St. Michael's College Magazine, HITCHIN. VOLUME X. No. 2. SUMMER, 1932. EDITOR : REV. ANDREW BECK, A.A.

EDITORIAL. Though language, race, environment and culture may differ, there are some gestures and some actions which have the same significance for all the members of the human race. There are some sentiments which go deeper than any difference of nation, colour or people : for they belong to all humanity. The open palm at all times has been a sign of peace and salutation, and some form of kneeling with upraised eyes and hands has seemed to all mankind properly the attitude of prayer. Man can think himself to religion ; for if he reads the universe, the wonders of nature, or his own soul, the truth comes home to him that behind all that exists is the Supreme Being ; that there is a God to Whom he owes all that he is and does. Man, unspoilt, takes naturally to the attitude of adoration which all races have seen in the bended knee and upraised hands. Every race, from the dimmest depths of the Babylonian and Egyptian past, has had its priesthood and its solemn ritual for the more perfect service of the Author of all things. Every race has sought to adore God in its own way. Yet, to one race alone was it given to adore God in the way that He had chosen. He it was who gave to the Jews their liturgy and ceremonial. He—as was right—deter- mined the way in which His creatures should adore Him. The Old Law gave place to the New, and with the Redeemer came into existence the Christian Priesthood. That Priesthood is unique. The sentiments of Man, his adoration, aspiration and sorrow have been caught up in it, and their form has been determined and fixed for ever. In the world to-day there is one way only of paying to God the fulness of all that religion implies : it is the way of the Catholic Priesthood and the Sacrifice of the Mass. The Priesthood must endure for ever. And to every Catholic the knowledge that another priest has been ordained for the offering of the Holy Sacrifice should be a cause of joy and congratulation. Such is the joy that should be in the hearts of many of us at St. Michael's, in Hitchin and in Baldock ; for another priest Las achieved his ideal and takes his place at the Altar of Sacrifice. To Father John Scott we offer in the name of the College and of many genera- tions of Michaeleans all that the Catholic spirit can offer in con- 2 gratulations to a newly-ordained priest. May his ministry and service be one of long-lived value and holiness. To his family, too, must congratulations be offered for the high honour which God has given them ; and to Baldock, whose first priest he is, since the dark days of the Reformation. Thus does the work of the Church go forward in this country ; and justly can St. Michael's feel a glow of pride at the tiny but not unsuccessful part she is taking in that work. Modern man has forgotten God, and has been educated out of the normal and natural attitudes of life. To kneel, he will tell you, is a sign of slavery and submission ; and he has blinded himself to the fact that it is humanity's attitude of prayer. Catholicism has its work to do in re-educating Man from this folly, and the growth of the priesthood is a promise that the work shall not fail. There were days, before the blight of the Reformation struck us, when this country could truly be called Catholic England. Perhaps the days are not far distant when the words will evoke less a memory of the distant Past than something which is more than a vision—a promise of the Future.

CHRONICLE. April 13th. The Boarders return. What a deal of romance and tragedy this bald statement hides—weeping children torn from the arms of their mothers, grim walls rearing up around the luckless prisoners; a lady novelist would glory in it. One could dilate at length on such a subject. Unfortunately, everyone seemed to be in the best of spirits—even the new boys. We wish them luck and hope they'll -take their fences like good 'uns." " 14th. The school assembles—and dissembles about the holidays. " 15th. We hear that the tennis courts are being made " ship- shape." Personally I find they're always rather shipshape. We hope they will be more like tennis courts this year. " 18th. The New Field bears less resemblance to a jungle than it has for a long time. We are grateful to the Sports' Master for the hard work he has put in here during the holidays. Preparations are in full swing for the Cricket season, the net is up on the School Field and there is quite a respectable table in the New Field. What an idiotic expression, that " in full swing." Perhaps they spoke of highwaymen being in " full swing " at the conclusion of their careers, or of cats, when the denizens of Grub Street tried to measure their apartments. But, preparations—no. Those of Guy Fawkes refused even to end in a swing. 3 April 24th. A gem from to-day's Observer. St. George 'e was a Bishop of somewheres in the East; 'E slew a norrid dragon, a most repulsive beast, With mailyfisted talyons and flammenwerfer gorge : " I 'olds with no such insecks," says 'is 'Oliness St. George. St. George 'e was a Bishop, and as such dispensed the Word To Greeks and Jews and Infidels, the Arab and the Kurd. They raged together 'orful ; their souls was 'ard to save ; But George 'e learned 'em Christian ways, and taught 'em to be'ave. May 1st. During this month verses of the Lourdes hymn will be sung in English after night prayers. Some lines are really pathetically bathetic renderings of the French. If, as Mr. Chesterton declares, Browning should be hung for making " from mice " rhyme with " promise " —well hanging, drawing and quartering is hardly good enough for one who makes " -ve " rhyme with " aye." „ 3rd. Being only boys, and knowing the vagaries of that jade Fashion even in such matters as cookery, we are naturally chary of entering in on such discussions on this gentle art. But when, when was it ordained " chic " to serve up that homely fare, rice pudding, with pins, large pins, hat pins ? Good Lord ! what awful visions present themselves to our harassed mind as we think of cutlets, robed cap-à-pie in suits of finest armour, or salmon in an imposing ensemble of steel top hat and cast iron shirt. 5th. The feast of the Ascension. The day was gloriously sunny—for about five minutes. There has been very little Sports Practice up to now. Convinced, as we are, that the adage, " Practice makes perfect " is false, we are now trying to disprove the contrary. 8th. Feast of St. Michael. Some unkind, but by no means sleeping, fate dogs us this term ; there is the awful weather and now the feast of St. Michael falls on a Sunday. „ 13th. The marks for last month were read by Father Deydier. „ 16th. Sport's Day was marred by rain. Nevertheless de- spite this and the poor racing, there were some remark- able personal achievements. W. Brown did very well in both jumps. Among the juniors M. Hollingshead deserves mention. Moreover, this young man seems entirely to have escaped that giddiness, from which a number of 4 his contemporaries are suffering ; though it was once mooted abroad that he wooed Barrie's lady not wisely but too well. May 17th. At the request of Mr. Kenworthy-Browne who presented the prizes, the President granted a holiday to-day. The only thing some people find more tiresome than this kind of holiday is class. The swimming season started. „ 19th. Glorious sunshine. There seems little else to write about, whilst most of the seniors seem to be talking about it ; though after " sunshine " continually crops up the little word " Susie." The members of the first net continue their big game hunting at the New Field. As yet the bag is confined to frogs. Still there's no need for discouragement ; from frogs it is only a short step to hogs. What a vicious circle ! „ 20th. Practice at the nets has begun in earnest—of what ? —some decent cricket we hope. Great cause for wonder is the gust of laughter which greets a professor's joke. One is minded of Goldsmith's " Full well they laughed with counter- feited glee. At all his jokes, for many a joke had he." One versed in the psychology of class intelligence will have noticed that the heartiness of the laugh varies. At the beginning of the week the class roars ; about Wednesday there is a decided moderation ; towards Friday there are polite noises, and on Saturday the quip modest is greeted with the look churlish. On the other hand, especially if the person is a master he will not have to notice this. „ 25th. The first eleven opened the cricket season with great promise by defeating Shefford Town by 6 wickets. Although the weather was rather gloomy, the wicket was true and some very bright cricket was seen. For our opponents, Bryant played a fine innings of 54, while Fr. Andrew carried his bat for 69. The fielding is better than has been seen for some years. Un- doubtedly the stuff of this Eleven is sound. (The writer is one of it ! ED.). „ 26th. The Feast of Corpus Christi and a whole holiday. June 1st. A master has accused us of a too great gloominess in this chronicle. If we do admit the soft impeachment it is with considerable indignation. Gloomy ! And with so many things to cheer us. This delightful weather, an exam in the offing, the calm assurances of professors declaring we are not working half hard 5

