Drake University - Quax Yearbook (Des Moines, IA)

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Upon the front steps were two youths in earnest confab: one very dark, with the positive gentleness of knowledge in his bearing: the other, light, and inno- cent looking, even to the luxuriant blondness of his moustache. The former was saying: You see, the psychic phenomena are incomprehensibly obscured by the invidiousness -- Yes, yes, interrupted the other. I understand all that -- Of our natural concepts of suprapreperceptionf' he went on, calmly. 1904 felt that it was time to interfere. My son, she said 'kindlyz cut it out. 'iAnd, A. B., turning to him, you'll have brain fever. She heaved a sigh of relief as they departed in different directions. Then she wandered over to the gymnasium. There was the sound of many voices in excited controversy. They were holding a little contest in graft, someone explained to her. Jefferson came out ahead all right, but Mon says Coffman was an easy second and now Johnson is claiming second place. They can't decide it. Why don't they call it a tie and let it go? she asked. The youth looked at her in surprise. They can't do that. It's against the rules. So it is! Then a bright thought struck her. Let's ask Fisher to arbi- trate it, she suggested. There was a general murmur of disapproval. Can't do that. The doctor has forbidden him to give any more decisions- for a year. l-Ie starts tomorrow for Mt. Elixer, where they're going to use a new method of rejuvenation on him. That's good! But what can we do here? There may be a way, answered the one who had first spoken. If Ingels happened to be around, so that a picture of the event -- Then it is all right, said 1904 decidedly. I-las he ever failed to get a picture of anything? ln the vicinity of the stone of 1902 were sounds of conversation. From 1904's viewpoint, only the braided locks of a young girl were visible. But it was not a girl's voice that was saying: No, I believe in teaching Sunday School classes-the right sort of classes. of course-till one is entirely through with the ministerial course. By making a sudden right angle, 1904 reached the sidewalk unobserved. Even there she was superiiuous. though the blissful looking pair ahead of her were unconscious of her existence just then. But ere she was gone, something not meant for her reached her ears. Blanche, did absence make the heart grow fonder?'. For the last time, 1904 followed the winding walk to the main building. On the way. she overtook a wild looking individual, who started as if frightened at her approach. l can't escape them, he groaned. Everywhere they're going around by twos. They always say first, 'Good bye, Brandenburgf though l'm not going away at all. 22

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whose lashes the tear-drops yet trembled, greeted 1904: I was just thinking, she was told, that there isn't anyone left to swing me now. Where's Win? asked 1904. His mama wanted him. Then I will swing you, she cried. Heigh-ho! She forgot her athletic fame, and her strenuous effort resulted in a crashing that brought the girl to the ground at an unusual rate of acceleration. No, l'm not hurt, the girl panted. But our dear old log is finished. Just as well, said 1904, for so are we. They told me you came in this direction, broke in a voice behind them. A nice mess you've made of it. lf your mo- if you'd come to swing me, it wouldn't have happened, retorted the girl. 1904 discreetly took herself away. After a moment's walk, she halted sud' denly. Someone was talking. She heard a gentle voice say: Yes, Murve -- The woods are full of them, she thought, panic-stricken, as she cautiously withdrew. Back in the walks of civilization 1904 saw approaching her. with an inde- pendent, dare-you-to-deny-me air, a well known igure, surmounted by a red tam. Where are you bound for? She asked. None of your business, came the gracious reply, in a voice as dangerous as the angle at which the red tam was set. Come along, if you want to: I'm hunting bugs for Prof. Ross. No, thank you, answered 1904 meeklyg I fear I haven't time. She was feeling rather badly called down when her hand was grasped vigor- ously, and she beheld before her a solid youth who planted his feet firmly and looked up into her eyes with an expression of calm determination. I-lello, 1904! he began. Been looking for you to say good bye. Me'? -- Yes. The Delphics are all out. All the other fellows are saying good bye to someone. lf you don't want to --- Oh, but I do, interrupted 1904 quickly. Only it is so unusual for any of you to want me. I feel the honor very highly. No honor at all. It's all here, he answered brusquely. A few moments later, on the campus, a yellow head, leaning against a large oak, attracted her attention. The owner of the yellow head and her companion were both deeply engrossed in something the former held in her hand. Coming nearer, 1904 saw that it was a common wood violet, whose petals the girl was removing one by one, while her companion repeated the usual formula. There, Zona: see? holding up the petalless flower. He does. 1904 went away as stealthily as she had come. These quiet girls! Who would have suspected them of being sentimental? 26

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1904- smiled at his disheveled appearance. They had reached the west door. Let us go through this one more time together, she said. Slowly they walked through the hall from west to east, then back again to the center door. And throughout the walk. a strange unearthly sound met their ears: recurring again and again, each time with a lesser cadence. They listened and wondered. Then a light broke over 1904-'s face. I know now! she exclaimed. lt is only John. l-le's been laughing again. and Echo can not let it go. Thus she heard the Last Sad Wail. 28