Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1909-09-04
What Of itY~

fied.' commented Emma. little testify
Mrs Harris persisted
Captain Williams says that the
race track ruins more young men
and
Her son-inIaw had beer waxing
ore and more eXasperated
For heavens sake" be broke out
angriy. wiping the Precipitation from
his face. cant you End something
better TO talk about than ruined men.
thieves aud fellows who 90 wrong?"
why. joe what's the matterT' In
quired his wife. gazing az him I'm as
tonishmenL
He turned his wan face toward her.
and there was a look as OF entreatv
and apology in his eyes. under which
the dark circles appeared 10 have deep
ened. as he replied:
IN tired and nervous. I think III
walk down the street"
"Oh. but you've got 70 take US 70 the
theater." Beth told him. Mother
hasn't seen the play at the Renais-
sance. and YOU can't get seats-not a
single oue-even from spectators.
promised TO take her"
Where DO I come in?"
Mrs Harris answered for her:
You just take US; call for us after
the show and put US on a car"
we simply can't miss this chance.
can we mammaT' said Beth. You
will take us and come for US. won't
you. Joeg"
oh. / suppose So" he acquiesced.
little YEARLY.
Al that moment the telephone bell
rang, and Emma answered Il.
Yes. right up" she instructed the
operator and. hanging up the receiver.
turned with an eager smile.
I've cot a surprise for you" she
said. Guess who's calling? some
one who wasn't expected FOR a month"
"JimSy.' cried Beth
"Jimsy Smith. straight back from
Guatemala"
Joe's eyes widened. and the little
color IN it faded from his face. He
was very much startled by this unex.
pected visit. but kept sufficient control
over himself not to make the fact too
apparent
us Captain Williams with him?" In
quired Mrs Harris.
Il don't know" answered Emma
4 wonder what brings him back7 He
wasn't expected for a month or six
weeks"
Il suppose the captains with him."
surmised Beth.
Her mother expressed the hope that
be was
so DO l." said Emma. Il want 70
thank him for JOe's raise"
"Noull do nothing OF the klndr' ex
plodcd Brooks furiouSly. 81 want YOU
all 20 understand here and now that
my business is my business I don't
want IL discussed with either Smith
or Williams What I've got I've got,
and II Is nobody's affair but mine.
Now, n any Of you have got anything
10 say about me or what do. say il
20 me or shut up"
Joe. how can your" rcproached his
wife, taken completely aback by this
savage and uncalled for display OF
anger.
well. ] declareg' calculated Mra
Harris. bridiing up. I've never been
The doorbeu rang. aud she subsidized, !
sinking back In her chair aud tanning /
her red face vigorously.
Airs. Brooks opened the door. aud
Jimsy stood revealed with his win I
some smile. his face tanned brown by !
the sun or the tropics.
Welcome home. little straugerF' ex-
claimed Emma heartily.
Hello. Emma! How are your" be J
said. taking her outstretched hand. !
Ladies'. / salute you. The prodical
has returned from the distant land OF I
chill con carni aud fat ladies wearing T,
mantiilas 10 receive his overdose OF /
American grub"
Look al him! Hes as brown as IN
Indian" laughed Beth. giving him a
cordial handshake.
where's Captain WNllamsT' asked
Mrs. Harris
"All In due time. when l spin my
yarn" drawied Jimsy
He went over 10 Brooks and shook
hands with him
Glad 10 see you. Joe" he said.
THANK you. Jimsy. Same IL you.
You look immense"
I'm better than that Now. II Won
folks will sit down III tell you the
story OF my wonderful adventures.
ying only when necessary 10 protect
my unsullied reputation. How is that
Beth. unsullled reputadonP Pretty
good. ehg"
But Captain Williams and tue sto-
~ 2 urged Emma.
What ] want to know" observed
her mother. lis. Did the captain come |
with your
$50 do L." said Brooks. with hardly
concealed anxiety.
well. you know It took me two
months 70 do all this, and you can't
expect me 10 tell this story as II IT
was a Journey in the subway"
"Jimsy. you're exasperating," re-
Emma
i was saying Say. Emma, You
ook all right in thar Dress" be broke
~. contemplating her with admiration.
She stamped her foot imperiously.