Oroville Union High School - Nugget Yearbook (Oroville, CA)

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 Reminiscences of Table Mountain David Kratz, 7 7 1 I climb to Table Mountain Beneath its rocky height, The plains of the Old Feather Lie stretched before my sight. As I watch the peaceful valley, Comes this thought into my head, How long has Table Mountain With these scenes of peace been fed? Orange orchards I behold, A bed of evergreen, Olive groves in silver gray A vast unchanging scene. “Should great devastation Ever sweep across this plain, It the cannons of the nations Ever start to raising Cain, California in its glory, Stretches far before my eyes. While the foothills of Sierra From the level plain arise. “How would Table view destruction From her stern and rocky height? How Mould Table hear the rattle Ain the clatter of the fight? Would the scenes of Mrar disturb her. As she keeps her rocky bed? Will she watch the crow and buzzard. As they circle round the dead? -16-

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Next morning dawned dear and bright both on the mountain-cabin and in the valley the other side of the mountain. Peace and joy seemed supreme in every home in the valley, except in the Bent wick house alone. There, one was aware of a deep settled gloom which pervaded the whole atmosphere of the place. Mr. Bent wick restlessly and aimlessly passed the day. His spirits were depressed and it seemed as if he could do nothing. Evening came and he sat down by the table and tried to read but merely sat with the paper hefore him. His mind reviewed the past few months. After all. why live at all. if one had to suffer as he had Gone? There was no loving God who was Father and Maker of all the world, or he would not see the creation of his hands puffer like that. No, if there was one He must be very cruel and harsh—He did not care—wouldn’t it be better to end it all than— I think I hear little Alan coming,” said Mrs. Bentwick. coming into the room. It's time he was in his little bed.” Although he had heard her talk thus night after night yet Mr. Bentwick winced, for she had struck the one tender spot in his nature by mention of the boy’s name. Mr. Bentwick again tried to center his thoughs on his paper but just then footsteps sounded on the path and some one knocked at the door. He rose to open it, but Mrs. Bentwick sprang before him and opened the door with a cry of Alan.” and into her arms walked the one she had looked for these many long, sad. -15 weary days. She broke down and wept while Mr. Bentwick, unashamed of his emotion embraced his wife and child while the tears coursed down his cheeks. Over Mrs. Bentwick came the feeling that things were the same as before the disappearance of little Alan and gradually the fog which had settled over her brain had lifted and she remembered the past three months only as a nightmare. She looked at her child and husband with her former expression of love and tenderness, while Mr. Bentwick saw it and rejoiced with a full heart. As soon as Mrs. Bentwick was released from her husband's embiace, Mrs. Vance who had regarded her wonder-ingly stepped up to her with arms outstretched and an unutterable longing in her face, Mary have you forgotten? Will you forgive? Alice—forget you? Never. Oh. at last my cup of joy is full!” Then turning to the men who were astonished at the resemblance the two women bore each other—Mrs. Bentwick said. “Harry, this Is my sister. Alice, of whom you have so often hard me speak. We parted many years ago with angry words and lost all trace of each other. I have prayed nightly for this hour and it has come. God is good. He has restored my sister. He has restored my child. “Truly he is good. said Mr. Bentwick from a thankful heart. Mr. Vance added reverently, “A little child shall lead them.

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The Warning Light Ada Vail, ’14 I ■■ It is a wild bit of coast on the rugged shores of New England. The little hamlet nestles under the lea of protecting c'.iffs, but no such kindly protection is given to the gaunt white tower that today rises on a high point, just north of the town. Several years ago Charles Perry, who chanced to be spending a few days of his summer vacation In this secluded spot, had noticed, night after night, a little light on this point. It is a poor, weak thing, thought he, but, oh, how constant! I wonder why it is there. It Is, Indeed, a sad tale, spoke up a hardy fisherman, when Charles had put his question to a group of men around the driftwood fire In the tavern. Let’s hear It,” Laid Charles, and his words were reriat-ed by the other listeners. Then followed the strange story or Felice and David. The wind w'hich had blown for several days still raged on. Felice sat at the w indow peering out on the raging waters, and thought of the sailors being tossed to and fro on the huge gray and white waves. As she sat thus, the door opened and through the entrance a handsome youth appeared. He wrore a rain coat and also tight rain cap pulled dow'n over his face; under it. could be seen stray locks of black curly hair. His eyes were brown, serious and large. Perhaps he was about twenty years old. And how goes everything today. Felice? asked the clear voice of the youth. By this time he had entered the little cottage. Very well, David, only I was just thinking, and wondering how everything was going with the sailor laddies. On such a day as this father was killed. It is indeed sad that we must find our living by searching on the broad ocean!” exclaimed David, for one never knows when the vast deep is going to call us yonder. There was silence in the little room which twilight was fast darkening. On the morrow. said David, breaking the silence, w'e start on our weekly fishing trip. And (iod grant that it may be a better day,” exclaimed Felice. “We will hope so.” answered David. But, Felice, do you know it is just two weeks until you shall be mine, and then, we will move from this lonely hamlet and the treacherous waters, and seek a better home.” -17-