enough—not to mention Sunday impositions, and to cap all, the thing which ought to make us all rock with laughter—our choicest sallies described as gloomy 1 One is, of course, conscious that one's sal atticum is weak—but to have it described as boracic powder—! It is indeed a blessing that these paragraphs are mori- bund. June 2nd. Someone refers to-day to the " blue eyed beauty of the First." Hearing this one thinks of rows of little cherubs. This is rather unfair to them and we are sure they would prefer to be called " mischievous little rascals," anyway it would be much truer. 4th. The first eleven playing at Letchworth won narrowly by nine runs. 5th. Sunday. The procession of the Blessed Sacrament was held to-day. Father Heffernan from Baldock carried the Blessed Sacrament and the sermon was preached by Father Walter. 6th. The gigantic bulk of the Math's Master caused the professorial chair to break down in the VIth. We are glad to say, however, that even in such humiliating circumstances he maintained his dignity assuring us with unconcern that everything was alright. (Thus is History written ! Ed.) 8th. The first XI. lost in a replay with Shefford. D. Wood- ward batted soundly ; Lewis bowled very well. „ 10th. To-day being the last of the week of penance and prayer for which the Holy Father asked in his Encyc- lical, Caritate Christi Compulsi, the Blessed Sacrament was exposed in the chapel from four till nine. June 1 1 th. Faint rumours reach us to the effect that the Parish Church held a garden fete here to-day. Owing to the non-belief in Cicero's famous maxim that Athens was made for the Athenians, we cannot vouch for it. „ 15th. In celebrating the Rev. President's feast this year we have taken time by the forelock. The feast proper occurs on the twenty-first, but as Father Louis will then be at the Eucharistic Congress it was considered due and proper to keep it to-day. E. Lemmon read an address on behalf of the school. An entertainment was given in the evening of which probably there is a report elsewhere. „ 16th. We were delighted to see our whilom master, Father Dunstan, who has returned from Rome at the comple- tion of his studies. The dignity of his Doctorate seems to sit but lightly on his shoulders. 6 June 25th. A party from the school went on a pilgrimage to St. Alban's. It would be hard to decide which was the more popular, the cathedral or the hotel. „ 26th. The Past v. Present cricket match was played to-day. We won ; for the first time in history. The wicket was true and when the Present put the Past in to bat first we were very nearly hoist with our own petard. „ 28th. Controversy has raged over the suitability of the chosen site for the statue of Father D'Alzon, the founder of the Augustinians of the Assumption. The bone of contention is, so it would appear, that the arm of the statue will point towards the laboratory. Still that should not be !inappropriate per laborem ad honorem. July 3rd. The chemists of the Sixth have, of late, been indulging in a very orgy of Chemistry. They breakfast, dine and sup to the music of formulae, qualitative analysis and titration. Those other members who prefer to spend chemistry periods in otium more-or-less-cum dignitate, hardly dare utter a word at table. We have some compensation, however, in the cavalierly cavilling attitude which these men adopt to those who sit in the high places. 4th. Patently the choir hold no truck with Mr. Chesterton's thesis, that if a thing is worth doing it is worth doing badly. This is a pity, as we so seldom hear the fruits or rather the bruits of their endeavour. On the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, however, they made amends and sung a really fine Mass. We particularly admired the trebles whose voices were as clear as bells. „ 11th. The Cambridge Exams. begin, and so does that perpet- ual haunting of the class corridor. • „ 14th. The feast of Father Bonaventure. With all our hearts we wish him a happy feast. Ad multos annos. 15th. The school exams commence.

Po 22nd. General exodus and with Bottom we cry " Adieu, adieu, adieu." W. J. WALSH, Form V I. SCHOOL NOTES. The term has been one of the longest of recent years, having lasted over fourteen weeks. Yet there were many events and ac- tivities to break the monotony, and time has passed quickly.

Particularly gratifying has been the revival of cricket accompan- ied by marked keenness throughout the school, and a successful season by the 1st XI. The field has improved out of all knowledge, 7 and a really good wicket is now assured. We have to thank Fr. Andrew for the time and labour he has spent on this necessary work. He has been greatly assisted by the new motor mower which has indeed proved a boon.

The swimming baths were well patronized, especially towards the latter part of the term. Of the Sixth, Tucker appears as almost a solitary enthusiast, but there is a group of good swimmers in the lower school. Goater, Lee, Heath, Burrows and J. Brown come to mind, the first-named achieving some very graceful dives from the high board. There were rumours of a revival of the Swimming Sports during the term, but at the moment of writing no official action has been taken. * * * * * Congratulations to the following who obtained Rolls of Honour during the term :- May. First Roll—W. GOLDSMITH, B. JONES, G. TUCKER, G. CHEYNE, J. FOYSTER, D. HENNESSY, P. LEE, N. MURPHY, J. REDMOND, W. COLLINS, J. DUNLOP, J. HEATH, P. LEMMON, A. NEWMAN. Second Roll—G. GALLAGHER, G. JUDD, E. LEMMON, W. WALSH, F. AUSTIN, G. COBB, T. MACNAMARA, F. WHITE, J. BROWN, E. COOPER, J. DUNLOP, P. FALLOWFIELD, A. FOYSTER, M. NEWMAN, G. O'LEARY, J. BARRY, P. EDMUNDS, E. JONES, H. LYNCH, B. ROY, D. THOMSON, R. THOMAS. June. First Roll—W. GOLDSMITH, B. JONES, G. TUCKER, W. WALSH, G. CHEYNE, B. CLITHROE, D. HENNESSY, P. LEE, N. MURPHY, J. REDMOND, E. COOPER, J. BARRY, P. EDMUNDS, A. NEWMAN. Second Roll—G. GALLAGHER, G. JUDD, T. KEARNEY, E. LEMMON, L. LEWIS, F. AUSTIN, P. OSBORN, J. FOYSTER, T. MAC- NAMARA, F. WHITE, W. COLLINS, P. FALLOWFIELD, J. HEATH, E. JONES, H. LYNCH, M. ROSSI, B. ROY, B. RYALL, D. THOMSON, E. WOODFORD, M.* HOLLINGSHEAD.* * * * Congratulations to Fr. Dunstan on obtaining his Doctorate at the Dominican University in Rome. His Thesis was on Cardinal Newman's ideas of evolution in Dogma and was approved " cum nota laudis." * * * * This year we were again blessed with fine weather for the Corpus Christi Procession, though at one period there were threatening clouds, and a gusty wind. Although it is impossible to count ac- curately, one had the impression that there were more people than usual in the Procession. The marshalling was excellent, but if the procession grows any bigger some means of keeping the singers in time will have to be found. The Altar of Repose was again taste- fully decorated in the traditional form, and bore witness to much painstaking care on the part of the Sisters. 8

Fr. Louis had the honour of conducting one of the pilgrimages from France to the Eucharistic Congress in Dublin. He was envied by many, though the successful direction of such a pilgrimage must involve no small amount of labour. It was rumoured that the back of his head was seen in one of the Daily Mail photo- graphs, but this has not been confirmed. He returned to give us some personal impressions of the Congress, and was most enthusi- astic over the wonderful organisation of the whole gathering.

Father Omer, who had been rector at Brockley for some years was not unknown to most of us at St. Michael's where he was a fairly regular visitor. The announcement of his death came as a shock to the Fathers, for although he had been ailing for some time no one thought that there was any serious danger of death. To the Assumptionist Fathers in England we offer our sympathy in the most unexpected loss of one who had worked hard and long on the English Mission. The following appeared in the Universe of June 11th. Requiem Mass for Fr. Omer Rochain, A.A., the late rector of Brockley was celebrated at Brockley on Wednesday by Fr. Julien, A.A. (of Charlton). Mgr. Banfi, V.G., represented the Bishop of Southwark, and among other clergy present was Canon Sheen. Fr. Benedict Caron, A.A. (of Charlton), spoke feelingly of Fr. Omer, and the great loss suffered by his death. He mentioned among other things Fr. Omer's wonderful humility and instanced that he was the last to claim credit for the work he had done in preparing the way for the Assumptionist college at Worcester, Mass., and in building the splendid Catholic school at Bethnal Green.—R. I. P. * * * * * The Diocesan Examination in Religious Knowledge was held on June 21st. Congratulations to the following who were awarded certificates :- I V.—B. CLITHROE, G. CHEYNE, D. HENNESSY, T. MAC- NAMARA, N. MURPHY, J. REDMOND, F. WHITE. / / /.-A. BLAKISTON, W. COLLINS, P. FALLOWFIELD, J. HEATH, S. KEARNEY. I I.- J. BARRY, H. LYNCH, M. NEWMAN, M. ROSSI. I.-M. HOLLINGSHEAD, E. THIBAUT. * * * * The heating system of the College was overhauled during the term, and a new boiler installed. Considerable extensions have been made in the new wing, and the North Room and St. Augustine's Dormitory are now less uninhabitable. 9 A life-size statue of Father d'Alzon, the founder of the As- sumptionist Fathers has been made in marble and the arrangements are busily going forward for its installation at the south end of the building. Fr. Louis is the zealous originator of the project and has been ably assisted in excavations and erections by members of the Confraternity -of whom Hennessy is obviously fitted to be foreman.

