At first they attempted some of the popular songs of the day, but were obliged to give over as none of them knew any of the words beyond the first line of the chorus.

Finally they pitched upon "Nearer, My God, to Thee," as the only song which they all knew.
Selina sang the "alto," very much off the key; Marcus intoned the bass, scowling fiercely, his chin drawn into his collar.

They sang in very slow time.

The song became a dirge, a lamentable, prolonged wail of distress: "Nee-rah, my Gahd, to Thee, Nee-rah to Thee-ah." At the end of the song, Uncle Oelbermann put on his hat without a word of warning.

Instantly there was a hush.