Yeatman High School - Yeatman Life Yearbook (St Louis, MO)

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EXCUSED NORBETH DUBY--january, 1927 Sleep, my dolly, I-'Vlzilc I hold you iight Sleep in drcamland Safe til morning Iightf' I N the large music room, a small group consisting of Chub, her mother, Mrs. Irvene, Bud, her brother, and her cousin Beth, was gathered around the piano. The girls and Mrs. Irvene were rehearsing a song which was to be sung at an entertainment the next week. Bud was very much absorbed in watching the little girls put their dolls to sleep with this childish lullaby. Another occupant of the room was not taking any part in the rehearsal, nor was she watching the girls, as she was too busy with her own affairs. This was Marguerite, Bethis ba-by sister. Bye and bye she left the room to go in search of her mother, who was in another part of the big, old house. She was seen to crawl through the long hall that led into the piano room and was soon lost to sight as she turned a corner. Just after she left, the lights flickered and went out. Mamma, where are the lights ? queried Chub. Stand still, children, and Iill have the lamp lighted in a moment, so we can go on with this song. You know you must learn it perfectly before next week, answered Chub's mother. Your uncle john has been busy with that light power-tank for the past half hour. The regulator has not been used because Uncle John thought the electric lights would be installed any day. It must be watched carefully. The tank referred to was one of acety- lene used to furnish light in the house. It was a very dangerous method, as many ter- rible things might happen if the pressure became too great for the small tank. This one had become particularly troublesome and often the lights could not be used unless Mr. Nlfrifrht worked on them for a long while. Thelgemergency lamp being lighted, Mrs. Irvene played a few more chords of the song and the children began to sing again. Sleep, my dolly, lVhile I holdin Boom-m-in!! The house rocked on its foundation. A piercing scream was heard that sent a chill down the spines of all in the room. Everything was again thrown into darkness. lvindows were shattered and bricks from the outer wall fell around the room. No one there was hit by the danger- ous missiles, but their nostrils were filled with dust and powdered mortar. Mother, mother, screamed Chub. Are you here? VVhat happened? VVher's Bud and Beth? Fm so f-f-frightened. I-Iere's me, mamma and I'm 'fraid, too. This was from Bud, who had been quiet up to this time. I-lush! ls 'any one of you hurt? No? Thank goodness! Someone will come in a few minutes to help us get outside. VVe must stand still and not take any steps at all, advised Mrs. Irvene. In a far corner of the room she noticed a dull, red glow. The children, too, saw it and began to talk excitedly among them- selves. Mrs. Irvene was busy thinking of the others. XY here were the rest? VVas any of them injured? VVhere had Marguerite crawled to when she left the room? All these thoughts were circulating through her brain as she sat on the piano bench with the children huddled close around her. She was peering about the room to see if there was any opening through which they could es- b b Ninety-three

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pantry to see if she had crawled in there and sure enough. She was hanging there on a rafter. Nothing but her flannel petti- coat saved her, 'cause she was hanging by her petticoat that had caught on one of those big spikes. If she would have fallen, she shore wouldn't be able to cry like she's doin' now, 'cause that floor in the cellar is solid concrete. You know, I believe, now, that verse is true that says, 'God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to performf Don't you F Of course, everyone did, as more than one thing had happened that night that was similar to miracles. Chub and the others in her family were to spend the night at the home of a cousin who was her school teacher at that time. As they walked along, the conversation drifted to school subjects and Chub suddenly ex- pressed a bright idea to Mae. Say, Mae, my books are all blown up and I won't be able to find them tomorrow. Don't you think tl1at's a good excuse-for not having my homework? ' STILL ANOTHER VERSION fDedicc1.1cd fo those who fail to get their library books in on timej AUTHOR LINKNOVVN VVake me early, mother darling, At the faintest flush of dayg For I must be up and away, mother- I must be up and away. Put the little clock beside me, And wind the alarm up tightg For I've a library book out, mother- I took it out last night. VVake me early, mother darling, And leave the door ajarg For I must hustle, mother, And catch the early car. Have my rolls and coffee ready, So I can take my flightg For I've a lib1'ary book out, mother- I took it out last night. Wlake me early, mother darling, For school begins at nine. For I must be on time, mother- I must be on time. Have my coat and hat beside me- Have them there before it's light, For I've a library book out, mother- I took it out last night. Ninety-five