Central High School - Interlude Yearbook (South Bend, IN)

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THE INTERLUDE I9 The outward cold penetrated his heavy coat and, pushing his way against the wind, he began to think of himself. Ile wondered if Iiwing also would call it impossible to cross and if he would yet have to stay on this side while XVashington routed the lclessians, and some one else, perhaps, spent his time with judith. The way did not seem long, for the rushing and confused thoughts kept his mind from his fatigue, the cold, and the darkness which had settled over the white country, making the crunch and roar of the mighty river, as it ground its way by, seem more threatening and awful. Darkness had completely enveloped the world when he saw the faint glitnmer of lights of l2wing's camp, for it was nearly six o'clock. Ile made his way once more to the Com- mander's house to report conditions at the other camps. liwing questioned him closely as to the conditions, supplies, and feeling at tiatcs's camp, ending with the question which Mentor dreaded above all others, for he knew its discouraging purport, Is his wing cross- ing to-night? Receiving a clear statement of Gates's view and decision, Ewing said thoughtfully, XVash- ington is usually over-conservative, but I, also, fear the plan is wild and the orders im- possible to obey. The Commander left the room and Mentor heard him consulting with his under oiiicers in the adjoining room. They were consider- ing whether to obey or not! If they didn't- if they didn? go-like a panic the thought seized him, if they didn't go, he cou1dn't. XYashington would go and he was only nine miles away. Regardless of his fatigue and the darkness and storm which would impede him, his decision was quicklv made. If they didn't go, he would walk back and cross with XYashington. Soon the talking in the other room ceased and liwing reentered the room in which Men- tor was. lle walked across the room and, seating himself with deliberation, he began talking calmly, l think, and my oiiicers agree with me, that it would not be safe crossing to-night. l know l should obey orders, but in this case I think there is sufficient cause to take exception. XYe have 3,000 men to take over in a few old boats. XYashington himself will probably not cross. XYe are not going. .Xngered by this calm disregard of orders. Mentor sprang from his chair, exclaiming, I am going up to cross with Xtashington. lt is nine miles and 1 have three hours. I will carry the word that you are not going to meet him in Trenton. This sudden heat startled the L'ommande1'. but he set himself to help Mentor bundle and fortify himself against the long, cold walk, since he was determined to go. The first few miles were not hard, but he came out on the broad slope along the river to End the stinging wind made sharper by a sleet. As he struggled along against this, he found his little strength leaving him. The drifts seemed continually growing deep- er and the wind constantly growing sharper. lfle kept close to the river for fear he would lose his way. as the sweeping snow bewildered him. Once in a while he found tracks of the great army which had passed in the morning. livery muscle ached, for his tramping that day had exhausted him beyond his realization, but he trudged on, stumbling and pushing his way against the wind. His tired brain and eyes refused to work and one thought kept mo- notonously running through his mind, Tren- ton to-nightg Judith to-morrow! . lt seemed as though he had walked many times the distance and the last mile seemed ten. lint numbed and exhausted, he pushed through the storm to his duty and his de.sire. .X vague fear had come to him that he might miss XYashington and not have a chance to warn him that Ewing and Cates would not support him. Step by step he covered the last mile and sighted a few lights which indicated the pres- ence of the army and the last steps were harder than all the rest of the distance. Finally he reached the sentries and gasped a few words. They. recognized him, and two of them sup- ported him to the Generals presence. XYith compassion and sympathy XVashington lis- tened to the miserable and discouraging report which he managed to tell by jerks. lieforc taking account of this news, he ordered all the comforts and care which the camp afforded to be given Mentor. Then he said, 'fXYe have al- ready been delayed an hour, but we will go soon even if we have to whip the lflessians our- selves. Care for this brave lad and he shall go with us. The fatigue and drowsiness overcame Blen- tor, and he passed into a heavy slumber. When he next came to, he heard the crunch of icc and realized that he was crossing the Dela- ware. I-le murmured to himself, Trenton to- night: Judith to-morrow! l:l,tlRl-INCIC Nl. XVI-Il.IJ, 'lO. 2.2 3 L, J

