Le Roy Central School - O At Kan Yearbook (Le Roy, NY)

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Commencement Number T H E R E D A N D B L A C K P T - h age wenty t ree The Turtle Wins the Day The eyes of every girl in the study hall of Crandalton High School watched. with ill-concealed admiration, the new boy as he strolled nonchalantly up the aisle. The boys were watching him also, but not with approval. He realized the sensation he was creating and quite enjoyed it. 'The girls thought him stunningg medium height, slen- der, light hair, which shown resplendently with recent application of hair-groom, gray tweed sport suit cut i11 the latest fashion. and, what offended the other boys the most, a lavender silk shirt. They felt suddenly conscious of their comfortably rolled shirt sleeves or rough sweaters. ' Lee I-lrayford, athletic to the backbone, hissed one word i11 the ear of the red haired boy who occupied the next seat. Slicker! Buddy M4-Allister nodded his brilliant head- Scotch he was. but his hair was not the sandy color peculiar to his country men. It was just plain red. One liked his face instantly. wide-set brown eyes that seemed always to be laughing, a straight nose, and firm chin. He smiled now as he answered, Looks that way but you IIBVQI' can tell from appearances. Everyone was back early that noon and the new mem- ber of U. H. S. was the general topic of conversation, where- as the outcome of the Base Ball season had before occu- pied all thoughts. Nora U'Malley shot Buddy a mischieveous glance from her blue eyes. I think he's just marvelous, she mur- mured in her litling I1'ish accent. His folks have taken the big house on the hill. And isn't his name romantic though? Percival Anthony Chesterton. the Boston Ches- tertons, you know. Buddy's face clouded. Aw, Nora, I didn't suppose you were like the rest of these girls. falling for all that rot. The battle was on. This was what Nora had been waiting for. The rivalry between Scotch and Irish was never lll0l'0 keen than between Scotch-American Buddy and Irish-American Nora- Indeed? tossing her dark curls. I think it would be well if certain boys in this school would polish up a little. All that some of you think of is athletics. Don't you suppose we girls like someone who is rather gal- hint? Rats! retorted Buddy heatedly. That's it! Fall for a guy that looks like a collar-ad! Well. it's a 20011 thing some one came along to entertain you girls. for most of us have got to concentrate 011 base ball if we are going to beat Benton this season. For an instant interest lighted Nora's vivid little face. The big game with Benton! Benton, their old rival, Wh0 had sent them to an ignominious defeat last year. They must win! Uh. they must. She only shrugged, however. Base ball. always base ball. Here comes Percival now. I think he would look like Rudolf Valentino of he were dark instead of light: don't you? I imagine he da11c- cs divinely. Buddy stalked off indignantly and the minute his back was turned Nora began to giggle, Nora, Nora, remonstrated her friend. Edith Ander- son. Why do you delight in plaguing that poor boy? He is so awfully modest about his athletic accomplishments. too- Here comes Dot Brayford with Mr. Chesterton. At least we are going to meet him. In the days that followed Buddy became more and more bewildered. He could not understand the sudden change in Nora. There had been a dance in the gym Fri- day night of the week after Percival's arrival. Buddy had neglected to speak of it, particularly to Nora, for he always took her to the high school dances. Friday after- noon when he had mentioned it she had retorted airily, Oh, I'm going with Percival Chesterton. He asked me YVednesday. Sorry! And she had been sorry afterwards when she saw the hurt look in his eyes as he turned away- Buddy sat silently with some of the other boys and watched the dancers, instead of taking part. Always his eyes follow- ed KANora's Iiame colored dance frock. Nor was Percival's attentiveness lost on Buddy. Had he been a little older and less honest with himself he would have taken Edith or Dot and pretended that he didn't care. But deceit had been left out of Buddy's make-up so he stole away early and went for a ride in The Turtle. This was a sport car which he had built on a Ford chassis and painted a flashing green. It was the horror of the whole family. Buddy, however, had a stubborn will of his own. Ride in the family car he would not. The Turtle conveyed him wherever he wished to go. -As he tu1'ned into l'ourt street after his ride he saw an expensive car stop before N0l'2l'S home. He heard a familiar laughing voice and then Percival speaking. He drove swiftly past. Hello, Buddy. came Nora's voice- Buddy did not answer. The next morning Buddy awoke. hating the whole universe- In the days that followed. his heart was tilled with bitterness. Nora had failed him. Ever since the day seven years before, XVIM-ill the 0'Malleys had nioved into the corner house on Uourt St.. these two had been friends- Now this Percival person had arrived from Boston and it was only natural that Nora should be flattered by his attentions. Before, she had played ball and roller- skated after school. They had worked out the plans for The Turtle together. Nora. perched perilously on the top rail of the back fence, had watched him and her big brother. Jim. build it. She had even chosen the bright green paint and helped apply it. But now she was weigh- ed down by the oppressive dignity of her sixteen years. Where before she had been bubbling over with enthusiasm for all school activities. she had acquired an air of com- plete boredom. That was not all. Nora. as a last touch of sophistication. had put her hair up. When in the presence of this new Nora. Buddy. a year and a half her senior. felt like a crude little boy. Their easy comradship of former days had vanished completely.

