Johnstown High School - Spectator Yearbook (Johnstown, PA)

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20 SPECTATOR As the first faint glimpse of day appeared over the eastern horizon, Gertrude willingly joined in the merry laughter of her companions, while Farmer Gray's wondering cow dis- appeared among the trees. Q Lifefs Garden Catherine Hutchison '15 Out where the blossoms of springtime, Drowsily nod in the air Come dreams that descend with the dew-drops To dwell in a garden so fair. In one corner memories tender Flourish, unwatered by tears, While fancies and dreams dwell as flowers, Sweet guides, on the Roads of the years. A Brave Boy A. F. Z. '16 One hot Sunday afternoon in july, wearied by the dry, dusty streets of the city, I strolled leisurely out into the country. I wandered over meadows and fields for several hours until, becoming tired, I would have welcomed a rest- ing place very much. It did not take me long to find such a place, for I came upon a beautiful spot, shaded by two large oak trees, and secluded from the main road by a cl-uster of bushes. Here I sought to rest my weary bones and feast my eyes upon nature in its most beautiful state. I must have been sitting there for half an hour or more, when I became intoxicated with the freshness of the atmos- phere and soon felt a drowsiness come over me. Now I am a great believer in sleep, and thinking there would be nothing so refreshing as a little snooze in the solitude of the country, I rolled my coat into a bundle and placed it under my head to act as a pillow, and it was not long be- fore I was dead to the world. '

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sPEc'rA'roR 19 A Burglar in the Night M. C. '16 It was just four o'clock. The thunder roared and the lightning flashed through the tree tops in the sedate old Somerset Grove. The usually brave and sleepy Gertrude lay upon her tiny cot in the damp tent and gazed uneasily through the darkness. Elizabeth and Helen, quite unaware of the clash of Mother Nature without, lay quietly by her side. Between the wars of Thunder-Gods the stillness was broken by the constant tick-tick of the tiny alarm clock in the corner. The weary girl tossed from one side to the other. Sure- ly that was some person huddled in yonder corner. But no! lt was only Helens well used tennis racket reposing on the trunk just as usual. To Gertrude's racked brain every gar- ment, each piece of the well-used furniture, took human form and came toward her. Crash! Crash! liy the fierce stroke of lightning, the career of a stately old oak tree in the distance was suddenly ended. 'And horrors! At last the long expected had hap- pened. Some person was endeavoring to gain access to the none too secure tent. Gertrude tried to arouse her sleepy companions. But in vain. Her paralyzed vocal chords re- fused to work, and her paralyzed arm would not move. Sneak! Snaek! First along one side of the tent, then the other, lurked the figure of the surely dangerous burglar. Now it was just without Gertrude's cot. A sickening, rip- ping sound was heard by the panic-stricken girl, and some- thing sharp and pointed, perhaps a knife, touched her head. At last Gertrude sprang from her cot, roused the peace- ful inmates of the tent and ran into the wanning night. A last, feeble flash of lightning revealed to them the horrible crouching figure and gleaming eyes of Gertrude's burglar- Farmer Gray's terrified cow vainly endeavoring to with- draw her long horns from the leaking tent of the young campers! -

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SPECTATOR 21 I do not know how long I slept, but I was suddenly star- tled by a hissing sound, which seemed to come from a cluster of bushes. I glanced in that direction and there I saw the erected head, forked tongue, and jeweled eyes of a rattle- snake ready to strike. Up I jumped and, never looking back, ran across meadows, through the marshes, and over a small creek. I ran for half a mile before I dared to look back. Then at last I found enough courage to look at my sur- roundings, and I suddenly became aware that I was not only exhausted from fright, but I had also left my coat be- hind. I dared not return alone so what should I do? I looked searchingly about that I might perchance find a wan- derer, who, like myself, had come out to enjoy the country. After what seemed to be a fruitless effort on my part, I came across a boy picking Bowers. I explained my troubles to him and he agreed to go back with me to rescue my coat. We soon came within the neighborhood of that awful spot, and, arming ourselves with clubs, we advanced cau- tiously. On we went, and soon came in sight of the coat. A cold chill ran up my back. What if the snake were in my coat? My companion carefully circled the garment, butting it with his stick. As every thing seemed safe, he cautiously lifted it with his stick. Then, to my horror, I saw where I had really been-over the very entrance to a den of snakes. VVe did not take time to disturb the snakes, if there were any in the den, but made ourselves clear of the place as soon as we could. Since, I have learned to prefer a walk through the dusty streets of the city to taking a stroll into the country alone. J ml g?:.5 0 X