The San Francisco call., 1898-06-12

scarcely five minutes had elapsed
 before the pupils of the Jefferson
 High School came flooding
 through the broad gateways.
 Boys and girls gathered together in excited groups, discussing the one theme of the day-war.
 One group in particular would have excited the curiosity of a passer-by. It was composed of about ten boys and girls going down the highway that led past the mill. T say, fellows" said Jack SommerS, one of the merriest of the group, wouldn't it be a huge joke if we all arrayed ourselves in flags and the trappings of war and made a raid on the Peraltas' farm? They are Span ish and I suppose are helping their countrymen.
 That's great, Jack" cried Larry Brently. Let the girls join in, too; they can carry broomstic6s and wear fantastic dresses, while we can bring
 All the girls voted the plan good one and said that they would join in if no harm was done.
 T think it is fine plan," said Del phine Graham, and I am sure we will all join in if you boys promise to do nothing wild. But what is the mat ter, Mercedes? You have not said a word. Do you not consider Jacks plan a novel one?"
 The girl she addressed was on the outside of the group. She was tall and thin Her face was striking. The features were irregular. but every line seemed to indicate a strong and noble nature.
 Her bIue-gray eyes were now fash ing in angry scorn. She had been look ing directly ahead, but when her con- panions addressed her she turned and facing them, she said, angrily
 .'I consider the whole affair infa- nous. and I am surprised that you ? girls should echo the sentiments of Jack Sommers. What have the Per altas got to do with the treachery of Spafn? Are not the Peralta boys as much American as we are? It is true their parents were born in Spain, but they have reared their children to be patriotic men and women. Why, it was only last night that father told me that Juan, Jose and Rudolph Peralta have enlisted in the First Company of Volunteers"
 A suppressed murmur rose as she paused to draw breath. She began again presently, her voice trembling with emotion.
 Furthermore, my father said that he met old Arguella Peralta yesterday and he asked him if the report about his sons was true'
 'Yes." answered the old man. my boys have enlisted in the American army and I am proud of it. 1 would sooner see my three bows lald m the old churchyard on the hill than have them prove unpatriotic towards. They were born Americans and as such I have reared them. I am a Span iard, but I am proud of my American sons"
 There was silence for a few minutes after this vehement outburst. Jack Sommers smothered lump in his throat and. turning a shame faced counte- nance to Mercedes, he Said
 "I am sorry I spoke so hastily. Mer- cedes Believe me, did not look at the matter in a rational light Moreover, I thank you for telling us that now, in stead of making war upon them, 1 think it would be a good idea to sere- made them some night before the boys leave"
 This plan was unanimously agreed to. Mercedes volunteering her services as violinist.
 Tt is too bad you are not a boy, Mer- cedes. You would make a fine general in the war with all that fire and spirit. It is distressing to see such martial