Central Collegiate Institute - Analecta Yearbook (Calgary, Alberta Canada)

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The Analecta 29 weight through the aperture and was rewarded a second later by a tinkling splash. The river! He placed two thin bamboo strips over the hole and then replaced the matting. It looked very much as before. Then he placed his chair on the other side of the safe and waited. When San Foy returned he said to him: “Come here. I have something to give you.” But something in the suavity of his voice frightened San Foy. “What is it, master?” he said trembling. “That is true, San Foy. I am your master and I command you to come here. I want to give you your week’s wages and your necklace.” San Foy saw gold glitter and his precious necklace suspended on his master’s finger¬ nails. He took a step forward and felt the floor give under him. With a 1 shriek he disappeared except for the fingers of one hand which clutched the edge of the hole. The fingers were on the slippery reed matting. An eighth of an inch at a time it slipped under them. The wretched man’s breath whistled through his teeth. The fingers lost their hold and with a splash the dark water of the Si-Kiang closed over its prey. I Kwong Tuo did not move. He smiled and looked fondly at his finger¬ nails. Eileen II. Nicholson—XA. ( CANADA’S CALL TO YOUTH (Honorable Mention) Youth entered a forest clearing where a number of men were preparing a meal. He stood silent behind a tree for some time, and then advanced towards the group. The first man to spy Youth, said in his refined voice, “Good-day.” Youth advanced into the circle and was introduced to the others. The first to extend his greetings was a very tall, thin person whose nose seem¬ ed far too long, and whose chin was covered by a grey shaggy beard, which , wagged strongly as the man talked. The next, a jolly little fat man with laughing eyes, side-burns and wide top boots, answered to the name of John Bull. The third, a dark-visaged creature, was dressed for a fishing trip; his eyes, close set, peered at you like two little black dots; his mous¬ tache, neatly waxed, tapered to the tips. This was Pierre la France. Fourth came a large dark man, short of breath, his hair cut so short, stood on end; a heavier growth on his upper lip curled upwards at the ends, was I still moist from the contents of the jug from which he had been drinking. His voice had a blustering harsh note, and responded to the name of Herr Rhineland. Pedro Argentine and Wee Foo were the last to be introduced. Youth then turned to his first friend and asked his name and he modestly replied, “Jack Canuck.” After the introductions each one offered to take him along with them. Youth told them he longed for adventure in the open prairie where he

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28 The Analecta the past three weeks. He rose from the table very dispirited, but waved away his clamorous creditors with a great show of confidence. “Tomorrow,” he said, “I shall pay you without fail.” He left the den and slunk down the crooked streets till he came to his master’s silk shop again. Craftily he raised a window and slipped inside. There was not a sound. He glided over to the safe and began to turn the dial. He had memorized perfectly the conbination, having secretly watched his master open the safe many times. His fingers trembled but finally the heavy door creakingly swung open. Suddenly he heard a quavering old voice behind him. “Who is there?” San Foy made no noise that would answer Kwong Tuo’s question. Wheeling swiftly he threw himself on the old man. A terrible struggle in the dark insued. For all his age Kwong Tuo was very strong. They swayed and crashed to the floor. Kwong Tuo grabbed San Foy’s necklace and twisted it round and round nearly croking the thief. San Foy hammered at his master’s face and then banged Kwong Tuo’s head against the edge of the safe. He fled through the window, but was without the money. When he r eached his hovel he flung himself down on his couch and de¬ bated what he should do. If he left Canton he would immediately be sus¬ pected; if he went as usual to the shop at six o’clock and appeared greatly astonished that a thief had come and gone in the night no one would con¬ nect him with the attempted robbery. He decided on the bolder plan. Accordingly then he went back to the shop the following morning. Kwong Tuo was standing in the doorway with his head bandaged. San Foy was clever, moreover he was a Cantonese. He expressed great surprise, throwing about his arms and finally asked his master what had happened to him. It was very well done. “I fell,” Kwong Tuo said, “and cut my head. It is nothing—Come, we have much to do.” San Foy followed him into the shop bewildered. Why had his master made such an excuse! Did he or did he not suspect him? A little later during the morning Kwong Tuo spoke to him: “San Foy, I have always admired your necklace, but have never ex¬ amined it closely. I am interested in its curious carving. Let me see it.” San Foy removed it and handed it to him. “Thank you. Now I have a message for you to do. I want you to take this silk to the white woman, Mrs. Berkesley, at the compound on the next street. Tell her I hope it will match.” San Foy left his master scrutinizing his jade necklace. He was in a turmoil of doubt. If Kwong Tuo suspected him why didn’t he do some¬ thing about it? When he was gone Kwong Tuo carefully picked out a jagged piece of finger nail jammed in the necklace. The nail on the index finger of his left hand was broken completely off. When he fitted the broken piece to his finger nail, he found that they fitted exactly! Kwong Tuo then did a curious thing. He lifted a piece of reed matting from the floor and extracted three floor boards. He dropped a papei

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30 The Analecta could best serve God. “Since I cannot go with you all, I will follow the one who can give me what I seek. They all spoke in turn offering w r ealth, titles, and pleasures, but none so far had offered him what he was seeking for. John Bull then spoke, he said that he, personally, was not in need of more men but to help his many sons was to help himself, and he smiled affectionately at Jack. Uncle Sam fearing to be out-done by father and son stepped in. He then proceeded to speak to Youth. “Come, and some day you may be President.” “No,” said the boy. “I want neither your ready-made wealth or Prei- dency. I seek the broad open spaces yet untouched, where God in nature is still the Supreme Power and through Him a man may build and achieve as he will.” “Mine, then,” said Jack Canuck, the last to speak, “is the place you are seeking. A country rich in minerals, woodlands and natural resources, too numerous to be mentioned, and as yet undeveloped. Its plains are broad and fertile, its coastal waters and inland lakes led by the mighty sea, teem with fish. “I entice you not with wealth. My land is peaceful and my people are loyal to their King, to each other and right. And he re you may worship God as you please. But why waste words, come with me and behold for yourself.” Youth arose and followed to the bank of the river where they entered a canoe and were soon paddling northward. “This is what I offer,” said his guide, as they came in sight of land. “Those who fail here never really had an inclination to succeed.” “See the shining towers of that city toward the east. That is Ottawa, the capital. Beyond these mountains is the city of Vancouver, while we see far miles and miles the beautiful prairie land. Oh, you are interested in the broad, clear plains between these extremities. Little wonder you are filled with enthusiasm as you regard the surging mass of cattle and those countless acres of waving gold grain they spell life and freedom. Now, incline your ear to that enormous roar, that is from our many water¬ falls, especially Niagara. “I have mentioned our problem of government, but we have other prob¬ lems also. Do you see those streaks of grey along the horizon, both east and west? They come from the funnels of great ocean liners arriving or leaving our seaports, arriving probably with settlers from foreign lands seeking a peaceful home in Canada. It is our duty to make one big mass until all are one—Canadians. “Come, Youth, hearken to my call. We need you on the threshold of your manhood!” Silently, for Youth’s heart was too full for words, Jack Canuck led forth a young boy entering manhood, blinded by a wonderous vision. K. McManus—IXE.