Smyrna times., 1918-10-09
FATAL ENVELOPE
BY MARGARET D. JOYCE.

(COpyrlgnt, 1918, Dy tne McOAuTe Ne"Spd-
per Syndicate)
1t was Saturday afternoon, and Mar
tina Graham was on her way home af-
ter a very busy morning in the office
of a large leather concern. AS she
nCared the new tunnel she pOuted, 81
don't like this new way of going home"
But she later changed her mind.
After depOsiting her fare in the |
slot she started down the stairs. Half |
way down she spied an envelope which |
was beng trampled on by the crowd.
AS she stopped to pick it up, the on
rushing crowd would have thrown her
down if young sailor had not caught
her in the nick of time. She half
stammered, "Thank you" Tipping his
hat he soon disappeared into the wait
ing train.
A second later Martha remembered
where she was, and hurried into the
train just before the door closed.
AS usual the train was crowded.
Martha was about to reach for strap,
when she felt light tap on her shoul-
der. Turning, she saw the same young
man who had previously befriended
her. He offered her his seat, which
was gladly accepted.
After a short ride she reached her
destination, a little furnished room
which she called "home." 1t was not
until now that she opened the envel'
one which had caused so much con-
fusion. She extracted a ticket which
would admit one to the baseball game
that afternoon.
Now Martha had never attended a
ball game, so she then and there de-
cided to go, as everyone talked great
deal about this beloved pastime.
She hurriedly ate a meager meal,
which was satisfying to her, as the
thoughts of attending one of the world
series games gave her but little ap-
petite. AS she thought of the happen
ings of that morning she decided that
It would have been uneventful without
the helpful sailor. Indeed, she thought
of him more than once.
After a great deal of wasted time
she left the house and proceeded to
the park where the game was to be
played.
AS she handed the ticket to the man
she blushed guiltily at the thought of
cheating some one from good game
She passed through a great deal of
rigmarole, and finally was seated In
the front row of the bleachers.
Five minutes or more elapsed, and
Martha, nervOusly glancing around
saw her friend the sailor, who in re
ality was John Lynn, coming to va
cant seat beside her. He very quickly
recognized her, and by the time the
game started they were chatting mer
rily.
The game proceeded, and Marth;
found herself cheering as Justify al
any Of the other fans. She decided
which side she wanted to win and pu
all her strength in yelling for them
Finally the game ended, the score Il
favor of Martha's choice.
; John received Martha's permission
, escort her home. By the time the
reached there they were like oil
friends.
AS the weeks passed the sailor an
the once lonesome girls friendshi
ripened into love. But Fate destine
to change this state Of bliss. 1t cam
shortly. John came to see Marth;
and he had sad news for her. III
ship was to sail for service in TO
eign waters for the duration of IL
war.
Martha bravely bore the news unit
he left the house. Then she cried u
til her eyes were red and swollen.
The next two weeks were Occupit
by shopping and getting ready for Il
departure.
The night before he went John p
solitaire on Martha's finger, and ;
"Dan Cupid" sounded the call to arm
ever-ready John and Martha I
sponded.