Horace Mann High School - Memories Yearbook (Maryville, MO)

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under my feet. I stepped back but too late. Down I went in- to a deep, dark trap. Pcndering my fate, II heard voices. nBe careful, he's a wild oneln 'Hold this sideg all right now, all togetheran Slowly I was raised to the top of the pit. A shout of amazement and consternation went up when my form came into view. I blinked and looked aroundg the first man I saw was, of all people, Alan Garrison. The mutual recognition was almwc lhstsntaneous. After 'a few inquiries, Alan led me back to his camp. On the way, he explained that he was a taxidermist on an expedition trapping wild game for the Museum of Natural Arts. When I arrived in camp who should I see seated there but Charlie Doran. I immediately assumed that he was following his great ambiti on--to become a Wild- life Conservation Agent. Upon question I learned he was pre- serving parakeets. After a few days rest, I was takento the boat going to North America. At last I was going home! In a few days and after what seemed like a long journey, we docked. As I walked down the gang plank I could I' hardly believe my eyes which revealed a scene identical to that which I had left. I asked a hurrying dock hand where I was. nwhy South Africa, Sirin- and he continued on his way. I went into a small office building to ask about passage to the U. S. After waiting sometime for someone to appear, I turned dejectedly and sat down in a chair. I heard footsteps and a surprised voice exclaiming. nwell Mr. Babb of all peopleln Turning to see who would recognize me in a foreign country, I saw Twyla McFarland! We exchanged a few pleasant- ries and I learned that she had become a Missionary in South Africa trying to civilize the Cannibals and Headhunters .' I was assured without asking that she had encountered many thrilling escapades. I planned to stay for two weeks. But that night when I went to bed it began to tremble and shake until I had to clutch the sides to keep from falling out. As suddenly as it started, it stopped. Whenl openedmy eyes, which I had closed in terror, Ivsaw that it was daylight. I glanced curiously around deducting that I was on a ranch. A sudden pounding of hoofs and I saw a dashing figure on a sparkling white horse. He pulled rein beside me and said. nCan't you read, 'No Trespassing'?n I lboked up amazedland recognized Wayne Gard, owner of the Bar-None ranch. The freezing temperature was certainly a change from the hot, humid tropics. Wayne has just Started telling me about his career and all the time the cold became

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more and more unbeareeble. Just uhen I thought I could stand it no longer, I found myself walking dom astreet inalarge city, A Ilarge neon sign flashed, Graves and Rogers, Incorp- oratedn. It aroused my curiosity. The reception room was a beautiful place wiih large pictures on the wall. From one of three doors in the room walked a tall, rather majestic woman. 'lhen I knew the reason forthe sign, Graves and Rogers, Incorporatedw, because it was my old classmate Merna Graves! She told me later that she and Doris Rogersrhadgone into business in 1955. Doris, however, was out of town on business. g I noticed that the receptionist had been giving me the eye and I wondered whether or not my slip was showing. Finally she jumped up with, V Frankie Babb--why it's been yearsusince I've seen you. After she spoke, I knew it was Wava lhrasher. We all planned to go out to dinner that evening. The girls said that we should go to Wilma Randall's night club, Randal1's Scandals , because that night the floor show fea- tured Annabelle, the great modern dancer. As we entered the lavishly decorated club, we spied a table not reserved. When the waiter carte for our order, I asked to speak to the manager. Wilma told us that there were people on the program 'whom we might recognize. Suddenly the lights dimmed and the announcer stepped forward saying, It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you Anna- belle, the World's greatest modern dancer. Wilma leaned over saying to me, That's Annabelle Schneider you know. After the thunderous applause and a few encores later, the lights again dimned, Wilma said, Now you're going to hear our blues singer, Mary White, accompanied by Helen Twaddle and her Musical Keyboard.