isa-normaladvance-1915-00100

Description:	100THE NORMAL ADVANCEtKfje g>(tbe for lifeBy MARGARET GILLUMFOR several days the entire neighborhoodhad been interested in the slide for life,which had been constructed in our backyard,and it was worthy our attention, for it certainlywas an architectural triumph, as well as a marvel of ingenuity. Big Brother, who hadevolved, the plan, and had acted as generalmanager, had taken possession of a pile of long,stout boards, which had been placed in thecellar a short time before, and, with the helpof the boys in the neighborhood, he -had builtthe structure. The starting point was the topof our high back fence, and from there theslide descended in what seemed to us a perilousslope. The car in which we rode was a largewooden soap box, with wooden rudders on eachside to anchor it to the boards and though itstuck sometimes in the downward flight, someone always gave an obliging push, so that itreached the bottom without mishap.Everything went smoothly at first, and despite the noise and confusion attendant on having the entire neighborhood in our yard, motherwas very patient and lenient. When the boysbecame more businesslike and dropped theirplan of municipal ownership, she willingly allowed my sister and me to pilfer her pincushions, so that we could pay the regulationfare of three pins for a ride, and when it wasdecided that the car must be made to glidedown swiftly and smoothly, she allowed us tocarry away large pieces of bacon to grease theboards. As could be expected, however, herpatience finally began to wTane, and when Dickwas carried into the house one afternoon, aftera fall from the car, she spoke her sentiments.First she applied court plaster and kisses to hisbumps and scratches, and when she was rockinghim to sleep in her arms, she called us all in toher.Now, children, I havent interfered withyour fun in any way, before, but I cant standit any longer, she said, pausing to let the wordstake effect. Then she continued, I dont object to your taking every pin in the house touse for money, and I dont object to your having a good time, but these accidents must stop.Didnt Dolly come in the other day with abump, which she got by falling from the backfence ? Isnt Karls lip cut by falling out ofthe car ? And havent you all torn your clotheson the boards and nails? Now, Dicks fall isthe last bit of trouble I can stand from theslide, so you had better tear it down.Mother was soft-hearted, though, and afterour agonized pleas she conceded a point to us.Well, she announced, perhaps you will becareful hereafter, but if anything happens outthere again, I shall have to interfere.Of course, the decision hurt business for aday or two, and there was a temporary lull inactivities. Being a quiet little girl, I rather enjoyed the restoration of peace, but Big Brothergrew restive. Then one evening he came rushinginto the house for a lantern, and explained thatMillie and Chookie, the twins, as they werecommonly called, had come to play on theslide.Wanta come out, kid? he asked condescendingly as he hurried through the kitchen, but Ishook my head in refusal.I dont care, Minnie, I explained to themaid, who was generally very sympathetic, hecharged me three pins for a ride this afternoon,and he let Lela Walker ride for nothing, so Immad.I soon regretted my decision, however, whenI heard the merry shouts as the car made a particularly good run. Through the open door Icould distinguish their outlines by the dim light
Source:	http://indstate.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/isuarchive/id/34918
Collection:	Indiana State University Archives

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