Port Huron High School - Student Yearbook (Port Huron, MI)

Page 16 text:

after a minute’s reflection nodded smilingly at him and said, “Well, Mr. Green, if you arc willing to help the boy, I will give my permission.” Rising and laying a hand on Dean’s shoulder, he continued, “I wish you would devote a little of your foot ball energy to your studies. Dean. We should sure- ly have cause to be proud of you then. I hope you will make good use of this opportunity.” Dean thanked them both and then hurried outside to tell the good news to Balmer, the captain of the eleven, who was waiting for him. “Did you get it? Hurrah! Now I’ll make you work. No more nights for you Dean; but I’ll help, old man.” That evening at seven sharp, Dean’s tutor came prepared to spend the first of a number of nights battling with Latin verbs. After a combined search they managed to find a Latin grammar, and then sat down to find out just how much he did know. “I guess I’ll have you conjugate ‘sum’ first, Mr. Dean,” said Balmer, assuming what he imagined to be a teacher’s manner in the school room. Dean started bravely, getting- thru the present tense with ease, faltering on the past, and breaking down completely on the future. “It’s no use Balmer,” he cried, ”1 can’t do it. I ' ll never be able to pass that test. ” Balmer gazed wonderingly at him. “Well, I’ll say you don’t know much aboim it. myself. How did you ever get thru the first year?” “I don’t know. I’m going to give up the whole thing.” “See here. Dean, you’ll have to stop talking like this. You know if I put a sub in your place he’ll lose his head. I’m here to help you .and I’ll try to find out what Mr. Green is going to give you on your test.” True to his promise, he arrived the next night armed with the desired information, and night after night found them in Dean’s room, coats off, going earnestly thru Caesar’s retreats and advances. Two weeks later, confident of passing his examination. 14

Page 15 text:

Down in Latin The principal of Court High School sat at the desk in his private office. A sharp knock on the door caused him to lift his head and call, “Come in! Oh! it’s you, Dean. What can I do for you?” The young man who had entered was tall, just missing six feet bv a very few inches, and good looking, tho’ not too much so. His face wore a very down hearted expression which did not change as he spoke. “Mr. Gavis, the coach has told me that I can ' t play in the Hartford game and I wish to speak to you about it.” “Why, how’s that Dean? I thought you were one of our strongest players.” “It isn’t that, sir; I’m down in Latin.” Oh yes, I remember. But you know our rules Dean. We must be very strict about such things. Let’s see, what were your standings?” He reached for the record and opened it. “Dean — ; Algebra 80, History 78, Latin 45 — pretty low.” “But I wanted to ask you if I couldn’t get Mr. Green to give me another examination.” I will try to help you Dean. If you can find Mr. Green bring him here please.” Dean soon reappeared with the Latin instructor following him. ‘Air. Green, Dean is down in Latin, I hear. Do you think it would be advisable to give him another test so he can play in the Hartford game?” “Well, to tell the truth, Mr. Gavis, Dean has been doing pretty poor work this year. I hardly believe he could make up so much.” “If you will give me this chance, Mr. Green, I am sure I can make it,” pleaded the young man, looking more dejected than ever. The instructor glanced inquiringly at the principal who 13

Page 17 text:

Dean reported at Mr. Greens room. The Latin teacher was not there. From a student in the ha ll he learned that Mr. Green had left early that afternoon for his home, a distance of some sixty miles, and would not be back until Sunday. Filled with rage at the teacher’s forgetfulness, Dean strode angrily to the principal’s office. Without waiting to knock he threw open the door and quickly stepped inside. “Mr. Gavis,” he began excitedly, “Mr. Green has left and forgotten to give me my examination in Latin.” Mr. Gavis looked up annoyed at the sudden interruption. 44 Well then, Dean, you’ll have to wait,” he replied coldly. “But if I don’t take the examination, I can’t play in the game tomorrow.” “I’m sorry, Dean, but it is all your own fault. We re- quire the boys who play on the team to keep up in their work.” “Couldn’t someone else give me my examination?” per- sisted Dean. “No; Mr. Green is the only one who understands your work,” and with that the principal turned again to his desk, ending the discussion. Dean walked out of the office in a daze, scarcely able to believe that all the hopes, for which he had worked so hard, could be shattered thus easily. Leaving the school he started quickly for home, going out of his way in order not to pass the field where the team was having a final practice. Balmer felt no uneasiness at Dean’s absence from prac- tice, as he knew of the impending examination. But anxious to hear the results he hurried over after supper and inquired for Dean, and was told he was up in his room . There he found him, lying prone upon the bed with his head buried in his arms, and listened while Dean brokenly told him of his disappointment. “Never mind, old man,” he said trying to sound more cheerful than he felt. “We’ll fix it up some way. Come on to the mass meeting and forget it for a while.” “Do you think I could go there now, when all the fellows think I’m going to play?” Feeling the lump come into his 15