The Glenwood post., 1917-01-20
The ALDERMAN's 0. K.
BY JOSEPH 7. kEscEL.

Frederick Crandall's friends spoke OF
him as 'the writer" to which he In
vartably chuckled. That's what puts
grub under my belt"
lone summer day his clear brown
eyes shifted their gaze from a litter Of
papers OF the desk before him to an
open window. through which a gentle
breeze futtered. inf
He threw both hands upward impa-
ttently and reached for the teleEhone.
"Thanks very much. Alice" he con-
cluded u moment later. "Ill be down
shortly to take out the kiddie."
Within half-hour he stepped into
one of New York's railroad stations,
BY the hand ne led sturdy boy Of
seven. whose radiant face beamed In
anticipation of a glorious outing.
The gateman's curt words immedi-
ately dampened the holiday spirit.
Bars up against youngsters leav-
ing town without Board of Health GER
tificate. It's this infantile paralysis
scare" he added.
Crandall suddenly stopped short
His surprised eyes lighted upon a tai:
graceful figure standing 6nt few feel
distant. little girl, ABOUT Blly's arr.
affectionately clutched her hand
"Betty!' he crleu. bounding to uer
side.
Erred I" Their hands clasped in
warm pressure.
1.-The last person in the world ex-
pected to meet here" he cried heart
lily. "Sit down for a moment and tell
me abou: yourself and the old folks
back at Creseon."
Elizabeth Thurston's willing and
vivid recital brought back to his men,
ory complete picture which flashed
through his mind like moving pan
Drama.
He saw all over again how she had
blossomed into womanhood and had
returned his love. His case had been
well pleaded with her father, who re-
fused his consent to their marriage
right up to the day Crandall forsook
the little village. Even as If 1t were
yesterday did he remember his last
meeting with Betty and her words. 81
must obey father"
Craadall let his gaze shift from Eliz-
abeth ThurStOns animated cOunte-
nance to the little girl Nesting In her
lap.
"Your husband" he ventured, in an
effort to break the suspense. 'where
is"
The girl blushed in embarrassment
and gasped: Husband? Why, I'm
not married"
1.-THE child, -" BE left his SEN
tence unfinished.
"-rhe daughter Of my sister Kate,
who lives in New jersey Betty
hastily explained. again glancing at
Billy.
"What-oh!" he exclaimed. "allow
me to present Master Billy Andrews,
my nephew. We figured glorious day
in the country, but had to change our
plans"
"And Ellen and | cannot go home
without certificate" she returned.
81 didn't know it was necessary until
we reached the station"
After moments thoughtful study
his head popped up. 1--WE an alder
man friend" he broke out, ''who should
help me get those certificates"
Crandall's stride was unusually brisk
as he stepped into a telephone booth "A
few minutes later. He was soon in
earnest. conversation with someone
whom he familiarly addressed as
Jack"
"You can arrange it? Bully for you.'
There was moments silence.
.'Thanks, jack" he said delightedly.
"Everything arranged. Betty" said
Crandall proudly. when he rejOned her.
mo trouble at all. Mr.. O'Hara will
have the certificates at his home by
noon.
"Ohl. I'm so glad. You've no idea
how 1 dread that disagreeable red
tape" she smilingly replied.
As they settled into the tonneau OF
the automobile Frederick Crandalrs
right hand closed fondly over her small
left one. toying cautiously with the
third finger.
"Right on time" doomed a voice
from the topmost step. as the automo-
bile came to stop in front of the
alderman's house.
Elizabeth and Crandall Immediately
signed some papers under the direction
of a notary, to which Mrs. O'Hara and
her daughter inscribed their names as
witnesses.
Carefully Councilman OHara
thumbed the worn pages OF a small
book until his dancing black eyes TO-
cussed their gaze upon deeply-under-
stood paragraph. In mumbiing but
rich Irish brogue, which rendered his
words entirely unlnteligible. he began
to read.
Stopping abruptly he cleared his
throat and looked squarey at the girl.
.Elizabetb Marion Thurston. do you
take this man to be your law
A nervous "OhF escaped her. ana