[Sidenote: Dismissing Classes]
It was the custom in the Rockford school for the children in the first
four grades to put on their wraps when the first bell rang for dismissal
and then to return. A second bell was rung as a signal for passing.
At this time, Miss Walker, the fourth grade teacher, had the habit of
going out into the hall. Her pupils then fairly flew out of the room and
down the stairs leading outside.
“Don’t crowd so, children. Why don’t you march in an orderly fashion?
There, Jimmie Blaine, you almost knocked Hilda down. Now do be more
careful the next time.”
But Jimmie was too far down the steps to hear these last words.