Salem High School - Clarion Annual Yearbook (Salem, OR)

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s v Great Results Cannot be Expected Where Uprightness and Industry are Discarded.--T. T. Gear. Vol.1. SALEM, OREGON, JUNE, 1905. No. 8. Elmwood Phantoms EFFIE BOGGS, i07. tFirst Prize Storyi. LYDE, you remember the marshes we Visited last week? I meant to tell you then about the house which stood on the elevated land at the farther end of the swamp. When I first came to this country, fifteen years ago, I was asked to spend the evening with some young men about my own age. They told me to meet them at the Goblin House. I had heard of the place and knew where it was, but why they should choose such a place for a friendly chat was a mystery to me. Filled with curiosity and anxious to become acquainted with them and their amusements, I met them at the appointed hour and place. . The house, almost entirely covered with ivy and moss, gave no sign of life. An old cedar, whose out spreading branches almost hid the entrance, stood like a sentry. We climbed the rickety steps and entered. I was conscious of my surroundings and kept an eye open to the strange things which I saw. My companions seemed not to notice my shyness but talked and joked as if it were a common occasion. Passing through a long hall we came to a room comfortably furnished. I came to the conclusion that this must be their club room. I was not satisfied with this inviting place, when I had expected to see stranger sights within the walls of this tumble-down building. My thoughts must have expressed themselves outwardly, for the one who seemed to be leader suggested that they show their friend over the house. I was delighted at this, yet a feeling of fear crept over me. Not wishing to show my weakness, however, I gladly consented to be shown whatever there was of any importance to see. Keeping up their gay conversation, they lead the way through a rear door, which I had not noticed before, as it was hidden by a heavy drapery.

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10 THE CLARION We passed through a narrow hall, and one by one ascended the steep stairs. leading to I knew not where. Before I had time to collect my thoughts. we were on another landing with another stairway before us. The leader stopped, looked about him to assure himself that we were again all together, and with that, same air of composure mounted the second stair- way. We all followed. The conversation had ceased. A silence broke over us which was growing more and more oppressive to me. I was the last to reach the second landing. We stood before an iron door upon which, in brassy letters, were these words: itWhoever wishes to enter this door' must think twice and solemnly promise never to disclose the objects which he sees within? The minutes seemed to lengthen into hours as I stood gazing at the inscription, trying to think twice and debating in my mind. whether I should make the solemn promise. The silence was still unbroken. Sixteen eyes rested upon me waiting for my consent to allow their owners to roll open the door which was, I though, to reveal the wonders of a lifetime. Every limfb of my body was shaking Violently. My knees threat- ened to support me no longer. I had gone this far, was I going to give up now? N 0, your uncle, who had life before him and who realized that it was not always going to be as smooth as it had been in the past, was too proud to be outnerved. itFoer I thought to myself, tlwho knows but there- is nothing but bare space behind that feigning door? With this thought I nodded assent. The leader took from his pocket a tiny key and placing it in the lock the door swung open with a sharp click. My friends stepped. back, giving me the way to enter. Would they follow? Of course they would, so I bravely stepped forward. I could feel the color leaving my face. I dared not life my eyes. Conscience whispered, tiCouragef, With the feeling of one who is about to meet his fate, I lifted my eyes with the hope of seeing all at once glance. Great Heavens! I was alone with the door closed upon me. I was in utter darkness. Was it only a joke after all? Were my companions enjoying themselves at my expense, or had I fallen into company with secret criminals? These thoughts ran through my mind like ligtning. I must do something. I made a quick step toward the door, only to iind it glimmer of a light. It was very dim at first, but gradually grew brighter. I soon discovered that the light shone through the eyes of a skeleton, which appeared to be coming nearer me. I was now able to see the other objects which, true to my promise, I have never disclosed. Again the door opened, as if by magic. Released, I was loyally led back to the club room. After signing my name I became a member in good standing of the ilElmwood Phantoms? I shall never forget my initiation.