The St. Alban's pilgrimage is now established in the traditions of the College as an annual event. This year we made a further step in travelling by motor coach. A party of sixty led by Fr. Andrew and Fr. Walter took part in the pilgrimage, and materially helped in the singing of hymns along the route, and in the recitation of the Rosary. A photograph of the Pilgrimage appeared in the Universe of July 9th, but most of us are unrecognisable. The tea which was later provided through the care of Fr. Terence was in keeping also with a very sound tradition. * * * * * Brother Frederick wishes to express his gratitude to the follow- ing ladies who kindly sent flowers for the decoration of the Chapel and Altar during the term : Miss Dickens, Mrs. Hill, Mrs. Jolliffe, Mrs. Osborn, Mrs. Pyne. * * * * * The summer holidays begin on July 22nd, and School will re- open on Thursday, September 22nd. Boarders should be back on the evening of September 21st. * * * * * The Editor acknowledges with thanks receipt of the following contemporaries :- Georgian, Hitchin Grammar School Chronicle, La Retraite, Millhillian, Portcullis, Sacred Heart School Magazine, St. Christopher Magazine, St. John's Gazette. * * THE ENTERTAINMENT. As Fr. Louis was to be away on his Feast day—June 21st— the date of the celebrations was advanced, and the traditional concert was presented to him on June 15th, before a fairly numer- ous gathering of parents and friends. This year an innovation introduced by Fr. Aidan was repeated and although the traditional Shakespeare scene was not neglected, the biggest item on the programme was a modern one-act play by Clifford Bax entitled " The Poetasters of Ispahan." Nothing but praise can be given for the production and acting of this most intrigu- ing and amusing little story, and Canon Youens must undoubtedly have been thinking primarily of the " poetasters " when he said that in all sincerity he thought the evening's entertainment one of the best schoolboy concerts at which he had ever assisted. The

10 central figure is Hallaj, the poor poet—who is a rogue none the less despite his cult for the beautiful in words. He wins Ibn Hassim's daughter by—metaphorically—spiking the guns of his rivals, who for all their culinary or tonsorial skill have not the ability to put their verses into writing. And so by petty rascality the maker of verses wins his ten silver pieces and the hand of the fair Silver Moon. Walsh, who acted the part of the poet, perhaps spoilt some of his best lines by a tendency to over-act and to allow sentiment to carry away his part. Of the others who were all good, a word of special praise must be said for Cheyne whose so completely " refained " and superior " mannah " was in the nature of a revelation to many. A clever and amusing character study. The success of the play was materially helped by the staging. The scenery—produced single-handed by Yates—was an artistic triumph, and the costumes were most apt. The lighting effects, particularly the " dimming," were very effective. For these technical additions we have to thank Fr. Terence. The other items on the programme need little comment, for the general structure of one concert programme is very much that of any other. The " Fair Cop " could be described as a farcical, drama, acted with gusto, but having a rather weak denouement. " Widdicombe Fair " was admirably sung by an attractive choir of young farmers, and well deserved the prolonged applause. Following is the Programme.— Part 1.

1. ' The Duel ' Scene from Twelfth Night' Sir Toby Belch W. Goldsmith. Sir Andrew Aguecheek E. Lemmon. Fabian J. J. Shepheard. Viola—Cesario P. Osborn. Sebastian G. Tucker. 2. (a) Billy and Me ' Choir. (b) ' Lass of Richmond Hill ' 3. Laugh and be merry '(Masefield) - Recitation - M. Newman. 4. ' Au Clair de Lune' (Godard) - Piano - P. Osborn. 5. Off the Ground ' (W. de la Mare) - Recitation - E. Cooper. 6. ' Hungarian Dance' (Brahms) - Piano - P. Lemmon. 7. A FAIR COP.' Brown (a crook) E. Lemmon. Mrs. Larkins W. Goldsmith. Sally J. J. Shepheard. Gubbins D. Hennessy. Turner W. Walsh. Carthew L. Lewis. Inspector Dawson J. Millard.

11 Part II. 1. Widdicombe Fair ' Choir. 2. ' Going errands ' Recitation F. Armstrong. 3. ' Artful Amos ' Monologue D. Hennessy. 4. The Cure's Progress ' (Dobson) - Recitation - J. Redmond. 5. ' Waterloo ' (Byron) B. Jones. 6. Pianoforte Selection ' Mr. L. G. Shrive.

7. ' THE POETASTERS OF ISPAHAN ' (Clifford Bax). Hallaj, poor poet W. Walsh. Nejrihal, pastrycook poet F. Austin. Ala'd'din, perfumer G. Cheyne. Suliman, barber B. Clithroe. Guleesh, merchant A. Blakiston. Ibn-Hassim, jeweller G. Judd. Silver Moon, his daughter J. Foyster. A page B. Roy. Functions of this kind always involve a considerable amount of hard work, and Fr. Louis in a short address of thanks to Canon Youens who conveyed the wishes of all present, pointed out that practically all the work of preparation was done out of class hours. We would offer to Fr. Walter and Mr. Shrive sincere thanks for the time and work they spent on the production ; and congratulations on its complete success. EXODUS. I shall take a satchel of parchment, and a pencil, and wander the world in rags. I shall sleep in the ditch, or in haystacks, or a hut on the mountain, with a blanket and pillow of bags. And I shall obey no laws but the laws of my own nature, opposed to the laws of men. I shall have no obligations, no friends, nor enemies ever again. And I shall write songs to the beauty I see or dream of when I am inspired to write. I shall be their Author and Critic, and I shall write them in the day, or in the middle of the night. And they shall not be even, like ranks of an army marching as songs were of old. But the lines shall wander and straggle like a flock of sheep returning at night to the fold. And I shall be cold in Winter, and parched in Summer, I shall suffer pain and grow old. But somehow I think that I shall be very happy, like a miser with Gold. For I think that the God that I lost in the streets of the City, 'midst the clamour of men Shall see me alone on the hillside, and have pity and return again. F. J. MCN. 12 DIABOLO. I stood upon the summit of a little hill, listening to the divine symphony of spring. From glade and thicket poured the rich gladness of birds, welling up and through the music of running water ; the clean bracing wind careered through the keen air like a stallion, tossing as he went a thousand diamonds of dew from his arched mane. Across the eternal hills must have blown visions of days like this ; in that moment the sun, the moon, the stars, the planets, dripped like drops of crystal water from the fingers of God, and one, falling, turned into a jewel. That was the earth. Here Nature had put forth all her arts to make a pleasing show. Clouds like delicate lace foamed away across the sky. Far to the south at the crest of a billow of green was Assisi. The sun, gleaming on its white walls, its towers, its slender spires, shod them with gold and lent to all an air of mystery, as though it might suddenly vanish into nothingness, leaving but a memory. Assuredly 'twas of the stuff that dreams are made of. Looming away behind the city the hills that look towards Perugia showed in a haze of purple. To the west the forest, lost in meditation among the cloud tops ; its mellow gloom undisturbed save for now and then a spar of light which would shine like a sword against the darker hue of the clouds. The hill led down to the bold sweep of land that was the plain of Umbria, a vale all charged with russet and crimson, laced with silver and green ; yet all the colours blended so perfectly that none seemed predominant. Perched precariously on the side of the hill the half-ruined castle of Ravini frowned grim and black at the lovely scene. The place inspired a feeling that revolted yet drew me. I walked slowly down to the hill towards the remains of the once great stronghold... Came the patter of flying feet and a herd of deer, liquid eyes clouded with terror, velvet sides heaving, broke the forest and stood on the shoulder of the hill outlined against the sky. Up the long slope pealed the deep, menacing bay of a great hound. The deer were gone. I crossed the rickety old drawbridge, passed through the broken door and entered the desolate hall. Soon I was fleeing down the " labyrinthine ways " of conjecture. What manner of men had lived here ? Were they good or evil, were they ugly or fair ? I fell asleep.

