Seattle University - Aegis Yearbook (Seattle, WA)

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THE ECHO The Phantom de Luxe A GRAY DAY. Large, lifeless raindrops interminably falling from a drab, dun colored sky to the sombre earth below. Sodden leaves whirl and eddy about, driven by hard gusts of wind. Scudding dark clouds totally envelop the sky and the whole picture is rather cheerless and disheartening. 'The awnings on the avenue flapped disconsolately, but they at least served as a temporary shelter for the passer-by. Under one of these, seeking refuge from the general state of aqueousness that prevailed on all sides, stood two boys; each held an umbrella which, from that day’s usage alone, gave the appearance of having gone through a long and hard season— emerging discouraged, defeated. The boys themselves looked rather the worse for the wear of the elements, their clothes dripping. They might have been anywhere from seventeen to twenty and under ordinary conditions were not hard on the eyes. Standing engaged in desultory conversation, they every now and then noticed the bedraggled passers-by and the never-ending streams of water flowing over the glistening black asphalt of the street. ‘Fine day, isn't it?” Yes, beautiful. But at that I don’t mind it for a change, now if it doesn’t keep this up.” “Can’t you find anything better than the weather to talk about?” Who started it anyway? You’re not such a brilliant conversationalist yourself.” “At least I can pick out a more interesting topic than the rain.” For instance-----?” “I saw a ghost last night.” “Oh, why not give us one founded on facts?” “No. this is straight.” “Whatsamatter, one too many synthetic gin rickeys?” “I expected you’d say that. It wasn’t a very good comeback.” 25

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THE ECHO Thus another day is gone, and perhaps we can in this way see and understand how slow the Chinese were: and how they needed a few thousand years’ start in the race for modernity. From China we make our way to Northern Africa, where on the banks of the picturesque Nile, the Pharaohs and their subjects are experimenting with the infant institution of education. The next step in schools leads us to the ancient empires of Rome and Greece—about the time of Our Lord—where young men following the philosophy of Aristotle, Plato, Socrates and the rest, walked in the groves in small groups, discussed and argued their teachers’ doctrine—thereby setting the foundations of our modern schools. From the viewpoint of a twentieth century schoolboy, this open air school where students walked about and were not confined to rooms is ideal. We have visions in our mind of Charlemagne. St. Louis and other heroes of past times receiving their education: visions and no more. Today we have schools for every boy and every girl, starting with the kindergarten, where children learn enough to be able, when they come home, to cut cute patterns in mamma’s best linen curtains or artistically paint grotesque and fanciful figures in red. green or white paint on dad’s’’ best Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes. And then there are the higher institutions such as colleges and universities, where the ambitious (?) go for one of three reasons: because it is an ideal matrimonial agency: because the rest do it. or because it is easier than working. Beside the above-mentioned institution, this modern nation is burdened with almost innumerable retailers of knowledge. correspondence schools, hairdressing schools, schools of etiquette, and every other kind imaginable, all competing for the patronage of those desiring to be educated. So you see all over the world ever since its beginning the human mind has sought truth and knowledge, even though it has discovered but a part of each. 24

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THE ECHO Say, little boy, you don’t think you can interest me with a tall tale like that, do you?” Well, listen to some details, Tom. It was in an old haunted room, the hour was midnight, the ghost moaned and clanked his chains, then disappeared.” “It certainly wasn’t a very original ghost, was it? Now if I were one I'd try to be a little different. I’d appear either a few hours before midnight, or a few hours after. I’d talk right out or sing, instead of that everlasting moaning, and I’d do entirely away with chains. And I suppose the ghost was white—?” Of course.” Well, I expect that wasn’t its own fault, it probably couldn’t change its color. But just the same I think it would be kind of a relief to see—oh. a purple one. But after all a ghost is a ghost, that is, if it is a ghost. You don't see them every day, and they’re hardly ever a bore.” You love the sound of your own voice, don't you?” said Scott. And I gather from the general import of your words that you harbor doubts concerning the truthfulness of my statements.” Why,” inquired l orn, did you figure that out all by yourself, without any outside help? But you can’t blame me much, for you know that I know how much you love the truth.” I have told the truth on certain occasions and I admit this is one of them. Now for the last time I mention the fact that last night I saw with my two big eyes a—well, call it whatever you want, ghost, phantom, spook, spirit, spectre. And now,” continued Scott, with an air of finality, “this is the last call. Tonight the ghost walks again, and if you think it could hold your interest for a few minutes. I could manage to have you present.” “Since you’re taking it so hard, I’ll have to humor you, and go along—but what’s your idea? You provide the ghost and I’ll provide the attention, but if it doesn’t come up to advance notices—” So you’ve decided to come along? You did the deciding. It’s just out of kindness I’m going with you.” 26