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

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THE REDWOOD. ii dealt the blow, to the floor, with a hip throw that wrenched the whole system. Then he caught the other brute by the neck and sank his fingers deep into it. He felt the arms relax and with a vicious jerk threw him on the top of his accomplice. Quick as a flash he tore off both masks. His blood was up and he backed off to give them a chance to retaliate, but a sight of their faces stopped him. The faces were those of Hargrave and his pal Borden,, De- feated in his fight for the captainship of the football team, Har- grave had resorted to this ignoble means of revenge. A great wave of disgust swept over the Freshman and he prepared to pol- ish Hargrave off till he shone. He did not care for his companion for he knew that none but cowards would have resorted to such a trick, and in his present state of mind he felt that he was able to attend to both of them. In the meantime Jack had sprung from the bed and was gaz- ing on the scene with astonishment. When he had seen the third man enter his room he thought of course that he was in league with the other two, and had prepared for the worst. Now in his admiration for the heroism of the lad, he forgot the meanness of the others, and did not deign them a glance. Not so the Fresh- man. When they had risen to their feet he sprang forward and slapped Hargrave ' s face till his hand stung, while he kept a vigi- lant eye on Borden. The fight however had been taken out of both of them by the suddenness of the attack and the exposure of their identity, and Hargrave only put up his arm to ward off the blows, without a semblance of any return. Seeing this the Fresh- man desisted and spoke for the first time, turning towards Jack, What shall we do with the curs? Jack thought awhile, looking Hargrave in the eyes till the latter blinked and turned away. A struggle was going on within Jack ' s noble heart and at length he walked over and offered his hand to Hargrave, I et it pass, Del, I can ' t blame you. The Freshman swallowed an exclamation of wonder. Hargrave pretended not to see the outstretched hand and looked blankly into space above Jack ' s bed. The Freshman stepped forward again, seized Borden by the shoulders and fairly threw him through the door. Turning he sent Hargrave after him, with a particularly affectionate care for the comfort of his person. He slammed the door and looked at

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lo THE REDWOOD. the bedclothes back and knelt down for his night prayers, when a low murmur in the next room attracted his attention and he was on his feet again. The thought flashed through his mind that a plot was being formed to haze him and he hurried noiselessly to his window hoping to catch the gist of the conversation, for the night was so warm that in all probability the next window would be open, as in fact it was. You hold him, and I ' ll do the rest, were the only words he caught, but they were sufficient to excite his fighting nature and he turned to receive the hazers with his whole 175 pounds of flesh and bone filled with a desire to crush something hard and soon. He had the energy of a giant ready to let loose upon the in- truders when he heard the next door close softly and footsteps ap- proach his room. He waited anxiously for the turning of the knob and was disappointed when the footsteps passed his door. Then a new thought rushed in upon him. Perhaps some other Freshman is to be the victim of the night owls. Slipping calmly after them he determined to do what he could to protect his class fellow, whoever he might be. The two villains passed noiselessly along the corridor until at length they reached the door they sought, and opening it, entered. Advancing as quickly as possible the anxious Freshman listened attentively and heard a low murmur within. He entered and for a moment stood speechless and noiseless, gazing at the scene which the faint light of the moon rendered visible. On the bed just as he had awakened lay Jack Demerrit, the football captain, a handkerchief in his mouth, but his eyes flash- ing defiance and helpless fury at the two who had entered the room. One was holding Jack ' s arms tightly to his side; the other was standing over him with his hands raised to beat the unpro- tected face. Both were big men, fully the size of the Freshman, and much heavier than Jack. They wore handkerchief masks over their faces and were fully dressed. Absorbed in their cow- ardly task they did not notice the newcomer, who stood at the door, sick with revolt at the dastardly trick. Once the upraised arm fell on Jack ' s face and then the Fresh- man awakened. The blood rushed back to his heart, one spring carried him across the room and he hurled the coward, who had

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17 THE REDWOOD. Jack. Well you are the limit, to want to shake hands with that fellow, after the way he treated you, he at length burst out. ' ' You see, I could afford to be generous, said Jack, fori had him in my power and besides I don ' t want any enemies in the squad, for nothing is so demoralizing. Then he modestly changed the subject by thanking his rescuer from the bottom of his heart. The Freshman turned the thanks aside with a laugh and asked if, as Captain, Jack would keep an eye on his playing. I desire to make the team, he said, and shall do all in my power to deserve the honor. Yes, said Jack, you are a promising candidate, but, ex- cuse me, what ' s your name? My name is Victor Arden. Any relation to Bob Arden of Bakersfield? Yes, I ' m Bob Arden ' s brother. John M. Regan, ' 04.