The six tall candles threw a fitful light around the great tapestried room, making eerie shapes dance in the corners. Sometimes a ray of light would rest for a second on one of the tense anxious faces of the men seated round the oak table. At the head was Carlos Ravini, his misshapen body crouched forward in the chair ; his head leant on his left shoulder while behind rose 18 the monstrous hump which gained for him the name of " Lo Scrignuto." One hand held a whip the other rested in the collar of a huge dirty-yellow hound which lay at full length on the floor, eyes shining balefully, cruel fangs bared, every muscle taut as a bowstring. Two ugly devils grinned out of Ravini's eyes as he stared unwinkingly at a man who stood facing him across the table. The silence was pregnant. A piece of wax fell from the candlestick ; someone stirred. Then Ravini spoke. " So you failed, my friend, you failed to take Manzini's castle. You had a force of brave soldiers." He sneered and waved towards the darker end of the room where dimly the figures of men could be discerned." A force twice as many as defended the castle. Their water was poisoned and yet you failed —you—my trusted lieutenant. What a glorious fight you must have made, how hard you must have struggled ; you return, with not a man wounded, from a fight with my most avowed enemies. But perhaps, you did not fight. Perhaps the Manzini bought you off, eh ?" His voice rose to a shrill scream ; " You fool, you think that because I st ay here chained to my chair, that you can trick me ; do you.? Under- stand there's no one on earth, in hell or in heaven can outdo me." The man cowered to his feet. " My Lord, have mercy, mercy," he implored. " Ali," said Ravini, " I see that you do understand when it is too late." The hand that held the hound fell away. " Diabolo," he whispered " kill him." The hound sank still lower, then leapt. There came a terrified scream, the sound of teeth tearing flesh, the thud of the fallen body. Blood spilled on the stone floor. There was a sob of horror from the cowed spectators .and later the soft growl of a hound sated with blood. Ravini looked on with eyes full of devilish glee. At length he turned to the men. " That is the punishment of traitors. I warn you not to try to succeed where he has failed. Nor to expect mercy because you have been long with me. Mercy is a quality of weak-willed fools ; and you, I am sure, will agree that I am neither weak-willed nor a fool. You may go—but remember that man cannot kill me, the devil would not, and God—well--." He snapped his fingers in a gesture of scorn. The men rose to leave. " Wait," called Ravini. " To- night I want you, Giuseppe, to take seven men to the Monastery of San Martin. It lies barely fifteen miles along the lower track to Perugia. My stock of gold is somewhat low and I hear that they are very rich, too rich to be good monks. So," he finished ironically, " by relieving them of their gold plate we shall be doing them—and ourselves a good service." The men left the room in silence. Ravini turned in his chair and glanced at Diabolo. He stif- fened. The beast was gazing at him peculiarly. It seemed to be taunting him. He lifted the heavy whip and lashed the hound, again and again. Diabolo never moved, just gazed with burning eyes. 14 The voices of the monks rose and fell in solemn cadence through the darkened church. Once the lector lit his tiny lamp in order to read the proper of the office. The flame threw his bearded face into strong relief. Then the light was quenched and nothing but the blood-red sanctuary lamp, high up in the chancel, broke the gloom. Matins ended, and with a rustling of habits the fathers left their stalls and walked in procession from the chapel. The sound of their feet had hardly died away when the door opened silently and five of Ravini's men glided, ghostlike, into the nave. They made for the sacristy. Soon they emerged from their unholy task carrying the sacred vessels and a jewelled monstrance. They passed quickly down the aisle. In the porch they halted, whispering. Suddenly one of them detached himself from the others and went towards the altar ; under the lamp he passed, up the steps and stopped before the tabernacle ; a few strokes of his dagger and the lock broke. Only a pyx was inside. He laid his blasphemous hands on it, took the Sacred Host and flung it to the floor. As he ran down the steps his heel crunched it ; blood began to trickle over the marble. Suddenly the clang of the great warning bell echoed clear and loud over the monastery and into the night. The monks had learnt of the intrusion. Ravini's men, however, were too well trained to be alarmed by this. Quietly and orderly they left the church The clip-clop of the horses sounded fainter and fainter

The great four-poster bed, hung with heavy black curtains looked like a bier. The floor was strewn with rushes, and now and then a rat, its eyes two points of fire, would scamper across. Ugly gurglings came up from the moat and periodically an owl would hoot its dismal plaint. The stub of candle guttered and went out. All was darkness, a darkness which could be felt. Something stirred on the ground beside the bed. Diabolo, the hound, woke and licked his slavering jaws. An intolerable thirst burnt in his mouth, a thirst which could be appeased only by blood. He sniffed the air. Softly he padded round the bed and sprang ; he landed on the coverlet. Carlos Ravini turned over. " Per Baccho " he ground out ; with a curse on his lips he died. The beast's great fangs bit deep into his throat. Dim and muffled across the hills sounded the alarming bell of San Martin.

I woke with a start. A man, a hunchback, dressed in the cloak of a sixteenth century baron, was staring at me. He laughed grimly. " Come Diabolo " he said. A great hound leapt from the shadows and together, silent as the night, they passed across the hall and through the doorway into the twilight. W. J. WALSH, Form V I. 15 THE ECCENTRIC'S EXPLANATION. Because my childhood friends who thought me wise Have in our later meetings found me strange, And I, who killed old friendship with the change, Am looked upon with sorrowful surprise, I tell you this : that in our beardless days We weaved our dreams together and went forth To seek for their fulfilment, half in sport, And you and I have travelled different ways.

Because you follow still your ancient quest And walk with all the world, your heart is lent 'Twixt small successes, transient content, And you may soothe your weariness with rest. But— for my dreams were true while yet untried I took a spark of folly for a star, And it is gone, and having wandered far In search of a new beacon, faith has died.

And all the idols that I once did trust To guide me through the mazes of the years Have fallen down in ruin round my ears Until my eyes are blinded with their dust. In darkness still, from discontent, release My heart is seeking. Hope and joy still gleam Like faces half remembered from a dream,— I blunder blindly forward seeking peace. F. J. MCN.

THE HEIGHT AND THE DEPTH. " Yes," said the Recording Angel with some importance, " We rule off the column as each person below finishes his life on earth. Gold line for Heaven ; Red for Purgatory ; Black for —" He paused significantly, and the little Cherub nodded with becoming gravity. " Now go and fill up the ink- wells," said the Recording Angel, efficiently. Dan Callaghan was in an evil temper. He always was when he was recovering from a bout of drunkenness. And last night he must have been pretty bad. Couldn't remember very clearly what had happened. Alice had come to find him at the " Merry jester," he thought. Just like these women. Interfering. They had quarrelled, of course. She was a vixen with a bitter tongue. Then he had lost his temper and when they got home he had beaten her. With his belt. He remembered staring rather stu- pidly at her bleeding shoulders. He had lurched on to the bed and slept bestially while she had lain moaning on the floor. 16

The morning had been worse. He had kicked her into wake- fulness with a string of curses, and had slouched out to work leaving her sobbing. Snivelling little hussy. He spat viciously and his thoughts were black. He was engaged on a big steel erection in the heart of the city, and at times had to work at dizzy heights. To-day they were nearing the top, and the giant crane had a long pull to raise the great swaying girders and swing them into position. There was always a crowd below to watch this. Sometimes even traffic was held up for a few moments as the gently rocking tons of steel were swung out over the street. The upturned faces looked like little specks of white, down beneath his feet. He cursed them for a lot of gaping fools, and looked upward. The great crane jib was above him, and even as he looked it came to a standstill. Two massive girders of steel were silhouetted against the sky ; and their form was the form of a cross. He stared for a moment without noticing ; then started suddenly. " Gawd !" he muttered, and his hands went to his head. The imprecation, or prayer, turned into a sudden strangled scream, as he swayed for a moment dizzily, then clawing at the empty air, he toppled backwards into space. There was an ugly thud as the falling body hit one of the lateral girders, and twisting helplessly crashed to hideous death amid the concrete foundations of the steel cage—mercifully out of sight of the crowd.

