Clifton High School - Rotunda Yearbook (Clifton, NJ)

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THE REFLECTOR CLIFTON HIGH SCHOOL FEBRUARY 1927 Kodger was a kind, considerate man, and he decided the little pup should stay providing no one claimed him. All that week Dan advertised in the papers for the owner of the pup, hut to no avail. At last he concluded the dog had been abandoned and now belonged to him. At night Spot slept on the seat of Gipsy, the red roadster. He was a good watch-dog and Dan’s mother wasn’t bothered with beggars because they never dared enter the yard. The next week was spent in the training of Spot. First he was taught the danger of auto- mobiles. Dan practically whipped him when he went into the street, and by the end of the week he never went farther than the curb, even though Dan threw a ball out into the street. Many other tricks were taught him bv Dan after school hours. Spot was a mongrel but he was intelligent, and that is all that is needed in a dog. Every week Spot found himself in a tub with a scrub- bing brush and soap with which Dan made his fur like silk. A pair of goggles were bent to fit around his ears so that he might go riding with his master and not be bothered by bugs that happened to hit him. He would sit wisely in the seat beside Dan with one ear erect and the other turned down. It was now the circus season and all the bill- boards in town were covered with news and pic- tures of the coining show. So one evening after supper Spot set out with his master in Gipsy. I le acted very distinguished as he turned to look at other dogs that they passed. At the grounds he barked at the elephants and yelped when the monkey scratched his nose. A dog happened along and got too fresh for him. so a fight began, which was stopped by Dan. Not long after being scolded for fighting he again got into another fight. This time he was sent back to the car where he sadly watched for his master. The show was fine in Dan’s opinion, and after eating a hot dog he set out for where he had left his car. But as he neared the spot where the ear had stood, he beheld it to be empty. Gipsy was gone and Spot with it! He searched all around but with no success. That night when the moon poked a curious eye over the eastern horizon, it shone upon a worried and sad boy, rolling and tossing in his bed. All night, to remind him of his loss, he dreamt of riding in Gipsy with Spot by his side. He imagined how Spot must have fought but to be overwhelmed by the thieves. Once he thought he had his hands upon tin thief but woke up to find himself still in bed. The next day he was drowsy and had no heart in his studies. Even the basketball game failed to enliven his mind. He was asked a hundred times about his roadster, and each time he had to relate his sad story. At meal time he ate lit- tle and lay in bed the rest of the day. The next night his dreams were as bad. He imagined he heard Spot barking as if he were calling him, until at last it woke him up. Could it be true? Was it Spot barking, or was he still dreaming? He pinched himself to make sure. It was Spot. Dan hastily slipped on his clothes and passed quietly beyond his parents' door and out of the house. There stood Spot by the door barking loudly, his long tail wagging from side to side, and his little tongue hanging out. Dan bade him be quiet but he refused to stop. Instead, he ran toward the street and back to Dan. He understood. He got his hat and followed the pup. Spot led him down Main Street, through tile- residential section, through dark alleys, and in to a vacant lot. Had the faithful animal come all this distance to aid his master? Across the lot he led him to an old garage. Here he stop- ped and lay down upon the ground looking at Dan. It was a very rickety old shack. Thinking the shack to be empty Dan gave a strong push upon the old door that sent it fiv- ing off its hinges. Instantly he regretted his haste, for as soon as he broke the door he was assailed by two rough looking men. He fought with all his might but he was backed into the garage against the wall. His hands were full and he had no excess breath to waste in a cry for help now, but could only fight with clench- ed teeth and hope that the noise would attract PAGE FOURTEEN

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THE REFLECTOR CLIFTON HIGH SCH O O L FEBRUARY 1927 PALS A mid-day sun was shining upon the little village of Claxton, and a warm breeze blew lazi- lv through the green leaves of the huge oak trees that lined the main road. l)an Rodger sat against a tree in the yard of his home on Columbia Avenue, enjoying the adventures of an exciting book. Occasionally, the pages of his book rustled with the breeze that blew the scent of roses through the air. In the rear of the yard was a garage in which stood Gipsy, a red roadster, which was Dan’s greatest pride and enjoyment. He had worked hard for it in Lambert’s Grocery store down in the center of the town. The roadster was a nice little affair, clean and well-kept. During his spare hours Dan would clean and re pair it and then take a ride to town or through the country lanes. He attended high school and was very fond of history. Today was Saturday, and as he was so ab- sorbed in his book lie did not notice a small pup- py crossing the road, directly in the path of an oncoming automobile. He was now startled by the yelps and cries of the pup as the auto struck it. The motorist did not stop, but drove on, leaving the pup limping to the curb. It got as far as the lawn in front of Dan’s house and there it fell. The boy, so startled by the sudden happening and drowsy from reading, sat there in a stupor for a minute. Then he jumped to his feet and ran toward the injured animal. The pup proved to be no more than a plain mongrel with wiry white hair and a patch of black over his right eye. It had an extraordin- arily long tail, far too long for its body, a dozen times. It lay there crying with its side bleeding, but that was all the boy could find wrong with it. The pup cast curious glances toward Dan, which seemed to soften the boy’s heart. He put his hand close to it to see if it were friendly. It said nothing and so, seeing it needed help, he gently carried it around to the back of the house and laid it under a large apple tree. He quickly got some hot water and bathed the cut. The little ball of fur ceased crying and lay still, eyeing Dan curiously. An apple getting too heavy for the limb upon which it hung, fell to the ground directly in front of the pup. It quickly got to its feet growling at the apple. The boy almost fell with laughter and kicked the apple away. “More frightened than hurt,’’ was the motto Dan put upon the pup. “Well, youngster,’’ Dan addressed him, “how do you feel now?” The pup answered and gave his thanks by licking Dan’s hand with a small pink tongue which came from a grinning mouth. “Yes, you’re here.’’ said Dan, “but how long you’ll stay I couldn’t say. Dad may like your long tail and homely figure and he may not. You’ll need a name, too. won’t you? Well, you’ve a black spot over your eye so I’ll call you Spot. That’s your name from now on if no one claims you. Do you understand?’’ Probably Spot knew what Dan said and may- be he didn’t, but anyway he answered with a weak puppy-like bark. “Hungry?” asked Dan. The pup said nothing, but after five minutes a bulging pup, having surrounded a whole can of condensed milk, to say nothing of half a box of crackers, lazily walked over toward the tree and lay down on the smooth lawn to rest. “A dog’s life.” sadly said the boy as he went in for supper. Dan had lost a dog just a year ago, so the boy wished with all his heart that his father would let him keep his new-found friend. Mr. PAGE THIRTEEN

