Kitchener Waterloo Collegiate and Vocational School - Grumbler Yearbook (Kitchener, Ontario Canada)

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Eitvrarg

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FEAR RIC Stephensson was one of those rare men who never knew the emotion of fear. A Scandin avian, he was a true son of that fearless race whose daring knows no bounds. He was the embodiment of all that made the Viking. He was dauntless, courageous, indom- itable, relentless in purpose, ever restless and longing for adventure. Always he laughed at other men's fear, the hesitation of the cautious, the cringing of the meek. He had never known what it was to be afraid. Never had he fought the hard battle of the true hero, to con- quer Fear, and thus it was that when the two came face to face, the man and Fear, the man was quite unprepared. While on a tour of the Caribbean, Eric decided to visit Jamaica. Here he frequented the water-front dives of Kingston in the hope of finding the spark of some new adventure. One evening, while sitting in what was perhaps the most sordid of all the harbour taverns. he espied an old man in sea-faring togs who seemed to be having some difficulty with the bar-tender. Prompted by instinct, Eric arose and walked over to the scene of the trouble and in- quired what was the matter. He discovered that the old man was merely unable to pay for his drinks. Eric laughingly paid for the old codger and invited him over to his own table to join him in his bottle of sour rum. When they were seated Eric poured the drinks, then sitting back, glass in hand, he surveyed his find. The old gaffer might be 'The Ancient Mariner'. to judge from his looks,', mused Eric. I wonder what manner of yarn he will spin when that rum loosens his tongue-and Hoi' Doxxiik. A XIII A his brain. He smiled, sipped his drink and waited g but not for long. 'The Ancient Mariner' had ac- cepted the invitation dociley enough, the proffered glass like- wise, had drained the latter in one gulp, helped himself to another which he dispatched in like manner and then began to talk in dull, thick voice. Thankee for footin' m' bill. mis- terg mighty white o' ye tu do it: mighty white o' ye tu ask me tu too mister, poured and glass. Then 'ave a drink with ye he rambled as he drained yet another finding the bottle now empty he re- mained silent as though to imply that the mechanics of speech re- quired lubrication. Eric smiled with amusement and ordered another bottle of rum. Needn,t thank me. said Eric. However you must be in pretty bad condition if you can't pay even for your drinks. His companion remained in steadfast contemplation of his empty glass until the approach of the waiter with a new bottle gal- vanized him into action. Having attended to the necessary prelimin- aries, he continued in his gutteral tones. Pretty bad otl' ain't the 'arf of it. Here I iz. penniless me. Cap'n Gabr'l without a blarsted ha' penny an' I knows all the time as where there's millions tu be 'ad for the likes of 'im as can get 'em. Here he paused for another drink. and Eric, seeing the possibilities set down his glass and leaned back to wait for more. He knew from ex- perience that liquor and old men together tell good stories without being asked. Yep, continued the Captain. his tongue considerably loosened. I l 4' THE GRUMBLER