Johnstown High School - Spectator Yearbook (Johnstown, PA)

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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

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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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22 SPECTATOR Q7VIargaret's Letter' ' Sarah Young '16 Margaret NVilliams and Geraldine Oldham were room- mates at boarding school, and as they were about to leave school for a two weeks' vacation, they sat on a large couch in their room talking about the two weeks before them. Geraldine, always called Jerry among her friends, liv- ed on a large plantation in Virginiag while Margaret, or Billie, as she was called, because there were so many Pegsy' and Peggysu in the school, lived in Philadelphia. Billie sat looking out on the campus and was thinking very seriously, for her, when suddenly she jumped up and exclaimed, Oh, jerry, I know what we'll do during vaca- tion! Let's have a house-party before we come back to school! The only trouble is where to have itf' 'fWhy, Billie, we can have it at our plantation and let's ask all the bunch and, of course, they can ask their own friends if they care to. All right, when they come up for the feast to-night let's pop the question and see how many are in favor. Accordingly the question was popped and agreed upon and the girls all left early the next morning for their differ- ent homes. A Week later the invitations for the house-party were sent out, and across the back of Margaret's was written, Billie, I know the nicest young man for you. Please let him to me and don't ask any friend to come for you. VVhen Margaret Williams showed her invitation to her mother, Mrs. Williams said she was very sorry, but she would need Margaret at home at that time because she ex- pected some company for the week-end. Margaret was quite disappointed, but being of a cheer- ful disposition, she did not remain cross long. The next day she scribbled a note to Geraldine telling her how sorry she was that she could not come and hoping they would all have a fine time. According to her custom, she simply signed, Your loving roomy, Billie.