Page Thirty-Four

An Episode By Madge Farmer

" ADGEM (GET UPL 6 aes 7 O CLOCK!

1 gurgle “Allri’” as 1 think. . . Huh, 7 o'clock, plenty of time
to turn over and get warm before moving. I'll just squeak the bed-
springs and chuck a boot on the floor to make them think I’m dressing. . -
BANG! BUNG! BANG! THUMP! BANG! ... “MADGE!!!!!
IT’S A QUARTER [TO EIGHT!”

“Oh my goodness” (or words to that effect),
o'clock ferry-bus! Will someone please tell me w
couver?”

The day has begun.. | leap from my bed, struggling into some
clothes as | dash into the kitchen. Five precious minutes pass during
which I remove a layer of dirt from my face, scramble a lunch together.
and darn a pair of stockings. 1 decide to have breakfast this morning
and hastily choke down half a slice of toast and a mouthful of cold tea.

Only five minutes before the bus comes! Where on earth did I
leave my hat, coat, gloves, purse, lunch, and clean handkerchiefs? My
speed has reached fifty miles an hour, and, as | rush madly around col-
lecting my belongings (the family keeping quiet and out of my way),
the bus honks only two blocks away.

I leave the house, | reach the lane.
chiefs, where are they? Back 1 dash, and
window-sill.

The bus is leaving our corner as I reach the lane, but by this time i
am travelling like a baby tornado let loose, and | masterfully overtake
the ferry bus at the next corner. The crowd waiting to enter the bus
automatically parts, leaving way for my triumphal entry.

Five minutes have again passed by and the ferry waits us at the
dock. The crowd erupts from the bus, carrying me with it; and every-
one tries to secure for himself one of the three favorite seats on the boat.
Luck is with me, for, reaching my favorite seat along with twenty or so
would-be occupants, | manage to sit down a trifle quicker than the rest. @
Hurrah! The seat is mine, and they, the disappointed, slink away gnash- ~
ing their teeth with rage.

It is only two minutes after we leave the dock that I discover the j
fact—I have forgotten my lunch!—Another empty day! j

“lye got to make that 8
hy | live in West Van-

Help!—Those clean handker-
grab them off the kitchen

awful