The herald. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1905-1953, 1912-07-11
HER GIFT TO
HER FATHER
And How 1t Was Received
By MARTHA A. HART

and, having secured competence, pro
posed to take a vacation and see some
thing Of the world Some one after
ward asked him what was the happiest
moment in his life. He replied. when
l was on that ocean liner sailing out
through New York bay"
Whether the leaving of his family
and family cares behind contributed
especially to his happiness or detract-
ed therefrom is puzzling question to
maids and bachelors. Certain huS-
bands and fathers who do not take
kindly to family restraints may see it
all very clearly.
But this story has nothing to do with
Mr.. Waukenfelt's trip; it has all to do
with his return after seven months
absence. 1t was midnight when, hav-
ing paid his cabman, he mounted the
steps of his domicile and, opening the
veStibule door, a man attempted to
brush past him. Mr.. Waukenfelt seized
him, there was a scuffle, the man soon
relaxing his efforts till he was pinioned
by his opponent.
IF you'll give me time to explain
the prisoner began when his captor in
terrupted.
You can do that at the police sta
ton" And, dragging the man out on
to the stoop by his coat collar, he hus-
tied him down the steps. He was as
tonished to see that the man was quite
young and looked strong enough to
"wipe the floor" with his antagonist.
Nevertheless he permitted himself to
be led like n lamb to the slaughter.
Indeed, he never made a move to re-
slst or uttered a word till he was land
ed in the police station.
whats your name?' asked the ser
geant at the desk.
"I'll leave him with you, sergeant"
said Mr. Waukenfelt. I've just re-
turned from a long journey and wish
to go home"
Sure you'll appear against him in
the morningY
Yes; I'll be here; don't worry"
Mr.. Wankenfelt went home and, GO
ing to his own room, went to bed
without disturbing his family. In the
morning there was a great hubbub at
learning that the father had returned.
All gathered round him as soon as he
came out of his room, and there were
hugging and kissing till breakfast was
announced.
What did you bring me, pop?" ask
ed his youngest son. And the ques-
ton was repeated by all the family in
an ascending scale of age till it reach
ed those old enough to refrain from
expressing what was on their minds.
When all were satisfied in this respect,
Eunice, throwing her arms about her
fathers neck, said:
And I've got something for you,
papa, dear. Guess what it isT'
Mr.. Wankenfelt guessed everything
from a pair of suspenders to a clock.
then gave 1t up.
"a son-in-law," said the girl, hiding
her bushes on her fathers chest.
"a son-in-law! Why, sweetheart;
that's something for you, isn't it?
You've not given me anything, but
have taken away yourself"
Hes perfectly splendid, papa.
want you to meet him right of.
know you'll like him. He knows you
are here; at least told him you were
coming last night. We sat together
till nearly II o'clock. / did so wish
you could have arrived before he went
away"
What time did he goY' asked the
father.
About a quarter to H."
"Ohw
"Why do you say 'Ohp"
81 had an adventure when I came in.
/ opened the vestibule door, and bur-
glar who was trying to get into the
house or trying to get out, don't know
which, tried to escape"
Good gracious"
''But got him."
'Got him, Didn't he kill your
81 wouldn't be here If he had. took
him to the police station and left him
there"
"What kind Of a looking man was
he" asked Mrs. Waukenfelt.
zone of those fellows who 60 about
committing burglaries with crysanthe-
NUNS in their buttonholes and leave
gentleman-like notes for the persons
they rob. You'd better look over the
silver But he couldn't have got away
with anything, for 1 took him right
from the house to the station"
did he look very wickedT asked
Eunice.
Very"
what did he say when you turned
him in?"
"Oh, the sergeant began to question
him, asking him first his name. came
away about that time"
what name did he give"
"Menhayden or Mendenhorn or some
such queer name"
"Oh. heavensr' exclaimed Eunice.
"Are you sure 1t wasn't Mendenhalf'
"That's it-Mendenhall"
"Oh, father He's my Tom"
"Your Tom. How did your Tom
tits that abominable outside door.
He got caught in the vestibule that
way once before"
As soon as Eunice could get on her
che brrriad ouau with her IA