terms of Equality with the modish Typist and
the scornful Secretary.

And when they went away to look at some Properties, Rufus took the
Stateroom while Edgar drew an Upper.

Every one at the Club referred to Edgar as a Good Old Scout, but when
all the Push gathered at the Round Table and some one let fall the Name
of the High-Binder, they would open up on Rufus and Pan him to a
Whisper.

Then Rufus would enter in his Fur Coat, upsetting Furniture and
Servants as he swept through the Lounging Room.

Immediately there would be an Epidemic of Goose Pimples and a Rush to
shake hands with him.

Rufus was sinfully Rich, but nevertheless Detestable, because his
Family had drilled into him the low-down Habit of getting the Jump
on the Other Fellow.

Edgar may live in a Rented House, but he will always have the inward
Satisfaction of knowing that he is a sweet and courteous Gentleman
with Pink Underwear, and a Masonic Charm on his Watch Chain.

When Edgar answers the Call, the Preacher will speak briefly from the
Text, "Blessed are the Meek."

If the Death Angel succeeds in pulling down Rufus,