Willard Middle School - Target Yearbook (Berkeley, CA)

Page 15 text:

T WAS Monday, the first day of school. It was also the first day of the circus. Of course the circus was a pleasanter subject to talk about than the school, so on many childish tongues the thrilling word “circus” burned hotly. Now the lot on which the circus was situated lay between the school and the homes of three chums. Bob, Dick and Harry. As it happened, these boys were the chief source of mischief in the fifth grade and they were ready for any unusual sort of plan that would furnish good results. On this particular morning they were passing by the circus when Bob noticed a cage in which was a lion, being drawn into the largest tent. “Say, that looks good!” grunted Bob. “Sure does,” agreed Dick. Harry was deep in thought. Such a wide-awake brain for nonsense and plans as Harry had! He was the smartest of the three. “Say, how’d you like to play hookey? Let’s go and see the circus?” he questioned slyly. “Fine idea if it will work,” assented Dick. “Sure it will, if you’ll do just what I say, ’ said Harry gaily. “Of course, your honor,” laughed Bob sarcastically. “Come on then,” grunted Harry, much pleased with himself. They entered the circus easily, for it had been banking day and each of the boys had a dollar to bank. “Let’s separate and meet here later,” cautiously suggested Bob. “Agreed,” assented Harry and Dick in one breath. Bob wandered among the cages, examining everything he could see. Finally he stopped in front of the before-mentioned lion’s cage. The trainer was polishing the bars. “What’s the lion’s name?” asked Bob. “Fury,” muttered the trainer. “Do you ever go into Fury’s cage, sir?” questioned inquisitive Bob. “Sure, lots of times. Going m now,” said the trainer calmly and briefly. “Do you ever — er — ever let anyone into Fury’s cage?” asked Bob eagerly. “Naw! Why? Do you want to go in?” he said smiling to him- self, wondering at the boy’s eagerness.

Page 14 text:

No answer came. All morning he rode through those silent woods, look- ing under and around bushes and trees. Finally he came to a cave. He called. No answer. He looked in. He saw nothing but darkness. He went in and called. He heard some- thing move. Then he saw little Elizabeth cruled upon the floor of the cave asleep. It was not she who had moved. He looked about. There in the back of the cave he saw two eyes gleaming. There was no time to be lost. They were in the cave of some wild animal. He caught up Elizabeth. He hurried out of the fearful cave. He put her on his horse. As he did so he happened to see the footprints of a large bear. He waited no longer, but climbed onto his horse and rode away speedily toward home. There the thrilling news was soon spread that Elizabeth Parker had been found sleeping in the lonely cave of a large bear. Elizabeth never wanted to go riding alone again until she was much older. DORATHEA ASMAN. A Story of Pioneer Days lomestead and asking for different things. This particular Indian was a middle-aged man and was making signs with his fingers, carrying them occasionally to his mouth, which showed that he was hungry and wished something to eat. Mr. Reddick had a setting hen which he could not break, so he told the Indian if he cared to catch the hen he could have her. The Indian started after the hen. The chicken led him a wild chase around the barnyard, around bushes and barns, through grass, and over bare soil. Finally she ran up a haystack with the Indian in hot pursuit. Of course the hen flew down the other side. The Indian, being a wicked fellow, had no wings so he was forced to jump down the other side. He had his eyes on his meal and did not see the watering trough at the bottom of this haystack. He jumped and — splash! He found himself rather wet. He stood up and, shaking himself, grunted, “Ugh!” He resumed his chase, and after catching his prey, he went to a sunny spot nearby and, drying himself, calmly enjoyed a chicken dinner. HAT do you wish?” asked Mr. Reddick of an Indian who had come to his farm and was looking around as if he wanted some- thing. Mr. Reddick was accustomed to Indians coming to his BERYL KECHELY.

Page 16 text:

“Sure do,” said Bob. “C’mon then, but be careful.” Bob followed as though in a dream. Once inside the lion’s cage his legs shook. He glanced around him uneasily. The lion was in another section of the cage, that was true, but even then it was too near. “Now, should that door through which we entered close, the other one which keeps the beast from us would open, and that lion would make a substantial meal out of us.” This cheerful remark came from the trainer. “Marvelous,” grinned Bob, trying to look brave. They had no sooner turned their backs on the door than, with a snap, it closed and from the other door emerged the lion. The startled trainer, white of face, handed Bob the gun. Bob stared at it as though paralyzed. The lion encircled them, making darts now and then at the trainer. A whip was all the trainer had but he prepared to hold out as long as possible. If only help would come! Then the fatal spring came. The animal’s whole strength was in it. He caught the trainer squarely by the hip. Bob suddenly realized that the trainer’s life depended on his help. The gun! The very thing. He aimed for the lion’s head and bang! Down fell the king of the beasts. Was it luck or a plain miracle? No one can tell. However, the trainer is now convalescing. He will never walk again but it is to Bob he owes his life. BETTY HOUGHTON. A CHILD’S THOUGHT I wish I were a cool, green tree. That birds might nestle on my knee. That I might welcome to my breast The tired folks who want to rest, Who, wearied of the city’s noise. Find cooling shelter neath my boughs. The birds that tired the day has made Seek rest in the shadow’d woodland glade Where nothing can disturb their slumber Except a flash and then some thunder. NINA BANCROFT.