Father Murphy had been saying his Office when the bus came to a halt and the people in front of him began looking up at the sky. He finished Sext, closed his breviary and gazed upwards. The steel framework of a new construction towered in front of him. A crane was swinging a girder into position, and he understood why the bus had been stopped. In front of him, under the arm of the crane the road had been cleared. That was wise, he thought. Suddenly he heard a gasp of horror from the woman in front of him. Away above him the tiny figure of a man, on one of the topmost girders seemed to be swaying in a frightening manner. For a ghastly second he stood out from the girder at a grotesque angle then with an agonizing slowness fell twisting from the girder and plunged giddily downwards. The priest suppressed a cry, leapt to his feet and raised his hands. " Si to es capax, ego to absolvo—" The words were drowned by the frightened scream of the people in the roadway and the body swept down out of sight behind the giant hoardings. The Recording Angel reached for his ruler with a sigh. " More red ink," he said fussily. And there was triumph in his tone. 17 SAINT CUTHBERT'S BEADS. But fain St. Hilda's nuns would learn If on a rock by Lindisfarne Saint Cuthbert sits, and toils to frame The sea-born beads, that bear his name. Such tales had Whitby's fishers told, And said they might his shape behold, And hear his anvil sound ; A deadened clang,—a huge dim form, Seen but, and heard, when gathering storm And night were closing round. But this as tale of idle fame, The nuns of Lindisfarne disclaim. MARMION ii, 16. The cruel east wind howled across the bleak and desolate moor. The village of Egton lay tucked away in its cosy moor-land glen. Already, the folk had barred their shutters and were gathering round the hearth to tell their tales and mend their bows and drink the housewife's mead In one of these tiny cottages there sat beside his father a fair youth. His golden curls hung in ringlets about his white face and his deep blue eyes told of his Saxon blood. His father sat upon a rude wooden stool gazing vacantly at the embers which smouldered on the hearth. Presently the man rose from his place beside the fire and crossed the tiny room. Peering through the crevice in the shutters he looked out into the night. A second passed, then he turned and looked at his son. " Yes, I will go," he said firmly. The boy was much dismayed to hear the unwelcome news. He must sit alone and turn the logs and stare into the fire. The wind blew louder and stronger as the cottager clattered down the cobbled pathway into the winding street. A casement was flung open above his head and a piercing cry mingled with the blast. " Prithee stay my father, the wind blows strong." The determined man made a sharp reply. '' Pester me no longer boy—the moon is high, I will not miss the sight." Without more ado he set out to tramp the three long miles to Whitby town. Crossing the river by the ford he arrived at last on the Whitby side of the Esk. He set off in a tiny bark once more to battle with the blast. The prow was turned to Lindisfarne and in that direction he tugged for fully an hour or more. Down the river, around the crag beneath the Abbey Church, then out upon the heaving billows ; the saint would guide his course. At last the strands of Holy Isle were sighted in the gloom. Wearily he leant awhile upon the oars, his hand to his ear. Right verily a clanging sounded above the scream of the wind. He pulled still one more toilsome mile towards the hallowed strand, that he might see St. Cuthbert there working at his forge. 18 He ran his craft ashore at last beneath an overhanging cliff and from the sheltered spot he feasted his soul on the delightful vision. The reverent man beheld a light around St. Cuthbert's head. Using one rock as his anvil and another for a stool the good saint forged his beads and fossils, and as he hammered, the air was filled with music from each stroke. Into these little tombs of stone he placed the many reptiles that swarmed our country, then. And to each little sepulchre he wrought a lid to match and stamped his signet in the stone and flung it out to sea. So still we find them lying around on Whitby's cliffs and strands. They are no doubt washed from Lindisfarne from the good St. Cuthbert's forge. Dazzled by the brilliant light his mortal eyes could see no more, so the cotter rowed away from Lindisfarne to tell the tale at home. E. LEMMON, Form V I. SPORTS DAY. Traditions, so 'tis said, died hard ; but the tradition that Sports Day at St. Michael's is fine had barely enough vitality to survive the Whit-Monday of 1932. However, in spite of much threatened rain, and at least one shower, most of the items were successfully carried through. The following report appeared in the Hertfordshire Express of May 21st :- Despite weather which was none too kind, the annual sports of the boys of St. Michael's College, Hitchin, were carried through on Monday, only two events being cancelled owing to the slippery nature of the ground. The Very Rev. L. M. Deydier was president of the sports, with Messrs. W. Abbiss, W. Carr, H. Sell, and L. G. Shrive as judges. The Rev. Andrew Beck was starter, Mr. F. T. Large timekeeper, and Father Whitworth clerk of the course. The prizes were distributed by Mr. B. E. Kenworthy-Browne, headmaster of Wellbury Park School, who was thanked by Father Deydier, and a bouquet was handed to Mrs. Kenworthy-Browne by P. Lemmon. Valuable help was given by ladies who served the refreshments under the direction of Mrs. Sell. THE PRIZE LIST. It was a rule of the sports that no boy should be allowed to take more than two first prizes, or three prizes in all, and in cases where the winner had to forego his prize the recipient of the prize is given in parentheses. In the senior high jump W. Brown equalled the College record established by Father Beck in his schooldays. The results were :— 100 yards flat, under 11 : 1, M. Hollingshead ; 2, E. Thibaut ; 3, H. Bourke. Under 12 : 1, A. Newman ; 2, 0. Pyne ; 3, A. Hitchings. 19 Under 14 : 1, E. Cooper ; 2, A. Blakiston ; 3, E. Woodford. Under 16 : 1, P. Lee ; 2, W. Collins ; 3, F. White. Over 16 : 1, W. Brown ; 2, W. Walsh ; 3, J. Millard. Time : 10 3/5 seconds. Hurdles, 100 yards, junior : 1, W. Collins ; 2, P. Fallowfield (1st) ; 3, A. Foyster. Senior : 1, W. Brown ; 2, J. Brown (1st) ; 3, J. Millard. Time : 13 3/5 seconds. 220 yards flat, under 11 : 1, M. Hollingshead ; 2, E. Thibaut. Under 12 : 1, A. Newman ; 2, 0. Pyne ; 3, R. Stephens. Under 14 : 1, L. Hunt ; 2, E. Woodford ; 3, J. Redmond. Under 16 : 1, P. Lee ; 2, N. Murphy ; 3, W. Collins. Over 16 : 1, W. Brown ; 2, J. Millard (1st) ; 3, G. Judd. Time : 28 2/5 seconds. Old Boys : 1, F. W. Murcutt ; 2, A. Myers ; 3, W. Hunt. High Jump, junior : 1, P. Fallowfield, 3 ft. 8½ ins.; 2, W. Collins; 3, E. Cooper. Senior : 1, W. Brown, 5ft tins.; 2, G. Judd (1st) ; 3, J. Brown. Half mile junior : 1, W. Collins (scr.) ; 2 M. Newman (25 yards) ; 3, J. Dunlop (40 yards). Senior (for cup presented by Mr. J. T. Cox) : 1, E. Yates (scr.) ; 2, L. Lewis (5 yards) ; 3, D. Hennessy (15 yards). Time : 2 min. 28 1/5 seconds. Throwing cricket ball, junior : 1, H. Lynch (48 yds. 2 ft. 7 ins.) ; 2, W. Collins ; 3, E. Cooper. Senior : 1, J. Brown (82 yds. 2 ft. 8 ins.) ; 2, J. Millard ; 3, W. Brown. Quarter mile, junior : 1, W. Collins (scr.) ; 2, P. Fallowfield (20 yds., 1st.) ; 3, J. Redmond (20 yds., 2nd) ; 4, E. Woodford (30 yds., 3rd). Senior (cup presented by Mrs. Osborne) : 1, W. Brown (scr.) ; 2, G. Judd (5 yds.) ; 3, J. Millard (5 yds.). Time : 1 minute 4 2/5 seconds. Old Boys : 1, L. Wilkins ; 2, A. Myers. Long jump, junior : 1, E. Cooper (13ft. 7½ ins.) ; 2, W. Collins ; 3, J. Redmond. Senior : 1, W. Brown (17ft. 9¼ ins.) ; 2, G. Judd (1st) Mile, junior : 1, W. Collins (scr.) ; 2, M. Newman (40 yds.). Senior (for cup presented by Mr. B. E. Kenworthy-Browne, M.A.) : 1, E. Yates (scr.) ; 2, L. Lewis (10 yds.). Time : 5 minutes 35 3/5 seconds. Obstacle, junior : 1, M. Hollingshead ; 2, E. Cooper (1st) ; 3, S. Kearney. Senior : 1, L. Lewis ; 2, G. Judd ; 3, F. Austin (2nd). Relay (for cup presented by Mr. Worbey) : Present beat the Past. The Present team were : E. Yates, W. Brown, G. Judd, J. Millard, D. Hennessy, W. Walsh, L. Lewis, and P. Lee. Time : 4 minutes 8 2/5 seconds. Consolation, under 15 : 1, J. Redmond ; 2, A. Gould ; 3, S. Kearney : Over 15 : 1, D.Woodward ; 2, F. Austin ; 3, D. Hennessy. Tug-of-War : The Past beat the Present by two pulls to one. W. Brown again won the Senior Challenge Cup with 19 points ; and W. Collins the Junior Cup with 21 points. The Inter-Form Cup was won with ease by Form III with 76 points, the runners-up being Form II with 15 points. 20

A cup for cross country running was kindly presented by Mr. and Mrs. Holyoake. This will be competed for annually, and was won this year by E. T. Yates. It is a pleasant task to record the kindness of so many friends who unfailingly help year by year to make the Sports a success, and to offer to each the sincere thanks of the school. Mr. Kenworthy-Browne not only consented to present the prizes but also offered a cup for the Senior Mile. His lively and humorous speech was much appreciated, though he made it plain that the serious side of life can find its way into a School Sports. The story of the remarkable health-giving properties of Hitchin air will doubtless be long remembered. The Judges and other officials mentioned above were probably —apart from the runners—those who suffered most from the rain. We were pleased to see again Mr. Carr and Mr. Large. Mrs. Sell and her helpers deserve a special word of thanks. They included Mrs. Godfrey, Mrs. Holyoake, Mrs. Jolliffe, Mrs. Pyne , Miss E. Holyoake and Miss Jackson. To the following who gave donations or prizes towards the Sports we offer our sincere thanks :- Rev. Fr. Octavian, A.A., Rev. Fr. E. O'Sullivan, Rev. Fr. Julian, A.A., Rev. Fr. Delphin, A.A., Rev. Fr. Bernadine, A.A. Mrs. Fawcett, Mr. and Mrs. Gallagher, Mr. and Mrs. Holyoake, Mr. Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Kenworthy-Browne, Mr. Martin, Mrs. Osborne, Mr. and Mrs. Sell, Mrs. Spicer, Dr. Van der Borght, Mr. Worbey, Miss Shepherd, Mrs. L. Heagerty, Mrs. H. Zecchini. Messrs. G. T. Cox, Freeman, Hardy and Willis, French, Foyle, Galt, Garratt and Cannon, Hales, Halsey, Hayes and Finch, Leete, Joshua Taylor and Co., Whitaker, Timothy White.

