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

Page 29 text:

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-

Page 28 text:

 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-

Page 30 text:

 Just two weeks. David, when I shall be thine. The time is fast approaching. The room, which had gradually become darker, was by this time enveloped in darkness, and Felice arose and lighted the lamp. After discussing many plans for the future, David put on his coat and cap. and bid his little girl a fond farewell. Felice stood In the doorway and watched him until he vanished into the darkness and rain. Then, closing and barring the door, she retired for the night. The next morning when she arose, the storm, which had been ragring all night, had increased in fury. The waves tossed to and fro, as they beat against the shore like a prisoner. making futile attempts to escape. Felice finished her morning chores, and then sat down, and taking out of her cedar chest a package, she fondly undid it, and set to work to finish her wedding gown. Ml morning, she sat thus, and worked on and on; only stopping at times, to go to the window and gaze out on the rainy waters of the deep. By and by, she arose, and folding the completed dress, laid it with the veil, carefully away in her chest. By this time, night was fast drawing its curtains and settling down over the lonely little hamlet. Felice lighted the lamp and sat and listened for the return of the fishing boat, which would bring David home. Hour after hour passed, and he came not, and the wind and storm raged on the outside. Thinking that they had perhaps sought the shelter of a nearby eove. she lay down at midnight and fell asleep When she awoke it was morning and the storm of the pre- vlous night had not abated. All day Ions Felice sat upstairs at the window of her bedroom and gazed out over the waves. When night fell again and no word was received of the flsn-ing boat, she became distracted, and all the horrible things that ever could happen entered her mind. She thought of the treacherous deep and the reef that lay not far aw'ay. Nine, ten, eleven, and twelve o’clock of the second night and still her David had not returned. She could neither sleep nor eat and paced to and fro in her lonely little room, w-ait-ing and yearning. On the morning of the third day new’s was brought to her that the boat had been found a total wreck on a rocky reef nearby, and that David had perished like a martyr and was now in his Heavenly Home. Wild with grief. Felice returned to her room and here she was found by neighbors, who two hours later sought to comfort her. She, how’ever, could not be comforted, and begged to be left alone, saying, that since David was gone she would try in her feeble way to help others from receiving the same fate that David had. So they left her and went their way. Many years have gone by and Felice, an old woman, is still in the lonely, little cottage by the sea. Travelers and sailors going by see a faint light gleaming out over the still waters, and know it to be Felice’s light. Every evening Felice will climb to her little room and fix a candle so that its rays will shine out over the waters. For, feeble though its rays are she still hopes that they may save someone from the fate of David. Here she sits through out the night, knitting and watching the candle lest it go 18