Ashtabula High School - Dart Yearbook (Ashtabula, OH)

Page 29 text:

THE DART Dick could scarcely believe his eyes. Me took the papers out of the drawer, but as he did so, a small yellow slip of paper fell to the floor. This he at once picked up and. sure enough, there was a cipher message on it which read as follows: Your Excellency: These are preliminary sketches. As soon as I obtain more definite information. which I have every reason to believe is forthcoming in a few days, 1 will forward same to you at once. You may rely upon me. P. A. S. Dick was fairly amazed- Could it be possible? Who could ever conceive that Professor Shoultz, a man of unquestionable honor and integrity, an ardent advocate of preparedness, a teacher who devoted entire recitation periods to talks on patriotism and the sterling worth of that quality, a patriot who declared the U. S. infallible in its undertakings, because of its true democracy, could be a German spy? Still the proof was there, and ample proof. Moreover, was not Mr. Shoultz of German ancestry? Was it not probable that he was attempting to conceal his real motives by playing the role of a true citizen? Why, just that afternoon Phyllis had remarked that her father had been attending various meetings of late; meetings of secret agents of the Kaiser, perhaps. While these thoughts flashed thru Dick's troubled mind, he stood motionless under the streaming light, staring at the papers before him. An intruder at that moment would have adjudged him insane from the expression of mental agony which marked his countenance. Suddenly he looked up. his face flushing red. “No, no,” he murmured, “it cannot be. The professor is too noble, too honest, too sincere to be guilty of double-dealing.” He rebuked himself for entertaining such opinions of one who had done him nothing but kindness, one whose advice and coaching had not only made a university education a possibility for him but had also enabled him to make a name for himself there. And, besides, how could he so soon forget his devotion to Phyllis and her kindness to him? So came the appeal from his heart. But as he glanced at the papers again, he thought of the possible destruction and disaster which might result should they come into the possession of the enemy. They would prove a veritable menace to his country to which he was duly bound by the strongest bonds of patriotism- And what might not be the ultimate result were such a shrewd man as the professor, allowed to play freely on unsuspecting American officials and men of affairs in whose care the safety of the nation was entrusted? FI is duty as an American was to report his finding to the proper authorities, regardless of how the consequences might bear on his private affairs. So ran the dictates of his conscience. Rut there was no time to spare. Dr. Madison would now be waiting. The dead quiet of the room was broken only by the rhythmic ticking of the clock on the wall. The train would be due in a short time. His heart beat fast. Could he not let the matter drop for the present, speak to the professor personally and induce him to give up his daring plans? A slight pause. No, no, that would never do. More intrigue and plotting would be the outcome. There was only one way out. It was inevitable. He must inform Dr. Madison of his discovery. And so the battle royal which had been fiercely waged between his heart and his conscience culminated in a victory for the latter. 27

Page 28 text:

THE DART to be somewhat worried, since Congress declared war, and he has been attending various patriotic meetings for the last few evenings. Blit, to change the subject, 1 want to congratulate you on your success in the intercollegiate oratory contest.” “Merci. merci. ma’mselle.” It was one of our friend’s traits to use French when embarrassed. “Furthermore,” continued Phyl. “I have learned that several members of the faculty commented very favorably on your speech. Dr- Madison himself remarked that the university had much reason to be proud of you.” And indeed it had. for Dick Prescott was a self made man. He had just completed the high school commercial course when his father died, leaving him and his widowed mother but a meager income. But this unfortunate event did not deter Dick from carrying out his plans of attending a university. He decided to work his way thru as a stenographer and in this way he had been successful. Although not possessed of a striking personality, he had a genial disposition, a frank countenance, and, all in all. was a youth pleasant to behold. Among the many friends Dick had made during his four years at the university, Professor Shoultz, head of the business administration department, was the man to whom he felt most deeply indebted- This worthy gentleman had taken an interest in the boy since his arrival at the school, and by securing employment for him during his leisure time, had enabled the lad to carry on his work without interruption. In the meantime, Dick had met and had become acquainted with Phyllis Shoultz, the professor’s only daughter, one of the most popular girls at the university. A warm friendship had grown up between the two. It was while they were on one of their customary afternoon promenades, that the above conversation took place. After various other topics of mutual interest had been discussed, the pair arrived at the Shoultz home, whereupon Dick took his leave, and walked back toward the school grounds. It was nearly dark as he crossed the campus, intent on repairing to the dining hall. At this moment he saw Dr. Madison coming toward him. “Just a moment, Mr. Prescott,” the Doctor said, “can you spare time to do an errand for me?” “Certainly, sir. What can I do?” was the rejoinder. “I left a small, gray-covered pamphlet with Mr. Shoultz which I shall have occasion to use this evening at Glenville where I am to lecture. Most likely it is in his desk to which you may have access by these keys. Now if you can reach me at the house with the book, before six o’clock. I’ll be greatly indebted to you, Mr. Prescott ” “I'll do it. sir. You can depend upon me.” “Thank you, my boy,” and with that Doctor Madison turned and walked briskly away, while Dick hurriedly made for the main hall. On reaching Professor Shoultz’ room, he turned on the lights, succeeded in opening the desk, found the pamphlet and was about to close the drawer, when a peculiar sight greeted his eyes. There, uncovered by the book, lay three or four small hand drawn maps, neatly dotted and labelled in German characters and word signs. On closer scrutiny, Dick discovered the maps to be nothing less than drawings of Boston Harbor, and the dots and peculiarly shaped lines served evidently to represent the exact location of mines and nets disseminated about the port. 26

Page 30 text:

THE DART In a youth of Dick Prescott’s calibre, that was bound to be the outcome. After chapel, the next morning, Dick Prescott was summoned to report to Dr. Madison’s office. It was a bright day, the sun shone brilliantly, while the cool spring breeze glided softly thru the tops of the trees, which shaded the campus, swaying them to and fro in rhythmic motion. But Dick’s pale, gaunt and haggard countenance was by no means in keeping with nature at this particular time. It rather denoted that this worthy individual had enjoyed no repose or slumber that night; in fact, it indicated that he had indulged in profound meditation, much after the fashion of a solitary monk in a lonely glen. Indeed, he had considered many schemes whereby he planned to travel far away where he would be a total stranger, or he would go to Europe and end it all on the German frontier. He would attempt anything, but never would he have the temerity to face the professor. Thanks to the prearranged engagement to see Dr. Madison the next morning, none of these plans had been carried into effect. As Dick entered the doctor’s office, the latter stood up, and, with a bow, asked him to be seated. “To get right down to the point, Mr. Prescott, have you made any plans as to the work you will take up on leaving school ?” Dick was bewildered, to say the least- This was not the subject he was prepared to discuss with the Doctor. (Why as he remembered it, he was to tell in detail of the mysterious plans he had found in Professor Shoultz’ desk.) Hadn’t the doctor remarked that he would have the professor watched untill enough evidence had been obtained to convict him? “Why don’t you speak, my boy, you’re not ill are you?” asked the doctor. Dick, however, was not disposed to tell of his latest plans. “No, sir, I have no definite idea at present.” “Mr. Shoultz informs me you are taking up consular service. Are you interested in that work?” Dick started at the name but managed to say, “Yes, sir. I am very much interested in it.” The doctor now arose, opened a letter file and pulling out a letter bearing the stamp of the American consul at Buenos Ayres, he handed it to Dick. “Would such a position appeal to you. Mr. Prescott?” “Why, why I don’t understand,” he stammered. “I’ll make it plain.” said the doctor, smiling. “You’ve noticed the reference made to patriotism in the letter?” Dick nodded. “Well, I’m glad to say you’ve passed the true patriotism test, my boy. As to the other qualifications, I do not believe you are wanting. The professor is no more a German spy than I am-It was a bogus test.” Had a bomb exploded at Dick’s feet, he would not have been more shocked. “I’ll admit it was rather severe,” continued the Doctor, “but I knew you would not fail.” A merry group was seated in the Shoultz’ parlor that evening. Dick Prescott was the object of the merriment, but he also seemed to enjoy the fun immensely. He had accepted the position and had planned to leave shortly for his new post. “And to think,” said Phyllis, “that you, dad. would agree to such a plan?” “I simply had to,” was the rejoinder. “The Doctor insisted and would not have it any other way.” 28