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, she had never done The sound of heavy engines slowly died away as the Page Twenty-two T H E R E D A N D B L A C K Commencement Number The Fairy As he lay late afternoon of miles over had wandered in the short. green grass. in the glory of a sun. Dennis I-!ryn's thoughts were thousands sea. Work was over for the day and he away from his fellow laborers to be alone. This new country was strange to him. He had come to America but six short months ago: and had obtained work with a company that was constructing a great water sys- tcm. Dennis was interested in this great construction that was to supply water for thousands' of city dwellers and he enjoyed his work, though it was but digging the great ditches for the pipes. sun sank lower and lower: the shouts and laughter of tl1e men in the shacks were subdued and hushed- The rugged hills and winding river melted away into a soft rolling country. Dennis saw a tiny yard fenced in by a stone wall. over which a vine grew in reckless profusion, thrust- ing its pinky dewy blossoms saucily over the path, which led to a tiny, low, thatched stone cottage. In the door- way of the cottage sat h-is mother, a sweet kindfaced woman with some knitting in her hands. He longed for the day when he would have saved enough to bring' her to him but it seemed very far distant. As Dennis lay musing and dreaming of the little cot- tage at Restevor, he heard a wee voice at his elbow pipe out. uwhat is it that's a burdening your mind. Dennis Bryn? A fine. handsome. young lad such as the likes of you should have no use with dour looks. Dennis jumped. He looked all around him. No one was in sight. What was the trouble with him? Had he been dreaming? No. again he heard the wee voice. Shure and this line country has made you forget old friends. You used to be looking for me down by tl1e old crab apple tree in the dark o' the moon. This time Dennis discovered the pert intruder perched on the brian of his hat. She was dressed in a shining green gown. and was swaying back and forth like a thistle down laughing a rippling. silvery laugh of glee. As Dennis spied her. she skipped from her lofty perch and clapped her hands. immediately, from behind racks and bushes the tiniest. gay-est throng he had ever seen danced forth. Some arrayed in airiest gossamer gown: others in tiny green 9 cloaks- Round and round Dennis they danced and circled till he fairly grew dizzy watching tl1eI11. Then, as quickly as they had coine they were gone. leaving only the littlest, fairest one in the green gown, who once more tripped upon the brim of Dennis' hat- Well. Dennis. I'll be after giving you just 0119 wish, lie quick aoout it. I have very important business to be attending to this very evening. Quick as a Hash Dennis replied. I would be after wishi11 'I might have me good mother 'here soon, A line wish, me lad. and ye'll be getting that same. lVith another skip and a tinkle of silver bells she was gone. D-fnnis jumped to his feet and looked around. The sun had sunk far below the western horizon illlll the great full, red moon was peeping over th plain- He went back to camp with last he had seen the fairies whom h e lowest edge of the a light heart, for at had been seeking on t e moonlight nights for the better part of his eighteen sum- lIl6I'S. With the promise of the fairy ringing in his ears. Den- nis worked happily and more enthusiastically than ever. A little later, he received a promoition and before many months he was able to send enough to bring her to America. From the time of the meeting money to his mother on the moonlit hill. Dennis prospered. The fairy had not foretold all the good that was to befall him but she felt the fairies more good than she had done that night. The fairies are rather missed people and they are very sad when people scoE at the idea of their existence, but Dennis after working at night learned to Dut l to good use. He became one of tl fairly tales. But this was not -all, mis knowledge of fairies ae greatest authors of for as all good stories end, he married the princess and lived happily ever after. -The Scribbler. Queer Fashions in Engagement Rings Romance was not associated v when they first came into vogue. They :ith engagement rings are said to have origi- nated to hold the absent minded man to his bargain until the wedding- During the second century B. C., the ring on the fourth linger of the of betrothal. This particular finger a belief, prevalent to the times, tha women began to wear left hand as a symbol was used because of it this iinger was con- nected by a special vein to the heart. In Russia, the ring was worn 1 France, they wore it on the middle Jn the foreiinger. I11 finger. In the seven- teenth country. English women displwayed it on the thumb. At one period. the ring consistei 1 of three hoops, loop- ed together into what was known as the puzzle ring. On the wedding day. the bride, the gi friend took a hoop as a symbol. The engagement ring was used many centuries. It was not given f but was at first. as essential to hon pan. The wife was given a plain '00lll, and an intimate as a wedding ring for or sentimental reasons. sekeeping as a frying- gold ring with a key attached, so that she. and she only, could have access to the household goods. The wedding ring was adopted about 860. A. D. During the genera been alternately plain and elaborat, Francis G: UI thought Ceasar Russell: 'tHe is, isn't he? Francis G: No. Miss McCabe by the Anglo-Saxons tions since then. it has 'iola L. Barker '26. was dead. says she teaches him-