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I8 THE INTERLUDE quickly and absolutely. for he was sure that the good God would give them victory in this time of need. John Mentor had heard all this, yet other thoughts held sway until he realized that the General was saying, Gates must cross also and attack Count Donope at Burlington and Ewing will cross below and come up to Tren- ton. VVe will go above here and go down into Trenton. Some one must go down to the other camps and bear orders for them. I cannot ask it. XYill some one volunteer? Then John woke up. Quick as a tlash there passed through his brain: l know the coun- try. I am young and strong. The General has trusted me before. I ought to go. lint ludith- Not daring to think or consider longer, he spoke up. T will go, General. The men parted, giving him clear passage to where XVashington stood before his aide-de- camn. Seeing who had snoken, he said, .-Xh, Mentor! now l know the dispatches will reach them. Come with me, my lad. The under otiicers took charge and the men dispersed to break un camn for a rapid march. Soon Mentor had his dispatches and started on foot, for by following the river, he could make quicker time than by roar! on horseback. The snow was deep and a sharp wind was blowing across the river. .Xlthough he soon be- came cold and wearied bv the difficult wad- ing, he forgot it in the pleasing recollections of the f3eneral's last words to him. The Gen- eral had said that he realized Mentor would like to heln rid Trenton of the Hessians, so he might return to Ewing's armv and cross with him after delivering the disnatches to Gates. His neculiar smile whe11 he said this showed that he realized that it was more than intense hatred of the lflessians which made Mentor's face brighten so at this arrangement. This friendly personal interest meant more to the young man than any number of words of praise for his braverv in undertaking the long, cold journey could have meant. , The four miles to Ewing's camp did not seem so long as he had expected and, present- ing his passport, he was soon admitted to the Commander's presence. As Ewing read the dispatches, a look of incredulity spread over his face and he muttered as if it were beyond belief. Cross the Delaware! Cross the Dela- ware! is VVashington crazy? Young man, what does this mean ? Mentor had been warned that he might have to go into details and reassure Ewing. Quick- ly he called attention to the necessity and ended with the reminder, He will cross at nine to-night, and you cross at ten and meet him in Trenton. And those are the Gener- al's orders. Rested and refreshed by the short stop, Mentor started on for the longer walk to Gates's division of the army. Every bay and H every curve in the river was known to him and he struck inland to avoid additional walk- ing. By the time he had covered four of the miles he was numb with cold and exhausted them floundering in deep drifts. Slowly and more slowly he walked and just as it began to seem as though he never could get there, he came in sight of the camp. Pushing on with revived energy, he soon reached the outer sentries and then the Connnandefs house. Gates read the orders with amazement-and, worse, for he sprang from his chair, exclaim- ing, XVhat! ls VX'ashington fool enough to think l'll try to cross to-night? lt can't be done, so there's no use trying. lf Count Don- ope wants to fight me, he can come over here ! Disregarding the bearer of the message, he strode to the door and, with his usual impul- sive action, called in his aide-de-camp and burst forth with, Here are some orders from XYash- ington! XYe are to cross the Delaware to- night and attack Count Donope at llurlington. XYell, what'll we do if we can't? XVithout waiting for any reply, Gates roared, XYe can't. lt is impossible. Orders are or- ders but they don't apply to the impossible. Send a boat out and see if it can cross. lf not, we can't. He left the room abruptly, but the more thoughtful aide-dc-camp sent in hot food and drink for Mentor, who sat in a daze as a com- fortable warmth stole over hin1. He heard the bustle out of doors and knew what the result of the trial was likely to be, since the Com- mander had such assurance as to its failure. Very soon it seemed to him, Gates again burst into the house, blustering, Knew it couldn't be done. Wasliiiigtoii himself can't do it. That Gates would dare to stay on this side when ordered to cross hardly seemed possible to John Mentor, who had come to be greatly trusted on account of his unfailing obedience. VVith unconscious contempt in his voice, he asked, Aren't you going to obey General VVashington's orders ?'! Eor the first time Gates recognized Men- tor's presence. lle said gruffly, lt is impos- sible, man, impossible!', Ewing can't and won't do it and neither will XVashington. He resumed his seat and sat mumbling to himself, The boat went out 50 feet and could hardly get back. Impossible! It was now nearly three in the afternoon and Mentor had rested so that he felt he must start back at once so that he would not miss Ewing. The last words of Gates were still ring- ing in his ears, Does XVashington care more for the favor of the people than for the safety of the soldiers ? The injustice of this remark and the evident jealousy expressed in it stung Mentor to the quick, for he loved and honored XVashington and knew the sincerity of his mo- tives.

