The daily Alaskan., 1916-07-21
MIR. D1NGEE's DINNER
tContinued from Page twO.)

room. "Tn make you Il cup of cOfOe hey?
 Just the thing. I'm starved, old man."
 They entered Hilda's spotless kitchen and investigated the refrigerator
 Gold chicken! Not bad for a hand out" commented Tom Finch as he bounced on the platter. What's that, Silas-makin's of a salad?"
 "Yes. and here's the mayonnaise. Take 'em along. Maud certainly has got some goodies put away for me. Let's try the pantry"
 The pantry gave up remarkably dainty loaf of bread and huge round cake thickly iced with white.
 When the men had set the table ln the dining room there was a feast in- deed.
 This is regular birthday party" chuckled Tom as he carved the chick, en. Maud needn't bother about get ting any dinner This'is good enough for mel"
 Suits me down to the ground" agreed Silas Dingee. 'l suppose Maud will ScOld when she finds I've treated you to picked up meal when she likes to put on company frills when you come down."
 "Humphn. sniffed Tom Finch, who was more interested in the good things before him than he was in the elabo- rate preparations for any meal. Seems to me you live pretty high. Didn't see steak and mushrooms and some kind of pudding fin the icebox?"
 You did" said Silas cheerfully. "ThOSe are for dinner"
 What Is all this food for then?
 Search mel" retorted Silas. Have a piece of this perfectly 'splendiferous' birthday cake?"
 Tom Finch looked rather startled and laId down knife and fork. You are sure-sure 1t isn't anybody's birthday?" be faltered
 Silas medltated. Not mine or Maud's. It may be Hilda's or the cats birthday. They don't count. though. What's that?"
 That" proved to be the Duzzer from the dumbwaiter and Silas Dingee has tened into the kitchen and fussed around q bit Presently he returned and sat down again.
 lice cream" he explained "Maud's evidently going to have 1t for dessert Funny. though. she should have or. dered such q quantity"
 A feeling of apprehension settled over the two men as they consumed the delicious cake. which was rich with fruit.
 If ever I tasted birthday cake"- Tom was beginning when Silas Dingee interrupted impatiently.
 Hang it all. man. can't you stop croaking? What if we have eaten ey- cry hanged thing in the house, eh? It's my house. isn't it? I'll eat the ice cream if want to!" be ended reck- lessly.
 Lets save something fol Maud" grlnned Tom Finch as be pushed back his chair.
 As he spoke the door opened hastily, and Maud Dingee, flushed and rather excited from her hurried trip home. came in, followed by a remarkably pretty girl with ermlne furs snuggled around her neck.
 From Finch!" cried Maud, failing on her cousins shoulder. And over his shoulder her eyes surveyed the re- mains of the feast
 Silas Dlngee looked at his wife and saw horror in her gaze. She came for ward and looked at the remains of the chicken, the evidences of salad, the bare half loaf of bread and finally the damaged cake.
 The girl in the doorway looked on with friendly, amused eyes.
 "Silas Dingee." shrieked Maud at last, what have you dOne?"
 Had a bite to eat. as you told me to-" retOrted Silas defantly.
 "But-but-you've"-h voice was close to tears now-"you've eaten all the refreshmentS!'
 Refreshments for whatY
 "For my party"
 "Your party? When?"
 Tonight. goosev she sobbed angrily. "Didn't you know that this is our we'd ding anniversary and it's Polly's birth day, and was going to have the love Hest surprise for you? The Campbells are coming and the Lanes and the | Treats"
 Silas Dingee was pale, but he held his ground.
 "How was I to know. MaudY" he ex- plained.
 You might have remembered the day" she reprOached him
 ''I did" he prevaricated. Didn't bring you yioletsy Triumphantly he