Rabouin High School - Rab Jab Yearbook (New Orleans, LA)

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der-you know, a murderer and District Attorney are picked by drawing lots- and everyone tries to involve everyone else, at the same time extricating him- self. Aunt Ella fell in with the plan, but laughingly said she was too old to kill, and besides she was tired, so she would, there- fore, go upstairs to read and we could have the whole lower floor. Lots were drawn-the murderer naturally keeping his identity a secret. Well, as we scat- tered around the house, all lights were extinguished, and I, who had drawn the short straw, so to speak, began looking for a victim! As I entered one room, which turned out to be the library, I re- alized there was also someone else pres- ent. Ah, this is fine, I thought, and com- ing closer I said in a rather muffled voice, 'I am going to kill youl' Naturally, my victim yelled and fell, as that was the pre- arranged idea. My one thought was to get as far away as possible in order to establish an alibi, for half the fun of the game is lost if the chosen D. A. discovers the identity of the murderer too soon. It wasn't until a few minutes later when we all came into the library that I discovered whom I had 'murdered', and found to my horror that in some unexplained manner she was dead. I have no idea what caused Aunt Ella's death as I didn't even touch her . Very nice, if true , interrupted the Inspector sarcastically. But what proof do you have, except your word, that you did not kill Mrs. Temple. You have admitted you werevin the room with her at the evident time of her death. All your long tale has done is to involve you rather deeply. You are forgetting me, Inspector. Oh, yes, Doctor Jones, our medical ex- aminer. Well Doctor ? Well, I hereby ,certify that death was caused by a heart attack due to sudden shock. The gash on the back of Mrs. Twenty Temple's skull was incurred by her head striking the corner point of a nearby table as she fell . Yes, but you have passed up the fact that Miss Brown claims Mrs. Temple was upstairs. How shall we account for her presence in the library, Doctor? An interesting thought, Inspector, but the true answer probably will never be known. However, as there was a lamp on the table that Mrs. Temple struck her head on, she must have decided to return to the library for some reason-perhaps another book-and in the dark momen- tarily forgot the game going on. An un- fortunate coincidence accidentally caused her untimely passing-but it should not permanently blight or sadden anyone's young life, as people with bad hearts, such as Aunt Ella had, live with death. And so, Inspector, I guess that just about winds up this case . Right you are Doctor-and a very happy ending too, and may I add to Jim and Pat a heartfelt wish that all their problems will work out as easily and quickly. Do not grieve for your Aunt Ella, as her last hours were spent happily bringing joy to others. Thank you, Inspector, chorused Jim and Pat as they breathed sighs of relief that the fantastic mystery was solved. Yes , added Sue, I think it will be sometime before any of us play 'murder' again ! Afrme Gause - The RAB-JAB Staff wishes to thank Mrs. Clino D. Beauvais, Miss Adelaide Lynch and Miss Margaret Muldrey for judging the short stories entered in the contest. Each story was numbered and names of writers were not known by the judges until after their decision was made. RAB-IAB

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Ml2i1lZlQl7Z And Mzt1'der.f f2nd Prize-Short Story Covztestj It was a cold and dreary night. Outside the wind whistled mysteriously through tall trees . In the distance, the hoot of a night owl could be faintly heard, While inside the dark, silent house the somber notes of an ancient Grandfather's clock solemnly resounded-one, two, three-the hours slowly tolled until the mystic hour of midnight was reached. Suddenly, the atmosphere was electri- fied by a shrill shriekq As though by sig- nal, lights flashed onieverywhereg foot- steps Were heard scurrying back and forth through halls, that but a few moments before had been empty-and somehow, perhaps by magnetffmall were drawn toward the library from whence the alarm had seemed to come. it Pulling himself together, Jim put out his hand and slowly opened the massive door. A gasp of horror ran through the group, for there, in the center of the room on the floor, lay the pale, thin frame of Aunt Ella-dead to the world. Confusion reigned everywhere, but out of it all came the quiet, insistent voice of the Special Investigator, droning on ques- tion after question to the terrified group of ten-unfortunate creatures-present in the house at the time. Even Lizzie, the cook, and Henry, the butler, were not overlooked. And where were you tonight when the scream was heard ? this investigator questioned Sue. Why I was upstairs, in the front bed- room , the frightened girl replied. Well J im-what about you? Being an orphan, apparently you stood to gain by your rich aunt's death . I resent that, sir . Well, where were you at midnight ? -Er me? Oh?-er-I was just prowling around the garden, I think . RAB-IAB Prowling around, outside at this hour of the nightg and you only think. Say, what are you hiding? Come clean-you're only kidding yourself. Remember this- it'll go easier on you if you confess all now. Why, they'll probably let your plea stand at second degree murder. Think it over now while you can, it's twenty years -against the electric chair if you go to trial . Hey, hold on Inspector , interrupted one of his lieutenants. I've just found out something that changes the complexi- on of the whole business. It's a screwy case, but it's no murder 'rap'. You haven't heard this girl's story, nor seen the re- port of the medical examiner. Well, I hope you're right, Lieutenant, but I don't know. From the looks of things, Jim here, had 9, perfect motive and an ideal chance. However, I haven't yet fig- ured out what kind of an instrument made that gash on the back of her skull. Well, Sister, where did you come from? Let's have your story, but first give me your name . Patricia Brown, just call me Pat, and I've been in the kitchen seeing that Lizzie made some coffee and sandwiches , breathlessly replied the attractive but obviously frightened girl who had accom- panied the lieutenant into the room. Very well, Pat, let's hear what you known. Tonight Aunt Ella leveryone called Mrs. Temple that- she was so sweetb was giving a small dinner for Jim and me. We're really engaged, but as yet there has been no formal announcement made. Mother and Dad were here, but left early because Dad had some research work to do on a case he has coming up tomorrow. Besides them, as you see, there were three other couples, Aunt Ella, Jim and I. Well, after dinner instead of playing cards we all just sat around and talked. Aunt Ella was not well and bridge games made her nervous. After a while someone-I think it was Bob, suggested that we play mur- Nineteen

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