Cloverdale Union High School - Spectator Yearbook (Cloverdale, CA)

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C. H. S. SPECTATOR 23 anxious to stop this feeling. But how? Charley disliked foul play, and that was the only means he could think of to ac- complish his purpose. At last an idea came to him, but he hesitated before at¬ tempting’ to put it to any use, for it was not honest, as he fully realized. ‘‘But Mable’s worth it all,” he exclaimed, as he sat staring moodily at his books one evening. To say was to do with Charley. The very next day he set about carrying out his insidious designs. The afternoon found him strolling along with Mable towards a lake, not far distant. Soon they were seated on the mossy bank, and were discussing school affairs with all the enthusiasm of under¬ graduates. “I hear,” said Mable, gazing dreamily out across the clear, blue lake, and noting the beauty of the scene around her, “that Everett Mapleson has written the best oration that the professor has read for a long time.” “Oh, that’s nothing,” returned her companion ironically, “anyone could write well by using the means which he has employed.” Mable started, and looked at him inquiringly, for his tone had insinuated more than what he had said. “What do you mean?” she demanded. “Oh, nothing,only I could write good orations, too, if I consulted certain journals which no one here knows anything about, since they were sent from some other place. They are back numbers, too, so if you and I keep still no one will find it out. I’m sure I never could expose a friend,” he added blandly. “I don’t believe it,” the girl cried. “Everett would never do such a thing.” “But it’s true, nevertheless. I saw the journal myself, and Everett was awfully annoyed over it.” Mable’s heart sank, and soon doubt and suspicion had mas¬ tered trust and confidence. She believed what Charley told her, for why should he tell her what was not true about one whom she firmly believed he liked and esteemed?

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22 C. H. S. SPECTATOR if his rights were about to slip from him, and it wa most certainly an unpleasant situation. Dick, all unconscious of the uncomfortable feelings he had caused his chum, soon took his departure, while Everett sat listening to his retreating footsteps, until the sound died away in.the distance and nothing more was heard but the song of the nightingale in some secluded place, singing his nightly strain, .sweet and clear upon the still evening air. “Phsaw!” exclaimed Everett, as he suddenly rose and en¬ tered the house. “Am I going to make a fool of myself, and just for a girl too? He went to sleep that night trying to convince himself that he did not care how great an incursion Charley Smith had made upon Mable’s feelings. Next morning he was at the station in good season for the train, and it was not long before the others arrived, Charley among the rest. Jessie and Mable came towards him, looking bright and happy. “Oh, Everett!” exclaimed Mable, “You just ought to become better acquainted with Charley Smith; he’s simply dandy. ’ ’ An angry response sprang to his lips, but he quickly checked himself and made a good natured answer. At that moment a whistle was heard and the engine, with its long train of cars, came steaming into the station. After some bustling and hurry¬ ing, the young people were safely settled within the cars and in a few minutes were speeding on their way to the city. It lacked just two weeks until Everett and Dick would graduate. They had been working hard since their vacation, and without interruption in order that the highest honors to be had might be theirs. Everett had been asked to write an oration upon a certain subject, containing original ideas and thought. It was finished at last and the young man felt as if a heavy load had been lifted from his shoulders, as he laid the papers away ready for inspection, in his writing desk. Charley and Mable were still on friendly terms, but he could see that she regarded Everett as her cavalier, and he was

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24 C. H. S. SPECTATOR She returned home with a very sad and disappointed feel¬ ing. When next she encountered Everett her manner was so cold and distant that she caused him no little wonder. During this time Charley’s conscience was by no means at rest. He knew he had done wrong and each day the weight upon his mind became heavier. At last he seized his hat and coat and exclaiming “I’ll do it!” he rushed out into the street, and was soon at Liable ’s door, inquiring for that young lady. She was at home, but greeted him not so warmly as formerly. He, on the other hand, lost no time in stating the object of his call. “Miss Howard,” he stammered, as he nervously tore to pieces a rose which he held in his hand, “I came to confess to you an act, and when you know it, I will not have the courage to seek your respect or forgiveness.” Mable looked surprised, but bade him go on, while a strange suspicion seized her. “The fact is,” said Charley, blushing very red and looking hard at the carpet, “I — I lied to you the other day, and — and I am awfully, awfully sorry.” Mabel sat very still for a few moments, too surprised for words, and yet, this was what, she had almost expected to hear. What must she do? She blamed Charley for telling her what he had, and herself for believing it. “Mr. Smith,” she said, “I am very sorry for this, but you have acted nobly in- confessing it. As everything seems to be turning out well, I pardon you freely.” As she finished speaking she rose, signifying that their conversation was ended. Charley took his leave, a very unhappy youth, but glad that he had done right. As he left, Everett Mapleson arrived. He had been unable to solve the mystery of Mable’s strange treatment, and de¬ termined to go and find out what he could from her. They had always been such warm friends. When he requested an explanation, she looked at him and smiled brightly. “Oh, it’s alright Everett!” she cried, “ I never will treat