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THE REFLECTOR CLIFTON HIGH S C H O O L F E R R U A R Y 19 2 7 a policeman. He could hear Spot growling ex- citedly, hut the little animal was too small to he of any help (as Dan thought). A hand with a vise-like grip found Dan’s throat, and he tried uselessly to free himself. “I’ve got him!” said a heavy voice. Dan had a glimpse of a leering face before him. He struggled again and managed to free one hand. The next instant a little hall of growing fury leaped, and sharp puppy's teeth sank into the wrist of the man who held Dan. He gave a yelp and kicked poor Spot, crying, into a corner. Dan’s hand came in contact with something cold. It was a wrench. Grabbing this lie struck wildly in the darkness. The heavens spread full of stars for the thief as the wrench struck a blow on his head. “Kick my dog. will you?” Dan yelled ang- rily. A few moments and the other man fell. Hurt and dizzy the hoy humped against some- thing which seemed familiar to him. It was Gipsy! Delighted with finding his car he al- most forgot about Spot until he heard him cry- ing in the corner. Then, again thinking of the men, he wished to escape before they regain- ed consciousness. Quickly and carefully he felt his way to the doors and opened them. He then helped his pal, who had helped him more than anyone else could have helped. He care- fully lifted the little form and put him in the seat. One of the men began to sit up! Dan jumped into the car, started it, and was soon out on the street, leaving the thieves behind. 'rile streets were beginning to be crossed by early-risers, and the first streak of daylight was shining over the horizon. Dan sped over the dirty streets toward the better section of the town. Poor Spot still lay beside Dan, crying softly. Dan loved him more than ever now be- cause of the great help he had been to him in recovering Gipsy. He wondered how Spot had got away from the thieves. Hut now for the the first time he noticed a small piece of rope hanging from the pup’s collar. The end had been chewed off. So the game pup had chewed himself loose and had come all the way home to get his master! The town was reached and Dan went straight to the Doctor’s house, for he knew Doctor would not he up at such an early hour. Again he took his beloved pet in his arms and rang the bell of the house. It was some time before the Doctor made his appearance at the doorway, showing signs of having hastily dressed. “What’s the matter? the Doctor asked. “Here, Doe..” Dan’addressed him as soon-as he appeared, “you're a good doctor and I want you to fix up this little pup for me.” “Hut began the doctor. “No hut’s about it,” replied the boy. “This pup needs your help. Please tend to him quick- ly r Saying nothing else the doctor took Spot into his office while Dan anxiously waited in the waiting-room. He tried to read the magazines hut he couldn’t do anything except look anxious- ly at the office door. Would his pal he all right or would lie die? This and many other ques- tions fronted him as he waited. In half an hour the doctor appeared with the pup in his arms. “How is he?” immediately asked Dan. “Oh, your hound will he all right, but you’ll have to keep him quiet. I did a good job on that leg.” Dan took Spot in his arms and the little ani- mal cast a kind and thankful glance at Dan. “Say, young man, aren’t you doing an awful lot for a mongrel?” asked the doctor. “Mongrel nothing!” grunted Dan as he ten- derly petted the puppy. “He’s my pal now. See?” he added, a trifle unsteadily, as a pink tongue kissed his hand. Lester Spangenbf.rg, June ’28. A WINTER SCENE I stood entranced, gazing out of the broad bay-window at the panorama lying before my eyes. Snow! Snow every where! All was still with a stillness that compels reverence. A little cluster of pine trees stood aloof and proud, weighted down with their fleecy burden. Down in the valley was a sight that inevitably thrills the heart of a winter sportsman, a lake covered firmly with ice. The air rang with the cries and shouts of the ice skaters. An enormous fire burned merrily to one side. Suddenly out of this merry making scene sounded the deep, im- pelling voice of church beds. For one precious moment all was still, hut soon high spirits reign- ed again. At last I could resist it no longer. I bundled up, and, with one last look at the cozy room I was leaving, I stepped out into the cold crisp air. The snow crackled beneath my feet. I felt exhilirated! Thanksgiving filled my soul, and I felt as if great deeds could be accomplish- ed with ease. Maude Andras, Feb. ’27. PAGE FIFTEEN