Steele High School - Annual Yearbook (Dayton, OH)

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P330 YWCFWY THE ANNUAL To the 'Old Men's Home,' Jim. Peter struggled with the door. Wait, wait, he called. The driver opened the door. I wish to thank the gentleman, he said. Oh, that's all right. The two men, Peter and the tall, broad-shouldered gentleman, shook hands. Come and see me, called Peter, as the cab-door slammed. What would Annie think if she could see me? Peter spoke the name softly. That was a mighty nice gentleman and this is a fine carriage to be ridin' in. Perhaps it wont be such a bad place to live after all. Peter peered out the window. T he houses is gettin' fewer. Why, I do believe it is the country after all. In a few minutes the cab stopped. The driver threw open the door and helped Peter out. Peter still carried the old valise. Sloping from the side- walk was a green lawn, and far back among beautiful old trees was a lrge building. Peter thanked the driver and started up the walk. There was no one in sight. Taking their naps, I guess. Peter spoke almost joyously now. It's almost like the country, he said. He sat down on the porch steps and fanned himself with his hat. What can I do for you? Peter started. He had almost forgotten why he had come. Turning, he saw a middle-aged man standing in the door-way. Howdy, Peter advanced towards him. I just come here to live, he said, and was admirin' the place. You've got things fixed up most like the country. Step into the office. The man beckoned and Peter followed him into the office where he sat twirling his hat uneasily. Where are your entrance papers? Peter looked dazed. Who sent you here ? The man was becoming impatient, Peter stopped twirling his hat. He regarded the man gravely. Nobody sent me, nobody knows I come, he said, but I thought I would, yes, it is better so. Why do you keep me here answerin' questions ? The man looked at Peter solemnly. You can't stay, he said, without the papers. We're too crowded, any wa . yPeter's face filled with dismay. His features were drawn as though he was in great pam. Can't stay, he repeated, can't stay.

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THE ANNUAL Page nineteen The little boy across the way was awake now and sat staring at Peter. Peter held out his hand, but the boy stuck out his tongue. Don't do that, Adolphusf' The mother shook him roughly. The old man won't hurt you. He's too trembly and weak to bother you. He ought to be in some asylum 'stead of travellin' around at his age. Peter sank back in the seat. It was true then. He had thought it might be a mistake. He always felt strong despite his white hairs, but now it must be true. He looked out the window. Houses were coming in sight. Here was the city at last! How crowded everything was. In the country-but then he must not think of the country. No, he had come to live in the city and perhaps he would become used to it. The train stopped. The passen- gers crowded into the aisle. Peter grasped his valise more tightly. The crowd was nearly out now. Peter hurried after. Cab, sir? Peter looked up politely. People in the city are always polite. No, I don't believe I'll take one this morning, thank you, he said apol- ogetically. The man stared at him so hard that poor Peter was greatly embarrassed. He hurried to the sidewalk. I donit know just which way I'd better go,', he said to himself. I sup- pose it must be one of those big buildin's over there. The little old man started off, but being pushed and shoved by the crowds of people so exhausted him that he leaned against a lamp-post to rest. I must be gettin' weak, he sighed, weak and trembly. I used to hoe the taters back at the old place and plow the I-ields with the best of 'em, but I'm weak and trembly now. What's the trouble, old man? A kind-faced gentleman took him by the arm. The hurrying people looked at them curiously, but Peter did not care. It was good to have some one to lean upon. I was looking for-for the 'Old Men's Home,' he said, half ashamed and yet proudly enough. Perhaps you know where 'tis and can tell me, sir. Well, yes, I can.'i The gentleman paused. ' Oh, I'm so glad, sir. Peter now spoke almost eagerly. You see, I'm anxious to get there 'cause its pretty timesome travelin' this hot weather. He pulled out his handkerchief and wiped his brow. ' Are you alone? the gentleman asked. Oh, yes, said Peter, 'Tm alone, but I reckon if you show me the way I can Find it all right. Is it very far ? Yes, it is rather far, too far for you to walk, but we'll manage some way, the gentleman replied. Here, Jim. d A cab drew up at the curb and the man helped Peter in and closed the oor.

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THE ANNUAL Page twenty-one It was as though some one had struck him. The little old wrinkled face grew hard, the shoulders, before so erect, drooped slightly. He tried to arouse himself but sank back in his chair again. He had come for nothing, then all the tiresome journey was useless, but now he oould not go back to the farm. He had forfeited all right to return-forever. They would not receive him. Tom had said he ought to be in a Home, that Sarah couldn't stand waitin' on him. He had overheard. Yes, that was why he had come. No one had known, but Johnny. Sarah had gone to a funeral and the men were at work in the south field-but now it was all in vain. And where should he go? The man was looking at Peter half scornfully, half pityingly. We can't keep you here, he said finally. Yes. Peter still sat in the chair. The little old valise slipped from his hand. What's the matter, pa ? A fat, good-natured-looking woman appeared in the doorway. Peter did not look up. The old man's a little shaken up, the superintendent replied. Come here expectin' to get in, I suppose. Sorry, but he'1l have to leave. Now just you listen here, Samuel Abernethy, that old man isn't goin' to be sent away tonight, anyway, papers or no papers. Don't you see he's nearly exhausted? The matron went over to Peter, who was sitting upright now. You just come with me, she said, and we'1l find a place for you to- night. Peter looked grateful. He was still weak, but he followed Mrs. Aber- nethy and she took him to a room where he might rest. I'll call you at sup- per time, she said, and now you lay down there and rest. Peter obeyed. He was too tired to think Everything seemed whirling about him. One thing only remained clear in the confusion of his thoughts. He could not stay. He must leave but not return to the farm, no, that was impossible now. Where should he go? He must have fallen asleep. The room was dark and someone was call- ing. It must be Johnny. You can come with me now, for supper's ready. Ah, now he remembered. johnny had vanished. The matron was a reality. Seated around the table were the old men of the Home, The matron placed Peter by her side. The old men regarded him curiously, half jeal- ously. But he did not notice. The meal proceded in silence. The old men ate and drank mechanically and when they had finished each one carried his plate and cup to the kitchen.