THE BEAUTIFUL LADDER. 
CHAPTER I. 
THE TWO STUDENTS. 
“ AT JELL, Charley, one more year in the 
* ^ unraveling of metaphysical webs and 
the chopping of logic, and then you will pocket 
your roll of sheepskin and start out on the 
grand career of life. I congratulate you on 
your success in reaching the head of your 
class. It is a great honor to stand at the front 
of such a lot of bright fellows as you have had 
to compete with.” 
This was the cordial salutation of Lewis Ru¬ 
dolph as he first met his intimate friend, Charles 
Davidson, after the year’s examination at college 
had successfully closed. 
Thank you. Lew,” was the ready response. 
I’ve come out better than I' expected—better 
than I deserved, I fear.” 
7 
