Ellenville High School - Shawangan Yearbook (Ellenville, NY)

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Q tug Two days later, he was again permitted to start in digging and this time he kept at it for several days. His persistance amazed every- one. It was hard work for such a tiny fellow and when there were so many more interesting things to do, it was only his determination which kept him at it. His brothers teased him and kept questioning him about it but he answered none. After he had been digging steadily for three days, he went to bed early, completely tired out. In his dreams again he saw the money and the kind-looking old man who urged him to keep on digging. The next day started his real work. He was now down to where the roots of the apple tree were closely entwined and these had to be cut out, tak- ing some time to do it. Finally he struck one bunch which seemed more solid than the rest and he could hardly get the dirt away from them. He ran to get an ax and chopped away at the roots until finally he had a number of them broken off. Pulling these out, he found under them an old rusted pot. Digging excitedly now. he uncovered the whole thing but it was so heavy he could not lift it. He sat down for a minute to rest and try to think what to do. Most likely it was just filled with dirt, but anyway there was the thought that it might be interesting. Trying again to move it out, he decided he could not do it alone. He then ran to call his father who was at work. However his father was farther away than he had supposed. so Peter had to search some time before he found him. They then returned together to pull out the pot. By that time the rest of the family had gathered around and were eagerly waiting to have Peter open it up. The father motioned them to let Peter do it by himself and he at last pried off the lid. Underneath was a box of iron which was locked. It was very much rusted by the wear of the years. After breaking this open, they saw it was partly Filled with old coins, some old books and papers. while on top was a small slip of paper yellowed with age and frayed on the edges. On this was writ- ten in old fashioned script, so faintly that it had to be held close to a strong light to make out the letters: nlierseverance conquers. The per- son who finds this will be eternally blest and will always be followed by luck. If it is possible. return this to one of my descendents. Peter Marr. The coins turned out to be very old and at that time, valuable. Underneath was a diary and some important documents which were valuable as relics. Now we can help grandfather to get well, cried Peter exultantly. -P. J. Sarine. WW sfal'

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gf in ls it really true?'l asked Peter breathlessly after the tale was finished. And the other children chimed in with their questions, but the old man merely shook his head and said, That's all l know about it and my grandfather told me the story. so unless the fairies have stolen the money. it must be there yet. The old man was my great-uncle Peter. for whom you were named little Peter. Seeing this was all the information they could gain, the two oldest went away, but little Peter stayed, and climbing on his grandfather's knee. he asked many questions about the story. Seeing the little fellow had been greatly impressed, Grandfather told him all he could remember and at last when his information had run out, shooed him away to bed and went to see that everything was locked up for the night. But the little boy did not forget the story and often thought about it seriously. Une day, grandpa fell sick and Peter heard his mother and father wondering what they should do if he became worse. The next day he was still worse and the doctor thought he ought to go to the hos- pital. At that the mother broke down and wept. saying they had no money to pay for the necessary operation. The kindly doctor. believing in Providence said that something would surely provide the money. Finding they must either see the old man die because he did not have the proper care or else run deeply into debt, they chose the latter course. Peter. hearing his mother weep, had come closer to hear what was the trouble, and went away sorrowful that he could do nothing to help. He thought long and deeply to find a way to literally grow money and with these thoughts in his mind at last went to sleep that night. He woke up in the middle of the night with a start and realized he was sitting up, reaching out for something. Then he remembered his dream. lt was about the gold buried under the tree that he could see from where he sat. This at once aroused in him the determination to try his luck at dis- covering the treasure. He awoke bright and early the next morning and having dressed himself. quietly crept out side without waking anyone. VVhen the rest woke up they saw him digging and jokingly asked if he were digging for fish worms. He kept at it all day. stopping only at intervals to do some chores which his mother asked him to do. Being small, he accomplished little. That night he was so worn out, his mother said he could not start again the next day. He would tell no one of his intentions and this aroused much curiosity. '

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SVQ Pages From A Senior Diary April 4th, Saturday-A brisk morningg a crowd at the stationg good-byes. admonitions. Finally the train arrived-more good-byes, and we were off for VVashington, the longed for Easter trip. Everyone was happy and cheerfulg we had lots of fun. VVe arrived at the VVashing- ton Union Station at 6 P. M. Busses were waiting to take us to our respective hotels. Thinking our time too valuable to waste we went to a movie. April 5th, Sunday--All were up unusually early for Sunday morn- ing. Some attended church while others went sight-seeing. During the afternoon most of our party visited the Smithsonian lnstitute and National Museums. Mary, Ruth and Ida visited the Wlasliington Monu- ment. Mary being very ambitious, like Squirrel, climbed to the top. Being weary, we are retiring rather early. April 6th, Monday-This A. M. we went on To11r of Public Build- ings. The first was the Bureau of Printing and Engraving. Oli! VX'hat money and stamps we saw! Greenbacks and goldbacks, red stamps and blue stamps. yellow stamps and green stamps were being counted from huge piles. Next the Pan-American Union Building and Congressional Library where we saw the original Declaration of Independence and Constitution. Last. to the Capitol, beautiful and impressive. This P. was free. Perhaps Carolyn can tell you about the size of the hall which she thinks twice as wide as her height. Madge, is there Unguentine for another blister? April 7th, Tuesday-All except those in No. 906 visited the Franciscan Monastery. What a ride home! Eight in a taxi is entirely too many, especially with Daniel's ten pound coat. Bureau of Fisheries, Lincoln Memorial and Navy Yards were visited this P. M. Clyde was quite an attraction. while Lee got along with his pipe. .lust returned from a movie. Did Daniel forget his shoes? April Sth. Weclnesday---VVould have had a very enjoyable trip to Annapolis Naval Academy this A. M. if it had not been for the fright the little Ford gave us while trying to force the busses off the road. This P. M. we took a boat trip up the Potomac to Mt. Vernon, the real home of George VVashington. On our way back by bus. we stopped at Arling- ton. The Home of the Dead. This evening a dance at the Arlington Hotel for the Hocmer party. jack, will you have souvenirs for all your friends? April 9th, Thursday--Philadelphia. llxhausted ears listened for the Liberty Bell: Blood-shot eyes looked for Betsy Rossg Blistered feet limped through Independence Hall. Oh! Yes. Ellenville. Home at last. Thanks, Mr. Hocmer.