High School of Commerce - Annual Yearbook (Cleveland, OH)

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Charles saw that his grandfather Was going to say something, and draw- ing closer he heard: My boy, I am about to die. At these words Charles shuddered but said nothing. When I die, continued the man, look in the Indian? If he was going to say more he never said it fc' convulsions seized him and he tossed and rolled and coughed that nerve racking cough that sent the chills over the body. Charles could stand no longer the cries of anguish that pierced his heart and he ran from the house in search of some one. Charles returned with the doctor but he was of no use, for the old man had died in the boy's absence. After the funeral Charles returned to his grandfather's house and for the first time thought of the Indian bust. Taking the bust off the stand and unscrewing the head, as long ago his grandfather had shown him how to do, he found inside an envelope addressed to himself. Tearing it open he read the following note that was enclosed: Dear Charles: Many times have I longed to tell you, you who have been so faithful to me, that the people had a right to think me a miser. For in my younger days I caused a sorrow due to a miserly act. Hoarding my money, I refused aid to a poor family and death claimed one member. Since you came to me many times have I longed to tell you that I have tried to atone to my Maker by giving to others secretly. And now to prove that I am sincere and to complete my atonement I ask, as a dying man's request, that you do not tell anyone the contents of this note, so that I may go to my grave with the reputation of being a miser. As you have helped me in other things help me in this, my atonement. Your repentant, Grandfather de Vine. JOHN TOBIN, 1911. as lurk HIS, from the pen of the French author, Max O'Rell, is recommended as of value to every graduate student at Commerce High. Luck means rising at six o'clock in the morning, living on a dollar a day if you earn two, minding your own business and not meddling with other people's. Luck means appointments you have never failed to keep, the trains you have never failed to catch. Luck means trusting in God and your own resources. 90

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Zltunement Q HARLES DE VINE was a happy lad as he entered the town store, for he expected a letter which would set a time for a visit at his cousin Tom's home. It was, therefore, with a cheerful voice that he asked the storekeeper whether there was any mail for him. f'Yes, my boy, there is, said the old postmaster as he handed over a small envelope. As Charles was leaving the store the man called after him. I-Iow's the old miser. I hear that he is not well? If you refer to my grandfather, he is not as well as I wish he were. But I can't understand why you should refer to him as a miser, for he hasn't much money and is only a little careful of what he has. With these words Charles left the store, but alas for his happy mood. As he walked homeward Charles opened the letter and found that he was to start the next morning for his cousinis home, but somehow he forgot to rejoice. The next day he stood in the doorway ready for the trip. Good-bye, motherg wish you were going too. Charles, the train is not due for two hours. What's your hurry? I've got to see grandfather, you know heill miss my visits unless he knows why I don't come. Good-bye. And Charles hurried away. A few minutes later Charles' voice gladdened his grandfather's ears, but noticing the old man's look, Charles asked concerning his grandfather's health. Well, my boy, the old man replied, I do not feel very well, but I hope to be better by the time you come back. I could stay at home and help you, grandfather, generously offered the boy. No, I'1Ct for a minutef' decidedly answered the man. I would not spoil your pleasant visit to your cousin's. As Charles proceeded to the station he thought that surely his grand- father was no miser when he refused his help. But the train was now ap- proaching and these thoughts left Charles' mind. The week soon passed, however, and it was not long before Charles was again trudging along the road to his grandfather's house. As he opened the door he gazed upon a sight that long lived in his memory. There lay his grandfather on the rickety bed not able to move. The stunned expression on his grandfather's face, the look in his eyes always remained in the boy's mind. Going over to the bedside he knelt down and looking into his grandfather's face said: A If I only had stayed! S9

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illibe Qlixpefteh letter 66 CAN'T mend anything more to-night, said Mrs. Livingston, despon- dently, as she laid down a half-darned stocking, and to think I can't get work. The coals glowed brightly, but the Fire was too low to really warm the room. Mother, I'll build the Ere for You, I know if this room were warmer you'd feel better, and little Gertrude, a child of ten, stopped talking to her pet kitty and jumped up to replenish the tiny Fire. Darling, we'll have to be careful and not make too big Hres for coal is so dear, and really I am warm enough. The mother thought of the mort- gage, and the interest which was over due, and a sigh escaped her. She tried to speak cheerfully for she would not burden her child. If John would only come home he could help me. The words unconsciously escaped her lips. Mamma, I'll help you if I can. Perhaps I can get some money by run- ning errands for Mrs. Brown, and then I'll give every cent to you. Don't worry, mamma, don't worry. A sound of footsteps outside sent a glow of hope to Mrs. Livingston's heart. The thought that her absent son had returned from the Philippines always rose at any unusual movement. A knock sounded and hope fled. John would not wait to knock at his mother's door. Run, child, open the door. It is cold to wait outside. A messenger gave the child a telegram, shook his head at the invitation to enter, and departed. Mrs. Livingston opened the message with quivering hands and read the following: Mother: Home about next Sunday, just mailed the thousand dollars. Love. John. Only ten words, yet her life was changed. Her face beamed with hap- piness for the mortgage could be paid. The next morning the postman found her waiting. He handed her a letter. The home was saved! She tore the envelope open, but to her sorrow the letter was not from John. The bank had sent a notice saying that the property mortgaged must be sold at ten o'clock the following Saturday. The mortgage must be satisfied. The notice was printed with here and there a blank space Filled in va ith writing. Her case in the eyes of the bank was only one of many. This thought passed through her mind as she laid down the pitiless letter. ' Two days went by and still no letter. Can it bef' she asked the postman, that my letter has been lost ?', Sent by my son last Saturday, she responded in answer to his question as to the sender and the time. 91