Johnstown High School - Spectator Yearbook (Johnstown, PA)

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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.

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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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SPECTATOR 23 just as she finished her letter her mother called and said she wanted her to go over to the neighbor's for her, so Margaret left her letter lying on her table beside the open window. While Margaret was gone, a wind storm came up and blew terrihcally. It carried her letter out the window and down the street and deposited it on the sidewalk of the next cross street. Mr. Harold Vance, formerly of Virginia, and at present of Philadelphia, was walking along this street and, seeing this letter, picked it up. He looked for some sign of owner- ship and seeing none, decided to throw it away when the salutation caught his eye. It read, Dearest Jerry. At first he thought it must be a coincidence and decided to read further to see if it was such. The letter read: Dearest jerry, I have had the most terrible luck, nothing unusual, and mother has invited the Johnston's and that tiresome old English cousin of theirs out for the week-end. Imagine, Jerry, me with Lord Aspin showing him the beauties of Philadelphia while you are playing golf or tennis or riding that beautiful black horse of yours in Virginia. Oh, me, oh, my! I just- can't think of it. I'1l think of you lots. VVell, Jerry, I must go now and finish practicing before lunch. Hope you have a lovely time and am just awfully sorry that I can't come, I am, Your loving roomy, Billie. l'd bet my hat that this letter belongs to that friend of Geraldine Oldham's of whom she is forever telling me! Well, I'll just keep it and see if Geraldine can throw any light on the subject next week. Meanwhile Margaret had returned to find her letter gone. She went down stairs and asked 'her mother and the maids if they knew anything about it, but the letter could not be found. ' The next day Mrs. Williams received a letter saying that her guests could not come because Mrs. Johnston had