Mechanic Arts High School - M Yearbook (St Paul, MN)

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JUNE, 1925 T H E :AMN The Precipice By NEIL BoARDMAN On the Island of Cheng, just off the coast of China, there is a thousand-foot cliff, mak- ing a sheer drop from a smooth and spacious tableland, to the snarling sea below. On this tableland, which, like the rest of the island, belongs to the Emperor, the foremost troops of His Majesty's army train, So famous are these troops for their bravery, virtue, and obedience, that they have be- come an institution of themselves in China, and it is the ambition of every young soldier in the empire to some day become one of them. It is happened that a brave but cunning oflicer named Wo Lo, who led a body a mainlanders, was appointed Commander of the Island of Meng. He had double cause to rejoice. Not only was he highly honored by the appointment, but he now felt that the father of the maid of his choice would consent to their mar- riage, overruling a wealthy but titleless rival. But the father had a strain of Solomon in him, and he invited the two contestants for his daughter's hand to visit him on the tenth of April-the day of Wo I.o's departure for Meng. Upon arriving at the father's house on the appointed day, the two rivals found many people present, clad in their brightest attire. Welcome, Wo Lo, and welcomey Jo Sing, said the senior, your wedding guests are here: here is the bride, for the winner, and here is a glass of the best Wine in China for the loser. Come, let us choose between you. The two men stood forth. Wo Lo, newly appointed Commander of the Island of Meng, and descendant of the great prince Wu Kura, bowed low to the father. Then he stood still, his head high, his small eyes gleaming, his thin, pale lips drawn into a straight line, and his whole body motionless. Jo Sing, private in Wo Lo's erstwhile troops, and son of a wealthy merchant, also bowed low to the father, and then he stood by, trembling and hopeful. We will concede victory by points, be- gan his reverence, now, Wo Lo, speak: What right have you to claim my daughter's hand? I love her,- began Wo Lo, the cun- ning in his voice replaced with sincerity. 'iOne point, said the father. MI am of noble birth. Two points, said the father. I am now commander of the great troops of Meng! Three excellent points! Is that all? 'AThat is all, sir. 'ANow Jo Sing, let us hear from you. I love your daughter, began the young private. One point. I am wealthy. 'A'Two points. Jo Sing blushed under his yellow skin, and glanced at the bride-to-be. With her eyes she urged him on, She loves mel Wo Lo bit his lip, and his face darkened. His reverence gazed at his daughter, and he knew that the words were true. That, was the reply, is worth two points of itself. You have four points, Jo Sing: let me embrace you as my son. Here, Wo Lo, drink this glass of wineY .Io Sing smiled, and the bride smiled, and all the guests smiled. But Wo Lo did not smile. He dashed the glass to the floor, and without a word, departed. Upon arriving at Meng, the first thing that greeted Wo Lo's eyes was the stunning sight of the Meng troops in motion. Almost as numerous as the sands on the beach, the men moved before him, a mighty sea of mili- tary perfection. His eyes blazed with pride. These men were his! He turned to Lee Ka- kokaki, the resigning commander, and said, I believe these men would end their lives if so commanded! They have done so in the past: but the present emperor forbids the making of any such a test. Wo Lo was silent for a moment. Then again the narrow eyes grew narrower, and the thin lips parted, showing the yellow teeth beneath.

