Monterey High School - El Susurro Yearbook (Monterey, CA)

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EL SUSURRO Bo Blues Honor Code Ily Doiurrux' H.xRR1Nf:'roN, '18 ' lloy lllue, so called by his mother because of his great love for that nursery rhyme in his babyhood days, was really blessed with the long name of .Xrchibald Van Allstyne. A His father was a colonel in command of the Presidio of Monterey in the early days of California when Monterey was yet very young, and there was :i 'great deal of trouble with the Mexicans. who so strongly objected to their land's being taken by the hated Gringos. It was extremely difficult for Boy Blue's family to keep him occupied. for he was a lively little chap who loved adventure and was always on the lookout for some mischief to engage in. I-Ie hated the Mexicans almost as much as hc adored his only playmate, little Louise Alarcon. aged eight, who lived next door. Our little friend, who was the pride of the post and loved by every man in it, was a very good rider and longed to be old enough to ride at the head of his father's regiment. One day while Louise was playing in Boy l1lue's yard, a rider dashed madly up to his house. l-Boy Bluels greeting was: 'tHowdy. what's the matter there? XVho d'ye want to see? If it's the colonel you want. he isn't here. He left me to be colonel in his place. He told me to take good care of Louise and muvver and Mrs. Alarcon while he and the men are gone to get cattle or something down the coast. VVhat'll ye have ? It's the Mexicans. They're coming. I was down in the canyon watching for deer and heard one of them say: 'Now is our chance: we'll wipe 'em out.' 'l'hey're headed for the town. so I sent all the women folks over to the barracks while l rode for help, said the rider. O-o, mister. are they really truly coming? O-o, I remember! Yesterday father said he knew they meant business next time. but he said they weren't readv vet. Yes, yes. sonny. I know: but they are, and ye've got to get yer dad. Ohl the colonel's out at the Diaz rancho 'n' I know where. I'll hide Louise and mother in our cave in the hill and I'll ride for help. My pony is all saddled. But, son. unless ye'll ride like sixty, ye'll never make it, said the man. VVell, I'll do it and we'll get those Mexicans. 'n' I'll save Louise like the prince in our story book. You lock the big gate 'n' I'll bring the men, answered our young hero. Good luck. son, said the rider as he hurried away. I lloy lllue soon told his mother of their grave danger and in no time the women were safely hidden in the cave. Then he rode away at breakneck speed through the hills. taking a short-cut that he knew. A - 16

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EL SUSURRO It seemed ages to him, but at last he came to a clear space and sighted the men. He rode up to his father and saluted him, exclaiming breathlessly: VVhat do you think? Those Mexicans are sneaking up to the garrison to attack Monterey. Hurry! A rider came to get the regiment, so I hid mother 'n' Louise in the cave and the rest are in the barracks. They'll soon be there. so hurry. My dear boy, said his father, you are very brave. Is mother safe ? Oh. yesg I saw to that first. W'ell, you shall ride with me, said the colonel. He gave his commands and they clattered away full speed. As they neared Monterey, they saw black specks in the distance and could soon see that the Mexicans were setting fire to the barracks. The regiment dashed forward and so frightened the Mexicans that they scattered in all directions. They found the women all huddled together. pale and very badly frightened. They were very thankful to Boy Blue and all crowded around him and poured out their thanks, which they punctuated with kisses. much to Boy Blues disgust. ' Now, home! said the colonel. They rode away amid cheering, which the boy tried hard to seem unconscious of as he galloped along as erect as his father. Now you shall have that uniform I promised 'you on your next birthday. You've earned it, and I am very proud of you. said the colonel. Thank you, colonel, said Boy Blue. Then he rode to the cave to release his mother and Louise, who sighed and said: O-oh! Boy Blue, how brave you are, just like the prince in the story book! Oh! that's nothing, answered Boy Blue: a gentleman'always protects a lady. . However, the small boy in uniform was no longer known as Boy Plue. Now he was saluted by the regiment as Captain Archie Yan Allstyne, and no less. 18