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20 THE INTERLUDE 1 1 THE COMMENCEMENT COMET 1 if I T was all verv nice to be a Freshman, gil, I though you felt rather small. And a Sophomore-well, you skimmed over that state of being very easilv. W'ith the Junior year, you began to buckle down and study Cunder the tutelage of a wise teacher, who lets no one escapel. Tint the Seniors! Why, thought Olive. couldn't one be a Senior the whole four years, instead of having to go through a preparatorv stage? It was so nice to think you knew so much, and to have other people think you did, toog but in three weeks- the thought brought a train of recollections to Olive's mind. This was certainly the night the comet was to be seen, and she must see it. There was no doubt about that, so she quick- ened her step accordingly. Her reason was this. The pupils of San Bourne school had long been 'interested in as- tronomical observations. To encourage this, a benevolent old gentleman in the vicinity had offered a prize for the one who earliest discov- ered the comet. The nature of this prize was unknown, but it was reported to be worth trying for. Each was to hand in the time he or she saw it, and say nothing about it to the rest of the students. Excitement reigned for some time among the ambitious ones. who were all determined to get the reward. Of course there were a few dullards who scofferl at all the proceedings, but it was well-known that those who did so never rose earlier than seven o'clock at the very least. Olive Gould was not one of these latter. As she hurried toward her boarding-house, she re- membered with dismay that three other girls were likewise bent on seeing the comet. lt would take some ingenuity to outwit them. for thev were not easilv conquered or daunted by a slight obstacle. Still she thought it was her due to get that prize. The girls had been together during the four vears of their course. and now Ellen was valedictorian, Flora took a medal. and Maude was famous in athletics. It would be nice to get it, too, just for the sake of the honor, for she had never been as popu- lar as the other girls. Not that she cared for popularity, but still it came only once in a life- time, and she was only human. VVith these thoughts intruding themselves. she entered the house softly, knowing that as it was about eight o'clock, the other girls would be up studying. She would have about an hour for her own work, retire early, and set the alarm clock for two-thirty. She heard whispered comments in the rooms about her, and a bang of the door now and then which indicated that her arrival had been noted. But ignoring these interruptions, she set diligently to work and finished at the prescribed time. As cautiously as possible. she got everything ready for her early morning exit, as she was going to the most advantageous soot in the neighborhood-a vacant lot, where the view to the east was unimpeded by tall buildings or trees of anv sort. A very sleepy girl shut off a slightly muf- fled clock next morning and tumbled into a queer-looking costume. consisting of a blue skirt, red waist, and one shoe of tan, the other black. Groping her wav to the door, she turned the knob and found it was locked from the outside! Again that sofe chuckle down the corridor. That put her on her mettle and she resolved not to be daunted. The window first suggested itself, for there was no time to fuss with doorkevs. Her window opened upon a sloping roof which reached within eight or ten feet of the ground. Tt took but a moment to open the window, slide gentlv downward, and jump to the ground. fShe said afterwards she would not have been surprised to have found a tub of water awaiting herl. VVith great celeritv she set off. and reached the lot not a moment too soon. For as he stood under the shadowy branches of a tree. she saw two or three figures approaching stealthilv from opposite directions and peering cautiously around, each unconscious of the other's pres- ence. It was her turn to chuckle, for each thought the other safelv locked in her room. Now how was she to see the comet without the knowledge of the others? Possiblv the ap- ple tree would serve as a temoorarv observa- tory, but just then her eve caught sight of the church not far distant. The belfrvl Tust the place for, as she was the last to leave the practice, she had the kev in her pocket. A few moments later she was climbing the dustv, winding stairwav to the little tower which overlooked the greater part of the village, or as it preferred being called, the town. To all appearances it was sleeping now, but Olive's sharp eve detected strange figures lurk- ing here and there amid the trees, or a field- glass sparkling in the pale light, as it was di- rected toward the skv in search of the heaven- ly body. Olive laughed softly to herself as she saw what a fine observatorv she had, and placing herself in a comfortable position, she studied the stars intently. She was becoming impatient at the delay of the stranger, when a bright light, outshining Halley's comet. at- tracted her attention. It was a wavering, flick- ering light which spurted up and then died down. Olive watched it, fascinated, until an unusually bright flare brought her to her senses. The old ffentle1nan's house was on fire s !