Branksome Hall - Slogan Yearbook (Toronto, Ontario Canada)

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The Branksome Slogan 31 In Praha During the Sokol Festival Praha, Czechoslovakia, is very picturesque at any time but on the occasion of the Sokol Festival the crowds with their bright native costumes make the city appear very quaint. The second day after our arrival we were off to the mountain at the top of which was situated the large arena in which the demonstration was held. Just as we arrived, it began to rain, but, luckily, we were in the grandstand and were as comfortable as could be expected. During the entire afternoon there w as a stead} downpour; but, nevertheless, the performance went on and it was amazing to see the number of spectators who remained standing in the rain during the whole afternoon. It was the most fascinating performance I ever expect to see ; hun- dreds of performers were on the field at the same time ; to be exact, there were 16,000 men and women, boys and girls. Toward the end of the afternoon, the boys and girls were performing in puddles of water, and slipping in the mud. Although this was a great disadvantage there were few slips. The Czechoslovakian people were not the only participants. Britain the United States, and many other countries were represented. The evening performance was cancelled because the rain had ruined the lighting system. This was a great disappointment to us all. It was to have consisted of feats upon the parallel bar, the high bar, the elephant, and other such types of gymnastics. Another event during our stay at Praha was the great parade. To see this, we rose at six o ' clock in the morning and walked through the streets to our seats. We arrived at our destination about seven forty-five, and waited until nine for something to happen. It took four hours for the parade to pass. It was a magnificent spectacle in which all the countries

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30 The Branksome Slogan accent that the Professor had difficulty understanding them, but as soon as the} moved on he hastened to tell the proper officials to stop the outrage. The surprised officials not unnaturally refused to believe the strange story told by a funny little old man dressed in a rusty black suit stained with egg and spinach. They thought that he had a touch of the sun and had him placed in the psychiatric ward of the hospital. There the poor Professor remained until four o ' clock, at which time there was a loud explosion. The bomb was a complete success — the building and the senator were both completely demolished. Then came the police. Professor Metterklume was removed to the nearest police station, where he was questioned for the next hour. At the end of that time he was taken back to the Fair to try to identify the two men. Every man, who was at the Fair, was lined up and the Professor was marched down the line. At the end of the second hour, the Professor had to be put in a wheel-chair but still the line stretched on. Suddenly about eleven o ' clock the Professor gave a shout and pointed out the two men. They are the guilty ones, he screamed, and at his words the men drew their revolvers. One fired point blank at poor Pro- fessor Metterklume. He clutched his stomach and feebly twitched his legs but gradually lost consciousness, and was taken to a hospital. When the Professor came to, he learnt to his dismay that his Audio- phier had been irreparably damaged by the bullet, but had saved his life. He was still bemoaning his loss when a police sergeant entered and told him that the men, who had been captured, were wanted by the police and the Professor would receive a reward of ten thousand dollars. Professor Metterklume was able to retire, and although he never made another Audiophier he is now quite happy growing giant tomatoes in the country. PENELOPE WALDIE, Form TV A.

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32 The Branksome Slogan that were participating in the gymnastics were represented. We had been asked to take part in the parade but thought that standing in Une for a number of hours and then walking for four hours would be a little tiring, and so declined. The following morning we again rose early but this time we were leaving Czechoslovakia for Germany. DIANA HAWKINS (Form V). STARS What are those twinkling lights on high, Which shine o ' er earth from a mid- night sky, , And make the weary traveller sigh For home, his home, his native home ? I think each angel has a ray, Which at the close of every day. She leaves upon the Milky Way To light the paths of those who roam. PATRICIA HEIGHINGTON (Form lA). A DREAM WORLD As I lay dreaming ' neath the sky, Beside a streamlet trickling by, I saw a life with troubles none With happiness beneath the sun, Where everything would turn out right. Where hate and fear would ban- ished be, No tyrants rule with cruelty. I wondered if there e ' er could be To this dream world an entrance key. JOY MACKINNON (Form V)