Quincy High School - Goldenrod Yearbook (Quincy, MA)

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 To tell you the truth, I am almost positive that something is about to start. As I came through the courtyard all the young boys and hospital help were standing in groups whispering. They looked very sheepish when they saw me coming,’ con- cluded Lizzie. Sis, nothing must happen today to prevent me from seeing Meng San. I just got the old fellow to consent to see me. You’ll be there, Gordie, at one, if I have to carry you myself. At that minute Koa re-entered the room and in a sarcastic voice stated. “There is one who calls himself Mr. Chang who wishes — at that point in her speech a young man pushed himself into the room. He was a dark, slight person of Chinese birth, but he carried none of the Chi- nese characteristics about him. Ah, you are here, Doctor Rolfe. Oh, 1 did not see that you were not alone. This is your sister, 1 believe.” Yes, this is my sister Elizabeth. Elizabeth, this is Mr. Chang.” If your sister would be so kind as to leave us alone, I should like to speak to you,” the young man spoke abruptly. Miss Rolfe left the room, but declared her intentions of returning. Well, Doctor, began Chang, “I suppose a visit from me is not the most wel- come thing you could expect?” I wouldn’t say that, Chang. Anyone is welcome at the hospital.” Doctor Rolfe, my mission here today is not a pleasant one. You must have realized that there has been an unseen presence pervading this settlement of late. The time has come for this movement to be revealed. An army of rebels from the mountains, of which I am one of the leaders, will advance on the city today at twelve o’clock.” But why are you telling me all this, Chang?” You see. Doctor, this hospital will be occupied as our headquarters. All the citizens will be taken captive. I like you because you always mind your own busi- ness. There is yet time for you to leave the city and take your sister with you.” But, when these rebels come there will be wounded. Don’t you think it would be more sensible for me to remain here to see if I can help in any way?” asked Gordon. “You will run the risk of being captured and even killed. Doctor,” warned young Chang. I will take that chancel” Outside in the courtyard were groups of people talking in low tones or even whispering. Doctor Rolfe stood and watched them for a moment. Then his thoughts were interrupted by the voice of Chang. Fourteen

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cTIt.£ Qoaen.non.-Qenen.a A at One Prize Award Story by FRANCES STEEVES A feeling of unrest was in the air. Dr. Rolfe sensed it as he leaned wearily over some drab, uninteresting-looking papers. Something was definitely going to happen! As the young doctor sat at his desk thinking, he compiled these facts. Two years previous he had been sent to China to a new hospital. At that time all things looked bright, but since then the money from America had stopped, the hospital had run down, anci the facilities were not good enough to accommodate all the sick that really needed help. But there was one hope. If the Chinese government could be convinced that they should construct a hospital, all would be well. That would, however, take a lot of convincing. Doctor Rolfe knew that if he could arrange an interview with the governor-general of the province he might stand a chance of getting his hospital. The governor-general was a snarling old man who did not grant much of his time to anyone. However, he finally consented to see Rolfe. providing Rolfe be at the residence at exactly one o’clock. If the doctor did not appear at the specified time he would forfeit all chance of getting an interview or a hospital. He could not fail to be there. Doctor.” spoke a wavering Chinese voice from the doorway, you are not forgetting that you have an appointment at one with Governor-general Meng San?” 'No, I m not forgetting,” came the listless response. Koa, the faithful old Chinese woman, who had been staunch and loyal to the hospital despite the lack of money and medicine and the prevalence of sickness, threw a questioning glance at the doctor. She left the room slowly, remarking as she went that she would have the doctor’s coat ready for him when he went. Elizabeth Rolfe, coming in the door at the same precise moment, nearly col- lided with Koa. Elizabeth was the doctor’s older sister. She was a capable woman and now she came in with a cheery smile and a rousing call to her brother. Lizzie,” Gordon Rolfe began, do you feel that torturing sensation that some- thing is about to happen? Thirteen

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 Why are you so persistent. Doctor? There is always a possibility that the movement may fail and if it does I will have a chance to carry out a plan I have in mind.” A clock began to strike. At the twelfth chime Chang snapped to attention and in a sharp voice cried, In the name of my army I take command of this hos- pital!” He continued in a milder tone. I will do all in my power to protect you and your sister. The doctor said nothing, but busied himself with some charts. Chang nerv- ously paced the floor, occasionally glancing out of the window. Elizabeth came bursting in very excitedly, an unusual thing for her. Did you know she began breathlessly. Yes. I know,” the doctor interrupted her. Mr. Chang has been telling me about it. But brother, what about our hospital? Just when it appeared that there was a chance for us to help these poor Chinese.” “Don’t give up hope. I may yet be able to keep that appointment. All through the conversation Chang had been walking in a caged-animal manner, muttering, “Why this delay? Something must have happened. This plan must go through.” Chang glanced at his watch. Almost twenty minutes had passed. The doctor and Elizabeth watched him intently, but there was no satisfaction in Chang's glance, for he was plainly alarmed. Rolfe opened his mouth but shut it again, as if he thought that silence at this time was best. The usually silent hospital corridor burst into commotion, a door flew open, and in catapulted a young Chinese lad who was about ready to weep. Doctor, oh. Doctor, the patients are all crying and attempting to leave their beds. Please come. Someone has spread the rumor that there will be a battle and all will be killed.” “Chang, may I go to my patients?” the doctor asked. Chang gave his consent and the doctor left with the young hospital errand boy. Elizabeth turned to Chang and asked him what would happen if the move- ment failed. Chang explained that if the rebels were taken by the government forces all the leaders would be executed. Doctor Rolfe, at that particular second, came bounding down the corridor like a lad of sixteen rather than a graduate doctor of his position. Elizabeth,” he fairly shrieked, the government forces have surrounded the settlement! The rebels are being held at bay outside the gates! They will soon be taken captive! An immense sigh of relief escaped from betwen Elizabeth s slightly parted lips. She and her brother turned to Chang with one accord. Fifteen