The daily Alaskan., 1918-12-17
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VACATION ON FARM
By MRS. NELLIE GORDON.

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 per Syndicate)
 Murray Benton sat In the window of his club, gazing listlessly out at the hurrying crowds. .' '~ 'r -
 The frOwn on his face deepened as he mentally reviewed the terse ad. vice the doctor, whom he had just wis tied, had given him. ..
 Murray, lad you have too much money for your own benefit" he had said. He was an old friend and was privileged to be frank. "Get away from the bright lights and your cro- nles and get into the country. Fresh air, regular hours and bit of work, toO," he added, with sly twinkle, "are what you need. If you keep on at the rate you have been going l can't an- swer for the consequences" he fn- lshed, relapsing again into seriousness.
 "Boshr unused Murray. Doe is a calamity howler. There's nothing wrong with me-"
 But, even as he argued with himself, he realized that the doctor had told the truth. Being rejected from every branch of the war service at which he applied confirmed the doctors verdict, as we'll as the feeling of lassitude which he tried to fight of.
 His eye chanced to fall on news paper spread on the table near by, on which large picture of Uncle Sam with arms outstretched pleaded, "Be Patriot. Go to Work on a Farm" |. The liStleSs expression on Murray's face changed to one of interest, and he exclaimed, "Why notf" and rushed out of the room, much to the amaze ment of the other occupants.
 ., a-,
 At Q desk. In a tiny office in one of the downtown buildings sat rather frail, pretty girl. eating a meager lunch and scanning a newspaper.
 A frown marred her forehead as she seemed to be doing some mental fgrr- Ing. "No," she decided, hopelessly. "I can't afford a vacation, and I'm so afraid that I won't be able to stand the heat" .l Il ... .. .ai. ... ..... .-.
 She turned back to the paper, and for the first time she noticed the out stretched finger of Uncle Sam pointed straight at her, 1t seemed, with the words underneath: "Be a Patriot. Spend Your Vacation on Farm"
 Renewed hope showed in every line of face and figure, as she reached for q sheet of paper to slip into her type writer.
 Ruth Merton" she told herself, "you are going to be farmerette."
 
 In the dining room of tiny farm house Murray Benton paused to ob- serve himself, 'resplendent in. new over alls and Jumper, before joining the new "bOss." .... . ... ,arL .a. -... -..
 As he started to leave the room he heard feminine voices under the win dow.
 "Farmerettes," he sniffed, ScOrn- fully. But the conversation that float ed up to him made him stand stock still.
 Did you see the new arrival girls ," laughed one. Isn't he a sketchY Looks like an animated string bean, doesn't he?"
 Whats he doing on farm, any ways?" questioned. another. Doing women's work, when he ought to be wearing khaki or blue"
 So the anything but fattering com ments flew fast and furious, while Murray, the most popular and sought after man in his set, listened above them.
 Suddenly one little girl, who had not spoken before, flashed up. You girls should be ashamed of yourselves, mak- ing fun of the poor chap. If you had looked at him you would have seen that he Is In a rundown condition, not fit for active service. How, do we know but what he Is here recuperat- ing, so that he can join later on? You might at least have given him the ben eft of the doubt."' Aud she walked away, head high and cheeks flaming, as her Outhurst Jwas~as much sur prise ito herself as to, her. companions.
 As, she, walked down the little lane hurrying footsteps sounded behind her. As she turned she met the smiling eyes of Murray Benton.
 Miss Merton (you see, have found out your name from the 'boss) I want to thank you very much for your kind defense of an unknown .c. And Iawant also to tell you that you guessed right when you said wasn't At. I've tried every branch, and they've thrown me down, so guess that all I'm good for is 'women's work as your friend said"
 Perhaps a summer out of doors will put you into condition again." she answered.
 "I hope SOL lie answered. T. do want to, get into, real service, but
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