University of Vermont - Ariel Yearbook (Burlington, VT)

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THE ARIEL, 1908 27 Qllaptain fyeniw Qtsnapz, ur Sahel: hp at inch By C. B. SORNBORGER I. ARLY in his Freshman year, Hiram Adolphus Jenks, '96, determined to seek distinction in some one of the more spectacular forms of college activity. Failing to secure a place on the football team, he devoted himself earnestly to the study of military science. Mr. Jenks made rapid progress. He was soon entrusted with the important duty of clean- ing the muskets, and was frequently seen in uniform at church suppers. Having decided upon a military career, soon after graduating he joined the National Guard, where his thorough knowledge of the science of modern warfare gained him rapid promotion. Thus we find him in 1898, at the begin- ning of our little war with Spain, Captain of Company Q, State National Guard. He was accustomed to all the dangers and privations of war, never having missed an encampment, and could subsist for weeks at a time on embalmed beef, cigar- ettes, and lemon pie. At the destruction of the Maine, the anger and patriotic ardor of Company Q and their bold Captain rose to a white heat, and they swore that if the chance came they would free Cuba and sweep the Spaniards into the sea. At last came the expedition against Santiago, and Captain Jenks started for the front with fond visions of conquest and glory, having prepared himself for the exposures incident to modern warfare by purchasing a camera containing fifty yards of film. But, sad to relate, in the confusion of boarding the transport at Tampa, he was stepped on by an army mule and, with broken heart and three toes badly! crushed, was compelled to exchange his sword for a crutch and return to Bur- lington without having taken a single picture. The shock and disappointment, together with the sickening thought that he might never be able to waltz again, brought on a severe attack of nervous prostration, and his physician found it necessary to order him to some place where he might recuperate in absolute quiet and rural seclusion. The Captain found a convenient place exactly filling these requirements in St. Albans, the capital and social metropolis of Franklin County, Vermont.

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26 THE ARIEL, 1908 VVhile he listens to the invitation of the springtime, he is lost in a dream: for, far ahead he sees the summer's bounty, the fields of grain and grass: and over all the veil of the mysterious future is hung. So, in various ways, spring calls to the earth. children. She cries to those who are quick to hear and patiently eutreats those who have deafer ears and more sightless eyes. She calls to the student poring over his booksg and think not that she does not also Whisper to the professor trying to arouse enthusiasm over the study of a dead language, or the discussion of a grave problem in meta- physics. To truly heed the summons of the springtime, one must leave his tasks behind him, forgetting the pettiness, the cares of life in the great enfolding, soothing presence of Nature and her works. And rewarded and pardoned is he who, for a day may be faithful enough to this persistent call of the mysterious, to go out under the blue sky and in close communion with the great, wide, beautiful, wonderful world,' find peace' of mind and body. l

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28 THE ARIEL, 1908 II. Having spent a few weeks in the restful atmosphere of St. Albans, the Captain found his nerves and toes much improved, and proposed to visit the seashore for a breath of ocean air and a brief change of scene. After considering the relative advantages of Atlantic City, Newport, and other watering places, and making certain calculations, he took an excursion train for Queen City Park, that sedate resort on picturesque Lake Champlain. lfVhen the train reached the station at Essex junction, there entered and sat down beside the Captain Qthe car being crowdedj a lady, who immediately excited his quiet but lively interest. She had the form of a Venus, and her movements were as graceful as those of a wild deer or a duck on a frogpond. Her carriage was like that of a princess, and her dainty and aristocratic foot seemed to spurn the IQ cent matting on which she swept down the aisle. Strange to say, how- ever, and much to the regret of the gallant Captain, she wore a veil which effect- ively concealed her features. This, however, only increased his interest and stimulated his curiosity. He observed that her hands were small, white, and shapely, and when she asked the conductor how the train happened to be only 55 minutes late, the Captain was thrilled by the melody and rippling sweetness of her voice. As the journey continued, he was singularly fascinated by her near presence, her correct and graceful demeanor, and the air of quiet rehne- ment and reserve with which she chewed her gum. Great guns l said the Cap- tain to himself, she must be a beauty, she's so careful of her complexion. l wish she would take off that veil. HI. While the train was passing through the 'Winooski tunnel the lady's evident alarm Qshe had been through it only QQ times beforej was so great that the Captain felt called upon to reassure her. Before the train reached Queen City Park, his exercise of sympathy, military daring, and social diplomacy had won the acquaintance of the mysterious lady from Essex Junction, and thus it hap- pened that they were seen that afternoon wandering together by the lake shore and chatting gaily on the pavilion piazza. The Captain was more than ever attracted by his companion's sprightly manner and engaging conversation, but all his strategy failed to gain him a glimpse of her features. She even declined his invitation to partake of lobstersiic and ice-cream, but this only increased his infatuation. D CRNOTE.-Prof. Perkins states that he has often observed lobsters on the beach at Queen Clfy Paflf, and that they are frequently canned fllCl'C.-IEINTORJ,