Rockland High School - Cauldron Yearbook (Rockland, ME)

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8 THECAULDRON A SUDDEN SHOXVER Literally out of a clear sky a few rain- drops sprinkled down on the dirty up- turned hand of the girl beside me. Tihey left their mark in the form of clean little spots. In just a few seconds the full force of that sprinkled system up above was turned on, and we were caught in one of those sudden summer showers. As each of us began to run for shelter the intermittent flashes of lightning and the roar of thunder seemed to speed us on our way. From my place of shelter in a small cavity in the rocks I breath- lessly watched the progress of the shower. lt was really a wonderful, although fearful, spectacle. The dark threatening clouds following each other across the sky, the bright terrifying flashes of lightning on their way earthward, and the rumbling of the thunder together with the pounding of that torrential rain was enough to make anyone's heart beat faster in fear. Little rivers were pouring down from cracks in the rocks. Some of the smaller trees and 'bushes were nearly bent to the ground under the force of the rain. Tiny plants and moss had been uprooted and were floating down the hillside in those little streams of water. Soon, almost as suddenly as it began, it was over. The friendly sun and blue sky were back again. The green trees and grass fairly sparkled in their clean- liness. The forest smelled so fragrant that we just stood there and breathed deep. The rocks and boulders were like mirrors with the thin film of water still on them. The peaceful quiet was broken only by the distant rumble of the thunder from the retreating storm and the occasional chirping of the happy birds. It was indeed a veritable fairy- land. As l stood there I realized what a blessing these showers could be. They wash the earth free of its dry heat and dusty they cool and refresh the air, they give life to the green plants and trees that beautify the landg and everywhere they help to keep the earth neat and clean. Erleen Cates - o --i A STORY Some young persons were walking, some time ago, in the Wood of Boulogne when they saw an abbe singing at the foot of a tree. They drew near and surrounded himg the abbe at once stopped short. The most forward of them spoke. and said that, attracted by the charms of his voice, they had come there to listen. The singer excused himself-they in- sisted. He refused againg the speaker then lifted his cane and threatened to lay it across his shoulders if he required any further entreaty. The poor abbe, seeing there was no reasoning with these gentlemen, set about his part, and sang, as one may imagine very ill. Do it again, Sir, said the s okesman l up of the company. You will sing better the second time. ln short, they made him rehearse half of the songs he knew, after wihich they left him, with many compliments on his

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LITERARY I l

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THE CAULDRON 9 voice, and, above all, on his style of singing. The abbe, who naturally had taken the affair much to heart, lost no time. VVhile the gentlemen continued their walk, laughing at his expense, he has- tened to the gate of Boulogne, and, by the description he gave of them he learned that the one who had threat- ened to cane him if he did not sing was the Count of-, a Black Musketeer, and he got particular information as to his residence. The next morning, very early, the abbe hastened to his house and, being admitted, told the Count that he had come to demand satisfaction for the af- front given the evtening before. Do you understand the sword? asked the Count. That is no business of yours, an- swered the abbe, you will see that by- and-by. Be it so, said the count. But where shall we fix the field of battle? A'On the very spot where the affront was given, rejoined the abbe. With all my heart, said the Count, and getting ready instantly, he ordered his horses to be put to the carriage. Our two repaired to the scene of the previous evening's proceedings, while the musketeer was taking off his coat, the abbe took a pistol out of his pocket and clapped it to his breast. We have not come here to fight, Sir, said he. You made me sing yes- terday against my will. I take you to be a good dancer, and you shall dance or I will blow out your brains. In vain the soldier, startled at the pistol, would have pleaded the laws of honor. You were a stranger to them yester- day, said the abbe, and deserve no other usage. No more talk or I will avenge myself immediately, let what will come of it. The muskketeer was obliged to com- ply. Accordingly, he asked, submis- sively, what he must dance. Cupri's minuet is what I am going to sing, said the abbe, who thereupon warbled out the tune, directing his pupil all the while by the pistol. When the minuet was over the abbe required a hornpipe, rigadoon, etc, At last, throwing aside his pistol and drawing his sword, he said quietly. We have now nothing to reproach each other with. Let us fight. No, cried the Count, we will not. You are too brave a conqueror. You have corrected my folly. I have to thank you for the lesson. Let us be friends for the future. The two then embraced each otherg and so commenced what proved, let us hope, a lasting friendship. By Robert Harmon -1- o -- THIS ART OF EATING A LOBSTER I have read HA Dissertation Upon Roast Pig and how to cook frog's legs, both gave good advice, so I am going to give you a little advice on the art of eating a lobster.