Wethersfield High School - Elm Yearbook (Wethersfield, CT)

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Speaking of snakes, when I was out west, a snake got in my bed one night andilf' All right, 'long winded,' if you start one of your stories, it's the lake for you, yelled Lanky. It may be your first today, but one a day is two too many. While this was going on, Percy had donned his pink pajamas and slowly started to get into his bunk. Well, er, good-night, boys, and a-pleasant dre-OH! Ouch! Stop! Don't bite! and with this Percy sprang out of bed. He shouted with all the strength of his lungs, but ending in a small voice, he added, What a narrow escape! Fellows, I think it's up to us to save Percy the trouble of standing around all night in the cold, said Lanky solemnly, as he got down from his bunk. Percy's shout had aroused the whole camp, and they all came to see what was the matter. Are you sure it was a snake, went on Lanky. Yes, I am, I-er-, felt itg it was cold, and damp, and round. Oh, what shall I do?,' I'l1 tell you, said Lanky. Bill, you take the head of the bed, I'll take the foot. Throw when I count three. One-two-three!,' In the dim light made by the one lantern the figures of a number of boys could be seen jumping around, kicking at the blankets. Nothing here, said Lanky after several minutes. Percy, I think you had a dream. Er-no-boys, I didn't, I really felt it. Oh! I just stepped on it. Here it is! Every one looked to the dark corner of the bunk house that Percy pointed to. There, by the light of the one lantern, could be seen several feet of wet rope! -Graydon Lockwood, '28, THE AIR MAIL PILOT All night, through the rain and the darkness He pilots his plane in its flight, All night, through the winter's chill sharpness, His pilot light's steady and bright, He flies, with his hand on the joystick, A firm hand, steady and true, To get the mail through safely, Yes, safely and swiftly to you. And I think, as I lie on my pillow, In my cozy and comfortable bed, Of the mail pilot, flying so lonely, In the cold darkness over my head, Who repeats, with the hum of his motor, A motor so steady and true To get the mail always through safely, Yes, safely and swiftly to youf, -Robbins Allen, '27.

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THE SNAKE Hey, fellows! quick, here's a whopper of a snake, shouted Bill, from the edge of the lake. Coming, echoed voices from all sides. It was a boys' summer camp. In a few seconds a dozen fellows were grouped around the stone wall that ran into the water. He's gone down among the rocks, said Bill, Keep looking, he,ll have to come up for air soon. Bah Jove, this is simply ripping, murmured Percy. His right name was Percival Christopher Whitehall. Look out, Percy, said Lanky, If mine eyes mistake me not, I remark the head of a serpent in the branches of this most noble tree which towers above us. Percy instantly crouched and slowly looked up. I believe that you boys are spoofing me, he said gently. There he isf' came the shout from the other end of the wall. And there near the wall could be seen the head of a water snake. A dozen rocks landed all about the head. The snake started to swim off, and every one could see that it was at least five feet long, and of a brown and yellow color. It left in the direction of the beach in front of the second bunk house. At this moment the second call to supper put an end to snake hunting. Right after supper Lanky collared Bill. Bill, I just thought of something, I've got an idea, he began. Lanky, don,t take it so to heart, Bill said kindly. What? Take what to heart, demanded Lanky. This thinking of yours. 'You know that it won't happen again. It's only beginner's luck,', laughed Bill, and turned to go. Lanky pulled him back. It was that snake that made me think of it. It's like this- went on Lanky. Lanky, I think it will work. We'll try it any way. Shi- Here comes someone. See you later, and with this Bill went one way and Lanky another. Well, fellows, what say we turn in? exclaimed Lanky, at about ten o'clock that evening, as he rose from the circle around the campnre. Bill, I think you and your gang up in Bunk House Number One had better get lots of sleep. We're going to beat you at baseball tomorrow, he went on. Yes, We have Percy, the boy who hits 'em hard, far, and frequent, sang out one of the Second bunk housers. With this the fellows broke up for the night, each group going to its own bunkhouse. Wonder where that snake went?,' said Lanky as he got up in his bunk. My, Gosh, aren't you in bed yet, Percy? and he looked over the edge of his bunk to Percy's lower one. Er-No, someone mussed up my blankets and--U

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'ffm -Pg. 's 71' bg ,4,,,J M., WAHADA'S QUEST Wahada was now a brave--tall and graceful in poise. His skin was like burnished copper, and his watchful eyes were wont to scrutinize everything about him. Now and then, a wave of emotion would flash across his usually inscrutable face. As he lay upon a couch of soft, green moss, on the Hfth day of his fasting, his eyes closed from utter exhaustion and he was lost to the world. Strange music came to his ears. Strange shadows mingled together. Then the sounds grew more distinct, until he could hear the wind in the tall tops, and the water as it kissed the silent shore. Gradually, it became a living picture. There was a great, rugged cliff before him, and the sky was the color of lead. At the foot of the precipice was a deep, green lake, surrounded by tall pines. A thick haze clung to the edge of the cliff, but, as the Indian gazed about him, the mist rolled away and the waters of the lake were suddenly, as if by magic, turned to crimson. The pines and the sky became scarlet. It was indeed, the notorious great carbuncle, casting its brilliant glow everywhere. Wahada quickly awoke from his dream, and going to a nearby stream, refreshed himself with a drink from its crystal WILICYS. His fast was ended. He had had a dream, and now he must go in search of the great carbuncle-for this stone was his magic, which he must secure before he could be a warrior and be honored in his tribe. Down into the valley he went, and told the old chief, his father, of his dream. Go, my sonf' said the aged man, to the Crystal Hills. And may the Great Spirit guide you on your wayf, So the young man set out, refreshed with food. Two weeks he travelled through the woods, sleeping with nothing but the vast heavens for a roof. Two weeks, with only his bow to secure him food. Thus he continued his way until he reached the mountains. And it came that, one morning as he was lifting his voice in prayer to the Great Protector, he perceived a faint red glow along the northern horizon. After a rough dayis journey, he reached the Crystal Hills- he reached the shore of his dreams!-and, as he stood at the quiet Waterls edge, the mist rose like a curtain from the cliff, and he saw the great carbuncle before him. He was filled with awe, for it was so large, that to carry it alone would be impossible. His mind he cudgeled, but no pleasing idea came to him. When the great carbuncle is placed before my Wigwam, he thought, it will give light to the surrounding country and thereby serve as a guide to my camp. But, on the other hand, our enemies would be able to steal upon us and destroy us, for we would not be able to see outside the circle of light. No! it would be fatal to put the stone in our village-far better to leave it here, unknown and harming no onef'