Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1911-12-01

dulOINODlll6tS.
Not quite everything. Still. If that
had been the only exhibition Of Toms
perversity in not asking about roads,
the bad impression made by our tardy
arrival might have worn OF. But we
accentuated it.
The Hanscombs, you know. have a
summer home a few miles distant
from Rose Lodge, and when they
heard we were there they phoned an
invitation for us to dine with them
Monday evening. begged Tom when
we accepted the Invitation to find out
exactly how to go. And spoke of it
again as we we're dressing Monday
afternoon.
Don't you worry said Tom. I've
looked 1t up on the neighborhood map
and could find my way, there in the
dark
But you know these country
roads are SO confusing l persisted.
Don't you think It would be wise to
| ask Mr., Thornton?'
"'All right agreed Tom. nonchal
antly. as we went to get the car out
OF the garage.
In moment or two l heard the
horn footing for me. When climbed
into my seat remarked that hoped
Mr.. Thornton had given him minute
directions.
"'He wasn't around answered
Tom
why didn't you ask the chauf-
feur?'
81 do wish, Alice was Toms
crisp reply, that you wouldn't fuss
about anticipated difaculties II this
little buzz wagon loses its way to the
Hanscombs I'll eat the carbureter.'
Naturally after that l dropped the
subject Still, after, a while ven
tured to ask. Are you sure this is
the right way?', when we turned on
1 very rough road
"Of course, I'm sure. returned
1 Tom. We 90 on here for mile and
then turn south X
That sounded all right, but NE
travelled on and on without coming to
a south turn and began to be
nervous. Do ask that man where
we are implored Tom, as we passed
q farmer.
'Nonsense!' he said 7 know
where we are. Here is the turn now
He aimed the car into narrow wood
road
THAT doesn't look like highway
to me- I remarked.
mo. it's just cutoff replied
Tom.
II began to think that ne might
really know where he was, but when
the road lost itself in large pasture
my doubts returned
! Perhaps we did pass the real cut
or unused Tom, casually We can
run back and pick 1t up. all right
by that time It was growing dark,
and Tom got out and lit the lamps,
and then we went back to the main
road and meekly suggested that we
inquire at a farmhouse which we saw.
In the distance
What's the use Of going 80 far
out Of our way?' demanded Tom.
Don't you see that have MY bear
ings now?' didn't see. but re-
Trained from telling him So"
| II should have thought that you
would have told him 80 very pointed
III" declared her sister.
"Oh. my dear girl. you aren't mar
ried to Tom. He's the best man In
the world, but newell. he thinks
he's. omniscient when 1t comes to
knowing roads.
AT last Tom turned trium phantly
into the driveway Of country house.
I'VE may be a trifle late. but we're
here all right he said. Then he add
ed:
"'Great Scott! It's Rose Lodse,,
And Rose Lodge It was. A.
Get into any ,rouble?' asked M
Thornton, rushing out onto the porch
"'Oh. no. we Jus. thought your din
ners were good enough for u.s. said
Tom. with weak effort at i Joke. IA
Mrs. Thornton's share 81 IN.
laughter was rather mirthless. I
thought. and when we went into the
dining room moment later / saw
that our places were filled by two
dinner guests. While Tom phoned
some excuse to the Hanscombs. Mrs.
Thornton and. the maid crowded two
more places In at the table"
you poor girl. what did you do7'.
asked Alice's sister. sympath etically.