Polytechnic High School - Caerulea Yearbook (Long Beach, CA)

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Don't worry. children. you shall have some new clothes. and we will go to the picnic, comforted Mu. Meek. Dick looked somewhat astonished at this repiy but said nothing. and getting his hat he went back to the Field followed by the children. When Mrsi Meek was left alone the energy of the morn- ing seemed to desert her. and she sank wearily upon the bed. her head in her hands. She sat thus. deep in thought for a long time. Finally arousing herself. she washed and tireased the two babies, and put them an the bed. This done she start- ed her own toilet. She changed her old gingham house dress for a faded black lawn, which was much worn, but still neat and clean. Taking a bottle from the cupboard she proceeded to hiacken her patched anti worn shoeai Then advancing to the minor. she put on her bonnet. which had also seen its best day. Carrying the youngest child in her arms. and leading the other slowly by the hand she started on her journey to the nearest town. which was about two miles away. The sun was hot and the road was long. She was forced to stop repeatedly to rest her arms and encourage the elder child. At last she reached the store She bought a pink lawn for Agnes and a straw hat with a red, white. and blue hand for Eddy. As she drew forth from her pocket book a crisp dollar bill. she thought of the original purpose of the bill, Which was sent to her by her sister as a birthday gift. She was so glad that for once. she would be able to make the children happy. that she forgot the sacrihce she was making herself. and paid the bill with shining eyes, She thought of her Hrst-born son. who had been lying so cold and still for such a long time. She rev membered that his life had known no pleasures. nothing but work. work. work. At length with a light heart but with weary feet, she made her way homeward. The eldest child was tired and needed much encouragement, but with all these difficulties she reach- ed home before her husband and children came in from the field. Agnes and Eddy had completed the compatch by ex- treme effort, and joyfully began to weed the pumpkins. but it was very late when at length they Hnished this task. After supper had been cleared away and their father had gone to bed. Mrs. Meek cailed the children into the kitchen. where she hati moved her sewing machine, and exhibited their treasures to them. They wen- very much delighted and could Eightenn

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ed shoulders and looked after the Egurc of his father for a moment. Then without speaking he started to work again. The morning hours seemed very long, and the sun beat down relentlessly upon their small heads, When their father finally threw the lines over the horses' sides. the children stopped work, shouldered their hues, and silently followed their father to the house. Their mother was very busy dishing up the cornbread. beef, and green beans for their dinner. but she stopped to kiss the children and show them the baby's new dress. u0h, Eddy. ainit il: beautifuL and look. see how sliti1 your waist is starchedi it looks clean new, shouted Agnes. A broad grin spread itself slowly over his thin facet HShe's sure a dandy 'l he exclaimed. Sitting hastily down to the table he began cramming in his cornbread and beans. Agnes. you and me will have to :urry. or we won I get done today? Eddy remarked between ites. Their father ate silently and hastily. Finally he pushed back his plate and began roughly. Mary. I guess i canit go to town after all. These kids ain't worth their salt, They tionit deserve the clothes they have got. Anyway. I just can't go tomorrow. because I got to stay home and weed the pumpkins. l have been been putting it off, and putting it 0H7, but I donil intend to put it off any longer. i ain't goin'. His wife's face turned a deep crimsun, and she gazed steadily at her husband. She seemed about to speak but changed her mind. and rising hastily went into the next room to soothe the crying baby. and gain control of her feelings. When she re-entered the room. Dick seemed to have changed his mind, for he said sluwly, Them kids don't deserve it. but if they will get a move on them and weed those pumpkins yet today, and not leave it for me to do, we will go. Think you can do it? he asked. turning to Eddy who had been sitting very quietly. with downcast eyes, while Agnes had be- gun to nob to herself. Yes, sir. answered Eddy, we'll do it, All right. see that you do, growled their father. UBut say. Mary. I can't and won't go to town this afternoon. You'll have to go without them things for the kids. You can make over something of yours for them. uBut she ain't got nothing herself, interrupted Agnes. uShut up, mieu.h growled her father. nThis ain't your putain. Seventeen Zil- gilllW

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hardly be persuaded to wash their weary little feet and crawl into bed. They had been sleeping many hours. however. before Mrs. Meek arose with a sigh of reiief and folded away the pink lawn. Mrs. Meek did not sleep much that night. for she was up ' WWW very early in the morning. The smell of frying chicken greete J k i i ed the children as they emergec! into the kitchen. iW-i After breakfast had been cleared away and the work Lllfiir done, a large tub was brought into the kitchen and each chilci - in tum was bathed and dressed in new clothes. after which they were cautioned to sit still and not get mugged till Pa came with the team. Meanwhile, Dick Meek had been comfortably seated on the fence swapping yams with Jim Kinder. a neighbor, Why. Mary, said Dick entering the room and gazing about in amazement. uthen: wasn't no use going to the trouble of Fixing up the kids for that picnic. I promised Jim Kinder last week that I would go with him to Marsh's tcday. Thereis an auction sale there and I stand a good chance of making a good trade. I clear forgot about promising Jim till this morning As if nothing more remained to be said. he quietly reachr ed for his whip; He was too stow, however. for with a quick spring, Mary grabbed the whip, and waving it before his face, she said. Stand hack. Dick. Don't you dare to touch that horse today. He belongs to me and the children. You promised the children over two months ago. and they have worked trying to earn it. and then to have it taken from them because of a promise you made to Jim Kinder only a few days ago. You are always keeping your promise to the neigh- bors and never keeping it to your own family Think of the little boy so long dead. He nevex did have a holiday. Oh, yes. you promised him holidays. but did you ever keep your word? Lies. Dick. all lies. but the team belongs to us today, and we are going to the pianist Then advancing to the wagon with the whip still in hand. she said to the neighbor, who had been looking on in amusee ment. Get out of that wagon, Jim. Dick promised us the team before he did you. and we are going to have them. Jim quietly climbed out of the wagon. She called to the children who were all huddled together, hardly daring to breathe. nCome on, children. We are gal ing to the picnic. She put the children into the wagon. cle- posited the lunch basket under the Beat. and taking the lines tram the waiting neighbor. she drove briskly out of the yard. 41!- Nineteen