and inconsiderate language regarding my Eton suit
plan--presented a slip of paper bearing a line in the handwriting of his
father. I opened and read it.

In brief the writer's idea was that we should call our organisation the
Young Nuts of America, and that the leader, master or commander should
be known as Chief Nut or Principal Nut. Coming from a gentleman who had
expressed himself so adversely regarding a former project that had been
close to my heart this manifestation of interest on his part touched me
profoundly. Moreover, his suggestion appeared to my conceptions to be
both timely and effective, carrying with it, as it did, a thought of the
opening of the burs, of the descent of autumn on the vernal forest, of
the rich meatiness of the kernel; a thought of the delectable filbert,
the luscious pecan and the succulent walnut--the latter, however, having
a tendency to produce cramping sensations when partaken of to excess.

These sentiments my youthful adherents appeared to share with me, for on
my reading the paper aloud there followed an outburst of cheering, not
unmixed with happy laughter. Checking them with a mild reminder that
this was not a laughing matter, I put the proposition to a vote, and it
was decided unanimously that we should be known as the Young Nuts of
America and that my official title should be Chief Nut.

Master Pope then moved, seconded by Master Horrigan, that for the time
being we should keep the name of our club a secret among ourselves. To
me there seemed no valid reason for this and I so stated; but
appreciating their boyish fancy for creating an air of pleasant and
innocent mystery about whatever undertaking in which they might be
engaged, I soon waived my objection and it was so ordered by
acclamation.

In this connection I desire to make a statement which may come as a
surprise to many, and that is this: I have but lately--within the past
few days, in fact--been informed that among persons addicted to the vice
of slang the term nut is occasionally applied to other persons whom they
suspect of being mentally incapable or, in short, deranged.

Personally I see no possible connection between a nut, either of some
wild species or of a domesticated variety, and one who, alas, is bereft
of reason. I trust, furthermore, that I am not of a suspicious nature,
and assuredly I am loath to impugn sinister motives to any fellow
creature; but, in view of this, to me, astonishing disclosure, I am