Cecil Township High School - Codicil Yearbook (McDonald, PA)

Page 50 text:

THE OLD DESERTED MILL CCOntinuedD James called to Johnny as loud as he could, but he received no answer. They searched for him everywhere, but could not find him. It was growing dark and they would not be able to get back to their parents to-night. At last a shout came from Billy, I've found him here he is. James found his way to the spot through the darkness and sure enough Johnny was there. He was cuddled asleep in an old barrel which was standing upright in a dark corner, whiih they had not searched. Billy sat on the floor by the barrel and while James was trying to awake Johnny, he fell asleep and gradually stretched himself on the fioor. Since Johnny would not wake up and Billy was asleep, James saw nothing else to do than to follow their example and soon he was sound asleep. Sometimes they would talk in their sleep and once Johnny said, Did you say your name was Walsh? Another time he said, 'tDon't hurt her she didn't do anything. Early in the morning James was aroused by someone's footsteps. H9 was not clearly awakened by the footsteps, so he shouted: Johnny, Billy, here's a ghostg come on! Then he heard his name called. He opened his eyes and there stood his father and mother smiling at him. What, were you dreaming? said his mother. I was dreaming about ghosts mother. Johnny was awake now and was rubbing his eyes when he said, Mamma you didn't see what I saw while I was sleeping. What did you see? asked his mother. I saw a man and his name was-I forget. He told me but I can't remember. I believe it was something like 'Sea' and 'Wall,' yes it was 'Wallsef' Wallse? said his mother, Yes, and he was telling a man to kill a woman and, for something that she didn't do. That's strange, said hismother. Get ready now, and we will go and James, tell me how you happen to be here, We looked every- where for you, we didn't think you would be down here. James told his mother the story while his father was busy calling Billy. Then Mr. Brown came to Johnny and asked him what it was that he had dreamed. Johnny told him the same that he had told him,mother and when he was through Mr. Brown said, Your dream is true, Johnny. It happened many years ago. If you will all listen I will tell you the story of Johnny's dream. They all turned their eyes toward Mr. Brown and he began: It was in the year 1692, when this country was yet young, that there was great trouble just down the road a piece. There were many women and men, who were killed because the people thought they were witches. Once there were nine killed in one day, and the man who was Judge was Samuel Sewell. This mill was here at that time and there being no other way to mark the spot, this is used for that purpose, although not exactly the right spot. Ever since that time which is known in history as the Salem Witchcraft this mill has been haunted. This is the end of the-story and what led me to this was what Johnny called Wallse. Now, let us get ready to go, it is growing late. After preparations they began their homeward journey and Johnny wants to visit the Old Deserted Mill every sum- mer now. M. S. G. C. '20.

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AN OLD DESERTED MILL It was a warm day in July when Mr. Brown and his family were going to spend the day in the woods near Salem, a city in Massachu- setts, well known in history for the prosecution of the Witches. The family was up earlier than usual that morning, the children all eager for the trip which was about two miles. It was nigh eight o'clock when they started on their way. after having securely fast- ened the doors and windows, because as little Johnny said, the ghosts might get in. The children were the leaders of the party while Mr. and Mrs. Brown, bending under the weight of their heavy baskets, came in the rear. The road which they chose led along the side of the meandering bed of the Charles River. They had gone about half their distance when they came to an old deserted mill which had been deserted for a long time. The children thought it would be great fun to play near it, so they would go no fartherg but after their father's persuasion they proceeded on their way. At last their journey ended and they all sat down on the green grass to take a rest. When they had rested about 'five minutes the children began to roam about while Mr. Brown was sound asleep and Mrs. Brown was preparing dinner. A white table-cloth was spread on the grass and the dinner was made ready, to which each one helped himself. Aft- er dinner, Mrs. Brown cleared the cloth and set everything carefully away. After getting permission from their mother, the three little Brown's started on their way to what they called the best flower patch, to gather Howers, On and on they went, the oldest whose name was James always in the lead. Follow me. he would say. I know the best place. All right, was the answer, we're eom- in'. They were getting farther and farther from their parents, and flowers surely could not be found anywhere if not in the woods: but James re-assured them that they could get some if they went a little farther. They were now coming in sight of the old mill. by which flowed the shining blue waters of the Charles River. It was getting nearer and nearer and the three children were full of joy at the though of playing so near the mill. At last their tramping ceas- ed and play took its place. Let's wade in the river, said little Johnny, who knew no better. No, Johnny, said James, It's too deep and you might drown. Then Johnny began to cry and James persuaded him tzi he quiet for ghosts were hidden in the millg so he stopped crying as soon as the Word ghosts was mentioned. Come on, Billy and Johnny- said James. Now don't tryg we're goin' in t' see the old mill. James went first, Billy next, and Johnny was the last to enter the mill. They explored everything very carefully, wondering what every- thing was. They could not jump araund very much because the floors were not very strong and might crush at any minute. Billy and James were carefully exploring a wheel, when they re- membered that they had forgotten where they had left Johnny. Where's Johnny? said James to Billy. Johnny! exclaimed Billy in surprise. I don't know, maybe he fell in the river. Don't say such things, Billy, said James, growing a little angry.

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INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC Some people used to go and see Folk who were sick, and make them tea Of boneset and camomile, And fuss about the bed and smile, And never leave 'till some one came That they were sure would do the same. Unless some were met at the door And set up an emphatic roar About it being small-pox, or Some ailment to be watchful for Like Influenza, that's been 'round And many folk in bed were found. At first when the Flu. was heard of hereg People then didn't have much fear, But day by day the disease grew worse That made folk call for a Red Cross nurse, And doctors too, but they were scarce and worng Driving the Hiver and blowing the horn. The school was closed at C. T. H. S. And a few of the .students were unlucky, I guess And caught the Flu. and had to rest, And were much delighted to miss History test. So the time they had too. while away Wondering' how long at home they must stay. But one thing now must be said of one class That the Flu. didn't catch, not one small lass Of the digniiied Seniors, I speak of now, Who have been three years working the plow, But still there is time for them to rest By catching the Flu. to miss Cicero test. There was one, however we must not leave out, Who was thought not to take it, as she was sto And just before Christmas she felt very sick. And to her bed she was real glad to stick. But now Miss Kendall looks well as can be, Very happy and merry as usual you see. So again we are back for work and for play, Our time now is precious, we must not delay, As the boys will take care of winning the game .- That in the near future will lead them to fame, Here all together we will make things hum, To make up lost time, 'till our year's work is done. E I S '90 . . . .4 . ut