<SPAN name="startofbook"></SPAN>
<h1> The ROCKET Book </h1>
<h2> by PETER NEWELL </h2>
<p class="center">
HARPER & BROTHERS
<br/>
NEW YORK</p>
<span class="pg"></span>
<p class="center">
COPYRIGHT, 1912, BY HARPER & BROTHERS<br/>
———————<br/>
PATENTED JUNE 4, 1912<br/>
———————<br/>
PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA<br/>
PUBLISHED OCTOBER, 1912<br/></p>
<span class="pg"></span>
<div class="figure" style="width:400px;">
<SPAN href="images/title-h.jpg"><ANTIMG src="images/title-h.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="THE ROCKET BOOK" /></SPAN></div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<h2> THE BASEMENT </h2>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> When Fritz, the Janitor's bad kid, </p>
<p class="i4"> Went snooping in the basement, </p>
<p class="i2"> He found a rocket snugly hid </p>
<p class="i4"> Beneath the window casement. </p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="figure">
<ANTIMG src="images/hole00.png" width-obs="80" height-obs="70" alt="(Rocket Hole)" /></div>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> He struck a match with one fell swoop; </p>
<p class="i4"> Then, on the concrete kneeling, </p>
<p class="i2"> He lit the rocket and—she—oop! </p>
<p class="i4"> It shot up through the ceiling. </p>
</div>
</div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<div class="figure" style="width:400px;">
<SPAN href="images/flat00.jpg"><ANTIMG src="images/flat00.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="THE BASEMENT " /></SPAN></div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<h2> FIRST FLAT </h2>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> The Steiners on the floor above </p>
<p class="i4"> Of breakfast were partaking; </p>
<p class="i2"> Crash! came the rocket, unannounced, </p>
<p class="i4"> And set them all a-quaking! </p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="figure">
<ANTIMG src="images/hole01.png" width-obs="80" height-obs="70" alt="(Rocket Hole) " /></div>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> It smote a catsup bottle, fair, </p>
<p class="i4"> And bang! the thing exploded! </p>
<p class="i2"> And now these people all declare </p>
<p class="i4"> That catsup flask was loaded. </p>
</div>
</div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<div class="figure" style="width:400px;">
<SPAN href="images/flat01.jpg"><ANTIMG src="images/flat01.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="FIRST FLAT" /></SPAN></div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<h2> SECOND FLAT </h2>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> Before the fire old Grandpa Hopp</p>
<p class="i4"> Dozed in his arm-chair big,</p>
<p class="i2"> When from a trunk the rocket burst</p>
<p class="i2"> And carried off his wig!</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="figure">
<ANTIMG src="images/hole02.png" width-obs="80" height-obs="70" alt="(Rocket Hole)" /></div>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> It passed so near his ancient head</p>
<p class="i4"> He roused up with a start,</p>
<p class="i2"> And, turning to his grandsons, said,</p>
<p class="i4"> "You fellows think you're smart!"</p>
</div>
</div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<div class="figure" style="width:400px;">
<SPAN href="images/flat02.jpg"><ANTIMG src="images/flat02.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="SECOND FLAT" /></SPAN></div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<h2> THIRD FLAT </h2>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> Algernon Bracket, somewhat rash, </p>
<p class="i4"> Had blown a monster bubble, </p>
<p class="i2"> When, oh! there came a blinding flash, </p>
<p class="i4"> Precipitating trouble! </p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="figure">
<ANTIMG src="images/hole03.png" width-obs="80" height-obs="70" alt="(Rocket Hole)" /></div>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> But Algy turned in mild disgust, </p>
<p class="i4"> And called to Mama Bracket, </p>
<p class="i2"> "Say, did you hear that bubble bu'st? </p>
<p class="i4"> It made an awful racket!" </p>
</div>
</div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<div class="figure" style="width:400px;">
<SPAN href="images/flat03.jpg"><ANTIMG src="images/flat03.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="THIRD FLAT" /></SPAN></div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<h2> FOURTH FLAT </h2>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> Jo Budd, who'd bought a potted plant, </p>
<p class="i4"> Was dousing it with water. </p>
<p class="i2"> He fancied this would make it grow, </p>
<p class="i4"> And Joseph loved to potter. </p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="figure">
<ANTIMG src="images/hole04.png" width-obs="80" height-obs="70" alt="(Rocket Hole)" /></div>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> Then through the pot the rocket shot</p>
<p class="i4"> And made the scene look sickly!</p>
<p class="i2"> "Well, now," said Jo, "I never thought</p>
<p class="i4"> That plant would shoot so quickly!"</p>
</div>
</div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<div class="figure" style="width:400px;">
<SPAN href="images/flat04.jpg"><ANTIMG src="images/flat04.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="FOURTH FLAT" /></SPAN></div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<h2> FIFTH FLAT </h2>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> Right here 'tis needful to remark</p>
<p class="i4"> That Dick and "Little Son"</p>
