Droozy
and sister Fanny had a wonderful day at the beach. Their mother had just bought
them season tickets, and this was the very first time that they used them. They
had cost a “pretty penny” and money was scarce in the Abner household. The
day had been a beautiful one with the bright yellow sun spreading its glowing
rays on the happy carefree bathers. Fanny
and Droozy had especially enjoyed digging holes into the sand and burying their
feet and legs in the warm comforting dirt. The water was a pleasure and beckoned
the children with its blue-green radiance. In and out Droozy jumped with the
waves, then back to the sand and into the water again. When the red glow of late
afternoon began to appear in the clear blue sky, Droozy knew it was time to go
home. The sisters gathered their belongings, went into the bathhouse to change
out of their wet suits, to shower and dress, only to find that they had lost
their season pass. They scanned the area, timidly asked the matron in charge if
she had found their treasure, but to no avail. By this time both girls were
frightened, tired and weary. After several hours of futile searching, they
decided to go home. As
they neared their house their father was visible with a carpet beater. Droozy
was gripped by an overwhelming fright. She ran around the block and hid in a
chicken coop which was near her home. She could hear the loud shrieks of her
mother condemning Fanny for her misdeed: “Don’t you know we were waiting for
you? We thought you had been kidnapped. You horrible thoughtless children, you
will be a nail to my coffin.” Droozy also heard sister screaming as the rug
beater did its work. In the excitement they completely seemed to have forgotten
the existence of Droozy, who was determined to remain in her advantageous
position until “all was quiet on the Abner front.” When some time had elapsed,
mother came out and called Droozy by name. There was no answer. Mother then
promised that the child would be spared a spanking if only she would put in her
appearance. Droozy came out of hiding since she could always depend on
mother’s promises. All was well, but swimming ended for the girls that season.
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