University of Santa Clara - Redwood Yearbook (Santa Clara, CA)

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THE REDWOOD. center of the campus a huge pile of tarred boxes and great sticks of wood marked the sight of the bonfire, the bandstand was decked in gala hangings of green and white, while near the stand a plat- form had been erected for the speakers of the evening. Seniors, Juniors and Sophomores had chosen their respective leaders, their songs and class hats; but the Freshmen had come together too re- cently to attempt any regular organization. At dusk the crowds began to gather and the town -folk swelled the ranks anxious to watch the wild and animated celebration. The stars had just begun to put in an appearance when the different class leaders advanced with torch in hand to the pyre, around which all had now assembled. The faculty representative of the Freshmen applied his torch to a fuse that was connected with the shavings in the interior of the pile, and in a few moments the flames played redly around the base until suddenly coming in contact with the kerosene it clothed the immense heap in one ma- jestic flame, that drove the gathering shadows back to the shelter of the trees. The band struck up a lively air and from each of the four sides rushed a living catapult of boys who surrounded the fire and danced as madly and as wildly as savage Indians. Chaos reigned until, the Seniors leading, ordered ranks were formed for a grand march. It was a delight to watch the enthusi- astic youths marching about now two and two, now in fours and again in single file in the lockstep movement; shouting and sing- ing and cheering like madmen. In serpentine evolutions they hoisted the white, blue and red hats of the different classes, alternately passing within the circle of light, while the Freshmen, unable to form suitable ranks swelled the clamor from without. At length they swung round towards the bandstand and at a signal from the leaders all was quiet. The musicians soon interrupted the silence by suddenly sounding forth ' %aguna for Aye. The baton rose in air and the whole body sang in perfe ct unison the spirited college melody, composed last year by Bob Arden himself. When the last lines were finished every hat was sent high into the air and wild cheers broke out anew, lasting for several minutes, until the faculty re- presentative made bis appearance on the platform. He was a man who long since had donned the toga of seriousness, but who

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THE REDWOOD. unselfishness in action and his bravery in carrying out his convic- tions, that was the real secret of his popularity. To be popular among university students, one must be a good fellow and at the same time be ignorant of the fact himself. Such was the case with Bob. It was no wonder that the Inseparables talked long of him and that a silence fell on the gathering when the subject was exhausted. Soon however Doc Dirk introduced a new topic by calling attention to a freshman who was lounging on a bench near at hand. If that isn ' t a small edition of Bob, I ' m no judge of looks, he remarked, turning around to get a better view of the lad ' s face. Attention was directed that way, and the freshman, noticing it hastily got up and walked towards the end of the yard. There was indeed a great resemblance. He was shorter by perhaps an inch and would tip the scales at about 175, fifteen pounds lighter than Bob, but he had the same broad shoulders, tapering to his well formed legs, the same strong white neck, the same erect inde- pendent carriage that made Bob Arden a distinguished figure anywhere. There was also a resemblance in his face. His jaw was square, though relieved by the faintest sign of a dimple, his forehead board and high enough to give it character, and his mouth curving upward in either corner showed his fun-loving dis- position. But his eyes were his chief charm; grey, sharp, laugh- ing eyes, that could blaze in sudden anger or soften in pity. They had that indefinable clear limpidness that shows a perfectly con- ditioned body and clean, healthy life. Altogether he was a good specimen of a college youth — well set-up, intellectual, cheerful. As he turned the bend in the walk, amid the general affirma- tion of the Doctor ' s remark Jack exclaimed, At all events he is the makings of a football player, if ever I saw one. He ' s built for it and if he isn ' t a whole bank of sand I miss my guess and the treats to a French dinner on me. Jack had hardly finished his hasty judgment of the freshman when the big bell sounded an- nouncing the lunch hour and in a few moments ranks were formed beneath the old veranda. Two days later the first football rally of the year was held on the campus. All day the Seniors and Juniors had been preparing for it and a general sense of excitement was everywhere. In the

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THE REDWOOD. realized what it was to be a boy, for he was once a boy himself, and so entered with earnestness into any and every sport that tended to elevate the youngsters who were under his care. In a few apt words he stated the faculty ' s approval of athletics and in- troduced the manager who had been elected the day previous. Three times three were given and the manager stepped forward to address his fellow students. He urged the boys on to work for the honor of Laguna, reassured the squad that their endeavors would not be unappreciated by the student body and concluded by modest, manly thanks for the honor conferred upon himself. The usual amount of applause was given and Jack Demerrit was called upon to speak in the capacity of captain. As he waited for the cheers to cease, the fire cast its light upon him and sil- houetted him against the sky, where the moon shone silvery through the few fleecy clouds scattered about the heavens. He was in truth a model for the painter ' s brush. His frame well built, his face strong and intellectual, the sparkle in his eye, and the rich flow of blood under his snow-white skin were but mere trifles when compared to the generous unselfish heart that was now throbbing within. Thus Jack stood before the audience waiting his opportunity to begin and every one felt satisfied with the re- sult of yesterday ' s election. Even the followers of Hargrave were led to appreciate the sterling qualities of Jack Demerrit. An opportunity at last arrived and a manly, stirring address he gave which made the blood of the individual members of the squad run riot through their viens and forced a tinge of envy into the hearts of such as did not intend to share in the grid- iron sport. At the end of his speech he alluded modestly and prudently to the clOvSeness of the contest for captain. There had been two candidates for this place of honor, Del Hargrave and himself. Both had factions in the student body and both had supporters in the team. Though Jack had the greater number of student fol- lowers, his popularity with the team, or at least with the nine old members whose preogative it was to vote, was about equally bal- anced with that of his opponent. Hence Hargrave felt confident of winning, and Jack had not given the election a single thought, until the result of the vote had shown five to four in his favor. He