<p class="i2"> Were playing with a Noah's ark</p>
<p class="i4"> And having loads of fun,</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="figure">
<ANTIMG src="images/hole05.png" width-obs="80" height-obs="70" alt="(Rocket Hole)" /></div>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> When all at once that rocket, stout, </p>
<p class="i4"> Up through the ark came blazing! </p>
<p class="i2"> The animals were tossed about </p>
<p class="i4"> And did some stunts amazing. </p>
</div>
</div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<div class="figure" style="width:400px;">
<SPAN href="images/flat05.jpg"><ANTIMG src="images/flat05.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="FIFTH FLAT" /></SPAN></div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<h2> SIXTH FLAT </h2>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> A Burglar on the next floor up</p>
<p class="i4"> The sideboard was exploring.</p>
<p class="i2"> (The family, with the brindled pup,</p>
<p class="i4"> Were still asleep and snoring.)</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="figure">
<ANTIMG src="images/hole06.png" width-obs="80" height-obs="70" alt="(Rocket Hole)" /></div>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> Just then, up through the silverware </p>
<p class="i4"> The rocket thundered, flaring! </p>
<p class="i2"> The Burglar got a dreadful scare; </p>
<p class="i4"> Then out the door went tearing. </p>
</div>
</div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<div class="figure" style="width:400px;">
<SPAN href="images/flat06.jpg"><ANTIMG src="images/flat06.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="SIXTH FLAT" /></SPAN></div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<h2> SEVENTH FLAT </h2>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> Miss Mamie Briggs with no mean skill</p>
<p class="i4"> Was playing "Casey's Fling"</p>
<p class="i2"> To please her cousin, Amos Gill,</p>
<p class="i4"> Who liked that sort of thing,</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="figure">
<ANTIMG src="images/hole07.png" width-obs="80" height-obs="70" alt="(Rocket Hole)" /></div>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> When suddenly the rocket, hot, </p>
<p class="i4"> The old piano jumbled! </p>
<p class="i2"> It stopped that rag-time like a shot, </p>
<p class="i4"> Then through the ceiling rumbled. </p>
</div>
</div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<div class="figure" style="width:400px;">
<SPAN href="images/flat07.jpg"><ANTIMG src="images/flat07.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="SEVENTH FLAT" /></SPAN></div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<h2> EIGHTH FLAT </h2>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> Up through the next floor on its way</p>
<p class="i4"> That rocket, dread, went tearing</p>
<p class="i2"> Where Winkle stood in bath-robe, gay,</p>
<p class="i4"> A tepid bath preparing.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="figure">
<ANTIMG src="images/hole08.png" width-obs="80" height-obs="70" alt="(Rocket Hole)" /></div>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> The tub it punctured like a shot </p>
<p class="i4"> And made a mighty splashing. </p>
<p class="i2"> The man was rooted to the spot; </p>
<p class="i4"> Then out the door went dashing. </p>
</div>
</div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<div class="figure" style="width:400px;">
<SPAN href="images/flat08.jpg"><ANTIMG src="images/flat08.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="EIGHTH FLAT" /></SPAN></div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<h2> NINTH FLAT </h2>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> Bob Brooks was puffing very hard </p>
<p class="i4"> His football to inflate, </p>
<p class="i2"> While round him stood his faithful guard, </p>
<p class="i4"> And they could hardly wait. </p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="figure">
<ANTIMG src="images/hole09.png" width-obs="80" height-obs="70" alt="(Rocket Hole)" /></div>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> Then came the rocket, fierce and bright, </p>
<p class="i4"> And through the football rumbled. </p>
<p class="i2"> "You've got a pair of lungs, all right!" </p>
<p class="i4"> His staring playmates grumbled. </p>
</div>
</div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<div class="figure" style="width:400px;">
<SPAN href="images/flat09.jpg"><ANTIMG src="images/flat09.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="NINTH FLAT" /></SPAN></div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<h2> TENTH FLAT </h2>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> The family dog, with frenzied mien, </p>
<p class="i4"> Was chasing Fluff, the mouser, </p>
<p class="i2"> When, poof! the rocket flashed between, </p>
<p class="i4"> And quite astonished Towzer. </p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="figure">
<ANTIMG src="images/hole10.png" width-obs="80" height-obs="70" alt="(Rocket Hole)" /></div>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> Now, if this dog had wit enough</p>
<p class="i4"> The English tongue to torture,</p>
<p class="i2"> He might have growled such silly stuff</p>
<p class="i4"> As, "Whew! that cat's a scorcher!"</p>
</div>
</div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<div class="figure" style="width:400px;">
<SPAN href="images/flat10.jpg"><ANTIMG src="images/flat10.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="TENTH FLAT" /></SPAN></div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<h2> ELEVENTH FLAT </h2>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> While Carrie Cook sat with a book</p>
