Central Catholic High School - Echo Yearbook (Fort Wayne, IN)

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8 THE ECHO few things in a suitcase and told her mother what had happened, saying that she knew she could make her father change his mind within a few days. The mother was not to let her husband know where Ethel was, un- til she could see that he was really worried. Remember, I'm not joking, Mr. Eckle said as Ethel left the house. Oh, yes you are, was her reply. It was about ten o'clock that night when Ethel returned home. She had not seen anything of George, but had her. taken a girl friend along with She was now alone. The house was her still lit up,. and she could see father sitting near the fire. It was but very cold and snowing heavily, this would not hinder her from car- rying out her plan should she be re- fused entrance. As soon as the father heard footsteps on the porch he arose and went to the door. Is that you, Miss ? he shouted. Yes, father, it is. May I enter ? Well, you'll have to go elsewhere. Let her in, John, demanded the mother. . Never, I'll have no Catholics in my house. Ethel did not wait for the outcome of the argument, but going to the side of the house took her suitcase and started in haste through the blinding December snow to her aunt's house, could nearly a mile distant. Ethel scarcely see her way along. She was crossing a road when of a sudden she was run into and thrown down by an automobile. We've killed her. Hurry out and see what has happened. It's a poor young girl. We must hurry her to the hospital as soon as possible, as she is unconscious and may bee badly hurt. Ethel was placed into the auto and. taken to the hospital. As the Sisters were getting her ready for bed one of them noticed the Catechism in her pocket. She's a Catholic, Sister Adeladeg I must call Father Downs at once. After a short time the priest ar- rived with the Most Blessed Sacra- ment and the Holy Oils. The poor creature is hurt very badly and we cannot bring her to, Father. The doctor is worried about her, and we do not know who she is or where she lives. It is Ethel Eckle! She came to my house this evening with a girl friend of hers for instructions. She is a Catholic, then. No, she is not yet baptized, but bring me some water immediately. Within a few minutes Ethel was a Catholic. Father Downs baptized and anointed her. f Call her parents on. the phone, will you, Father? They will be wor- ried about her. At these words Ethel opened her eyes, but she could not recognize any- one. After some time she opened them again, and this time noticed she was in a strange place. She gazed around blankly. Within an hour she could distinguish those around her. When she recognized Father Downs she exclaimed, Father, what has happened ? , Do not worry, my child, you will be all right soon. Shall I call your father and have him come to you '? No, don't call him, Father,- please--don't. The next morning the doctor again examined his patient and found that she was seriously injured, but still had hopes of her recovery. After it was time for Ethel's father to be at

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THE ECHO 7 and made a bee line for the more lighted part of the city. They finally reached a big downtown building which seemed to be an hotel. They stepped in, went up stairs to a front room, turned on the light and locked the door. Well, Jim, said the elder, this is one time we did not have to postpone our hunting trip, by going through the window, we can go as per sched- ule instead of having to wait to get into my house with the key which Mammie has taken to Gladstone with her. -Paul M cE voy, '23. Fooled The house was dark when they ar- rived, They groped to find a seat. He was tall and dark and swell, And she, small and petite. There was just one place in the row That was ahead of me, So with a pause he sat him down And took her on his knee. He put his arms around her waist, She snuggled close to him, And sat there through the Pathe reel In pictures grave and grim, While Paramount-Mack Sennet fun Seem to fill her heart with glee, As all unconsciously she sat There upon the fellow's knee. At sight of movie lovers' joys And their sweet ecstatic bliss, She put her arms around his neck And gave him a furtive kiss. And when the vamp in anger stabbed Her lover, rich and florid, She snuggled closer still and said: Oh, Daddy, ain't she horrid ! -Julian Koehl, '22. Going Home What is that book you are reading so attentively of late ? Father, it is a catechism of Chris- tian Doctrine. I am waiting for George to come to take me to Father Downs for instructions. Is George Schaub a Catholic ? Surely, father, didn't you know that ? I knew it, if not in so many words, at least I felt it, and this makes me hate him the more. I have hinted to him that I did not want him to come around here so often, and when he comes tonight, I'll refuse him en- trance. I suppose that is he now. So saying Mr. Eckle went to the door and opened it. , Good evening, Mr. Eckle. Is Ethel at home ? She is, sir, but not to see you. I'll have no Papist in my house. I forbid you to 'keep company with my daugh- ter any more. Don't argue with him, George, I'll see you later. If you leave this house tonight, Miss Ethel, to go with that lad, you may stay out. I can do that, also. slambed the door in and stood eyeing his Mr. Eckle George's face daughter who for the first time had spoken to him in this way. Remember, Ethel, I forbid you to go with George any more unless you want to live elsewhere. Father, I'll go with him to instruc- tions, and if you-will not let me in when I return, all well and good. I can earn a living for myself. Be it understood that I am going to be- come a Catholic like George. After a few minutes Ethel ap- peared in the reception room all ready to go. She had packed up a

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THE ECHO 9 work, the priest called and explained matters to Mrs. Eckle. She could hardly believe him, but hastened to the hospital where she found her daughter still in a critical condition. During this time George had been informed of the accident and was at the bedside. That night Mrs. Eckle could hardly control herself in her husband's presence, but as the doctor thought Ethel would recover, the mother did not tell her husband. After a few days went by, Mr. Eckle could no longer hold his peace concerning Ethel. Have you heard anything from her ? he asked his wife. Now Mrs. Eckle broke down. Tears came to her eyes and she sobbed, Yes, she's-nearly dead. The-doc- tor does-n'n-s know whether-she'll live or not,-and it's all-it's all your fault ! What's this? Nearly dead! Ethel? Ethel nearly dead ? Yes, she's at Hotel Dieu. ' Without saying another word Eckle put on his hat and coat and hurried to the hospital. Is Ethel Eckle here ? he asked the Sister. ' Yes, sir, but no one can see herg she is very low. Can't her father see her? Oh please, let me in. I must see my darling child. At last the Sister consented. Open- ing the door for him, she said: Ethel will not recognize you, but the young man there will be able to explain things to you. George, oh dear George, what has happened? What is the matter, George ? I-I'm afraid Ethel will not see the dawn of Christmas morn. Ethel's going home! -Adolph Schefjfle, '23, The Shears The snows are deep around the house, The shutters bang about, And dozing in an easy chair, I watch the old year out. A French clock-with gilded face- 'Jpon the mantel stands, And drowsily my gaze is fixed 'Jpon its slender hands. Behold they are the famous shears The fates so long have plied To terminate the life of man And all his pomp and pride. The blades with slow. precision meet At twelve and cut the thread Of time, and all the bells announce Another year is dead. -Paul Tierney, 525. Recollections Outside the snow was falling thick, and fast, As joyfully they talked of days now past. They spoke of happy days when they were small, And I could almost hear the school bell's call As vividly the white-haired man brought back The pictures of that simple, lowly shack, Where Master Perry taught each girl and boy To read and write. But now those days of joy Were but an empty dream. Long , years had passed Since they as happy children gathered last Within its walls, and each of them tonight Forgot his age 'mid recollections bright. Q -Joe Kinstle, ,22.