4 ACORN Harper had suggested that in order to win the race, West should set a fast pace three laps around and tire Pope, then retire and let Ferris sprint to a successful finish. Parks had not favored the plan, but as Harper wished, the training began. Of course, the plan was kept a secret and the students, seeing the speed at which West ran each night, predicted that he would win; not noticing that he never held out for a whole mile. Brighton's coach also gained a false impression of West's ability and instructed Pope to follow him closely. The big day came at last. Long before the time set for the events to begin the stands were crowded with supporters of the two schools. Pennants waved everywhere and yells sounded incessantly. At last the time came. Brighton started off with a rush, winning several points to the great alarm of Wilbur. Parks, however, threw the hammer 135 feet, winning first place. The pole vault and high and broad jump also went to Wilbur. Brighton's lead was gradually cut down until, with the mile and relay remaining, she was only two points ahead. At the call, "All out for the mile," Wrest came slowly from the dressing room and walked toward the track. He was of a retiring disposition, but intensely loyal to his school, smothering his feelings in the thought that he would be helping Wilbur to win the race and perhaps the meet. As he and Ferris arrived at the starting point, Parks intercepted them. "Remember the plan, fellows," he said in low voice, "and do your best to put it through. If we lose this race we're beat, even if we get the relay. Stay in and try for a place if you can, West, but aim to make Pope cave in first." Each nodded and took his place on the line with Lund, Wilbur's third man, and the four scarlet-clad men entered by Brighton. "On your marks," ordered the starter and with a shuffling of feet the contestants crouched low on the cinders. "Set," he continued, and they straightened up ready to start. "Bang," went the gun and they were off. West forged ahead with a brisk trot and settling into the steady pace to which Parks had trained him, he maintained the distance. As he started on the second lap he glanced over his shoulder and saw that Pope was gradually drawing ahead of the others and cutting down the lead. He smiled to himself, thinking that the plan was succeeding. He increased his speed a little and as they finished the third lap he felt that his part of the plan had succeeded, for the tall, red-headed runner from Brighton was now only a few yards behind him and straining every nerve to cover that. Panting a little, West slackened his pace and looked over his shoulder for Ferris, whom he thought could not be far behind. To his dismay he saw that the first three figures following Pope wore red (Continued on Page 9) ACORN 5 The Sunset One evening as I stood alone, Gazing toward the west, The sun as it in brilliance shone, Sank slowly down to rest. Its rays lit up the western sky, With tints of fire and gold. The fleecy clouds did from it fly, And cap the hills so old. Soon it was gone, but still remined A beauteous afterglow. The threatening shadows seemed retained That it might linger so. As darkness spread her ample folds, Clouds gathered one by one. I thought how many human souls Are like unto the sun. The soul gives forth its beacon light, To guide the man through life, And help him more to judge aright In this dark world of strife. But oh, too oft man fails in this And stoopsc to worldly sin; In losing sight of blessedness He seeks foul fame to win. The radiant light of soul yet beams, To lead the traveler past Those awful pit-falls; snares it seems That Satan holds so fast. Old faithful soul has fought its best, But sin has won the fight. The once bright sun now sinks to rest Withdrawing her pure light. The afterglow is seen by all; And tells the tale of one Who heeded not the timely call Of God's great glorious sun. M. M., '13.