<p class="i4"> The phonograph played sweetly.</p>
<p class="i2"> Then came the rocket and it smashed</p>
<p class="i4"> That instrument completely.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="figure">
<ANTIMG src="images/hole11.png" width-obs="80" height-obs="70" alt="(Rocket Hole)" /></div>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> Fair Carrie promptly turned her head,</p>
<p class="i4"> Attracted by the roar.</p>
<p class="i2"> "Dear me, I never heard," she said,</p>
<p class="i4"> "That record played before!"</p>
</div>
</div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<div class="figure" style="width:400px;">
<SPAN href="images/flat11.jpg"><ANTIMG src="images/flat11.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="ELEVENTH FLAT" /></SPAN></div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<h2> TWELFTH FLAT </h2>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> De Vere was searching for a match </p>
<p class="i4"> To light a cigarette, </p>
<p class="i2"> But failed to find one with despatch, </p>
<p class="i4"> Which threw him in a pet. </p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="figure">
<ANTIMG src="images/hole12.png" width-obs="80" height-obs="70" alt="(Rocket Hole)" /></div>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> Just then the rocket flared up bright </p>
<p class="i4"> Before his face and crackled, </p>
<p class="i2"> Supplying him the needed light— </p>
<p class="i4"> "Thanks, awfully," he cackled. </p>
</div>
</div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<div class="figure" style="width:400px;">
<SPAN href="images/flat12.jpg"><ANTIMG src="images/flat12.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="TWELFTH FLAT" /></SPAN></div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<h2> THIRTEENTH FLAT </h2>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> Home from the shop came Maud's new hat— </p>
<p class="i4"> A hat of monstrous size! </p>
<p class="i2"> It almost filled the tiny flat </p>
<p class="i4"> Before her ravished eyes. </p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="figure">
<ANTIMG src="images/hole13.png" width-obs="80" height-obs="70" alt="(Rocket Hole)" /></div>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> When, sch-u-u! up through the box so proud</p>
<p class="i4"> The rocket flared and spluttered.</p>
<p class="i2"> "I said that hat was all too loud!"</p>
<p class="i4"> Her peevish husband muttered.</p>
</div>
</div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<div class="figure" style="width:400px;">
<SPAN href="images/flat13.jpg"><ANTIMG src="images/flat13.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="THIRTEENTH FLAT" /></SPAN></div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<h2> FOURTEENTH FLAT </h2>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> Tom's pap had helped him start his train, </p>
<p class="i4"> And all would have been fine </p>
<p class="i2"> Had not the rocket, raising Cain, </p>
<p class="i4"> Blocked traffic on the line. </p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="figure">
<ANTIMG src="images/hole14.png" width-obs="80" height-obs="70" alt="(Rocket Hole)" /></div>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> It blew the engine into scrap,</p>
<p class="i4"> As in a fit of passion.</p>
<p class="i2"> "Who would have thought that toy," said pap,</p>
<p class="i4"> "Would blow up in such fashion!"</p>
</div>
</div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<div class="figure" style="width:400px;">
<SPAN href="images/flat14.jpg"><ANTIMG src="images/flat14.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="FOURTEENTH FLAT" /></SPAN></div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<h2> FIFTEENTH FLAT </h2>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> Orlando Pease, quite at his ease,</p>
<p class="i4"> The "Morning Star" was reading.</p>
<p class="i2"> "My dear," said he to Mrs. Pease,</p>
<p class="i4"> "Here's a report worth heeding."</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="figure">
<ANTIMG src="images/hole15.png" width-obs="80" height-obs="70" alt="(Rocket Hole)" /></div>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> The rocket then in wanton sport</p>
<p class="i4"> Flashed through the printed pages.</p>
<p class="i2"> The lady gasped, "A wild report!"</p>
<p class="i4"> Then swooned by easy stages.</p>
</div>
</div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<div class="figure" style="width:400px;">
<SPAN href="images/flat15.jpg"><ANTIMG src="images/flat15.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="FIFTEENTH FLAT" /></SPAN></div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<h2> SIXTEENTH FLAT </h2>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> Doc Danby was a stupid guy, </p>
<p class="i4"> So, lest he sleep too late, </p>
<p class="i2"> He placed a tattoo clock near by </p>
<p class="i4"> To waken him at eight. </p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="figure">
<ANTIMG src="images/hole16.png" width-obs="80" height-obs="70" alt="(Rocket Hole)" /></div>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> But, ah! the rocket smote that clock</p>
<p class="i4"> And smashed its way clean through it!</p>
<p class="i2"> "You have a fine alarm," said Doc,</p>
<p class="i4"> "But, say, you overdo it!"</p>
</div>
</div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<div class="figure" style="width:400px;">
