Bob must return to work, and
the girls had planned a trip to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
"I tell you I was glad our office wasn't on the top floor this
morning," Bob casually remarked as they stood waiting for the
elevator. "Something was the matter, and everybody had to walk up.
The fourth floor was plenty far enough up for us then."
"Mother always says we don't appreciate conveniences till we have to
do without them," said Bobby. "Here comes the car."
The grinning negro boy who operated the elevator smiled a wide smile
as they filed into his car.
"You-all get a nice view?" he asked sociably.
They assured him that they had, and he seemed pleased, but his red
light glowing at that moment, he gave all his attention to stopping
at the next floor. Two women got on and, at the next floor, two men.
The gate had just closed after this last stop, and Betty had opened
her mouth to tell Bobby that her hat was tipped crookedly when with a
sickening speed the car began to drop!
"We's slipping! I can't stop her! Oh, good gracious, the brakes or
nothin' don't work!" The frenzied wail of the negro who was working
valiantly at his levers gave the first intimation of danger.
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