Racine High School - Kipikawi Yearbook (Racine, WI)

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The iBbantnm's Behenge Far to the north in the Klondike region rises a sombre range of mountains cov- ered with everlasting snow. Over the whole sky hangs a gray shroud of murky clouds entirely shutting out the cheerful rays of the sun. Between two frowning peaks lies a deep valley, dark with dusky shadows. In its center, imprisoned by ice of a leaden hue, Hows a small stream. The only sound to break the melancholy silence is the dismal howl of a wolf. Hovering about the lowering crags are a few birds of prey, who sometimes, swoop- ing into the valley below, search for the carcass of some unfortunate beast. ln the distance a black speck appears coming toward the mountains. As the object approaches, it proves to be a man driving a sled pulled by three gaunt Eskimo dogs. Entering the valley, the man advances along the stream. A closer view of him shows that he has a large nose, a small mouth, and almost no chin at all. From under a thick black eyebrow stares one eye. The other is missing. From the empty socket, like blood trick- ling from a fresh wound, a long red scar runs over his cheek. ln his one eye is the guilty look of a murderer. The man straightens a small pack slung over his shoulder. In so doing, his hand touches a stiff brown spot on his coat. A shudder shakes his whole body. It is the blood of his friend, whom he killed six days before in a quarrel over some gold dust. He sees again the reproachful look in his friend's eyes just before the glassy stare of death came into them. He feels again the teeth of his friend's dog gripping his arm, and also hears his dying moans after he has been shot. On the manis sled are piled mining tools, a rifle, a sleeping bag, and food. The light gradually begins to fade, and insufferable and oppressive gloom fills the air. The miner prepares to pass the night. After building a fire and eating his supper, he crawls into his sleeping bag. An un- kn A canny feeling that he is being watched comes over him. He feels despondent and depressed, but finally forces himself to put the melancholy thoughts out of his mind and to go to sleep. In the morning the miner rises early and begins to dig for gold near the brook. He has the same eery impression that troubled him the night before. The only reward for his strenuous day's work is a few small nuggets. The miner prepares to return to camp. Suddenly the abject feeling greatly increases. It is almost the hour at which a week ago he killed his friend. Looking up, he sees, standing a short distance off, a large dog. The beast is of enormous size, and has a massive jaw with shining teeth. His al- most human eyes have a revengeful look in them. Wlith horrified amazement, the miner recognizes it to be the dog of his murdered comrade. He grasps his gun which lies near, and taking careful aim, fires. He immediately runs to escape the abhorent unseen phantom. The ebon darkness thickens. He has the sensation that a sailor must have had when the Symplegian rocks were closing their clashing jaws upon his unfortunate vessel and grinding it to bits. His hair stiffens. Beads of perspiration drop from his forehead. He turns and walks back- ward. The snow seems of its own accord to form the tracks of a dog. VVhen the miner halts, the impressions in the snow stop also. The frightened man is unable to control himself. His single eye pro- trudes from its socket. He flees at full speed from the awful remorseless specter. The unlucky man stumbles and falls. Sharp teeth sink themselves relentlessly into his throat. They grip him as Cer- berus grips some wretched soul trying to escape from Hades. His hands grasp empty air. His head is almost severed from his body. Wlarm red blood gushes from his neck in great streams. Soundless snow begins to fall gently, and soon obliterates the frightful scene. ROBERT CUSIIMAN, '2O.

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6!Ehzrp Erahuate A Drama in Three Episodes. Time: Commencement Day. Characters: Every Graduate Scholarship Commencement Diligence Principal School Chums Diploma School Spirit Teachers Neglectfulness Episode I. Scene: An office furnished in the usual ITIZIIHICIY ' fPrincijJal fits at dfflhj Principal: The Hour draws near, the fated Hour Viihen Every Graduate in Life, Ifnsheltered by the shielding power, Shall stand his test amid the strife,4 To win or lose, as case may be, To yield or conquer Destiny. So gird him with an armor fair Iiet him for his own fate prepare. Clinter Cfommeneemenzj Hence, fair Commencement, merit's guard, Bestow thee now the earned reward. Commencement: I come thy bidding to fulfill, Thy mandate thus to carry out, To distribute by thy just will The well-earned wage which none may flout. Upon my tour I take with me That sheepskin, symbol of the end, That sign of faith and fealty, The good Diploma, Life's true friend. Principal: ,Tis spoken well, my servant true: Now, hie thee to thy given task. Perform it well, as oft ye dog Return, and in my pleasure bask. CEait Commencement Prineipalfizf at defk, nodding head and thinleiiigy A EPISODE II. Scene: Un the Road of learning. fC07711?1t?1lCF77IK7ZlHllfff, learliiig Diploma. Every Gmduafe eizfeer from oppofzfe diree- lionj Every Graduate: Ah l Vilelcome stranger! Wihither bound? Who may ye be? And what thy quest? And thy companion? Have ye found Thy wearied souls in need of rest? Commencement: To all thy queries, Graduate, An answer have l on my tongue. And best thy curious brain to sate, l'll give them separate, one by one. First, MVYliither boundfw I'll tell thee straight. My mission draws me near to thee. Next, What my quest ? Thine own self's fate. 'Wiiho may we bein Thou soon shalt see. Thou my companion knowest wellg Right long hels held thee by his will, The hope of honors to compel. His name, Diploma, faithful still. And I myself, new friend shall be. To Every Graduate I say, l'Prepare thee for thy journey soon, And on our road we'll haste our way.' Every Graduate: Ah! friend Commencement, stay thy fate, I may a fairer reckoning win. Commencement: Nay, not a moment will I wait. l,ife's rocky road thou shalt begin. Clfiifer Teaeheri, walleing lzfiarriedlyd Every Graduate: Someone draws near, a trusted friend. Hail l Teacher, thy approach well-timed No more pursue th, inevitable trend Alone. For Teachers e'er 've been kind Teachers: Nay, Graduate, thy speech conserve: Beyond this road I may not stray. lXly time for others I reserve, 1