<SPAN href="images/flat16.jpg"><ANTIMG src="images/flat16.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="SIXTEENTH FLAT" /></SPAN></div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<h2> SEVENTEENTH FLAT </h2>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> A penny-liner, Abram Stout, </p>
<p class="i4"> Was writing a description. </p>
<p class="i2"> "The flame shot up," he pounded out— </p>
<p class="i4"> Then threw a mild conniption. </p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="figure">
<ANTIMG src="images/hole17.png" width-obs="80" height-obs="70" alt="(Rocket Hole)" /></div>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> For through his Flemington there shied</p>
<p class="i4"> A rocket, hot and mystic.</p>
<p class="i2"> "I didn't mean to be," he cried,</p>
<p class="i4"> "So deuced realistic!"</p>
</div>
</div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<div class="figure" style="width:400px;">
<SPAN href="images/flat17.jpg"><ANTIMG src="images/flat17.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="SEVENTEENTH FLAT" /></SPAN></div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<h2> EIGHTEENTH FLAT </h2>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> Gus Gummer long had set his head</p>
<p class="i4"> Upon some strange invention.</p>
<p class="i2"> "Be careful, Gus," his good wife said;</p>
<p class="i4"> "It might explode. I mention—"</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="figure">
<ANTIMG src="images/hole18.png" width-obs="80" height-obs="70" alt="(Rocket Hole)" /></div>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> Just then the pesky rocket flared </p>
<p class="i4"> And wrecked that Yankee notion. </p>
<p class="i2"> "I feared as much!" his wife declared; </p>
<p class="i4"> Then fainted from emotion. </p>
</div>
</div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<div class="figure" style="width:400px;">
<SPAN href="images/flat18.jpg"><ANTIMG src="images/flat18.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="EIGHTEENTH FLAT" /></SPAN></div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<h2> NINETEENTH FLAT </h2>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> While Burt was on his hobby-horse</p>
<p class="i4"> And riding it like mad,</p>
<p class="i2"> The rocket on its fiery course</p>
<p class="i4"> Upset the startled lad.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="figure">
<ANTIMG src="images/hole19.png" width-obs="80" height-obs="70" alt="(Rocket Hole)" /></div>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> The frightened pony plunged a lot,</p>
<p class="i4"> Like Fury playing tag.</p>
<p class="i2"> "Whoa, Spot!" said Burt. "Who would have thought</p>
<p class="i4"> You such a fiery nag!"</p>
</div>
</div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<div class="figure" style="width:400px;">
<SPAN href="images/flat19.jpg"><ANTIMG src="images/flat19.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="NINETEENTH FLAT" /></SPAN></div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<h2> TWENTIETH FLAT </h2>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> A taxidermist plied his trade</p>
<p class="i4"> Upon a walrus' head.</p>
<p class="i2"> It really made him quite afraid</p>
<p class="i4"> To meet its stare so dread.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="figure">
<ANTIMG src="images/hole20.png" width-obs="80" height-obs="70" alt="(Rocket Hole)" /></div>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> When suddenly the rocket, bright,</p>
<p class="i4"> Flared up and then was off!</p>
<p class="i2"> "Oh, Minnie," cried the man in fright,</p>
<p class="i4"> "Just hear that walrus cough!"</p>
</div>
</div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<div class="figure" style="width:400px;">
<SPAN href="images/flat20.jpg"><ANTIMG src="images/flat20.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="TWENTIETH FLAT" /></SPAN></div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<h2> TOP FLAT </h2>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> Oh, it was just a splendid flight— </p>
<p class="i4"> That rocket's wild career! </p>
<p class="i2"> But to an end it came, all right, </p>
<p class="i4"> As you shall straightway hear. </p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="figure">
<ANTIMG src="images/hole21.png" width-obs="80" height-obs="70" alt="(Rocket Hole)" /></div>
<div class="poem">
<div class="stanza">
<p class="i2"> It plunged into a can of cream </p>
<p class="i4"> That Billy Bunk was freezing, </p>
<p class="i2"> And froze quite stiff, as it would seem, </p>
<p class="i4"> And so subsided, wheezing. </p>
</div>
</div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<div class="figure" style="width:400px;">
<SPAN href="images/flat21.jpg"><ANTIMG src="images/flat21.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="TOP FLAT" /></SPAN></div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<div class="figure">
<ANTIMG src="images/hole22.png" width-obs="80" height-obs="70" alt="(Rocket Hole)" /></div>
<span class="pg"></span>
<p style="display: none;">
[Blank Page]</p>
<hr class="full" />
<p class="center">
Click below to see an animation of what the growing rocket holes looked like
when the reader quickly flipped through the pages of the physical book.</p>
<center><SPAN href="images/newanim.gif">Animation</SPAN></center>
<div style="height: 6em;"><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/></div>
<div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />
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