010314 #jonquil Leaves made papery noises and the toes of her shoes got wet as Mary walked southwest through backyards, weedlots, and alleys toward the town's paltry little high school. Out front over the grubby parking lot was a sign ::with an insulting mascot that had so far flown under the radar of recent attempts around the country to change such traditions.:: Gwen glanced with mild distaste at the comically warpainted Indian. The letters *HOME OF THE BRAVES* looked as homely as a roadside ice-cream drive-in.