The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-12-30
a COIL OF ROPE
BY GAYRITE GARNER Topeka High school-second

.Geer' exclaimed Dick Reed, as ne
listened to the wind that whistled
through the tall trees, surrounding
Clayborn Military Academy, this is a
terrible night for anyone to be out
Poor Jack. we ought to be ashamed of
ourselves for sending him out a night
like this"
We" roared Hal Wyatt. Dicks
roommate, looking up from the book
he was reading. 4 don't see how you
make that out; you suggested the plan
and Jack volunteered to go, so don
see where you got any kick coming.
20. young innocence, you had nothing
whatever to do with it, sneered Dick.
I suppose you will still retain that
sweet innocence if Jack brings a favor
able reply from a certain three young
ladies' at Madam BordeauX's Seminary.
/ Hal made no answer and resumed his
reading, while Dick. seeing there was to
be no sympathy from that quarter,
turned to the window. whistling indif-
ferently. yet feeling that he had i'm
posed on Jack Stewart, their youngest
roommate. If the storm would only
cease. but instead it seemed to grow
in its fury, lashing the tall tree tops
and driving the sleet against the win
dows relentlessly. Dick stopped whist
ling so suddenly. that Hal looked up,
wonderingly, from his book.
Come here quickly, Hail. cried Dick,
excitedly- DO you see that light? It
is either a man or a boy carrying 4
lantern and it is long past the hour
for all the boys to be in
1T must be Jack! what a target he is
making of himself; you can trace every
climbing over the fence. The simple
toni I thought he was brighter than
that
He's bright enough now, all right, -
laughed Hal. He's a regular human
sunburst-"
The figure soon disappeared behind
one of the buildings and the boys sat
down to wait impatiently; they were
eager to pounce on Jack, for making
such an exhibition of himself. After
some minutes of waiting, the boys be-
gan to grow uneasy, fearing Jack had
been seen. Then they heard a low
whistle
THAT is Jack now" exclaimed Dick
You turn out the light. while I lower
the rope, for we don't want any more
f1ashlight exposures"
The rope was lowered and in jiffy,
Jack was hoisted safely into the room.
At the same time. a boy carrying a lam
tern. emerged from behind one of the
buildings and made his way quickly TO
the main entrance.
Now. old fellow" began Hal and
Dick. Give an account of yourself.
Where is your lantern? What made
you so long coming around to the
window? Did you see the girls?'
f1SIos 1tlDS OIL you I6llCWSs SdlQ
Jack GROSSLY. Give me a chance to
get my breath and get warm. Can't
you see I'm all in? Don't believe I'll
tell you a thing"
why, of course laughed Hal. ct
see you have been all in, judging by
the mud on your clothes. Just take the
seat of honor" and he pushed large
arm chair before the glowing CRATE,
t'and put your dear little tootsy-woot-
sizes on this showing a stool forward.
Jack never could hold out very long
against Hal and good humor was soon
restored.
well" began Jack. when you boys
went down to supper and so kindly ex-
planned my absence by saying I had
bad headache, I watched ny chance
and made my getaway through the
gymnasium. Then. a was easy enough.
until I climbed the wall at the back
of the grounds. I Wasn't counting on
such a smooth landing, although it was
sleeting and the first thing I knew, ]
shot over that bank like a dart and
landed in that muddy little pool
Too bad put in Hal, lit should have
obliged you by freezing over but you
have a most becoming streak across
your face
Jack glanced quickly in the mirror
and said laughingly, as he proceeded to