Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-08-27

~ NhS hpS NINNhe1i- ne SlOOu tutIe
ave minutes watching Mrs. Bassett as
she few from one task to another,
plump. rosy and pretty. but with
strained look in her dark eyes. She
was directing the movements of stu.
pid looking German waiter aud scold.
ing panic stricken Chinese
Now. Carl. see that the table is
properly set before you ring the bell.
understand: Yesterday you forgot to
put bit of silverware out. and you
lost half hour running in and out
after forks and spoons. wah Lee. l
will show you what to do in a moment.
No. you can't do the cooking. If Sam
Lee had not left me in such hurry!
Oh. dear. would give anything for
cook that could broil steak and
Hes here, ma'am." said the stran-
ger calmly
Mrs. Bassett whirled around and
stared at the newcomer. Her rosy 5,
cheeks grew pale and then red, and
her eyes were first flaming yellow and
then dark brown. Her hands shook as
she placed newly baked pie on the
kitchen table.
"You? What do you want?" she
asked bluntly.
"A job. | can cook" said the other
Lena Bassett hesitated. Very WE'LL
she said suddenly. My Chinaman left
yesterday and there isn't a soul here
can do bit of cooking except myself.
Wah Lee, take Mr.-what did you say
your name was?" she asked
Il didn't say, but it's Dick" said the
stranger as he gave his suit case to
the little Chinese
well, Dick. suppose you get into
one of Carls white coats and aprons
and make yourself a paper cap and
| get to work. This is the day we have
beefsteak and it's got to be cooked
right
II can do it," said the other grimly,
! and he set to work.
| Three hours later Lena Bassett sat
on the kitchen doorstep talking to the
| waiter. Carl.
Then they liked the new cooking?"
she asked curiously.
! The German nodded his blond head.
yah. All say vot is dis we eat
Broadway STUFF"
Where is-he?' asked Mrs. Bassett
diffidently.
He has went to bed-dog tired"
Mrs. Bassett went into the parlor
and sat by the open window. Her
pretty face was study in emotions.
At supper time the boarders took up
two bit collection for the new cook
as mark of gratitude for wonderful
Dutch apple cake he had concocted
Here" said Lena, holding out the
handful of coins.
The new cook hesitated. Redeemed
and then took the coins and put them
in his pocket I'm give them to my
wife," he said gravely.
You are married:' asked Lena
quickly.
Yes"
Mrs. Bassett smiled oddly and went
to eat her supper alone in the empty
dining room. When the new cook
brought his own tray of food and re-
tired to distant corner to eat it she
gave no sign that she noticed his in
uuson. Carl, who ate in the kitchen.
peered fearfully at the bold cook
though a crack in the pantry door.
He will get himself fired" he muir
INJURED regretfully. ''und he can such
eggs COOK
A week passed by uneventfuly. The
recreant Sam Lee did not return, and
the boarders at the Palace inn to
man declared that they would leave in
a body if Mrs. Bassett did not keep the
new cook.
The fame of the Palace inns table
spread throughout the county, and the
dollars ratified into the office drawer
with astonishing rapidity. The red
haired cashier was warm in her praise
of the new cook, and she paid him lit
tie attentions that brought down upon
her frivolous head the wrath of Mrs.
Bassett
Hes a married man." admonished
Lena Bassett coldly.
1T can't matter to you so lorg as
he isn't married to you" sa d the cash
Ter sauciiy, and she was disconnected
at the effect of this remark upon her
employer.
Mrs. Bassett Redeemed, then paIed
and without another word marched
away to the kitchen, where she flung
herself upon the shoulder of the star.
tied cook and burst into tears.
. Dick" she walled, If you don't
/ speak to me shall go crazy
MY own dear" cried Dick. drop
! ping a spider of fried potatoes to fold
her in his arms.
At that moment the cashier poked
her ruddy head into the room in search
9 OF her employer. She found her in
the embrace of the new cook. at the
! sight she scattered back TO her desk.
- Heavens" she muttered emotional
ly; the meanness of her! Afraid I'D
S firt with him because he was mar
Y ried. And look at herself
s But Of course she didn't know thai
= Dick Bassett and his wife had a per
:. feet right to the happiness they hat
acquired by way OF Chicago Rex
9 Gulch and the cookery books.