Arcata High School - Advance Yearbook (Arcata, CA)

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'Wllibz lamina-Goh Elms 'QEm Colonel I. R. Lenning,-no person ever presumed to call him Colonel, or Lenning,,' or anything at all save his full title-was standing before his mirror, waving his pudgy hands in majestic gestures as he rehearsed his speech for the evening. Speechmaking was the Colonel's occupation. He was called upon for a speech at every banquet, at every ball, and at every political meet- ing. And always and invariably his speeches ended with the words, The ladies-God bless 'em. C The Colonel was a tall man and stout, with the overgrown stoutness of a Habby mushroom. His hands and feet were small and well groomed. His collars were white and shining, but above them always hung a thick red layer of flesh, creased and unhealthy looking. His face also was llorid save his nose, which was very white with blue dents in the nostrils. His eyes, close-set near his nose, were sharp and twinkling, and unwinking in gaie., Their cold. shallow depths were unshaded save by the lashless lids, and surrounded by layers of fat. His lips were full and protruding, his mouth very small and dimpled at the corners. But Colonel J. R. Lenning could only be known in his full glory when. at a banquet, with a bland smile illuminating his shining countenance and a sentimental tear trickling slowly among the hills and valleys of his cheeks, he would fold his hands over his ample stomach, and gazing up to heaven say in a choking whisper, The ladies-God bless 'em. As the Colonel thus spoke these words to an imaginary audience there was an excited knock, and into the room burst Hiram Brown, a near neighbor of the Colonel's. There has been a wreck, ten miles from here, he cried. Mn Grey will not be here for the banquet. What shall we do ? Cecil Grey was the new school teacher and a banquet had been planned for his reception. Colonel R. Lenning rose to the occasion. Follow me, he commanded. and strode to where his horse and buggy was waiting to convey him to the reception. As he stepped into the buggy he turned and addressed his assem- bled friends. I will bring the young man back at risk of life and limb, and will then submit him to the tender ministrations of the ladies-God bless 'emfy As he drove on his way a satisfied smile played about his lips despite the discomfort of the drive. For if the unknown teacher, his threatened rival for feminine attention, were the victim of the wreck, was not he, Colonel R. Lenning, the hero? At length he arrived at the scene of the disaster but could see no young man awaiting his arrival. In fact he was told that no young man had been on the train that morning. As he stood pondering this unpleasant news, he heard a voice saying, There's Colonel R. Lenning, ma'am. He's a school trustee of Wellsbiirg. Heis looking for you novv,', and turning, found himself confronted by a young and decidedly pretty woman. Clasping her hands, she leaned toward him, crying, Oh, Colonel Lenning, I am Cecil Grey. Do take me from this horrible place, but first find my precious pet, my darling child. I have lost him. Colonel J. R. Lenning, who had been viewing with stunned surprise but with great delight this lovely creature, returned to earth with a shock as he heard these last words, but his gallantry conquered his dismay and he escorted the young lady to the buggy, and bravely took her basket, in which he was informed that precious pet was always carried. He wandered helplessly, but vainly about, seeking for a lost child, and at length came upon one playing in front of the station. XfVith a sigh of relief Colonel J. R. Lenning picked up the child, placed it in the capacious basket F arty-two if 3 Br

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A wave of sorrow swept over the nurse's face as she heard the children's story, and she sent them in to repeat the tale to their mother. How did it affect Miranda? That would be another story, and deals only with the little old lady who so willingly gave up her life innocent children might live. this one that two ALICE HAUGH, '14. L. 'Eiga Rain O gentle rain! true friend of mine, thou art, Without thee, life were far too perfect made. The sunbeams shine the brighter in the glade After thy gloom has left it, and thy smart. Thou who art quick to come, slow to depart, Canst also make the brightest splendors fade, When all the air, thy driving tears pervade. So sorrow softens and prepares the heart For future joy and future bliss to come, Nor does the diamond give him sweet content Who many diamonds hath. So life has some Rain drops for all of us, not each alone. Without some grief, our life were vainly spent, Without some rain earth's splendor were unknown. MARGUERITE BAKER, '13. EE? f f will Forty-one

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and made his way back to the buggy. In solemn silence they drove off, the mocking word married re-echoing in the Colonel's brain. When they reached Wellsburg they found the banquet already in prog- ress. Cecil Grey was welcomed heartily when the people recovered some- what from their surprise. At length came Colonel J. R. Lenning's speech. Never had be been more eloquent. Never had the tears coursed so freely down the cheeks of the ladies in his audience. Never had his gestures been more majestic, his words more intense. But just as he reached the sounding climax, a scream rang through the hall. Cecil Grey sprang to her feet and cried to Colonel R. Lenning, Where is my child-my precious Pet? NYhere have you put him ? . At the same instant there rushed into the room an unknown woman, who made her way toward Colonel R. Lenning demanding her child, and de- manding of everyone who opposed her, And what business had he taking the child of an honest woman, and carrying it off in a basket ? Ten minutes later, Colonel R. Lenning, under arrest for kidnapping a baby, aritl with the words Not married! Only a poodle dogf' Hitting through his dazed brain, stood feebly gazing at the moon repeating mechancially to himself, The ladies-God bless 'em. LAURA CAMPBELL, '14. Btzams of bums Oft when at school I think of home,- There, where my thoughts have always flown To places that I'd always seek, When, tired of being ever meek, I'd run away. For there no one might speak so sharp And always make me toe the mark, For only birds and wild things look Upon the peaceful hidden brook, So far away. On one side is a mountain steep, And on its right a chasm deep, In front is that dear little brook, That makes it such a cozy nook And keeps all foes away. And there in sorrow I'd oft run For comfort, they had always some, In joy I always went right there To tell them of my new found cheer And drive all gloom away. , Then at a quick command and sharp, I return to earth with a sudden start, And then my thoughts in sorrow turn To the fact that lessons I must learn, And leave my dreams so far away. , LA VERNE PRESTON, 'l5. Forty-three