Galt High School - Highlights Yearbook (Galt, CA)

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Bill was not listening to her, the wind was subsiding. He imagined he heard a soft voice moaning. Away, away Bill, away. I-Ie stood up. Thank you, my Princess. I hope that I shall see you again very soon. VVith those words Bill slipped quietly out of the house, the ring clutched tightly in his hand. Once out of sight of the house, he examined the ring. Some haul, he murmured, and then as he examined it again. Ah! she has fooled me. A cheap imitation. I'm not leaving Clerville now. l'll make her pay me back, that's what I'll do. 'l'here'll be wedding bells ringing very soon. -Margaret Kelsey, '25. E o HARDSHIPS Marion Dixon stood in the doorway surveying the beautiful sunset. She had come west after the death of her mother and with the aid of her seventeen- year-old brother had taken up a homestead. With the small sum of money their mother had left them they had built their little three-room shack and barn. 'llhey had, also, bought twenty head of cattle and along with a few horses had started a ranch in earnest. As lvlarion watched the glorious sunset a neighbor galloped up on horse- back. She went forward to greet him with true western hospitality. Mr. Marshall had stopped to tell them of the recent cattle rustling on the X-Y ranch. As he was a deputy sheriff he was on his way in search of a clue. Gracious, what if we should lose the few cattle we have? Bob and I would be left without a cent for we put all we had in those bossies, mused Marion. She went in to prepare supper for Bob would soon be through with the chores and would be calling for something to eat. Marion, a tall slender girl of twenty-one, was not much disturbed by the news. For weren't twenty cattle too few for rustlers to bother with? That night she told Bob of the rustling and he laughed at the thought of their cattle being stolen. But the next morning he came in shouting, Marion, Marion, where are you? l can't find those ten milk cows or any of the rest of the cattle. Do you suppose the rustlers took them P Marion sent llob out to take another look and later joined him. But searching for them was like hunting for a needle in a haystack. Bob declared he was going after those cattle if he had to look all over Montana for them. Marion laughingly suggested that they capture the rustlers and secure the 155000 reward. Wlieii she went to call Bob the next morning his bed was empty but think- ing he was probably doing the chores, she began to cook breakfast. VVhen it was ready and she called and called and received no answer she became fright- ened. She ran to the barn where she found his saddle horse gone. I-lis oft- repeated words flashed before her mind and she ran to see if her six-shooter was in its usual place. That, too, was gone. She notified the sheriff by phone and saddled her horse. She ran in the house and quickly got some jerky and a rifle. As a heavy shower had fallen the day before she could see very easily the tracks of Bob's horse which led directly westward toward the high mountains. All day she rode, stopping only to eat some of the jerky. Finally darkness compelled her to stop and spreading her saddle blanket on the ground she tried to get some sleep. By daylight the next morning she was up and off. About noon she struck a well defined trail in' the bottom of a heavily wooded little valley. Eagerly following it, she soon saw it opened into a broader, larger valley. On the farther side of the valley she could see smoke rising from amongst the trees. Page Twenty-nine

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Don't mention it. The deacon climbed into his car and started for home. As soon as he reached home he started telling his wife of his adventure. You see, Fanny, when I was coming along the road- . A knock at the door interrupted him. Oh, what do you know about it F It was the next door neighbor who came in. They've found a clue to the robbery. That Larson boy wasn't to blame. Some little boys confessed a little while ago that they were round the bank last night and saw a group of men break in and take the money. They came in a big car. The boys say there was something the matter with the car and the men had to push it away, to another street, I guess to fix it. They probably didn't get away till today. Land knows why the boys didn't tell sooner. Fraid of getting in trouble for being around that late at night, I suppose. Having delivered this bit of information she exchanged a few remarks with the deacon's wife and went home. VVhat were you saying when she came in ? asked Fanny. Never mind, Fanny, I-I wasn't saying anything. -Grace Dixon, 'Z7. o THE VOICE OF THE WIND The I-louse of Amor, in striking contrast with the rest of Clerville, shone with brilliant lights. On that evening all activity was centered there, for the Amors were celebrating their anniversary. At 8: 30 all the guests had arrived save one. I wonder why Mary Marquis isn't here tonight? She usually goes to everything. Oh, I think she will come soon, though, you know she has been acting rather peculiar lately. Symptoms of merriment could be heard for blocks. Young and old were enjoying themselves in true old-fashioned manner. Bill Blake, amateur burglar, walked slowly along the darkened streets of Clerville. His figure spoke of a gentleman and although his clothes were much the worse for wear, they had been kept well. Things had not been going well for Bill. His last trick had been a failure. All-of these houses along this street looked like easy picking. Presently he planned to enter one. The slowly rising wind would help to smother his footsteps. After this one trial, he would either leave the city or perhaps would be sent to jail. It was worth trying, nevertheless. Mary Marquis, forlorn and lovely, sat in her favorite morris chair in an attitude of listening and waiting. In the dark parlor she fancied. She saw grotesque Figures, the wind served as the voices of the imaginary people. The wind increased. She thought she heard a footstep. Come right in, she called. Ah! Prince Charming, my dear, you have come at last. For a moment Bill Blake stood undecided, then pulled off his cap, smoothed his hair and said, Yes, my Princess, I have come. I didn't go to Amors'. I was certain you would come. Sit down here on the couch with me. But I must stay only a minute. XfVhat a beautiful ring you have on to- night. Bill eyed the jewel longingly. About all he could see was a sparkle now and then for the lights were very dim. Here, take it, Prince. Indeed, it is very valuable. Father always said that that ring was the reason why I never could have a machine for my own. I have worn it for a long while, planning to give it to you, Prince Charming, when you came. I give it to you now, on condition that you will give it to Princess, on her wedding day. Page Twenty-eight

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Thinking it might be the rustlers' stronghold, she began taking the necessary precautions. She abandoned her horse and went on foot, slipping from tree to tree in true Indian fashion. Soon she could see a little opening in the dense foliage and in the midst stood a little shack, farther back a barn and corral. She could see Bob's horse in the corral, and was afraid for the safety of her brother. She hid behind some brush and watched. Soon she saw three men Cshe took them to be rustlersj appear from out of the cabin. But why should they all be walking with their hands behind their backs? Suddenly, who should appear from out of the door but Bob, carefully holding a gun leveled on the rustlers. VVith a shout of joy she ran out to meet Bob, who gave her a cool look and said, lfVell, Marion, I found our cattle and I also took your advice and cap- tured these fellows. Surprised them last night and was forced to wing one of them in the arm before he was willing to tie the other fellows' hands behind their backs. Gee, last night was one long old night but you bet, I didn't close an eye. A short consultation followed between the brother and sister. bob then went to saddle his horse and those of the rustlers, while Marion watched the crest-fallen men. Say, miss, that brother of yours is a peach. We're some fools to be caught by a kid. XNe thought he would get scared and run, one of the men exclaimed. As Bob came up with the horses who should appear but Deputy Marshall. His surprise on beholding Bob and Marion in possession of the rustlers was comical to behold. l-le took the men off the kid's hands and left them free to drive their stock home. Report tomorrow for the reward, were his parting words. -Helen Bolton, '27, J 9225 fa 'o F' Page Thirty '