Berkeley High School - Olla Podrida Yearbook (Berkeley, CA)

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OLLA PODRIDA BERKELEY HIGH tion that they were looking upon a diminutive stage, upon which there sat an old man. The stage seemed clothed in the same strange opa- lescent light, while all the furnishings were profusely decorated with silks, draperies and curtains of the same peculiar hue-an opal green. With these novel proceedings some of their fear Hed, and they were soon engaged in watching the old man. He rose slowly to his feet, and stepped to the front. of the stage. His features were greatly distorted, his countenance diabolical, as he turned to view the strangers. He began speaking in a low voice. My friends, I am glad you have come. Many years have I waited to deliver this sacred possession to you-the messengers of our god, the Wise Mohammed. Carefully have I Watched and guarded this box, waiting patiently for the time when Mohammed would send his messenger to me, the messenger who is to deliver this box to him. I have longed for years to return once more to the sweet, pleasant oases of the Persian desertg to inhale once more the pure mountain breeze, to see once again the sacred, lofty Mt. Dema- vend, upon which is the Temple of the Worshippers of our god, Mo- hammed. I I have waited, I have prayed to be able to once again see my home-my sweet childhood home at Kom. At last, at last this time has come. At last, Mohammed has sent his messengers to meg has freed me from caring for and Watching this sacred, beautiful box, and I can return to my home, return to end my days in the sweet, happy, sunshiny land of our Mohammed-Persia! Again the room was in darkness, again the two men became over- whelmed With the strange, indescribable sensation. ' Of a sudden the room became brightly illuminated, as it was when they hrst entered, and Jack Barry and his companion found themselves staring into each other's eyes, each looking as though they had just awakened from some horrible dream. T he hrst thought which sprang to each of their minds was this: Did these people, did this strange man believe them to be messengers from Mohammed? For many moments they sat there, speechless, and thoughtful. The door on the further side of the room opened and the same liveried servant stepped forward, and kneeling low beforevthe two men, he murmured a prayerg rising, he handed a small, though very heavy, box to them, and escorted them to the door. Once out in the invigorating, fresh air again, the two bewildered men hurried to the waiting automobile, carrying with them the mysterious 22

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OLLA PODRIDA . : BERKELEY HIGH stone house, appearing dark and gloomy in the evening light, for night was fast approaching. Giving the driver orders to await their return, the two men hurried up the broad stairs. They lightly touched the elec- tric bell, and, as if by magic, the entire building became suffused in a mellow light, of a greenish hue. From each window there shown forth almost transparent vibrations of this peculiar coloring. The whole build- ing seemed to be clothed in this strange, phenomenal light. h i The detective and his companion looked questioningly at one another, but before they had time to speak the massive door swung back on its hinges without a creak or a sound, and a tall, dark personage. clothed in perfect livery, stepped forward, inquiring fin a slightly ac- cented tone of voice, what they wished. jack Barry drew forth the document from his pocket and without a word handed it to the man. The man gazed thoughtfully upon the two strangers, and then, unroll- ing the parchment, he hastily ran his eye over the contents. His man- ner upon first encountering the strangers had been very distantg how- ever, after completing his examination of the parchment, he became very cordial, and opening the door wide, bade the men enter. The detective and his companion realized that any hesitancy on their part would not do, so they stepped into the brightly illuminated room. The two men found themselves in a spacious apartment, beautifully and artistically ornamented with many peculiar and interesting works of art. The liveried attendant requested the two adventurers to be seated, drawing forth a richly cushioned couch, upon which the two men sank, to await the proceedings. The Persian then stepped to the wall, and touching a panel, which was concealed beneath the hangings, he bade the two men watch the opposite wall. Slowly the strange light faded from the room, leaving the two men to stare into impenetrable darkness. A chill dampness suddenly overcame them, chilling them to the very bone, while a strong odor of mold assailed their nostrils. A feeling of indescribable awe and an over- whelming nausea overcame them, leaving them sick and faint. Their power of speech seemed to have abandoned them altogether, and they' sat upon the couch for what seemed hours, waiting in vain for the ap- proach of either strength or uncoxisciousness. At last they saw a slight flickering of light along the floor, and the wall which they were facing seemed to rise: it seemed to rise as does the drop curtain in a play-house, until finally they came to the realiza- 21

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OLLA PODRIDA : 2 : BERKELEY HIGH V.fV7,VxA box, and hastily entering the tonneau, bade the driver make all speed to Jack Barry's home, which was but a short distance. Arriving there, the two men alighted, and settling with the driver, hurried into the house. ' They set the box upon the table, and removing their overcoats and hats, sat for many minutes, thoughtful and meditating. At last Jack Barry observed, laughingly, Do you suppose that little old brown man really believed we were messengers from his god? Well, he certainly did seem earnest about it, replied the other. The Persians are so superstitious that l would believe almost anything of them. I Wonder what this box containsf' Yes, I wonder, mused jack. Perhaps some mystery connected with their religiong possibly something of value. Well, there is surely no harm in opening it. With this, he drew the sandal-wood box from his pocket, and opening it, removed the key. What a very odd piece of workmanship this is, he observed, referring to the box, as he in- serted the key in the lock. And indeed it was. The box was made of coal-black ebony, fin-- ished with a smooth, shiny surface, which was deeply and richly inlaid in opals and weird ornaments of jet. Many bands of dull, heavy gold encircled the box, each one artistically engraved. Slowly he inserted the key into the lock, and turning it carefully and without noise, he silently raised the heavy cover. The two curious, excited men rose and gazed long and anxiously within the box. Long and anxiously did they gaze, at last raising their eyes to stare at one another with a foolish grin. What did the box contain? The box, sought after and gained only after so much trouble and excitement, as here related-the box was empty! O00 o O . Q , oooooo 0 ' . . ' I 9 v '. ' 00 ' 'HW -0,540 O 0000 1' 23