RESTRAINT. If you're in a furious mood Please try to quell it. If you have a bitter thought Oh ! do not tell it. If an angry chord there is Come, do not wake it. If a truce of peace exists Thou must not break it. G. CHEYNE, Form I V. 21 THE SHOCKING AFFAIR, OF THE SPACE BENDER. Being One of the Even Further Adventures of Finditt Hout. Finditt Hout, the world-famous detective, sat back in his chair with a sigh and savagely kicked the tea-tray into the fender. When the clatter of broken crockery had subsided, he seized a stick of cordite from the jar on the table and began to nibble it nervously. Yes, he was nervous—unstrung. He was feeling lonely. Even the steel-willed Hout had to admit it to himself. The pangs of loneli- ness were in his heart, and in his eyes was a look of unutterable longing. The truth was that Crackers, his equally-world-famous assistant, had been away for longer than he should have been, and Finditt Hout was beginning to realize how attached to the boy he had become. For nearly six months he had had no more than one postcard (unstamped— excess duty 3d.) ; and deep in his heart he feared that the worst had happened. Crackers had been sent out to investigate the peculiar mystery surrounding the running of contraband whale-blubber which was causing grave concern to the governments of Iceland and the Frozen North. Hout himself had declined the case with a sniff, but Crackers, scenting adventure, had begged of his master to be allowed to try his hand alone. He had set out with his stamp album, Yo-Yo, and catapult five long months before ; and (up to the present) had never returned. Hout was anxious. A soft buzzing noise broke the silence, a gaping hole appeared in the middle of the floor, and through it was shot a visitor, propelled by Hout's patent lift from the front door. The hole in the floor closed with a thud, and Hout sat hack in his chair toying with his pocket machine gun. The visitor was a smallish man with an enormous bald head and horn-rimmed glasses. His clothing was somewhat shabby, and his hands twitched nervously. "Er—ah—er. Excuse me. I was not—er--entirely prepared for such a—er—mode of transport. Kinetic energy thus applied is ah—apt to startle one not a little." He mumbled nervously, and then pulled himself together. Hout rose to his feet and extend- ed a welcome hand. " Professor Dodge," he exclaimed heartily, " Sir Ellover Dodge, if I am not mistaken. Pray be seated. What brings you here to this modest abode ?" The distinguished scientist bowed and sat down gingerly. " Trout," he whispered hoarsely , my life is threatened. The world of science may at any moment sustain an appalling loss. I am menaced with murder." Hout got up, gulped down a stiff glass of nitric acid, then wall cd across the room and pulled down the blind. The little pulse in his left temple was beating rapidly, and the look of longing had gone from his eyes. " Explain," he hissed tersely. His visitor assumed a professorial attitude and launched into a long disquisition on quantum-physics, cosmic radiation, light- years, ethereal drift, the continuum and expanding space. Hout 22 kicked him savagely in the stomach, and when he had sufficiently recovered drew from him a more or less lucid explanation. " So you see," eventually concluded the Professor " the ray, properly applied, will do to a greater degree what nature is already doing. It will bend space. The possibilities are tremendous. I shall bend space as I wish and look round all corners. At least there will be no corners. I shall be able to look round objects and see both sides of them at once. I shall be able to see the back of my own head, to see myself without a mirror when I shave " He would have continued unchecked had not Hout gagged him firmly, and tied him securely to the piano stool. The Dodge Space Bender was indeed a revolution ; and for a moment Hout was aghast at the terrible responsibility which lay upon his shoulders. The professor had received threatening letters commanding him either to yield up his secret, or to prepare for death. He had come to Hout, and the great detective felt that the whole future of scientific investigation rested on him. " Sir Ellover," he said abruptly, " you may rely on me." Then taking the professor by the hair he gently dropped him out of the window into a passing taxi.

The worst had happened. Sir Ellover Dodge, the world- famous scientist, was dead. His body had been found in the conservatory of his Richmond house, one evening reduced to a charred cinder. Hout gazed down at the hits with clenched hands and an ugly gleam in his eye. " Pshaw !" he ejaculated with em- phasis, and speeding out of the house jumped into his private motor boat and shot down the river towards Westminster. Ten days later he had made a false step, and found himself lying bound and gagged on the floor of a furnace room of the National Consolidated Glass Blowers and Bottle Constructors Association Ltd. (Reg. Capital £578,000), and over him leered the ghastly face of Rufus Splinter, the famous glass and mirror manufacturer. " So, Mr. Hout " he murmured fiendishly, " you thought to thwart me, did you ? Dodge was a fool. His Space Bender would have made all mirrors and looking glasses useless. Men could have seen under their own chins as they shaved, and ladies could have powdered the shining tips of their noses merely by bending the light rays. That was folly. And business comes first. So we destroyed him. Yes, Hout, he was burnt, as the Roman ships in Syracuse were burnt by Archimedes. You don't think I manufac- ture mirrors for nothing." He paused significantly. " And you, my friend, shall follow him." Several pairs of hands seized the detective\ e and were slowly dragging him towards the door of the furnace when there was a fierce cry and a crash of breaking glass. In the middle of the room was Crackers, his pea-shooter spitting vicious death. Splinter spun round with a curse, burning the seat of his trousers rather badly on 23 the furnace door, but it was too late. flout was free, and his pocket- machine gun dealt destruction to the remaining members of the Board of Directors of the National Consolidated Glass Blowers and Bottle Constructors Association Ltd. He pitched the bodies into the furnace, dusted his coat sleeve and turned to welcome Crackers. " Thanks, lad," he said huskily, " But where have you been all this time ?" " What do you mean, guvnor ?" queried his assistant. " I did as you said, and got back before sunset. The old 'plane did the journey in a couple of hours. What's wrong ?" For Hout was solemnly kicking himself, " My fault, boy," he said gravely. " I forgot that you only get one sunset in six months up there."

OLD BOYS' NOTES. More activity has been shown during the summer months by the Association than in the winter. A fair number were present on Sports Day at the College, where the weather was unfortunately poor. We were beaten, however, by the Present in the Relay Race. It is interesting to know that Mr. Worbey has presented a cup to he held for a year by the winners of this event. Doubtless the " Present " name will appear rarely, if at all, in the future. Apart from the Past v. Present match which we lost after a most enjoyable game, several cricket fixtures have been arranged. Those definitely fixed are July 17th v. Oberon C. C. at Raynes Park ; f August 14th v. Old Xaverians at Norbury ; and August 20th v. Hitchin Town C.C. at Hitchin. A new cricket cap in O.M.A. colours has been produced and may be obtained from Joshua Taylor and Co., for the sum of 6/6. The Past v. Present Soccer match and Annual General Meeting of the Association will be held at Hitchin on Saturday, October 22nd. In view of last year's success it is proposed to hold the Annual Dinner on the same evening. Further notifications of this will be given to members individually.

The perennial question of overdue subscriptions is one which must worry the brains and heart of every Hon. Treasurer. The Association needs a certain amount of financial support for ordinary routine work and correspondence. This can only come from the subscriptions of members. Those particularly who are invited to activities, athletic or otherwise, arranged by the Association would materially assist in smooth working by remembering their obligations . in this matter. The Association is worth keeping in existence for reasons which are obvious to all. But it cannot continue indefinitely without the active co-operation of all who are members. Sub- scriptions may be sent either to Mr. Godfrey or directly to Fr. Beck at the College. 24

