Branksome Hall - Slogan Yearbook (Toronto, Ontario Canada)

Page 26 text:

24 The Branksome Slogan Revenge! It happened long ago in Scotland. Sandy Maclntyrc was a blue-eyed, fair- haired, cheerful young Scotchman who was possessed of a most winning smile and a sunny disposition. His father had recently put him in charge of their most cherished possession — the most wonder- ful herd of cattle in the countryside. This was a greater responsibility than you might at first think, as it was no easy matter to keep such things as cattle from falling into the hands of some mar- auding MacGregors, who regarded the property of the Maclntyre ' s as something to walk off with any day. However, Sandy had so far protected his father ' s cattle, till this, the last night of the trust. Now it happened that Sandy was in love with Jean Campbell, a very bonny lassie, who lived not far away. But so also was James MacGregor, a dark, slightly morose, but very distinguished- looking man, who found it impossible to help being proud of his handsome, aristocratic nose. This MacGregor, knowing it to be the last night of Sandy ' s watch, determined that he would make one great attempt to steal the cattle and disgrace his rival. Jean hadn ' t shown which of her suitors she favored, but surely she would never marry a man who could not keep his trust. To bring shame to Sandy would leave the field clear for him — and he would never tell of his part in the affair. In this way it happened that late that night — so late that Sandy had at last gone home to sleep, being tired with so much watching — a little band of dark, silent figures crept softly over the top of a hill, and slowly approached the cattle. Three faithful men were left to guard the precious flock, but they were com- pletely taken by surprise and easily over- whelmed in a short skirmish. In an un- believably short time, the valuable cattle were being driven boldly off by James MacGregor and his men. Sandy Mac- Intyre was disgraced indeed. Next morning, Sandy ' s horror and consternation were almost too great to picture. He realized that the men he had left had done their best, but he cursed himself for leaving his charge at all, and, incidentally, he felt no friendly feeling towards the MacGregor, whom he strongly suspected in his heart. He knew the reason for the raid; knew that it had accomplished its purpose, and so, al- though he had by no means a war-like nature, a very natural wish for revenge would spring up in spite of himself. It was a very vital point he was con- cerned with. Jean might have been per- suaded to marry him but for this. Nearly a week went by, during which Sandy ' s blue eyes lost their customary twinkle, and he grew surprisingly gloomy, and one might almost say grouchy at times, if the idea of Sandy being grouchy were not really too im- possible. Then one day, without warn- ing, his chance came. Walking along slowly, thinking deep- ly, he looked up and suddenly saw James MacGregor at the bend of the road. Both men stood still. They looked into each others ' eyes and seemed to under- stand each other. Then, without a word, they closed in a grim wrestle. Both were nearly matched in strength, and both were equally fierce and deter- mined. It really was a glorious fight, in which neither Scotchman disgraced his name. But at last, indeed one might say by a trick of fortune, both men went down, but Sandy went down on top. The fight was over, each man presented a most woeful picture. But alas for the Mac- Gregor ' s aristocratic nose! Not only was it very bloody, but it had been knocked absolutely crooked and out of shape. Never again could he be proud of that beautiful, classic feature, and ever after he was called Cameron , meaning crooked nose . But as for Jean, do you suppose that she would have a husband with a crook- ed nose? It was out of the question. So she married Sandy, and, of course, they lively happily thereafter. BETTY ROBSON.

Page 25 text:

The Branksome Slogan 23 The Muskoka Trip For the first time, last year Branksome girls went to Muskoka Beach Bungalow Camp for a winter holiday, the success of which was so great that by January of this year plans were being eagerly discussed for a second trip. Thus it was that twenty girls, fortunate in being conducted by Miss Smellie and Miss Ronaldson, gathered in the Union Station, with the inevitable confusion of noise and luggage, and were final- ly stored, with difficulty, into a private car. The trip (interrupted by an excellent supper, thoughtfully provided by Miss Read) proved anything but tedious, and wc arrived triumphantly at Gravenhurst about nine-thirty. A series of school yells for the benefit of the bystanders was followed by a perfect sleigh-ride beneath the stars. At the inn, Mr. and Mrs. Aldcrson graciously received us, and, much to our delight, we were accommodated in three warm and inviting cabins at the end of the line, doubtlessly in order that we might not disturb the other guests. Full advantage was taken of this opportunity. During the week-end the weather was perfect — clear, bright, and not too cold. Thus our time was filled to the limit, our chief sports being eating, ski-ing riding, eating, skating toboganning, and eating. The meals were excellent, as were the appetites wihich did them such justice. The ski-ing, for a great many of us, was a thrilling novelty, with the result that much of our time was spent in waving ski-encumbered distress signals from the depths of the snow. There were near-by hills to suit the most timid or the most daring, and in the end we all agreed that ski-ing is the best sport ever invented. Three horses and a pony did noble work that week-end, and delighted us with winter riding on snow-covered trails among the pines. A skating rink was built near the cabins and a toboggan slide in front of the inn, on both of which we were more than ready to overlook a bump or two. Great excitement was caused by an aeroplane which landed on the lake in front of the inn on Saturday morning. The plane, not to mention the pilot, received a detailed examination, and stayed all week-end to take up passengers. In the evening square dances in the big living-room afforded us considerable amusement, although having doubtful effect on the other guests. This room is large and comfortable, with dining tables at one end and in the middle a great open hearth where logs were always burning. On Sunday evening we piled into the sleighs once more, bid a reluctant fare- well to our gracious hosts, and returned to Gravenhurst, where a private pullman car awaited us. As the general excitement did not allow for much sleep, it was a sub- dued and weary crow d that stood on the windy pavement before the station, on Mon- day morning, sorting grips, skis, snowshoes and skates. Finally the last girl was settled into a taxi and we returned to school in time for the morning run! JOAN KNOWLTON.

Page 27 text:

The Branksome Slogan 25 House and Day Seniors. The Sky Blackest velvet is the sky. Pinioned by a star on high; Crystal silver is the moon, A tiny silver cradle soon. Brightest diamonds are the stars, Guiding symbols from afar; Tiny little lamps of light, Shining in the sky at night. Deepest azure is the sky, When the sun is riding high; Golden ball of living flame, Gorgeous symbol of His fame.