Bridgewater State University - Alpha Yearbook (Bridgewater, MA)

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22 NORMAL OFFERING The deed was done. In another moment Andie had reached the picket fence and was about to clamber through with his precious burden, when on his shoulder he felt the weight of a strong hand. His heart stood still in his bosom. Like the Spartan youth of old, who concealed a fox in his tunic, Andie faced the man who had detained him, with a detached and innocent air. You enjoy my garden, lad? asked a kindly voice. The boy looked askance at the tall elderly man in flannels. He wondered if he had heard aright, and if the blue eyes that twinkled so humorously under shaggy grey brows were not those of some phantom in his own brain. Kindness was rare in Andie's experience. Yes, sir, he replied, non-committally. i I often spend the afternoon in this part of the garden when it is hot, the man went on, smiling down at Andie the while, and I have envied you your daily privilege of rolling down to the duck pond. Andie marvelled. Rags squirmed uneasily. It made me remember the days when a swimming hole was the greatest delight, Mr. Nielson was saying. 'I've often wanted to talk to you, but hated to spoil your fun. You seem fond of one of the Irish terriersg if you like,- A horrible feeling of remorse swept over Andie's soul. All that was good in the lad came to the surface before this man's gentleness. He felt an unfamiliar shame for having stolen. Mr. Nielson, he stammered, interrupting the quiet voice, please, please don't say any more. Yes, I do love Rags, he's a great pal, and-I've always wanted a dog- Mr. Nielson nodded kindly, but a sudden embarrassment pos- sessed Andie. Rags was whining softly, being unable to understand his strange position. A lVIr. Nielson 1 Andie cried in distress. 6I stole your dog! He's here in my blouse-but I'll work to pay for him. I'll dig potatoes, I'll weed your garden. I'll do anything! If you'l1 only, only- Andie broke down. Rags, released, scampered to the ground happy to be again at liberty. Mr. Nielson laid his arm across the shoulders of the miserable boy. He had hoped that he would confess. Day after day his inter- est in the lad augmented as he watched him at play, and he had counted a great deal on the goodness buried deep under the apparent unworthiness.

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NORMAL OFFERING 21 terrier held a large space, and today he eagerly set out in search of Rags, as he called him. The lush grass around the hedge brushed his freckled faceg the cool, dark earth felt refreshing as he slid along to the terrier pen. A yelp of delight greeted him as his hand closed over Rags' shaggy peltg and the dog licked the ill-kempt hands in loving welcome. Thought I never would come, did yer ole feller? questioned Andie, stroking the excited animal as it squirmed with glee in his arms. Gee, I couldn't forget yer, doggie Z Together they ran around the edge of the duck pond, the terrier snapping playfully, licking the hand that teased him, jumping, rol- licking. I The afternoon waned. The humming of the bees ceased, and the tall lilies by the water's edge nodded to and fro in the gentle evening breeze. From far off in the valley came the sound ofa cowbell, and Andie realized that he must go. He looked sadly at the terriernestling in the crook of his arm, and the thoughts that coursed through his brain were long thoughts. Why should lVIr. Nielson own this huge estate, this beautiful garden, the lovely mansion in the distance, horses, servants, and wonderful dogs, while he, Andie, felt that he would be happy with just one Ii-log which he couldn't have? It wasn't fair, he thought. Rags, ole feller, he murmured. Ain't it a cruel world, though? The dog's eloquent eyes sought those of his chosen master in mute acquiescence. I Do you know, Rags, Andie continued, lifting the dog up to his chest, the two forepaws being clenched against his body, 'Tve a mind to take yer away from all this! I know you and me'd make iirst-rate pals. Uncle .Iock'd never bother about yer any more'n he bothers 'bout me. Then again, ole Mr. Nielson'd never miss yer. What d'yer say, Rags, eh? The dog replied in the only way dogs can, by yelping plaintively, his eyes dumbly appealing. Andie rose. You won't mind journeyin' in my blouse, will yer, Rags? You know folks is bound to be cur'ous, and I just natchully don't like explainin'.

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NORMAL oFFER1NG 23 There is some work I should you like you to do, he said, slowly, that is, if you want the dog enough to work for him. Sup- pose we go up to the house and talk the matter over. He looked at his watch. Your people will not be anxious about you, will they ? Andie grinned sheepishly. Nobody'll worry 'bout me,'9 he replied, digging his toes into the soft earth. Uncle Jock's busy 'nough without bothering 'bout me, sir. ' They walked up to the big white house together, with Rags gam- boling before them. Somehow the awe he had previously felt for the master of Crawford, when on various occasions the elderly gentleman drove through the town, had changed into a happy ,feeling of trust and reverence. Andie's heart swelled with a new pride. PK Pk P14 PF P14 bk Ik 24 Pk PK 214 Years have passed since that sultry summer day, and still down by the duck pond towards evening a distinguished white-haired old gentleman and a tall youth often walk. Andie has not betrayed the trust which Mr. Nielson had in him and which he tested that after- noon so long ago, and the old man is proud of the son he has adopted. Andrew MacGregor did not mean to be a thief. In fact, in the financial world he has made a name for himself,-a name that stands for truth and honesty. Adelaide H. Huard Nnrmal 0Bffrring Normal Offering, the pride of all, Opens its door at a single call, Revealing to readers its wealth within, Musings of minds of many a kin. And so unto this day 'tis said, Little's the thing that's left unread. Other things may catch our glance, From Boston,fTexas, or even France, From far and wide may fame be spread, Even the books we may have read Remain with us from year to year, Into our hearts to bring good cheer,-yet Never, we know, to hold the sway, Gained by UN. O. in every way. Mary Hurley