Johnstown High School - Spectator Yearbook (Johnstown, PA)

Page 16 text:

14 THE SPECTATOR stood with bowed head and flushed cheeks. It was humiliat- ing to her to be placed before the people as an object of scorn. just when the auctioneer was becoming quite earnest in his praises, desirous of receiving a larger sum, a gentleman halted before the market. Besides his own family he had with him a large retinue of slaves. I-Ie glanced at the girl standing so shame-facedly before the people, and as he did so she looked up appealingly, her large brown eyes filled with unhappy tears. The man seemed pleased with the picture he saw. For Esther was of the brunette type and very much fairer of face than the people of that district. Her dark, heavy locks, drawn back from her face, hung in two thick braids down her back. Of an olive tinge was her complexion, with just a tinge of pink in the cheeks. She was very beautiful in her way, and the fact that she wore poor clothing rather enhanced her at- tractiveness. 'fI'll take her for fifty pieces of silver, spoke the gentle- man. The old jew agreed without delay. Esther was placed upon a mule and started on her journey to her new home. A After hours of riding the caravan arrived at a large estate. Here her master sent for her. As she stood waiting without the door she heard voices. But, father, you will never allow her, a slave, to dwell under this roof, will you? Shall I, your daughter, with honor- able heritage, associate with her, a slave-with no parentage at all? Ihope not. Oh! father, please I Listen, daughter Ashca. I have purchased her because she is so young and pitiful. I cannot turn her away. And see she, too, looks for the arrival of the Messiah. Docs not our great Moses decree us to protect and care for such? Now, you understand. After a silence Ashca replied: I understand, but you can at least yield this point. Make her work in the vineyard. Ashca left the room as Esther entered. The interview was not long. Esther was assigned duties in the vineyards. She was told that her master was Merchant Kemuel, the wine maker, renowned throughout Palestine.

Page 15 text:

THE SPECTATOR 13 gprswm tjjajl' ,nlnm ' a g .hp K 'nw' y initial K srfsaflliilllltrt at if I .NEW cg., ,,f1'.,.r- - - lf - , all .5 ' X?- LITERARY Uhr Olitg nf Brings Margaret Witt, 'zom Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for youg that the slayer may Hee thither that killeth any man unawaresf'-Numbers 35 :1l. The copper sun shone down upon the narrow, crowded streets of Jerusalem. It was nearly midday and the merchants, venders and peddlers were packing up their wares and moving on to where they could receive food. Mule trains began to stir and passed from the market square. All business had ceased but one, and that the slave auction. In the center of the place stood an old Jew surrounded by a crowd of people. Those with their hands tied behind their backs were the slaves, but the customers wore a rich and wealthy aspect. The old jew called gruffly to one of his asso- ciates and presently a young girl of about Hfteen years was brought to him. He pulled her harshly along and placed her on a high stone. How much do I get for this handsome damsel ? he be- gan in his coarse way. She is of Jewish parentage, knows well how to work in the home and fields. Her name is Esther, a noble name. How much do I get for her? Various petty sums were offered. All the time the maiden

Page 17 text:

THE SPECTATOR 15 The following day Esther began her work. She toiled from sunrise until dark among the vines and, as she lay down to sleep, she was awakened by a voice: Awake, you lazy slave. Do you not know that it is time for evening worship? Come, before you reported to the judges. ' It was Ashca who spoke so rudely. Esther followed with hurried footsteps. Each day Esther labored hard and at even- ing attended the services. Each day Ashca strove in some way to insult her. At the end of a month she was sent to the upper vineyard. There grew the choicest grapes and she felt happy to think that she could tend them there. The upper vineyard was situated on a cliff overhanging the gardens and one could not be reached from below without ascending the steps in the wall. Esther worked with a will and was just thinking how happy life was when suddenly she was startled by a sound from behind. She turn-ed quickly and beheld Ashca staring at her arrogantly. What are you doing here ? demanded Ashca. I thought you were in the lower vineyards. I was assigned here today, answered Esther. Go at once to the other fields and do not return again. Go, I say, without question, Ashca ordered. I was sent by Master Kemuelf' Haughty girl! You forget that you are only a slave. What right have you to dispute my word ? Esther did not answer, but stood trembling as Ashca, turning, went down the steps to the gardens. After she had gone Esther straightened like a goddess. She was not the humble slave. She stamped her foot and cried, Why can't I be as other girls and have the same privi- leges ? In her anger she kicked violently at a large, jagged rock beside the path and it went hurling down over the cliff. A shriek pierced the air which froze the blood in Esther's veins. With frightened heart and nervous tread she descended