Grimsley High School - Whirligig Yearbook (Greensboro, NC)

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16 THE SAGE has a name—and the initials are M. C. He is called by that because everyone loves him so! He knows that a grouch on a car does not work, because in just that way has he become the President of this company. But—do’nt gasp. Yes, he comes here every Christmas and takes up his old job because he wants to enjoy his Christmas and put a bit of Merry Christmas in everyone else’s holidays.” Tom said nothing, but with a new light in his eyes, he saw the conductor hand the small boy his huge basket. “Goodbye, Merry Christmas!” the boy called back. “See you on my go-round toward home.” Tom sees now how the gray-haired conductor earned his name “Old Merry Christmas.” KATHERINE GRANTHAM, ’22. TRIPS Jessie Brandt met “Winnie” Cobb In front of school one day, They started talking of thrilling trips In a most familiar way. Said “Winnie” Cobb to Jessie Brandt; “Alas, how happy as I;” Said Jessie Brandt to “Winnie” Cobb: “I know the reason why.” Now Winnie gave her head a twist— And commenced to use her mouth, “Upon a wild, wild trip I’ve been, And now I’m heading South.”

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THE SAGE 15 “Why, good morning my little man!” the conductor said, as he helped a little boy with a huge basket into the car. “Going down to attend to business this morning, are you ?” The little boy grinned as he handed him the seven pennies, “Bet yer life!” Two business men came in and were greeted with a cheery word. They sat down together and began talking. “Tom, the old man said, “just watch that conductor greet¬ ing everyone. Quite an improvement over the regular car grouch, eh?” “H’m, well, I don’t know,” Tom replied. “Don’t know? Man, doesn’t it make you glad to see some one say and mean ‘Merry Christmas’ in these busy holidays—of rush—while—and the ‘cold eye.’ Just look at that.” Tom was looking. He saw the conductor help the lit¬ tle woman off the car. “Merry Christmas, ma’am,” he call¬ ed. And the woman looked up with a grateful smile as he handed her the package. An old man came in just then. The conductor steadied him while he walked to a seat, for his steps were feeble and halting. A tiny girl with her brother were the next to be seat¬ ed. The conductor gave her a sprig of holly from the lapel of his coat. “Just the color of your cheeks and such a Christmasy look;” the two listening men heard him say. “But Dick,” Tom said, “of course, that may help, but he is using up his time and giving it to people who don’t give a hang. He ' s not doing what he’s paid for! It’s not his business.” (This in an argumentative tone.) Tom al¬ ways managed to get on the other side of the fence.) Dick chuckled. “Hell, I say you can be the biggest— not attending to his business, eh? That’s rich. Why, man, that conductor used to be a small boy like that one sitting across the aisle. He has worked on this road for years. He

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THE SAGE 17 Said Jessie Brandt with sage disgust, “This trip will be your last For the suspension law at G. H. S. Has recently been passed.” But “Winnie” shocked by this sudden news, Thought it was all a lie— And turned and said in mocking tones “No, no, that’s not for I.” But Jessie Brandt was serious, “Please harken to my text And cure yourself of taking trips, For something may happen next. “You might as well conform to law, Evading is no use. You’ll some day be amazed to know That you are just a goose.” Then “Winnie” Cobb began to weep “Oh! thus deprived, can I exist; Without my trips I can no more Add lovers to my list. “And think of all the boys and girls At school in years to come Who’ll be assigned to research work To find out what is fun.” But Jessie Brandt maintained her point— “It is best by far,” said she “That girls should stay at home And learn their chemistry.” t So “Winnie” sadly climbed the steps And ’neath the sun’s bright ray She walked in school a better girl, For she was there to stay. MARY POOLE, ’20.