THE POSSUM HUNTERS



But even their supplications to dispose of the
stock was not without reward; the plea and argu-
ment was addressed to Hughes Randall as their
leader; he was the central figure in the organiza-
tion, their "President."
  The growing years did not diminish his stock
of magnetism. His semesters in college were
filled with due recognition of his ability to lead,
to promote, to organize. He had rejuvenated the
debating society, was a charter member of the
first Greek letter fraternity among the student
body, was most active in all matters pertaining
to athletic sports, and instituted the "Semi
Weekly Dance Club." But with all his activities
in the social life of the college there was one note-
worthy fault, failure, virtue, or indiscretion:
Hughes Randall never was known to claim such
an article as a sweetheart.
  His post-graduate course at the university
which gave him his degree in law was not dull
and drab because of unpleasing acclaim. Although
his degree prevented an active participation in
athletics, although the social life of the institu-
tion was in control of the students who had ma-
triculated as freshmen, although he entered the
university an unknown "post grad," he left a
memory carved in the hearts and affections of
the student body, and a "dramatic" club as the
result of his ability to organize. Also he left the
same exception to his college years; he was cour-
teous and affable to the charming young woman-
hood of his association, he would escort them to
theatres, parties and dances, but not one of them
could say what his eyes would look like as they
told the world old story.
  A lawyer, scholar, gentleman, and organizer,
he returned to his natal heath to practice in his
chosen profession and to promote, foster and en-
courage schemes of social and politic economy to



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