Alton High School - Tatler Yearbook (Alton, IL)

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“Now I know I was dreaming. It was mother calling me and not my victorious Knight. Just the same James won’t have to take the finals if I can help it.” For once Victor was at school early, and he found his friend there too, studying hard. “James, just a moment of your precious time. “Can’t spare it.” “You can too; you have to, so there! I’m going to see Mr. Jackson—have something to explain to him.” After much persuading James followed to the principal’s room. “Good morning, boys, any finals?” Yes------, a — that is I will have some,” said Victor. “I came to tell you that I deserved that demerit, not James.” James held his breath. What was coming next? “1 stamped on his foot just for meanness. Couldn't blame him for yelling, could you? ’’ “But, Victor, mother says I should have kept my foot under my desk, and so 1 should have.” “That doesn’t make any difference, you don’t deserve that demerit.” “Well, boys,” said Mr. Jackson, “since you both see or rather think you are to blame, I’ll cancel the demerit this time, but do not let it occur again.” Florence Weindel, ’10

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“Guess lie’s going to fight a duel with me, thought Victor, but he was much relieved when he saw that his guest was followed by another person. This intruder, unlike the first, was clothed from head to foot in sliming white; on his shield he also wore a heart, but it was snow white save for a small blot of black ; he likewise had a sword. “And who may you be? asked the Red Knight of the other. “I am the Conqueror Truth; I know without asking that you are the would-be Conqueror Falsehood.” “Correct,” said Falsehood, “and, if you are Truth, why that black blot upon your heart, and what is your mission here.'' “This black blot is an unspoken falsehood. My King has commanded me to accept your challenge of a three-round battle to blot this dark spot from off the heart of the person whom you are trying to influence.” “You accept my terms, then?” “Certainly. If you win two out of the three skirmishes, the boy is yours; if I win, he is mine.” “Correct,” acquiesced Falsehood. “Let us commence at once. The swords flashed as they came together, and an exciting battle ensued. Both knights were skilled swordsmen, and. to Victor looking on, it seemed impossible to tell who would win, but fate decided that Truth should conquer at the first encounter. Both looked wearied, but Truth was evidently more fatigued than Falsehood. The heart on the former’s shield shone as brightly as the evening star, and the black spot had almost disappeared: but the latter’s heart was a dull black scarcely visible. At the end of the second round Falsehood was the victor. His face shone like fire, and his black heart was as bright as a polished mirror; Truth’s face was ghastly pale, and his heart was almost covered by the black blot. “I am sure to win,” chuckled Falsehood, “Truth is the same as conquered now.” In the third skirmish, though Truth looked exhausted, hope inspired him, and soon Falsehood lay prostrate before his conqueror. Truth’s heart no longer contained a blot, but shone as brightly as the sun. He raised his sword above his head, and cried joyously, “Victor,” then vanished. Victor started. Had he been dreaming? Yes, he must have been. “Victor, it is half-past seven,” called his mother. 21

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 THE WATER-LILY Second Prize Out in the lake so cool, Roused from sweet dreams of night, There opens my love her eyes To the brilliant beams of light. With shyly peeping glances. Her arms slip from the leaves And her lovely, tiny fingers Sweet breaths of fragrance weave. Slow and cautious she blossoms forth As glad, blithe youths in their May, ’Till finally she appears one glorious gem, The flower queen of the day. And the little, green frogs are her servants, And the glossy fish, her maid, And the water sprites, her messengers Flying here and there bearing aid. And she reigns in her watery palace supreme. Beloved by every guest, Ev il winged nymphs and fairy elves Of her go oft in quest. Thus lives my innocent love, Out in the lake so wide, While 1 stand on the opposite shore, And try, in vain, my love to hide. May Foreman, ’ll. 23