Central High School - Mirror Yearbook (Birmingham, AL)

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the mountain crest. I he lifeless body of the Frenchman was found: Perry's body was never found. Often and often 1 wonder as I look at the box what relation existed between the box. the artist and the pictures. 1 have never solved the mystery. ANNIE JACOBS. '24. SANCTUARY In our town there bides a timid spot, Secluded from most eyes. An oasis cool in desert hot Of city woes and sighs. In each dewy, mist-green fastness' show. An earthly heaven gleams. Where the trees in modest splendor grow. And birds weave wondrous themes. Thus, my dear, to me your heart appears To me who hold the key— A place beyond all smiles and tears To tell its mystery. RUSSELL SMITH. 23. jk. Page Twenty-eight

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‘A feud had existed for years between our family and a second leading family of that section. The genius of the opposing factor, an artist, in vindictive rage, painted this picture, his masterpiece, and sent it to my father. It indicates, of course, presumably, that he (my father) was cruel and terrible. Instead of destroying the picture, my father put it in the most conspicuous place in the house. The people of the village, however, because of Monsieur Calon’s' kindness to them, ridicluled the artist (who had previously painted many holy pictures for the church) for venting his spleen in so disgraceful a way. Later on. in the courts, a case that had been pending for some time between the families was won by my father. This made them ridicule the artist even more. Unable to endure their taunts he fled, vowing to get revenge at some time. After that my father was muredered and it was whispered among the village folk that the artist was guilty. Rumors later came that he was searching for me My life at the castle was like a pleasant dream; but it soon came to an end. Your Uncle Tom died and I felt it my duty to return to America. I persuaded the old servants to take over the castle, but they insisted that I keep the furnishings and the pictures you have seen here. The village scenes and this one are the most beautiful that I have ever seen. On my return. I bought this home for Aunt Susan, and furnished it. No one knows of my pleasant dream; but I believe I’m dismissing a load from my mind by telling you. perhaps, because I feel more and more convinced that before this year comes to an end the artist and I shall meet! I shall welcome the opportunity to settle my account with him. Then rising. Perry went to the library table, opened a drawer and took out a small silver box. displaying a magnificent coat-of-arms; the interior contained a ring, fastened to the bottom of the box. not unlike the key to a trap door. Under the ring were two letters. I looked closer. There were my initials! This box bears a strange relationship to the picture. The butler entered the room. Perry begged to be excused a moment, and the two went out. He returned and explained that a Frenchman had lost his way in a storm on the mountains and that a party was organized to search for him. He added that he was to join the pary. Glancing toward the box again he said almost playfully. If I don't return before Christmas evening, I want you to have the box as my Christmas gift to you. Perry never returned. The next evening the party brought back the body of the Frenchman and sadly told to us the story of the search. By the aid of a field glass, early that morning they had discovered the Frenchman nearing the top of a lofty peak. Perry, being an expert climber, volunteered to follow him. He reached the top of the peak and just as the men were ready to throw ropes to them, the Frenchman uttered a piercing cry. The two exchanged greetings it seemed, but. strange to tell, they began fighting. In the struggle both men fell from I'cujc Twenty-seven

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THE AGLAIA LITERARY SOCIETY