Central High School - Almanac Yearbook (Toledo, OH)

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No effective description could be given of the grandeur of the State exhibits. The Midway was there-ah yes! and it oH'ered the usual attractions. Let us enter a little tent in the Midway. Instantly one sees by the Oriental effect that this is a fortune teller's booth. Beaded trinkets of every description meet the eye. At one end of the room is an alcove fitted up with rich rugs and curtains. Over the entrance is a sign with this inscription : ANYTHING YOU WISH TO KNOW. ENQUIRE WITHIN. FIFTY CENTS. Two chairs were in this little room. One of them is occu- pied by an old woman. She is certainly an Egyptian, for her hair is coarse and black and she has an angular igure. Her shoulders are stooped, and around them a plaid shawl is wrapped. Her face is brown and pinched and wears an expression of pas- sionate bitteruess. In her claw-like hands she is twisting several strings of beads. While she is thus engaged some persons enter the tent. Where have we seen them before? Ah, it is George Bryce and Frank Forster again! Why are they here? Probably 'to learn their future. They have been to such places before, and the information received always varied. But our friends take a certain pleasure in the weird advice. But Bryce does not feel inclined to-day to trust his future to such hands, and Forster enters the alcove alone. Now, he has seen Gypsies before, but as he gazes upon this one, he confesses to himself that he has never seen one so awe-inspiring. He walked up quickly and took his seat. Young man, said she, you have just taken a journey. Perhaps you will take another if you follow my directions. When will that be? said Frank, smiling. That I can not tell. It depends upon yourself. Listen, you cme here by chance, you think. No, it was Fate. In this city a parcel will be lost. You are destined to find it. This may

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neverwavered. Frank Forster and George Bryce could not bear the thoughts of parting when the class of rgoo stepped out into the world. They agreed to enter Cornell University the following fall. So when the summer had slipped away their desire for knowledge carried them away from their native town, and they then entered upon their college career. And now they had nnished their third year successfully. Their work was hard, but do not imagine their life was so in consequence. For they were up to the pranks and follies' of college life and no one knows better than they the fun a halll dozen quiet boys can have. ' ' . But Frank was bashful. Now, in his friend Bryce's eye, this was a terrible drawback 5 O, he was not bashful with the boys, but with the other sex he quite lost his self-confidence. Occasionally George and Frank called on the young ladies with whom they were acquainted in this college town. Frank was always ready to go after a few moment's chat. Why was it? The young ladies were attractive, no doubt of it, and the young men, well- were they not from Toledo and the class of rgoo? Still Forster's heart was not susceptible. Nor do I say his friend's was, only Bryce was not bashful. , Having finished their bounteous repast, our friends pro- ceeded to their homes. It is needless to say that there they were received with welcome words and good cheer. They had :agreed to meet the next day that they might visit the Exposition grounds together. I 1 - CHAPTER II., The next day was hot. Early in the morning the crowds 'began to move. 'And soon-street cars, carriages, automobiles, and steamboats were depositing their burdens at Lake Erie Park. . - A light' breeze from the lake refreshed the eager sight-seers. Everything 'that could add to the pleasure of the visitors was noticeable. Benches, chairs and swings were in shady places. Cool drinks of every description, ices, fruits, peanuts, candy, popcorn, and even chewing-gum offered. refreshment for only twice the usual price. .

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1 happen to-day or within three days. That depends upon the moon. The moon!', exclaimed Frank. Yes, the moon, said she. Great events are always achieved by the course of the moon. Now, she went on, some- thing trifling will be in this parcel, but it will be of great value to the owner. Do you, therefore, return it when you iind it. Your future depends upon this incident. If you do not follow out my warning your life will be lacking in some respects. But do as I say, and you will have a few diiiiculties to conquer, and the rest will be smooth sailing. However, she said, as she gazed intently at two lines on his hand, there is an indication here you must observe. It is a young lady who owns this parcel. She knows you, and she will ask you to call. Do not, for although you might desire to do so, it is not best. Do not go to her home for two weeks, and by that time the moon will be propitiousf' After receiving several directions he went out to his friend, who was impatiently awaiting his appearance. Well, what did the old hag have to say, or was she a young one? asked George, as they emerged from the tent. You are right, she was a hag, said Frank, andkhe laugh- ingly related the conversation to his friend. They, had walked a block by this time, and Eve minutes later Frank Forster had entirely dismissed from his mind the warnings of the Egyptian. But the Fates were not to be thwarted in this manner, as we pres- ently shall see. Such a day as our two friends had! They occasionally met a person they knew and were greeted eifusively. With untiring effort they went throughthe State structures. Finally they entered a building devoted to the interests of the Toledo High School. Here the classes of '99, IQOO, etc., had displayed their lit- erary talent. In glass cases the senior rhetoricals repose. It is a privilege to read them. It is said that this is one of the best paying buildings at the Exposition. It costs ten cents to be enabled to peruse these valuable manuscripts. Every day, artists of every description are seen eagerly