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entered the house he was pale but perfectly self-controll- Page Twenty-four T H E R E D A N Un a certain Saturday morning the whole world seem- ed flooded with sunshine. It appeared to be just an ordin- ary spring day in late May to most people.. To every boy or girl who attended Crandalton High it was vitally im- portant. At three o'clock the Crandalton base ball team would face that of her enemy on the Benton diamond. The McAllister phone rang and Buddy eagerly snatch- ed down the receiver. He was in a fever of expectancy for, as the crack pitcher. of the Crandalton team, today he would be called upon to uphold the fame of his school- As he listened to the voice at the other end of the wire he tiushed hotly at first, but before the conversation was finished his face was very white. A few moments after- wards he walked through the kitchen and his mother ask- ed. Going over to practice, sonny'? He paused, hand on the door-knob, his back toward her. 'tNo, he answered i11 a voice which strove to be in- different. 'Tm not playing to-day. He went down the back steps whistling. Mrs. Mc- Allister stared after her son's retreating back. incredulity written on her face. Buddy not going to play? Impos- sible! Why, l1e'd planned on this for weeks. What could have happened? Buddy, out of sight of tl1e house. threw himself face down beneath an apple tree in the garden. In less than live hours the two teams would meet. He could see every member of his own team: knew just how they would look. There would be a big crowd. banners waving, students cheering. And then, they would battle it out to the end. McKnight catching. Brayford at Iirst base. and he --A--f he wouldn't be there. Someone else would be pitching for Urandalton. He dug his hands into the turf and his should- ers heaved. Buddy fought his battle alone and when he Nora sank down among the bright- ed. Nora, seated before her dressing table, was slowly a11d painfully arranging at a pictured coiffur denly her brother's Nora. Nora! What to play? Nora rushed to going -- -W A- to her dark hair. now and then glancing c which she was trying to imitate. Sud- voice boomed through the lower hall. 's this I heal' about Buddy's not going the stairway. t'Buddy i4---- not play? Her eyes were wide. Why, Jim, it can't be true! Well, it The pitcher representing Crandalton this afternoon is to be none other than your high and mighty friend, Mr. Percival Anthony Chesterton. Nora collapsed against the bannister. live never seen him play. How did they happen to put him in? Oh, I forgot that you didn't know Coach Henderson is sick. He appointed Burley and Chesterton are pretty thick you know. So Percival has bee11 substituting and doing pretty well. Buddy hu1't l1is hand yesterday and played badly at practice last night. This morning Burley called him up and said that the team had decided to let Chesterton have his place. They added insult to injury by offering to let Buddy-HBuddy. lnind you, Substitute. Nora's eyes were flashing. Buddy a sub. Whyif' D B L A C K Commencement Number 0 Of course he refused to go. Th in this fellow. Buddy is the best find Crandalton Since you pitched yourself. his But say, this is serious, puttin put se kids are crazy to High has had -. sister put in slyly. him out of the big- gest game of all, when he's played b ter than anyone else this season. He's worked so hard . You've always had a lot of inguence with the boys- Isn't there anything we can do? Jim shook his head. I'm afraid Knight and Lee Brayford as I was feel as badly about it as I do. Thr ones on the team who have sense enou of changing pitchers. They are using it seems to me. l not. Met Bob Mc- coming home. They rse two are the only gh to-fear the results a mighty poor policy, Buddy is so sensitive. said Nora. He probably thinks that they are putting him out good. I don't know. Mac and Lee haf when they stopped me to unburden said that they told Buddy they woul of 'em didn't give in and put him i Buddy just answered that they simply dalto11 and not back down just beca than he had been discove1'ed. He lau then, and added that after all it wa. big thing was for his school to win : should'n't be considered. Game kid, al Jim. said Nora slowly, Perri to the game, but ----. Oh, is that the wherefore of all Jim questioned teasingly. as he noticed and orange sweater- Well, Im on t so lf' Just a moment. Jim. I don't cal val just IIUWV. Would you mind stol ton's and telling hiln that I've chan not going. - XVill I? You bet your sweet life You can go with me just as well as in front. No, thanks, answered Nora ant she 1'a11 into her room and shut the rll Girls certainly are the funniest swung out the door and over the I planned on this ever since the season isn't going. Hum! window seat. The Benton game! XVI out Buddy playing? Oh. it was cruel, him out like this. I hate Percival. s too mean for anything. He's jealous ability a11d he has just done this on pr Crossing to her dressing table. Nor at her flushed. angry, face ill the mirr I can see it all. now, she decls hairpins and tossing them on an ivory because he isn't any just been to see him their sorrow. They dn't play if the rest n his rightful place. ' must play for Uran- .use a better pitcher rhed, sort of bitterly, for the best. The ind personal feelings l right! val asked me to go the splashy regalia? her white satin skirt he way to the game 'e to encounter Perci- ming at the Chester- ed my mind. I am 1 will. grinned Jim. not. The car is out l. whirling suddenly, 'lOl' mused Jim as hc Iorch railing. She-'s started tllld now she -hued cushions on her lat would it be with- cruel of them to drop she exclaimed. He's of Buddy's athletic lrpose- I know it. a started as she gazed 0I'. Lred, jerking out her tray. Uh. how could