Grants Pass High School - Toka Yearbook (Grants Pass, OR)

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THE TOKA 9 “$ljf iHan of (Elarkfi Prak” 4P NB very warm day in July one could have seen three young men certain peak in the Rocky Mountains. They carried overcoats strapmaking their way up a cog railroad which goes to the summit of a ped up in bundles upon their backs, and long walking sticks, which they were UBing for every purpose except as a help up the steep incline. Other travelers, who were just returning from their long journey to the summit, noticed their unnecessary exertions and warned them that they would need all their surplus energy before they had finished the hard trip before them. One might think it strange that they should be walking, when they might Just as well ride up on the train which went to the very summit, but this railroad did not get many passengers like these young men. They were out to ‘‘rough it” and wanted to meet with all the difficulties to be expected in carrying out such an expedition. These three young men were George Palmer, Charlie Straton, and his brother Earl. They had formed a fast friendship while in college and were now taking their vacation after their graduation. George was less fortunate than his chums, who had all the pleasures of home life, for he had never known his parents. He had always lived under the care of a guardian who had never told him of his father or mother. Late the same afternoon we might again have seen these three upon the last mile of their Journey. They no longer showed actions of surplus energy, but were now busy battling with the difficulties that confronted them. They were silent except for their deep breathing, for at this altitude the air is very light, and they were compelled to halt every little while. The wind was blowing a gale, and the drifting snow beat without mercy against their faces. The overcoats that were at the start very burdensome, were now most welcome. During one of their halts to regain a little of their lost energy which had been so carelessly wasted at first, they became aware that they were being followed by some one who continually dodged about the boulders to keep out of sight. They called to the unknown person and went back to search for him. but he could not be found. As they continued their Journey they made several unsuccessful attempts to discover the one who was following them. It was just about dark when they reached the summit. A good strong cup of coffee and a hot luncheon put new strength Into their bodies. They engaged rooms at the hotel for they wished to remain there for the night in order that they might see the splendor of the rising sun. They told the landlord about the man whom they noticed following them and asked if other travelers had ever had similar experiences. In answer to this they were told that they had been followed by the “Wild Man of Clark’s Peak.” Other climbers had spoken of seeing him, but he

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8 THE TOKA Then out through the door And down to the gate A figure rushed quickly. But, Ah! ’twas too late! For fast was it locked And high to the top And though made of Iron There was danger ’twould drop. So back up the stairs In haste then it flew. And all through the building The air became blue; While over the floor Ran rivers of tears That would fill any soul With thousands of fears. The boys just outside Were kicking the ball And making such noise That they heard not a call. Then dusk came at last. And up to the hall There wandered one boy To dispose of the ball. He unlocked the door And fell back in fear; For within a ghost screeched And his doom he thought near. But he gathered his courage And entered with care. When whom to his joy Should he see standing there But a dainty young maiden With a deep, frowning brow And smiling through tears Stood Miss McAdow. The door had been closed And as no one was nigh To rush to her aid She was ready to die. But the sight of a human So lessened her fright That she welcomed him gladly And beamed with delight. With a loud cry of Joy She sped on her way; They were friends evermore From that memorable day.

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10 THE TOKA had never bothered anyone and he was not considered dangerous. Several attempts to capture him had failed, so nothing was known about him. The next morning they were waked early by the bell boy, in order that they might see the sun rise. It was a glorious sight. All the world beneath seemed to be one mass of red flame. The wind which was blowing very hard piled the clouds about like waves of fire. After breakfast they started upon their return. They had forgotten all about the “Wild Man” until they observed that they were being followed again. They called to the man and to their surprise he came toward them. He kept his eyes fastened upon George and when about six feet distant from him he ran to him and falling upon his neck, sobbed like a child. Everyone tried to comfort him, and led him back to the hotel. The train was just going to start upon its descent, and as it was now too late to walk as they had intended, they bought their tickets. To their surprise they found that they could not leave the “Wild Man” who still clung to George and insisted upon following them. Finally, when the train whistled, ready to start, he began to beg the boys to take him with them. After much persuasion they decided to grant his request for he was such a pitiful sight, and seemed to be so determined that the boys did not have the heart to refuse him. The strange man caused a great deal of excitement on the train and many questions were asked him, none of which he answered. He still clung to George, as though he were afraid he would escape. When the four reached the foot of the mountain, they went straight to a hotel where they engaged a room for the old man and sent for a doctor. When the doctor arrived he examined his patient and said that he had been through a long spell of insanity, from which lie was just recovering. After having taken a little nourishment, the old man told George his story. Twenty years before he had suddenly obtained a fortune through the sale of some rich oil lands in Ohio. He had previously been very poor and had looked forward to the time when he, his wife, and his little son might some day live in a beautiful home in the city and be considered among the “Four Hundred.” When this fortune came to him, he saw the realization of his dreams. He went at once to the city and purchased the most costly residence that could be found. After they were settled in their new home, all they lacked to complete their happiness was a place in society. In order to introduce themselves into the upper class, they arranged a very fine banquet and Invited the “Elite Society” which was the best known and had the highest standing. This society was not composed of people of common blood such as he, but of people whose grandparents had come over in the Mayflower. Nevertheless, a great crowd of them accepted the invitation in order to see who and what kind of people these new “swells” were. The host and hostess, however, were not w’ell versed in the manners of high society and in less than two hours they had. through ignorance, Insulted the whole company who left the house with threats upon their lips.