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10 'l' H E M JUNE, 1925 The next night was the true twin of the first, another of nature's miracles! On this night, as before, Dame Nature was mistress. All her wiles had been used to make the night wonderful, to madden poor mortals. When the wind with its sigh- ing had been quieted and the stars had taken their places, the moon beamed with satisfac- tion. The stage was set for Act ll. The car which Jack had driven on the night before and which his brother, Jim, now drove, had silently followed the same road as before, like a horse grown used to one trail. Kate was waiting on the lawn when Jim leaped out with a jovial- l-lello, Kate. Hello, Jack, Kate replied. Soon they were moving swiftly along a tree-lined avenue-cooled by fragrant coun- try breezes. When they seemed to have left the heart and congestion of the city the speed changed to a slow glide-an almost imper- ceptible motion. This is great, Kate said. lsn't the sound of the wind through the trees pleas- ant? Jim heard and did not hear. How musical! he said, commenting on her voice. The little stars winked at them between the trees. The stars are bright tonight, she said. Yes, they are quite as beautiful as last night. Ah, was Jim's half spoken reaction to Kate's lovely eyes. How bright the moon is. lt almost seems to set the trees on fire, Kate went on. Yes-yes, Jim burst out entranced. The car narrowly missed one of those pillar-like trees. They talked on, about the night, about each other. When there no longer seemed any good reason for waiting Jim got out with much trepidation: Kate, will you- the words stuck in his throat -Mar-go to the Senior Ball with me? She looked at him and asked: Didn't l tell you this morning that l would? Oh, came from Jim. Why did you ask me again? Jim's recovery was quick. The setting seemed so appropriate, he said. This seemed to satisfy her. They returned home happily, Jim elated, though puzzled, by his success, and Kate glorying in the night. Glancing toward the moon as he turned to go home, Jim saw, or thought he saw it laughing at him. Jack was waiting when Jim reached home. You're a little early tonight, he com- mented. Oh am I? l hadn't noticed. But listen! Kate promised to go to the Senior Ball with me! Jim replied, proudly. To go to the ball with you, Jack re- peated as if he hadn't understood. 'ATO go to the ball with you! this time wrathfully with complete understanding. Why she has promised to go with me. Well, what of it? Jim asked, quietly. You've cheated me, that's what, Jack burst out angrily, and you'l1 fight me for it. 'AWith pleasure, Jim replied politely- ln the morning. And then as an after- thought, Name your weapons. Jim made no answer other than a growl to this bit of intended pleasantry. fs: :sf :sf wk :lc The following morning, which by its grayness promised an unpleasant day, found two disgusted youths on the usual battle ground-a flat plot of ground rather too close to a public road. They fought as only brothers can-without rule or reason. What Jack hoped to gain by fighting is doubtful. Perhaps he wished to keep Jim from the party. lf so, he was succeeding quite admir- ably, for Jim was torn and bleeding. Each fought with diliiculty now because of half- closed eyes. The light was in its last round when over the hill there came the beat of hoofs. So intent were they on their light, that neither noticed the approach until the rider reined in. They turned as one, and saw before them on a spirited horse their mutual friend, Kate. As one they stepped forward, each to de- mand his rights. But Kate spoke not a word. She merely looked at them-with surprise at first-then with scorn. With a gesture almost royal she disdained them completely. Rising in her stirrups, she turned and called to a companon, who had followed at some distance, 'Catch me, Fred! With that she was off-vanishing quickly in a cloud of dust,

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I2 THE The Emperor comes next week, does he not? he asked. It is his custom, upon the appointment of a new commander, to do so. Then we must show His Highness an exhibition. Back on the mainland, Jo Sing and his bride were still merry-making, when a messenger brought the private a letter. Open- ing it, he read,- I highly regret my ignoble actions a few days ago, and most humbly beg your pardon. In order to show my love to you, and because I still honor the woman you mar- ried, I have arranged with your captain to have you come at once to Meng, and join our foremost regiment. With sincerest regards, p'AWO LO, Commander, Island of Meng. 4'Meng, E April 13, I9-. Jo Sing was a soldier, and his wife was a soldier's wife, and instead of its injuring their wedding joys, the letter added to them. I will go with you to Meng, said the happy bride, 'Afor the Emperor will be there, and you will doubtless march before him. If the father entertained any suspicions against Wo Lo, he hid them, and sent his children off in happiness. The great day had arrived. The Emperor was seated in his box, overlooking both sea and plateau. The sky overhead was clear and blue: but as ever, the mighty waves be- low tossed in feverish restlessness. The great regiments began their review, their bright colors flashing in the sunlight. They marched in every conceivable forma- tion, making fantastic designs on the green- sward. Great was their work, and great their applause. And, amidst the onlookers, sat Jo Sing's little bride, proud beyond measure of her soldier-husband. pl M JUNE, 1925 After the noon recess, soldiers and wit- nesses once again took their positions, and the afternoon session began. The troops formed a huge dragon, with a tongue of fire, and marched about in a circle, to the loud- voiced admiration of the people. The day passed into dusk, but neither Emperor nor populace moved from their places. Wo Lo, standing in the midst of his men, like the ringmaster in a circus, smiled. The great sun lit up the island and the sea in crimson splendor. A few twilight breezes cooled the heated cheeks of the soldiers. Suddenly Wo Lo's voice rang out. Regiment A, stand forth! The heart of Jo Sing's bride beat fast. The remaining regiments were asked to retire: and enviously, they joined the spec- tators. The whole crowd was tense, for the greatest body of soldiers in China was about to perform, Right face! cried Wo Lo. The men turned, facing the cliff and the sun and the sea. Forward marchl Everyone watched, breathlessly. A bright ray of the parting sun broke through a rift in the clouds, and blinded the eyes of the people. Then the clouds were merciful, and once more covered the great god's face, The Emperor, Wo Lo, the people, and Jo Sing's little bride of seven days saw the regi- ment on the brink of the cliff, marching- on! Again, and for the last time that day, the sun burst forth, In the fulness of its glory, and their uniforms made beauteous by its reflections, the great soldiers of Meng dropped a thousand feet into the hungry sea. And, like the great God of Vengeance, who dies when his work is complete, Wo Lo, with a laugh leaped over the precipice, and linked his fate with theirs. : yi 7 I 1: 51555 -U G' -:Q :y ., VND ug 'lf X: -Q