Compton High School - El Companile Yearbook (Compton, CA)

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The Reform of Dick Armstrong The clock in a nearby tower was striking the hour of nine as Neal Emer- son mounted the steps to his bachelor apartments. just as he was about to insert the key in the door, he heard a quick step and a shuffling noise in one of the inner rooms. Sensing something wrong, Neal stepped to a hall table and drew a revol- ver from the drawer, then softly turning the key in the lock, he switched on the electric light. As it flooded the room, he beheld the invader just attempt- ing to make his escape through the bedroom window, opposite the door. Hold on, my fine fellow, you had better turn about and face the music, said Neal, with an air of one who is master of the situation. The intruder, seeing that all chance of escape was blocked, turned about and faced the shining barrel of Nea1's revolver. Dismay and doglike shame showed in every line of the man's countenance as he rose to his feet opposite Neal. VVell, here's once I caught you at your little game, but where's your gun?' Neal demanded angrily. Must have been in pretty desperate straits to enter a man's house without a revolver for an emergency like this,', he mused, half to himself, as the 1nan's gesture indicated that he carried no weapon. Perhaps he's hungry, too, went on Neal, relenting at the thought, for he could not bear to think of any one being hungry. 'fYou certainly look the worse for wear. remarked Neal dryly, taking an inventory of the man's unkempt appearance. VVhat chance has a man when he looks like that ? Neal asked himself. As the generous impulse grew he spoke his thoughts, I'm going to give you a chance to take a fresh start in clean clothes and see what you can make of yourself' The man was too surprised to answer. f'That door behind you leads to my bathroom, Neal went on, You will find all necessary articles, including razors, which are in that case, he said, pointing. with his revolver to a white enameled medicine cabinet. Now see what you can do in the way of improvement while I Find you some clothes,'i continued Neal, closing the door and locking it. He winced as he heard the man splashing about and thought of the use to which his immaculate bath tub was being put. Vffhistling softly to himself, he crossed the room to his wardrobe and se- lected a complete change for his visitor. Unlocking the door, he laid the clothing on a chair. Now, my friend, I must leave you for a little while, and remember that while you are my guest you are also my prisoner, and any attempt to escape will lead you into the hands of the police, for I shall have the building watchedf, As the man did not reply, Neal closed the door and stood on the outside, smiling at his own venture. VVe'll see what soap and water and a little scrubbing can do, he mused as he slipped into his great coat and started up town. Neal Emerson was one who seemed to have been born under a lucky star. Soon after graduating from college he had entered a broker's office where in short time he had doubled his income. He was the lion of society and clubg his clean, well-kept appearance and frank manner won for him the respect of men and the admiration of women. 30

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remarks but he resented her idle curiosity. He straightened. His eyes flashed. His cheeks hushed. His lists clenched. VVith a touch of pride in his voice he replied: Since you ask me I will tell you. I am an ex-soldier. I fought at Ar- gonne, where I was wounded. Three of us were sent to scout about and only one came back. But we won the fight and repulsed the enemy. VVhat mat- tered the price if We had safely upheld our great principles? I am the soldier that came back. I was given this medal for my bravery, they said. I do not use thermedal to further my own interests as some do. I removed the medal from my coat lapel before you came to the door. Some persons are influenced by the sight of military awards and rewards and will purchase an article iust because the salesman is or was a soldier. I don't sell things that way. Let my military achievements be a proud heritage for my family. Finishing, the soldier quickly packed away the carpet-Sweeper in the case and prepared to leave. Throughout the salcsmanls speech Miss Cruge had been rocking hard to keep up with her thoughts. She saw herself as she was-cold, curious, heart- less, selfish. She followed the salesman to the door and at the threshold stammered out, How much did you say those carpet-sweepers are? I didn't know I needed one until now, and I want it delivered as soon as possible. Six dollars and thirty-live cents, and I can get it to you by Thursday, replied the soldier. HAROLD SVVAN, '2O. The Ocean NVhen winds are hushed and all is calm, And no clouds are in view, And stifling heat is o'er the land, The sea's an em'rald hue. I'Vhen clouds roll in and thunders roar, And lightning flashes clear, And gray the sky and gray the sea, My heart is filled with fear. p . But when the sun is shining bright, And winds are blowing free, The ocean is a sapphire blue,-- Ah, then 'tis calling me! 21. 29 K V 1

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VVhen Nealis visitor had completed his toilet he surveyed himself in the mirror. f'VVell, Dick Armstrongf' he said aloud, You certainly look more like yourself than you have for several months past. His face actually lighted with a hopeful, self-respecting expression. Having satisfied himself with his appearance he decided to inspect the room in hope of discovering a way of escape, despite the fact that the build- ing was guarded. His search soon led him to the library or private den, as Neal called it. He attempted to raise one of the plate glass windows and as he did so the creaking of the sashes attracted the attention of the solitary policeman on his beat past the apartments. Dick dropped hastily back into the shadow of the room. In doing this his shoulder struck the corner of the bookcase which stood near the window. The jar caused one of the books which had been carelessly placed on top, to fall to the floor with a thud. f'The fates are against me,,' he grumbled under his breath as he rubbed his bruised shoulder. Bending over to pick up the fallen book, his eye caught sight of the large gilt title which immediately attracted his attention. The Annual!i' he exclaimed in surprise. He hastily glanced inside for the signature. Neal Emerson! Good heavensli' he exclaimed. My dear old high school chum!' Crossing the room, he dropped into a luxurious leather chair before the open fireplace and began to turn the pages, this unexpected dis- covery had chased all thought of escape from his mind. Eagerly he turned to the pictures. There were the faces of the teachers, the superintendent whom he had always loved and respected above all other men, the English teacher whose knowledge had laid before him vast stores of priceless literature. He turned to the pictures of his classmates whose memory had always been dear to him. The old school house too, where he had spent so many hours of study, and the broad campus where he had so often practiced with the team. But best of all, he remembered his senior year when he had been the champion fullback on the football team. How many games he and Neal had played together! Memories came crowding in thick and fast. I He turned again to his picture on the staff. The picture was so like himself, his friends had told him. High aim and steadfast purpose shone in the clear-cut features. '!How he had wandered from that purposeln he re- liected sadly. He closed his eyes and fell into a reverie, so profound that he did not notice the entrance of Neal who came softly in and stood beside him. The glare of the dying embers lighted the handsome, boyish features, and Neal, as he glanced from the countenance of his guest to the picture in the open Annual, gave a start of surprise. Dick Armstrong! is it possible?,' he cried in pained surprise. The young man, startled from his reverie jumped to his feet. Neal, old boy, it's true,', he said in honest shame, and I would give ten years of my life to be the same old Dick you knew back in our high school days, but this is how it happened,i', The story that followed was not an unusual one. After graduating from college he had entered his fatherls law office and had soon become dissatis- died. 'Baking the small fortune his mother had left him, he had lost it in speculating. After that he had drifted until he had reached the present state. Dick Headstrongf' the boys in college had called him and this characteristic had proved his downfall. But your kindness and the memories of this dear old 'Annual' have 31