Arcata High School - Advance Yearbook (Arcata, CA)

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GEORGE HASKINGS, GENTLEMAN ADVENTURER I ln Seven Pictures I . The golden October sun was shining warmly down on the dry land. The per- fume of tlowersand the scented breath of the forest lilled the air. For it was Indian summer in Humboldt, rich mellow beautiful Indian summer, and all the country was in its gala attire. A little schooner, fresh from its long voyage over the ocean, was moored at its dock at the Eureka Wharf, and was discharging passengers and cargo. Among the people crowding down the gang-plank was a tall well-built fellow, who had seen perhaps, some thirty summers. His clean-shaven well-cut face would have been attractive, had it not been for the eyes, which were very small and close-set, and were shaded by remarkably heavy eye-brows. He apparently was one of the few who had planned his distination beforehand, for without hesitation he made his way to a waiting buckboard and deposited his luggage. ,He -stood a while eying the passing crowd with shifty glances- Then he seated himself, spoke a few sharp words to his Indian driver, and was whirled away down the dusty road. II. Far up the coast in Northern Humboldt, the little Indian village of W'illiamatc was nestled. On a warm sultry afternoon an Indian maiden was seated before her Wigwam, weaving baskets. Winona the Winsome was she, the belle of Wil- liamate. Her heavy dark braids bound with beads hung over her shoulders. Her dark eyes were intent on her work. Her tiny moccasined feet peeped from be- neath the beaded fringe of her garment, and her slender brown hands worked busily among the willow twigs. Very still it Was,-not a sound, save the droning of the bees, and the chirp of the crickets. Suddenly Winona ceased working and appeared to be listening in- tently. Then, in the distance, the sharp clatter of horses hoofs rang out, and a moment later a buckboard white with dust, drew up at her side. The Indian driver spoke a few gutteral words to her. She answered in clear even tones, though her brown cheeks flushed uncomfortably, and her heart beat unusually fast, at the shifty but admiring gaze of the white stranger. - Such was the first meeting of George Haskings, gentleman adventurer, and Winona the Winsome, Belle of Williamate. III Another golden Indian summer had lied, and winter was at hand. For one long, happy year Winona had been the wife of George Haskings. But within the last few weeks a strange, undefinable pain. a gnawing elusive something had crept into her heart, caused, as she instinctively knew, by the fact that she and her hus- band were growing further apart. Was the gentleman adventurer tiring of the simple Indian maid? Almost unconsciously her gaze wandered to her child, Little George-his fath-

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TI-IE NCE EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief .............. .,,,.,,. ...,...........,.. ......,,, N V I NNIFRED BARTER Business Manager ......... ...,.....,...,,., E VERETT QUEAR ASSOCIATE EDITORS Literary ........,.. ...,.w.. B EN VASSAIDE Organization ........r......... NELLIE BARNEY Assistant .....,... ......,....., V VERNA HANSIJN Debating ........ ...i.,.... CLARA NIAHONEY School Calendar Art . ....,.............................,..., .. ELEANOR Douoli ELAINE MoxoN Athletics JAMES ANDERSON Assistant .... LELSIE GRAHAM Society ....,........ ,,....,., R UTH KIMBALL joshes ...... . ,......... WM. CARROLL Exchanges ZELLA GRAHAM Assistant ....,..., LESLIE CRAGEN EDITORIAL This year of school life in the A. U. I-I. S. has been a successful one. because of the many and beneficial changes in the building, in the faculty, and in the student life. The school took one great step forward this year, for it grew one story taller. This meant a great deal to every student who knew how we needed this im- provement. The large Assembly Hall is perhaps, the most welcome addition, be- cause now we are not forced to study in the room in which a recitation is being conducted. Formerly our building was heated by stoves. which meant that it was warm only in spots. Now we enjoy a modern heating system, with all the modern fixtures. D Our faculty has been increased from three to five. a consummation long desired. Also a Commercial Course has been added to our curriculum. which is a special inducement to Grammar school graduates. who desire to fit themselves for busi- ness life. And now come the changes in Student Activity. More school feeling has en- tered into the life of every student. More interest is taken in Inter lligh School Athletics. In past years when we were victorious. which really did happen once in a while, the glory of victory was short lived. Now it is carried on through thc weeks following, and helps to pave the way for future events- The Inter lligh School Debate was boosted more this year than ever beforef-with what success? Victory! Some wonder at our good fortune, especially our rival schools. Let them cou- tinue to wonder. Show them that the A. U. H. S. is going into the lead. llut to make others interested in our school affairs, School Spirit must be kept alive. and you. O! Freshmen, Sophomores and juniors. must see that this is fixed in the mind of every incoming student forever!

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er's pride and joy. I-le showed no traces of his Indian blood save in his big, black eyes, and his black hair- As she looked, a sharp pain clutched the mother's heart, and she turned abruptly into the cabin. IV. It was a dark cold night. The air was white with falling snow. The thunder rumbled loudly, and the lightning flashed incessantly. A wild night for a drive, yet apparently some one was going on a journey- A covered wagon drew up be- fore George Hasking's cabin. A Figure muffled in furs carrying a bundle covered in like manner, stepped into the vehicle and was whirled away into the night. It was very dark in the cabin--very dark, and cold, and silent. Suddenly came a low moan, and then a slight movement, as if someone were searching for some- one. Later a light gleamed forth in the darkness. Then a sobbing terrified cry rang out. That was all. A moment later the light disappeared and a figure stepped out into the storm, and crept stealthily toward the stables- A soft whin- ney of a horse, a low muttered command,-and a horse and rider appeared, and faded wraith-like, into the night. Two days had passed, when a tired traveller applied for shelter at the little village of Arcata. Shortly after his arrival, a horse and rider swept into the town, and made their way, through the mist and rain, to an Indian village on the out- skirts. V- Again it was night. and still it was dark and cold, and an unusual thing for Arcata, a heavy snow was falling. About ten o'clock, when all places, save the lighted saloons, were dark, a Hgure clad in Indian garments made its way to a home where the hanging latch law prevailed, noiselessly opened the door, and en- tered the cabin. It did not stay long, but soon emerged, carrying a bundle en- veloped in furs. After satisfying itself that it was unobserved, it made its way softly down the street, and fled swiftly away toward the forest. The next morning a great hue and cry was raised. A white child had been stolen during the night. The village was in the wildest state of excitement. Search parties were organized, and every available man joined them. But no trace could be found. The soft, moccasined feet of the midnight intruder had left no clue. YI. Meanwhile, in the heart of the snow-covered forest. an Indian maid. clasping a child close to her breast, was struggling on. For hours she had tramped through the snow. At first-Ah! how bitter had been the cold,-but now. a drowsy numbness, a strange, sweet warmth was stealing over her. How soft and warm the snow was-a white bed, inviting and tempting! NVhy should she not lie down and rest, and then continue her journey? Surely she was far enough into the forest to elude all possible pursuers! She would lie down and rest, and-- The benumbed brain awoke, and with a low sob of horror. she elapsed the child close and struggled on. How very tired she was. She could gn no further. Surely it would not matter if she sat down. just for one little minute. She would not go to sleep