Watsonville High School - Manzanita Yearbook (Watsonville, CA)

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THE MANZANITA. The Plea for Life RUTH ROSE, '16 nerr Up to the time of our story, hr. had spent all his i life near l1is rude home by OIINX Baird was a hardy pio- old Fort Steilieoom, on the coast of that beautiful body of water, Puget Sound. Often when but a child he had found refuge in the fort. He could remember the days, when the great wooden doors l1ad shut groups of terrified settlers away from the fierce attacks of the savage Indians: and the guard had locked the heavy door with that huge iron key, with which he had so often longed to play. So he had grown to manhood strong and brave, possessing almost unlimited knowledge of the modes of frontier life Ztlld Indian warfare. At last glowing reports of interior lands were brought to him. These so exeited his long silent desire to roam that after a time, he, with his two sons, husky young lads in their twenties, made ready to leave their little cabin on the eoast. They eros- scd the Cascade mountains and were pressing on into the fertile valley of the Yakima. Travel was not easy in those days. Flach day had its hardships. Trails were to be made, beasts of the forest overcome, game to be killed, and often suffering from hunger to be cndured. There were many hard- ships of whieh travelers today know nothing. It was evening, after a particular- ly hard and trying day. The three weary travelers, having found a lovely spot by a mountain stream. had made eamp for the night. They had cooked their seanty evening meal over a fire built of dry fir boughs. The fire still faintly glow- ed, throwing a pale light on the three sleeping men wrapped warmly i11 their blankets. All was silent. Only the tiny stream, rushing on to the sea, ripplcd over its roeky bed, singing a restful lullabye. The bright moon shone through the trees, shed- dillg its silver light upon the water. Now and then a gentle breeze whis- pered among the leaves, then pas- sed on into silence. The tired men had forgotten their hard-ships and a peaceful quiet filled ther minds. The whole world seemed at rest. But hark! A sudden series of shrill shrieks broke forth upon the still night air, growing louder and morepiercing and shrill. Again and again they came. The startled men sprang up together, anxiety written i11 every line of their swarthy faees. From the peace of the beautiful night they had been plunged into this dreadful chaos. A terrified gleam of understanding erept into the older man's eyes. 'Tis the Indians, he said in quiet tones. We are discovered! For a moment he stood in pensive silenee, then spoke again. VVait here in hiding, sonsg I shall return. Trust in God. Fear not, all will be well. With these words of parting he was gone, leaving his sons in quiet anxiety, awaiting his return.

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20 THE MANZANITA mind and a certain determination around her mouth. She told him simply that she was going hack, for she had not forgotten, and she want- cd him to go with her. He kissed her with gladness in his heart, and in a few hours they were flying over the fields on their way to that brok- en-hearted couple. Oh! how good it was to fly over green fields and smell the sweet fragrance of wild flowers once more! Betty, indeed, was changed. The train was slower than she had ever known one to be, and she felt that she could never wait until she was there with those two ill-treated people who loved her more than any- one else in the world. Hurrying from the train, they got into the only hack to be seen, and Betty urged the yawning driver to hasten with all speed. Her heart gave little bounds of mingled grief and joy as she saw her grandfather leaning back in his chair on the veranda. Jumping from the hack, she raced up the walk, and was soon sobbing in that old gentleman's arms. Her grand- mother appeared in the doorway, tired and sad, but oh! the wonder- ful gladness that leaped into the wrinkled face as she held her own little Betty in her arms again. The old grandfather squeezed the young '.nan's hand with a grip that told more than words, for sometimes the gift of speech is not possible, and silence is best. PF fr Night Night in her sable robe softly is gliding Over the meadows with dew-drops impearledg Peaceful and tranquil the night quee11 is smiling Down on the silent and sleeping world. Fresh rustling breezes creep through my dark window, Murmuring softly from land and from sea, Now o'er the waters come myriads of voices, Whispering, calling, from grass, bush, and tree. Night, with her moon angel, lulls me to slumber, Kissing and cooling my feverish brow, Candles of heaven flood light on my pathway As off I go tripping to Dreamland 11oW. -MARJORIE MOORE, '16,

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2 2 THE MANZANITA Stealthily he made l1is way to the edge of the clump of trees where he could see the blaze of the great fire, lighting the sky. All too well he knew its significance. Many a time he had seen these lights and heard the dreadful war whoops of these people. His plan was definite. There was but one thing for him to do. It was indeed dangerous and daring, but his two sons must be saved. He crept silently across the open space toward the fire. Slowly a11d unnoticed he carrie to the clump of' trees. The whooping had ceased. He listened intently. It was the chief who was speaking. He was urging his braves to make an attack on the pale-face intruders. Their hunger for the sight of blood was aroused, murder gleamed and burn- ed in their dark eyes. They were ready to kill. Utter-ing a silent prayer, the noble and strong-hearted white man sprang into the circle and knelt before the great chief, then arose and in a passion-frought voice began his plea. Oh, mighty chief, oh, powerful warrior, leader of a great tribe, noble and true! Would it not be cowardly for you, so great and strong, to attack this group of weak and unprotected men? VVould it not be worthless? Only three sealps! Of what value are they to you? You are too brave, too noble, too power- ful and mighty to do this deed. We are your friends! Grunts and jeers came from the group about the blazing fire, but the chief was much moved by pale- face 's words. He stood silently in meditation, his great arms folded across his mighty breast. The plea was continued, honoring the chief, and heaping fliattery upon him, and telling him of his greatness. The derisive Warriors were quieted by the silence of their leader. The mighty head of the chief bowed. Slowly in deep and meaning tones he spoke the word of freedom to the white man. His gratitude expressed, Baird slipped quietly from the circle. Back to the camp he made his Way to bear the welcome and triumphant news to his awaiting sons. Days of travel followed. The journey was completed and a new home built in that wild but fertile valley of the north. is 'QW ds f.J O no Qwyh , - 0 ..... - K y I X P ' I fl