The Association Mass for living members was said at the College on Sunday, May 8th, the Feast of St. Michael. * * * * The last meeting of the Council was held on Wednesday, July 13th, but at present no report has been received for publication. * * NEWS OF EVERYONE. Hearty congratulations to Father JOHN SCOTT, A.A.—better known perhaps to many as " Doug "—who was raised to the Priest- hood at the Assumptionist Scholasticate in Louvain on Sunday, June 5th. It is rumoured that he will be appointed to the staff at St. Michael's next year. Father VANHOLME, S.S.E., is now stationed at the new house opened by the Father of St. Edmund at Putney, Vermont, U.S.A. He has been engaged on mission work in the New England States, and writes with enthusiasm of the future of Catholicism in America. The following paragraph appeared in the Herts. and Beds. Pictorial on May 31st.- " Mr. T. C. Brett, of Guildford, who was killed a few days ago in an aeroplane crash near Grimsby, was for a time at St. Michael's College, Hitchin. He was very keen on flying and had undergone a course at Hanworth Aerodrome, and expected to complete his flying hours and take his certificate in a few days." Old Michaeleans of 1917-19 will remember Tom Brett, chiefly for his extraordinary physical strength and gymnastic ability. He was an adept on the rings (at that time still in position at the top of the field), and during the Armistice and Peace celebrations of 1918 and 1919 caused many a heart to miss a beat by climbing down the side of the tower over the main building from the trap door in the belfry to the gutter below—and up again. He was in the army for a time after leaving school, but had not been heard of at St. Michael's for several years. RI.P. We noticed the name D. J. CAHILL among the members of the Polytechnic Harriers' team opposed to the London Athletic Club at the L. A. C. Spring Meeting at Stamford Bridge on May 21st. He obtained second place in the Long Jump. W. POWDRILL is now at St. Joseph's Foreign Missionary College at Mill Hill where he is finishing his second year of Theology. He paid a short visit to the College during the Easter holidays, and found many memories and little that was changed. He is hoping to be ordained in 1934—and then for Uganda ! The brothers LECLERQ were among those who turned up for the Past v. Present match. They both have business positions in London. L. THAMIN has entered the film industry, trade or profession. This appears to imply visits to foreign countries for no very clear 25 purpose—at least as far as one can gather. He has been in Spain and Germany, and is spending part of this summer in England. He promised to write his impressions of the Spanish revolution " as seen through the eye of a camera," but so far no MS. has materialized. E. GODFREY continues his services as a most efficient treasurer to the Old Michaelean Association. He devotes such spare time as he has to active interest in the Knights of St. Columba. D. B. MACGILLIVRAY has returned from Canada and was last heard of in London,when he promised to come down again to Hitchin in the near future. D. CAMPLING is still to be seen on a ferocious-looking motor- bike, and in moments of immobility is said to design houses and other buildings. CRICKET NOTES. The XI. this year had to be built up from almost unknown material, yet in spite of the poor promise of last year, settled down into a good average school team. Bad weather in the beginning of the term curtailed the fixture list, but most of the matches played were well fought out and we had several creditable victories. It was an achievement to be at a fairly strong Past eleven for the first time, and this win undoubtedly did the team a lot of good. Fr. Andrew, whose help and experience were valuable in club games was in consistent good form with the bat and in most games helped to lay the foundation of a good score. Yates had a most unlucky season, being out in all manner of ways that he shouldn't. He was the victim of two particularly good catches at point, though on both occasions the shot played might well have produced an almost perfect four. Walsh, Woodward and Murphy have all the makings of good batsmen, and have all improved remarkably. Walsh's back play is particularly good, and late in the season he produced a delightful leg glide. Woodward has very strong wrists and as a rule uses them well, scoring most of his runs on the off, but neither he nor Murphy will drive well until they can stand firm on the right leg and throw the left well forward. The deadly fault of retiring towards square leg appears deeply engrained in these two. There is less technical correctness in the rest of the batting, though Lewis was always promising ; but J. Brown, Millard and Burrows can all hit the ball hard. Millard in particular has a pro- digious pull shot which can be very effective. The bowling of the team has not been at all up to the standard of the batting. J. Brown has been most consistent, but he needs a pitch with a little life in it to be very effective, and has yet to reach the stage of " thinking " batsmen out. He shared the misfortune of all fast bowlers in having many catches dropped behind the wic- ket. Lewis is the most promising of the other bowlers, occasionally producing the perfect off-break. His action is free and swinging, but he gets little life from the wicket. W. Brown started the season

26 splendidly and it looked as though he would develop into a natural " swinger." For some reason however, he became terribly erratic later on and lost both length and direction. Murphy, too, is uncertain. He relies on a natural break, but seems afraid to pitch the ball well up, so that at times square leg has been kept occupied. Burrows is a most unconventional bowler with a penchant for no-balls. The fielding of the side has rarely been brilliant, but never very bad. Millard eventually settled down as the regular wicket keeper. though he is not as good as J. Brown. Walsh, Murphy, J. Brown and W. Brown as a rule all fielded well. Burrows, Judd, Woodward and Lemmon are all slow starters and have consequently given away many runs.

Following are the averages for the season :- BATTING.

Inns.out scoreNot RunsAverage Highest Fr. Andrew 7 1 202 69* 33.66 D.A. Woodward 10 2 171 36* 21.36 W. J. Walsh 10 — 140 34 14.00 J. Millard 8 1 68 33* 9.71 L. Lewis 10 2 53 13 6.67 J. Brown 10 — 54 16 5.40 G. Judd 5 2 16 5* 5.33 C. G. Murphy 10 — 41 9 4.10 E. Lemmon 6 1 20 6 4.00 W. Brown 7 2 18 8* 3.60 E. T. Yates 10 — 30 11 3.00 J. Burrows 5 — 14 11 2.80

BOWLING. Overs. Mdns. Runs Wkts. Average. J. Brown 66 15 161 21 7.66 Fr. Andrew 31.3 5 112 14 8.00 L. Lewis 72 18 203 19 10.67 W. Brown 64 15 141 11 12.64 C. Murphy 41 8 124 8 15.50 J. Burrows 34 7 90 4 22.50 W. Walsh 15 2 62 2 31.00 * * * * * Following are the season's results with one match to play :- Played 9, Won 5, Lost 3, Drawn 1. MAY 25TH. v. SHEFFORD WEDNESDAY C.C. HOME. Shefford batted first and thanks chiefly to H. Bryant had made 111 by tea-time. Fr. Andrew and Walsh, however, opened con- fidently and a further stand of 50 for the third wicket allowed us to get within sight of victory. Shefford sportingly agreed to an

27 extension of time,—and we were able to win by five wickets. Fr. Andrew was in excellent form with the bat and his example did much to encourage the whole team. SHEFFORD. 1ST. XI. W. Godfrey c. A. Woodward Fr. Andrew not out 69 b C. Murphy 0 W. Walsh b R. Stamp 7 R. Stamp c J. Brown E. Yates b H. Bryant 0 b J. Burrows 9 A. Woodward c Whitbed G. Mobbs b W. Walsh 7 b Cook 21 H. Bryant b W. Brown 51 C. Murphy b R. Stamp 3 A. Purfield c W. -Brown J. Brown c Banes b H. b Fr. Andrew 0 Bryant 4 H. Banes not out 4 L. Lewis not out 5 J. Cook c E. Lemmon b J. Burrows 1 E. Lemmon W. Collins b W. Brown 0 J. Burrows did not bat. S. Crossley b G. Judd 18 G. Judd G. Patching c W. Brown b W. Brown Fr. Andrew 5 P. Whitbed b W. Brown 7 Extras 9 Extras 9

Total 111 Total 118 BOWLING. W. Brown, 3 for 5, J. Burrows 2 for 15, W. Walsh 1 for 20, C. Murphy 1 for 14, G. Judd 1 for 7, Fr. Andrew 2 for 30. JUNE 4TH. v. MARMET C.C. AWAY. Played at Letchworth, the College winning a low scoring game by 9 runs. Walsh played a steady and useful innings and Burrows supplied the hitting at the right moment. Scores :—Marmet C. C. 45. 1st XI., 54. JUNE 6TH. V. SHEFFORD WEDNESDAY C.C. HOME. Shefford again visited us and gave us our first defeat. We had hope of victory when they were out under the hundred, but some bad running between the wickets resulted in two run-outs and we lost by 22 runs. SHEFFORD. 1ST. XI. E. Nichols c Fr. Andrew b Fr, Andrew c Patching b W. Brown 0 Crossley 10 G. Mobbs c J. Burrows W. Walsh b Taylor 2 b W. Brown 8 R. Woodward st Patching H. Bryant b L. Lewis 30 b Bryant 30 S. Crossley b W. Brown 6 E. Yates l.b.w. b Taylor 0 H. Banes b C. Murphy 4 C. Murphy run out 9 W. Collins run out J. Brown b Bryant 0 W. Taylor b Fr. Andrew 0 L. Lewis not out 5 W. Best not out 12' J. Burrows b Nichols 2

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H. Patching C G. Judd G. Judd run out 4 b L. Lewis 10 J. Millard st. Patching b W. Godfrey b Fr Andrew 1 Nichols 1 W. Bridle c and b L. Lewis 8 W. Brown c Nichols b Crossley 1 Extras 6 Extras 8

Total 94 Total 72 BOWLING. W. Brown 3 for 11, C. Murphy 1 for 12, J. Burrows 0 for 8, L. Lewis, 3 for 22, Fr. Andrew 2 for 29. JUNE 11TH. V. HITCHIN TOWN C. C. " A " XI. HOME Although we lost easily, the game was always interesting. Walsh played very well for his 31 and later batsmen were all willing to attack the bowling. HITCHIN TOWN. 1ST XI W. Hill c W. Walsh b J. Fr. Andrew b French 9 Burrows 3 A. Woodward c Coxall W. Stanley c J. Brown b b Stanley 0 L. Lewis 28 W. Walsh c Marriot b C. Coxall b Fr. Andrew 53 Mead 31 A. Camfield c J. Brown b E. Yates run out 11 Fr. Andrew 6 C. Murphy c Marriot b G. Burges not out 28 Coxall 1 W. Webb not out 14 J. Brown c Stanley b French Olney} L. Lewis b Webb 13 Marriot } did not bat. J. Burrows c Camfield b French} Webb 0 E. Lemmon c Burges b Stanley 5 J. Millard b Stanley 8 G. Judd not out 5 Extras 6 Extras 28

Total 139 Total 114 BOWLING. J. Burrows, 1 for 19, L. Lewis 1 for 52, Fr. Andrew 2 for 20. JUNE 26TH. V. PAST. HOME. This was one of the best games of the season, and an encouraging win for the Present. Norgan and Cahill opened for the Past and looked like making a high score when at 50 Norgan was bowled by Lewis. Goulding was run out through a bad call, and Cahill and F. Ward had taken the score to 71 when Lewis got a second wicket. Brown got two quick wickets but F. Ward and Stanley forced the pace until at 129 Ward was bowled by Murphy in his first over. Stanley continued to hit, but was caught on the boundary and the innings was closed at 140 for 7.

