Pennell Institute - Whirlpool Yearbook (Gray, ME)

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12 THE PENNELL “I will tell you the whole story”, replied the prisoner. “During my father’s reign, there was a great turmoil in France. The Catholic party resolved to dethrone him. My father’s death came sud- denly and unexpectedly. It was cus- tomary at that time for the King not to reveal his son to the public. Be- cause of this custom the people could easily be deceived as to who was his son. I was but fourteen years old. It was then that the Catholic party took the opportunity to seize me. To tell the truth, I know not whom is in my place as King Philip. Since that time which T think was about ten years ago. I have spent my days in this dungeon.” After a moment's pause, Marcel told him of his experience in the woods at the meeting. “Then I have a chance to get revenge and gain the throne which rightfully belongs to me , said Philip. “We must find a way out. Those men in the forest must be informed as to your discovery before they attack the castle. I have very little time , replied Marcel. “It is past midday and they plan to attack before sundown. Marcel quickly replaced the trap door, went to the stable, mounted his horse and rode into the forest. Chapter V Al Is Well That Ends Well Within the palace sat the King and Queen upon the throne. There seemed to be a rather gloomy atmos- phere about the room, as the King never spoke except to give commands WIIIRLPOOL and there was an ever abhoring look about his eyes. The Queen was young and beautiful. She never seemed to be happy. [n her heart she loathed the King as did everyone else. She, like most people. had been deceived as to who was the former King's rightful son. Marcel rode swiftly on through the forest. This time he had no time to admire the beauty of nature. All he heard was the wind whistling by his ears. Upon reaching the place of the meeting he removed the stone and descended the rough stone stairway. The men were gathered in a group within a rough cave. At the appear- ance of the boy they gasped in aston- ishment. His father came forward and demanded the cause of his pres- ence and how he had found his way there. Marcel told him the whole story. “Good”, replied the knights who could think of nothing else to say. “We must work out a plan for placing this man on the throne.” “T have worked out a plan while rid- ing through the woods”, said Marcel. “We will release Philip from his prison to-night. We will bring him before the false King in the morning and give him a chance to confess, and give him a chance to give the throne to its rightful owner. If he refuses, let your army of knights rush into the castle and force him from the throne.” You have a fine idea , answered Saint Bernard. “Get to your horses, men. We'll surround the castle before morning. I'll go before the King with the prisoner and give him a chance to

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THE done. King Philip must be dethr oned at once. He is not a worthy king and should not sit on the throne. Have all the men together this afternoon. I will make the arrangements for our last meeting.” Chapter IV A Two-Horned Dilemma What shall I do?” thought Marcel. “I must tell the king about this.” He rose to go but bent his ear to the ground again as another voice broke in on the conversation. How natural that voice sounded! Could it be—? Yes, it was his father. It seemed im- possible that Saint Bernard, a noble knight, should stoop to such an act as this. What should Marcel do now? How could he remain loyal to the King and let this plot against his life be go- ing оп? On the other hand, how could he betray his father. He must either be disloyal to the King, or betray his father. How could his father who had taught him loyalty above all else be involved in such a lowly act? As he stood thus thinking. one of the stones near his feet began to move. Quickly he darted out of sight behind a rock. As he watched, a tall knight appeared, carefully replaced the stone and, after looking carefully around, went to his horse. After the knight had disappeared, Marcel went to his horse, mounted and rode thoughtfully back to the castle. Having reached the castle, he entered a room which was not fre- quently used. No one seemed to know what the room was for or why it was PENNELL WHIRLPOOL 11 used. This was what Marcel was wondering as he gazed about the room. The floor was made of beautiful marble. There were but few furnish- ings, and the walls were covered with draperies. As Marcel was wondering what he should do, he wandered about the room examining the draperies. Be- hind one of the draperies in a corner of the room, was a lever fastened to the wall. He pulled on it. Snap! A square of marble floor was lifted from its place in the center of the room. Marcel went to the center to examine the trap door. Underneath the floor was a large spring which was released at the touch of the lever. The spring pushed up the scuttle which was fitted so perfectly that it aroused no suspicion. There was a stairway leading down into a dungeon. Marcel descended the stairs. On reaching the bottom, the first thing that met his eves was a guillotine with its torturing knives. As he looked about the gloomy dungeon he saw the form of a man in the far corner. He was pale and thin from lack of food and sunlight. Marcel approached him slowly. After gazing at him a mo- ment, in astonishment he asked: “Who are you that you should be in this deserted place? “Т am the true King Philip of France , replied the prisoner. You are the King Philip? said Marcel, drawing back in amazement. Yes , replied the other, I am the true King Philip of France . But who sits upon the throne, now. pretending to be King Philip?

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THE PENNELL WHIRLPOOL 13 surrender. If he refuses, I’ll step out- side the castle and wave my hand three times above my head. At this signal you rush into the castle and attack the guards. Meanwhile, I'll free the pris- oner and talk with him.” After the castle had gone to rest, Marcel led his father to the trap door. He pulled the lever and the door flew open. They dared not use a torch be- cause they must not be seen by the guards. ‘They entered the gloomy and desolate dungeon. “Are vou here?” asked Marcel in а low voice. “Tam here , the corner. “Follow me and be very quiet.” They left the dungeon, closed the trap door, and retired for a few hours’ rest. Karly in the morning the knights were stationed about the castle. After the King had taken his place on the throne. Saint Bernard led the prisoner before him. At the sight of him the King's face turned scarlet. His under jaw dropped and his eyes appeared to be leaving his head. “Your looks betray you”, cried Saint Bernard. “Here is the real King. I give you your choice; give the throne to him or fight for it.” At first the King was too astonished to speak. But at last he gave the guards this command: Put these men in the dungeon.” Before they had a chance to move. Saint Bernard sprang to the door and waved his hand thrice. Quickly the knights rushed in and attacked the guards. The false ruler answered a voice from found that he was not well supported and his guards were easily overthrown. He was taken from the throne and bound hand and foot. What is to be done with Queen? shouted another knight. “Down with the Queen!“ “Hold!” shouted the new King. “The Queen is innocent of this false act. She is young and beautiful. If she desires, she will continue to be Oucen of France.” “Hail! Hail to our new King!” yelled the knights. “Hail! Hail to King Philip and Oueen Marie!” “Tout est bien, que finit bien”, sighed the Queen, settling down on the throne. For the first time since her first ascension to the throne she wore a happy countenance. HARLAND McPHERSON, '32. the IMPERIALISM IN THE UNITED STATES “Imperialism” is a term much used by students of government at the pres- ent time. What is “Imperialism” any- way? “The policy, practice, or ad- vocacy of seeking or acquiescing in the extension of control over dominion or empire or a nation as: (a) by the acquirement of new territory or de- pendencies, especially when lying out- side the nation's natural boundaries, or by extension of its rule over other na- tions and races of mankind, as where commerce demands the protection of the flag.” This is the formal defini- tion of the inclusive term. The United States is not by principle