Vanceboro High School - Tattler Yearbook (Vanceboro, ME)

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THE VANCEBORO TATTLER 9 done the impossible in clipping that second off the record? Thunder, his only worldly pride besides the Colonel's son, had at last realized J im's greatest ambition. Jimmy now hoped that the horse could keep going at top speed all season in order to save the Colonel from utter ruin. Every cent the Colonel could raise he had bet on the outcome of the big race next week. Already he was heavily in debt, as he had placed a large mortgage on his home and his stables. He owed his jockeys many months' back payg but they worked because he boarded them, and because they were loyal to him. Now they were planning a big surprise. Every cent they owned they pooled togetherg every discarded article was con- tributed to be sold to help out the fund. When everything was turned in, Jolly Jimmy counted it and found: 5369.56 in cash, a pair of riding boots, two quirts, a pair of spurs, thirteen razors, seven sets of dice, two old watches, and one old suit that had become too small for its owner. After selling evewtbinfr, they had exactly S401.89. All of this was placed on Thunder to win at odds of 16 to 1, which would give them just about S6,430. Finally, after several days of strenuous workouts for Thunder, the day of the race rolled around. It was a perfect day for racing: the sun was high and there was a cool breeze blow- ing. The track was thoroughly dry and well packed. l The Colonel sat calmly in his box smoking a cigar. That is, he was outwardly calm, but his mind was excitedly running over the events of the past few years. Since the death of his wife, the Colonel had gradually slipped until now everything de- pended on this one race. If Thunder won, he intended to pay off the mort- gage and start over again. If he lost, he must sell out. His son, James, was away at col- lege, but his father expected him home today to see the race. James was engaged to Marguerite O'Donnel, daughter of the mayor of Knoxville, where the Hawthornes lived. The Colonel had met her at the station, waiting for Jim. They had conversed on several different subjects, but they always seemed to drift back to talk- ing about the race. When the train came in, a tall, well- built, athletic looking young man, dressed in the latest approved college style, stepped off. When he saw his father, he rushed over and the two shook hands affectionately. Then, see- ing Marguerite, he caught her up, whirled her around, and kissed her. Gee, Dad, it's great to be home again, was the way in which Jim erpressed his delight. Then, How's Thunder? I've been thinking about the race all the way down. I hope we win because I graduate in June, Dad, and Marguerite and I were planning to be married as soon as I land that enfrineerinfr job. So you've got a job in view? smiled the Colonel. Yes, his son went on. You know that tunnel thev're drilling at May- iiower Ridge. The prof. in Engineer- ing gave me a fine recommendation when I applied for the job. Of course, we'll need a little boost financially to get started.

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8 THE VANCEBORO TATTLER August 1- Run away and went swimming in the mill pond with Three Other Girls. Went walking after supper with Sister and her bow. I dident want to go but she made me. They went to the movies and woodnot have took me if i hadent have wanted to go. August 2- This is Sunday. i dident go to church because. We went on a piknik. i sat on a pump kin pie and Tiped over the Lemon aid and got a licking but had a pretty good time. Cot 'sisters bow kissing her goodnite. August 3- Ran away and stayed all day. Had a picnick with Jonny Kr May Jones and Jack and June Davis in the hay in Mis Summers -field. August 4- Got a licking and had two Wash dishes twice cause i stole a pie for the piknick yesterday. Swiped some let- ters sister had tied in blue ribbons and rose Buds. August 5- Had to stay in the closet all the Time sisters bow was hear cause the other time i went into the parler just as he was going to perpose. August 6- Read the letters i stole and burnt them. Hope sis doesent find it out. August 7- She found it out and i have been bizzy dodjing blowsso i havent much time to rite in my diry. August 8- Sisters bow perposed and she is going to marry him in three weeks. I am to be iiour girl. August 15- She is going to have 8 new dresses, too knew coats, and 3 hats and lots of Other things. I am about wore out running errands. August 16- Went to church. got a licking when i got hoam because a mouse ran up the ministers leg. August 17- A big box of dishes come for sister today. i got licked agen. broke too cups. August 23- Sister is going to be married to- morrow. I have a knew dress and hat to ware when im flour girl. glad im flour girl. Never get no new close any other Way. August 25- She is married. Such a releef and a lode off my mind now i can settel down to rite in my diry. There was only 24 People at the wedding but a lot of presence i broke a sand Wich tray but nobody nose it yet. Sisters gone and cant bother me know more. -KATHRYN DAVIS, '31. THUNDER Colonel John Hawthorne looked up from his stop-watch with a gleam of satisfaction in his eyes. His three- year-old colt, Thunder, had just come off the track after having run the mile-and-a-quarter in 1.24, clipping one second off the record. Jolly Jimmy Murphy, his horse trainer, came around the corner of his stable whistling, his hands shoved deeply into his pockets, his cap pulled slouchily over his eyes. For Jimmy was happy. Hadn't Thunder just

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10 THE VANCEBORO TATTLER ,V The Colonel did not reply to that, but they started for the track. When they arrived there, they found Thun- der walking around to limber up. The betting odds favored Humdinger, a famous Kentucky horse. Then all the horses were called to the barrier. All of them were champ- ing at the bit and stepping around very gingerly, as if afraid of soiling their dainty little hoofs. All at once there was a terrific yell from the crowds, They're oif! , and the horses went tearing down the stretch of track. The jockeys leaned low, crouching at the arch of the mount's neck. Thunder swung into third place, his powerful legs pumping, his deep chest heaving. Gradually he began to lead the iield, all except Humdinger who kept at his heels. As they rounded the last turn, he crept up on Thunder. The mob cheered wildly: the stands roared with the sound of thousands of voices. On the home stretch, the horses were running neck and neck. Both were doing their best, but neither seemed to be able to gain. Just then, Humdinger's jockey, in despera- tion, began to use the whip. The horse, who had been doing his mightiest, began to falter-just for the fraction of a second. Thunder shot ahead. Under the wire he went, winner by a length. The crowd went frantic with joy, the Colonel most frantic of all. He rushed down and kissed Thun- der on the nose. The horse showed his delight by pricking up his ears, and making a playful nibble at her master's hand. The Governor placed the huge floral wreath around the beaming jockey and the trembling horse. Jim and Marguerite led Thunder in triumph to the stables for his rub-down. That night at the Colonel's home, they had a dinner for a few friends. Jim and Marguerite formally an- nounced their engagement, and were warmly congratulated. Jim went back to college, and after graduation he got the job as chief engineer, and he and Marguerite were married. As to the financial boost of which Jim had spoken, both the Mayor and the Colonel at- tended to that. . -DoN VERNON, '28. A STORM AT SEA It was a fine summer day. A num- ber of people were on the deck of the liner, some walking around, some sitting in chairs, and others gazing lazily over the great ocean. Among the passengers were Frances Conley and Eugene Campbell, a very beau- tiful girl of twelve and a boy of fourteen. They were talking and laughing together unaware of any- one. All were waiting for the dinner bell: soon it rang and they all drifted toward the dining-room. They were all seated around the tables enjoying their dinner when they became aware that the day had darkened suddenly and that the ves- sel was beginning to rock. An ofiicer told the excited crowd that a storm was coming, 'but that there was no -13-