Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School - Specula Galtonia Yearbook (Galt, Ontario Canada)

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28 SPECULA GALTONIA I It was then a question for Jackson to get his car started. Although it took but a short time he was in a frenzy. When he arrived at the oflice his business friends were leaving. The deal was settled and he had been left out. One of the more sympathetic of the men advised him to introduce good methods and habits into his business life. Jackson was forced to postpone any thoughts of marriage for a few years. During this time he worked steadily and well. At the end of several years of hard work he felt that he was in a position to marry. Happily the object of his affections was still single and it was to her he turned. Ar- rangements were made for the wedding and Jackson felt happier than he had since the incident of the bridge. It so happened that, as he was driving to the church, the bridge swung out as they drew near to it. Nothing disastrous occurred, but the event, coupled with the memory of the former one, completely upset Jackson. During the ceremony his replies were halting and indistinct. His friends believed him to be nervous and they were right. They often jollied him about it in later years, but they never knew the reason for it. Many years later, Jackson and the bridge again met, but under very different circumstances. Mrs. Jackson was lying in the hospital across the canal. She was very ill. The doctors told Jackson that he had better stay at home and that they would call him if he were needed. Now the call had come and it had been urgent. But once more the bridge came between Jackson and his goal. When he reached the hospital his wife was dead. A few days ago I was visiting in Wentworth and as is usual was exam- ining the points of interest. A friend took me along the canal till we came to the bridge. Since a boat was nearing he suggested that we get on the bridge and stay there while it swung out. I was very glad of the chance as I happen to be interested in that sort of thing. As the bridge swung outwards I noticed a line of cars halted by the edge of the canal waiting for the bridge to be swung back. A funeral '? I asked my friend. Yes, he answered. Why, it must be old James Jackson's. Poor devil! He had a strange horror of this bridge-it amounted almost to a craze with him. He was always afraid it would keep him from his destin- ation. Just as well, then, I suggested, that he can't see himself now. F215 Demeter Smiles By HUME WILKINS NE cool summer afternoon we were paddling through Echo Lake in the canoe. The water lapped softly against the crimson sides of our craft and impelled by the rhythmic stroke of the paddle, the canoe glided over the rippling surface of the lake. Before us was a wide stretch- ing bed of water lilies, and in the brown, shallow water, stood a solitary bittern watching for his evening meal. As we approached, he spread his mighty wings and flew away out of harm's reach. Steering the canoe through a narrow channel was no easy task, but the beauty which was besieging us on all sides, was ample reward for our

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SPECULA GALTONIA 27 llwllglllffgl l . X! .Rf And oft, while in pensive mood, Sir Archer dreams aga' the many tales Which, in his memory, he has hoarded from the past. L st is he then in an ecstasy of delight or in a cloud of sorrow ..... in rse and in prose ..... the gems of literature ..... K' r By MARGARET DAVIDSON QPrize Story at the University of Torontol HIS is the story of a man who lived in the town of Wentworth. Wentworth is situated on the banks of a canal-the residential sec- tion being on one side, and the business section across the water. Joining the town is a swinging bridge. When a boat comes along the canal, it sounds a warning whistle as a signal for the bridge to turn. VVhen this happens, the traffic on either bank is held up until the return of the bridge permits passage. James Jackson had been born and brought up in Wentworth. As a little boy he had played near the bridge and it was a great honour, indeed, to be allowed to stay on the bridge while it turned out. It was an opportun- ity to see a real boat close at hand. When Jackson reached years of discretion he decided to marry, but he did not wish to ask the future Mrs. Jackson if she were willing until his business was well established. One day Jackson received word that he was to meet several well-known business men and discuss certain financial matters with them. If he agreed to their terms his business success would be assured and he would be free to marry the lady of his choice. Eagerly on that bright summer morning, Jackson left his house for the oflice. With his mind filled with rosy thoughts, he did not hear the whistle of an approaching boat. As luck would have it, the very moment he reached the canal's edge the bridge swung away. A trifle impatiently Jackson brought his car to a sudden halt, with the result that it stalled. The boat passed along and the usual crowd was waiting to cross the bridge. In a few moments it became obvious that something was wrong with the machinery. It was a matter of some ten or fifteen minutes before the bridge resumed its normal position.

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SPECULA'GALTONIA 29 labours. Surrounding the boat were myriads of white lily-cups with their chaste petals open to the heavens above. How strange is it that such pur- ity should arise from the slimy mud of the lake floor, even at the call of Persephone, the Spring Maiden. Presently we passed this pool of the gods and slipped into deep, open water once more, leaving the lilies to bloom alone, unconscious of their peerless glory. ABL The Last Word By MARION STUART SCENE I HE interior of a fashionable modiste shop. From the back a plump, middle-aged lady who looks as if she had been slipped into her black satin dress with a buttered shoe-horn, glides forward with an oily in- gratiating smile. Two young girls have just timidly entered the shop. Saleslady, in a stentorious yet suave voice- Well, young ladies, what can I do for you to-day ? Mary Jane, nervously- I-I would like to see some afternoon dresses if you please, something quite new. Saleslady- But of course we do not keep anything here that is not a la mode. fShe leads them into a little dressing-roomj. Mary Jane- Something green, if you please. Saleslady, condescendingly- Aquamarine, peacock's feather, spring leaf or lapis lazulif' Mary Jane, bravely- Lapis la-Lweakeningj spring leaf please. Saleslady produces a creation of a sickly yellowish shade bearing a faint resemblance to a toga bound at the middle. Mary Jane slips it on. Saleslady- Enchanting, divine. Mary Jane-- But isn't it-isn't it rather long or big or something ? Saleslady- But no, ma cherie, it is the new style, so graceful, so fem- inine, so chic, so- Mary Jane- Betsy, do you like it? Betsy watching the proceedings with interest and thinking, 'fGee it looks fierce, with enthusiasm- Darling, it's perfectly sweet, simply ador- able. Mary Jane- It's frightfully expensive. Saleslady- It is a model dress. Betsy, helpfully- And when a thing is good like- Mary Jane, fiercely taking the plunge- I'll take it. SCENE II The living room of Mary Jane's home. Father is sitting in a big arm chair, smoking and reading the paper. Mother is doing un1or's homework while Junior sprawled on the floor on his stomach 1S reading Tarzan of the Apes.