Stamford Union Free School - Camera Yearbook (Stamford, NY)

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Get set! The starter pointed his gun skyward. Like a steel spring Anthony vibrated O11 his bent legs waiting for his release. He did not wait for tl1e report. The starter's trig- ger-iinger told him when to go. As he straightened from the crouch, he felt a. pain like a dagger-stab in his weak leg. It almost threw him off his bal- ance. But controlling his nerves with all the strength his will could summon, he gathered speed. Instant by instant the pain increased. Before he had cov- ered twenty yards it became an intense agony. His jaws closed like a vise and for an instant his eyes saw nothing but a blur- red, confused background. Cummings was two yards ahead. Evidently he had no fear of Anthony, but was concentrating on the man on his left, who was about on even terms. They were near the fifty yard mark. The pain seemed aba.ting. Anthony called on his muscles for more speed, and they responded. Inch by inch he gained on the fore-runners. Cummings turnd his head slightly side-- ward, as though listening to the grating of the spikes in the cinders. The stands were in an uproar. He heard his own name roared from the Howard side, and from the crowd opposite rang that of Curmnings. Twenty yards from the tape he was shoulder to shoulder with Cummings. His antagonist seemed to have something in reserve. An instant before Cummings uncorked his last ounce of energy Anthony made a spurt. The spectators stood on the very rails. They were still shoulder to shoulder. Anthony's stride which cut in two the live yards that separa.ted him from the tape, was longer than Cumming's best. As he threw up his hands and advanced his foot for the final lunge, his injured leg gave way, he dove headlong on the ground. The rest of the runners shot by, he picked himself up and limped over toward the green turf. The timers were comparing watches, and the announcer stood with his megaphone waiting for the record. 6t0118-l111HdI'9d-Y3,1'd-dilSll won in ten seconds -a loud applause burst from the crowd,- won by Ralph Anthony.

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He went up into the Howard side of the stadium and as soon as his schoolmates saw him making his way in from the rear they gave him a grand applause and cheer. 'VVhat if he should fail them,' he thought, and yet failure might mean rich success for him. He was likely to fall anyhowg his leg was so uncertain. He smiled at his father, a handsome, strong featured man and sat down on tl1e arm of his chair. Mr. Anthony looked up at l1in1 with an expression of pride and confidence. lVell, old man, this is the grand finale, he said. I guess it 's going to be worth all we've put into it. Ralph suddenly looked away. He disliked to trouble his father but after a moment he told him all that had passed be- tween Dart and himself. His father then told him that he was in the same trouble when he was in school. A fellow Who thought he wanted the race more than I did, offered me an important poistion and big money if I would let him win. I asked Dad about it and he calmly sized up the situation and cleared it all up for me. Here are these rich people, hc said, Mable to buy' and sell you a thousand times over if money is all there is to consider. But- do they offer you their money? Oh, no, they offer you a posi- tion and a salary which will be paid by stockholders' money If anything goes Wrong in the corporation you will be the loser. If you can afford to sell out your school, your conliding friends, and yourself on a proposition like that, it's up to you. 'tAnd about the race ? asked Ralph. I had to run the hundred yards in ten seconds to beat Dart to it, replied his father. Dart, did you say, asked Ralph. Yes, he's president of the Consolidated now. You may have to buck him and his tribe yourself some day. Ralph started to say something, but the clerk of the course called the hundred, so he went on down to the track and warmed up until the starterls whistle summoned him to the line. He recognized Cummings, who stood beside him, to be the fellow whom Dart wanted to win. Get ready on your mark, called the starter. Anthony placed his feet for the start and dropped to one knee. 1

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He scrambled to his feet. Tl1e rooters from his school surged past the oliicers, and swept down upon him. A moment later Cummings came up to him wearing an as- tonished: expression. 'tlVell, you won after all, he said. Anthony replied meaningly, That's what I Went in for. IRWIN DENT '27. SCHOOL NOTES SEN1oR RECEPTION The Seniors gave the Freshmen a reception shortly after school began. This welcome to the new students was held in the gymnasium, where the Freshmen became a little better ac- quaintd with their teachers and the other students of Stam- ford Seminary. Several of the privileged ones were not pres- ent, a part of these because they were unable to attend, others because they did not realize until after that they had been iu- vited. A plan was made by which each Freshman might be identified and thus be assured of a Welcome. As their names were called they came forward and received green ribbons, which were immediately donned. Mr. Wilson had charge of the games which were well patronized. After all had had a jolly good time, ice cream and cake were served. The remain- der of the evening was spent in dancing. Many of the Fresh- men left early, content with short hours on their first public appearance. MUs1CAL RECIT.-xLs This year we were highly elated to hear that it was no longer compulsory for each student to take part in chapel ex- ercises. According to Miss Mallory's plan tl1e individual may offer his services but is not compelled to make an appearance. Many interesting Musical Recitals have dominated our VVed- nesday morning gatherings. These have been in the form of vocal, piano and instrumental solos, duets and trios. The girls chorus and student bod.y have taken an active part in the sing- ing. The grade children have given fantasies and plays and helped a great deal to make these half hours interesting.