29 The Present opened badly, Murphy being bowled in the first over, but a splendid partnership followed, Fr. Beck and W. Walsh adding 65 runs before the former was bowled by J. Stanley. Some spirited hitting with several lucky snicks,, brought the score up quickly, and within a few minutes of time a single by Brown gave victory to the Present, Woodward being undefeated with 28. Walshparticularly strong. played a remarkably good innings, his back play being

PAST. PRESENT. E. K. Norgan b L. Lewis 19 Fr. Andrew b J. Stanley 31 C. Cahill b L. Lewis 36 C. Murphy b T. D. Ward 0 L. Goulding run out 3 W. Walsh b J. Stanley 26 F. T. Ward b C Murphy 42 E. Yates c Kearney b T. D. Ward c Fr. Andrew T. Ward 1 b J. Brown 1 A. Woodward not out 28 F. Scott l.b.w. J. Brown 0 J. Brown c T. D. Ward J. Stanley c W. Brown b b T. O'Leary 16 Fr. Andrew 26 L. Lewis b T. O'Leary 2 W. Stanley not out 4 J. Millard c J. Stanley b T O'Leary 5 T. O'Leary E. Lemmon c J. Stanley B. Kearney did not bat. b T. O'Leary 0 G. Murcutt W. Brown not out 8 J. Burrows did not bat. Extras 9 Extras 28

Total 7 for 140 Total 8 for 145 BOWLING. W. Brown 0 for 24, J. Brown 2 for 41, L. Lewis 2 for 30, C. Murphy, 1 for 6, Fr. Andrew 1 for 5. T. D. Ward 2 for 27, J. Stanley 2 for 20, T. O'Leary 4 for 13. JUNE 29TH. V. HERTFORD GRAMMAR SCHOOL 2ND XI. AWAY. An interesting game, unfortunately left drawn through lack of time. Hertford batted first and although scoring fairly slowly made our bowling appear very harmless. J. Brown made the ball kick occasionally, and Lewis bowled some good balls. We were left 75 minutes to score 107, but Murphy and Woodward started very slowly. Walsh and Yates were quickly out, the former throwing his wicket away, and until Millard came in anything might have happened. Millard, however, went for the bowling and chiefly by means of pulls, including eight fours, had brought our score to 83 before stumps were drawn. HERTFORD. 1ST XI. C. Brown b L. Lewis 27 C. Murphy c Thomas Bower c J. Millard b J. b Blake 4 Brown 0 A. Woodward not out 36 W. Thomas b W. Brown 4 W. Walsh st. Willets b Hacket not out 28 Blake 0

30 J. Smith c J. Brown b L. E. Yates b Blake 0 Lewis 19 J. Brown b Blake 4 M. Lodderidge c J. Brown L. Lewis b Blake 0 b L. Lewis 0 J. Millard not out 33 Blake not out 17 E.} Lemmon R. Vigus W.} Brown D. Willets did not bat. J. Burrows }did not bat. C. Thomas G. Judd } Extras 12 Extras 6

Total 5 for 107 Total 5 for 83 BOWLING. W. Brown 1 for 19, J. Brown 1 for 19, L. Lewis 3 for 28. JULY 6TH. V. HITCHIN GRAMMAR SCHOOL " A " AWAY. The Grammar School started well and had 56 for 3 wickets before a collapse began, Lewis bowling well and taking 7 wickets for 27. Our batting was deplorable, Yates alone facing the fast bowling with any confidence. Millard was run out though very bad calling, and Burrows stupidly threw his wicket away. H. G. S. 1ST. XI. J. Bedwell b L. Lewis 14 E. Yates c and b Annable 10 B. Worboys b L. Lewis 5 A. Woodward b Annable 3 D. Annable l.b.w. b J. Brown 10 W. Walsh b Whitehead 3 A. Whitehead b W. Brown 18 C. Murphy b Annable 1 T. Taylor c J. Brown b J. Brown st. Worboys L. Lewis 8 b Bedwell 9 S. Sales c and b C. Murphy 3 L. Lewis b J. Bedwell 1 G. Bain b L. Lewis 7 E. Lemmon l.b.w. b Annable 6 S. Whittle b L. Lewis 1 J. Millard run out 5 H. Darlow not out 0 W. Brownb c Bedwell F. Massey c W. Brown b Annable 1 L. Lewis 0 J. Burrows run out 1 H. Winch b L. Lewis 0 G. Judd not out 4 Extras 6 Extras 14

Total 72 Total 58 BOWLING. L. Lewis 7 for 27, W. Brown 1 for 18, J. Brown 1 for 14, C. Murphy 1 for 6. JULY 9TH. V. HITCH IN C. A. C. C. HOME. One of the best victories of the season. J. Brown took three wickets in his first over and only one stand was made against us. Yates was out to a very good catch, and then Fr. Andrew and Walsh added 93 for the second wicket —a spendid stand without a chance being given.

31

H. C. A. C. C. 1ST. XI. A. Camfield c Lemmon b Fr. Andrew c F. Sharp b J. Brown 0 Barker 48 W. Evans c Walsh b E. Yates c Page b Barker 0 J. Brown 13 W. Walsh l.b.w. b Barker 34 R. Sharp b J. Brown 0 A.Woodward c Barker b A. Barker l.b.w. b J. Brown 0 Large 25 A. Large c Fr. Andrew b C. Murphy b Large 9 J. Brown ..7 J. Brown c and b Camfield 0 H. Barnard h L. Lewis 12 L. Lewis run out 8 J. Cannon c L. Lewis b J. Millard b Camfield 0 Murphy 9 E. Lemmon run out 2 J. Page b Fr. Andrew 3 J. Brown c Chappelle R. Ellis b L. Lewis 2 b Barker 1 M. Turner not out 3 B. Clithroe not out 2 A. Chappelle b Fr. Andrew 0 Extras 6 Extras 13

Total 55 Total 142 BOWLING. J. Brown 5 for 14, L. Lewis 2 for 13, C. Murphy 1 for 11, Fr. Andrew, 2 for 7.

THE FIRST ELEVEN. E. T. YATES. Captain. Colours. Has had a most unlucky season. Although be has a tendency to make his strokes late he has several good scoring shots and knows how to play forward. Usually a safe field. W. WALSH. Colours. Has lived up to the promise of two years ago, and usually plays an attractive innings. He appears impetu- ous to score quickly and takes unnecessary risks early in his innings. A quick and reliable field in front of the wicket. A. WOODWARD. Colours. Has a free swinging bat and a good square cut, but " funks " faster bowling on the leg stump. Slower than he need be in the field. L. LEWIS. Colours. Has a good swinging action, and the physique to bowl fast, together with a useful off-break. Yet only once has he been completely successful. His batting has improved though he rarely plays forward well. J. BROWN. Colours. A steady bowler above medium pace. Had he not been required to howl, would have become a very efficient wicket-keeper ; and remains a good slip-fielder. J. MILLARD. Colours. Wicket-keeper. Takes well as a rule especially on the leg side, but has much to learn in stumping and gathering throw-ins. Has one stroke—a pull—which is usually deadly. 32

W. BROWN. A left arm swinger who suddenly lost form after beginning the season with great promise. A poor batsman, but a good throw and a safe catch in the deep. C. MURPHY. His bowling will improve when he learns to "toss them up." A good field, and a batsman with a good forward defensive stroke but a bad judge of the proper ball to hit. J. BURROWS. An erratic left-hand bowler who occasionally gets in a fast leg break, a hitter pure and simple with the bat, and a deplorable field. E. LEMMON. Mostly defensive in his play, with one or two shots on the leg side. Slow in the field. G. JUDD. Appears very slow in the field, though usually a reliable catch away from the wicket. His batting has been un- distinguished.