Bridgewater State University - Alpha Yearbook (Bridgewater, MA)

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NORMAL OFFERING 29 for France. The impossibility of this dream was often the cause of the taunts of his fellows. While we have been thus interested in the lifefof Little fAntoine, in the quiet town of St. Quentin, the outside world of France was engaged in war with Germany. Little Antoine knew only the rumors of the prelim- inary battles of the war which had come to the peaceful town. These only served to fire his soul with a more fervent desire to do something for France. On this very afternoon, while the children were out at recess, a small detachment of German cavalry was riding along the dusty road of the town. Amid the taunts and jeers of the older boys was heard the patter of horses' hoofs and the creak of leather. Above the school-house, lazily- floating in the warm sunlight, was the French flag. As the soldiers near, the curious children gathered in silent groups about the door step, watching the unusual sight. One of the soldiers, dismounting, strode up to the step and roughly shouldered aside the curious children. Near the step with white, tense face, watching for the soldier's next move, stood Little Antoine. Quickly the soldier tore down the flag, and holding it out at arms' length, called to his companion to shot at it. Almost before the words left his lips, the flag was torn from his grasp. Too late, the answering shots rang out, loud and clear, through the sultry July after- noon. Dully the children watched the quick leap of-Little Antoine! as he reached the soldier. There he stood for an instant, clasping his beloved flag to his breast, his face lighted by his wonderful smile, and transfigured by an unearthly light, then-he lay a pitiful little heap at the soldier's feet, tangled in the folds of the flag he had saved from disgrace. Amid a dead silence every person present stood, busy with his thoughts. Those who had taunted and jeered the brave child were offering petitions for forgiveness, while those who loved him were happy with him, for Little Antoine had at last gone Home. H. H., '15

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28 NORMAL OFFERING Biittlv .7-Xnininv zmh than ililag. ITTLE Antoine, as one might easily guess from his with' name, was a French boy. Little, he was indeed, .ip . , A and he was a hunch-back. His delicate, clear-cut face, his 'expressive dark eyes, and his long, soft, if dark hair immediately attracted one's attention. His iw - beautiful face, made for smiles and joy, was however, usually serious and at times even sad. Occasionally, his Wonderful smile would transfigure it, and at those times one would catch one's breath in wonder, for it seemed that Little Antoine was seeing beyond this world to his heavenly home. In the little town of St. Quentin, twenty miles north of the Alsace bound- ary line, was a small white school-house, attended by pupils of all ages, and presided over by a stern-faced master. On long, hard-wood benches, ranged about the room, sat the boys and girls. ln one corner, alone, his feet dangling wearily from the high bench, sat our Little Antoine. A well- worn copy of the history of France was open before him. The earnest- ness of his face showed how dear to him was the story of his beloved France. A sharp rap on the teacher's desk silenced the drowsy hum of the room, and instantly all were keen with attention. With a word the master dis- missed the pupils for recess. Little Antoine's face quivered with quick disappointment, for he knew that the torment in store for him was about to begin. Obediently, as always, he passed out with the others, and tried bravely to smile at the cruel taunts and jeers which arose on all sides as he walked. Those boys who were strong and sturdy seemed, with few exceptions, to take particular delight in tormenting the poor little hunch-back because he was unlike them. They even j ostled him roughly, often cruelly hurting the sensitive child, so that they might see the quick tears fill his dark eyes. There were a few, however, who championed his cause staunchly. Whenever possible, Little Antoine remained quietly in his place or slipped out unseen to read his beloved books, for he was passionately fond studying, and was the quickest, most eflicient pupil the master had. With this passion for learning, he had developed a deep love for his country, and he hoped that some day he might perform some heroic deed

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30 NORMAL OFFERING Uhr Emi. -4 OU don't dare, f I don't? I'll show you whether I will or not. Aw, he won't, Kelly'll can him. 2,8153 S1 as 7 1 ' 2 H l-535553 1 Sure he won t. He s guyin us. E.. . Q Look here, you fellows. Jack Damon clenched his All and shook them vigorouly in the faces of his jeering companions. If I don't put this trick through you can duck me in the river. I'll give you leave. Now the river was full of cakes of ice, broken and crumbling and dark with cold. It promised good sport to duck the lad if he couldn't do as he promised. For the task that the boy had undertaken was none other than that of defying the principal, and every one was afraid of Mr. Kelley. It had come about in this manner. Jack Damon was aspiring to the high honor of Chief Mud-Slinger, of the United Band of Night Hawks , and to prove his ability as a leader, he had first of all to prove that he could awe even the principal. No one expected he would go into the scheme , for Jack was called by his teacher a good boy and a gentleman. When, therefore, on the morning following the conversation just record- ed, Miss Jackson saw Jack hit the bust of Washington that hitherto he had apparently revered, with a well-aimed spit-ball, she stared with surprise but said nothing. She waited. A moment later another went that way, then a third, and finally when she was looking directly at the boy there came a fourth. J ack Damon, she said distinctly, Come here, Jack did not move to obey. If anything, he slouched the lower in his seat. Amaze- ment filled the room. Jack Damon,',' Miss Jackson's voice had that commanding quality that makes it instinctively obeyed, Stand up!'f Unconsciously Jack started, then deliberately and carefully snuggled further down into his seat and pulled the hair of the girl in front of him. Now, truly, Miss Jackson could scarcely believe her eyes. She walked slowly down the aisle toward the culprit. What is the matter with you to-day, Jack? I can't make you out. Stand up, boy. Jack had not expected kind forbearance, and the hot color began to flush his cheeks. He hated the part he had to play, but there on the other