The daily banner. (Cambridge, Md.) 1897-2008, 1918-02-18

prove his patriotism. If you won't do
it, your friends can't force you to-"
This was the proper cue for a digni
fed exit, and as at this precise moment
they reached the front gate of AIMS
home she murmured a brief good
night" and left him abruptly.
Tommys voice, still maddeningly
cheerful, called after her: IF you hap
pen to feel like the movies tonight,
darlint, don't forget my phone num-
ber."
And Ann could hear him tramping
up his own front steps whistling:
Keep the home fires burning"
yes, you'll keep them burning all
right" she spitefully apostrophtzed
him, as she entered the house and
CLAIMED the door with vigorous bang
that brought her mother hurryfng from
the dining room, where supper was
just sending forth its savory invita-
ton.
why, dearie, you came in like a
cyclone. No villain pursuing you, is
there?" And Mrs. Donovan laughed
expectantly, for she and this only
daughter of hers were chums and
shared a sense of rich Irish humor.
Nothing, mother. I'm just a little
tired and hungry, I guess, and supper
smells SO good. I'm ready, if it Isl
"All right. But, Ann, did you hear
about Tommy Regain? His mother was
over this afternoon and told me about
it. She cried and cried, but she's so
proud of him, and she says he's SO
anxious to go, and"
What, mother? Tommy hasn't"
Enlisted! Yes, he has," exclaimed
Mrs. Donovan, dabbing at a furtive
tear with the corner of her apron.
That's just what Tommy has gone and
done. She told me all about how he's
felt ever since this war started; how
it hurt him to see the other fellows
marching off when he had to stay at
home"
"Well, why did he have to stay at
homer" interrupted Ann. "Of course
1 know it would leave his mother
alone, but Mr.. Regain must have left
quite lot Of money when he died."
But he didn't" exclaimed her
mother. Everyone thought so, but 1t
appears that he speculated heavily, not
only with his own money, but with
some that had been intrusted to his
care. His sudden death was a result
of the shock Of losing everything, and
Tommy, who was just starting out to
make his way in the world, promised
his father that he would see that the
funds which had been misused were re-
placed, though it took years of self
denial on his part. His mother says
he has stuck manfully to his promise
and has done everything possible to re-
store his fathers honor, bat it seemed
such hopeless task"
Mrs. Donovan paused for breath.
$50 on, mother" prompted Ann.
well, what do you think? Some Of
that mining stock has turned out to-
be valuable after all. There wasn't
any gold in the mines, but they have
found something else-tungsten, / be-
lieve it Is called-that is worth nearly
as much. Anyway, they can pay of
all their debts and Tommy will know
that his mother is well taken care of,
even If he's away off in France. She
said after he made sure he didn't
waste a minute getting down to the
recruiting headquarters"
Ann started for the telephone.
Where are you going?" asked her
mother, with the kindly inquisitiveness
of those near and dear.
Ann looked around the coy living
room with a speculative eye.
Tommy wanted me to call him up.
But I wonder if we wouldn't rather
stay at home than go downtown to-
night? I'm kind Of tired of the movies
myself"