The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1918-12-02
QUALIFYING
BY KATHLEEN M. MOORE.

'AAA@ vac odis a IOWn. 1QG
male population was in the minority,
but the town boosted of six-star sery
ice flag.
few of the girls had organized a
benefit club.
Wen call it the s. s. S. club" sug-
gested Vera Quinn, land no one but
Soldier or sailors sweetheart will be
eligible"
"Fine!" exclaimed Gladys. ssThen
Babs won't be eligible, because she
hasn't any sweetheart"
The aforementioned Babs heard of
the plans and applied for membership
On the ground that she had two broth
ers and four cousins in the service-all
volunteers.
But You must have sweetheart In
order to qualify" Informed Vera. "We
are sorry, but you can't join"
Oh, very well, MISS" she replied
tartly. It'll qualify before another
month is up or my name isn't Barbara
Helena Willows"
land to think Babs will find q Sam
my sweetheart in Genville before a
MONTH" laughed Ruth, another of the
members.
Girls" called Vera, well put it this
way: If Barbara Willows gets a sweet
heart in the service inside of one
month We'll have to admit her to our
club; If not, she can't have another
chance
Arriving at this agreement, the club
adjourned.
Two days passed. and soon they
grew into weeks. Babs was seen in the
park frequently with Ted Barlowe, the
dude Of the town.
The club met for it's regular weekly
meeting, and since Babs had another
week In which to qualify, the whole
evening was spent in discussing her
progress.
Tuesday night came and the girls
had assembled early and were await
ing Barbara anxiously.
Has anyone seen Barbara since our
last meeting?" asked the president.
There came a chorus of noes.
The discussion drifted to a new fam
lily that had moved to .GenvilIe a few
days ago. Fifteen minutes had elapsed,
but no Barbara-then there came a
long peal from the doorbell.
There she is now" they all cried, as
Ruth fastened to open the door.
Babs entered looking very charming,
and, smiling prettily, she said: "Well,
girls, have won without trying, and
now may be member of your select
club?''
First give us evidence of your quail
fications." demanded Vera, growing
uneasy.
'Yes, produce evidence" cried the
others.
very WELL" replied Babs, in mat
ter-of-fact tone of voice. my work
this month has not been in vain," she
began, Il not only made myself eligible
to the club. but I helped increase the
ranks of Uncle Sam by three. Evil
dence? and here she opened the door
and admitted two khaki-clad and one
sailor-clad boy.
beheld Art Gordon and Bill Stratam in
Khaki and Ted Barlowe In natty blue
sailor suit.
Here's is my evidence" Babs con-
| tinued, taking note of the surprised
looks on the girls faces.
When Vera had regained her COM
posture she said somewhat nervously
'But which is your sweetheart? They
can't all be-"
"But we'd like to-" piped the boys
cheerily.
"None Of them," and Babs laughed
| michievously.
"None of them echoed the girls.
"Then fail to see where you have
| qualified" Vera said hastily.
But, Miss President" don't jump at
conclusions" Barbara responded. 81
haven't finished yet Here is my sweet
heart, and here is proof that he is my
sweetheart" and she held up her left
hand, displaying a dazzling solitaire
| At the same time a stalwart young
man, dressed in khaki, made his ap.
pearance, smiling.
| "Allow me to introduce Sergt Al
bert Phillips, hew resident Of the
town of Genville," said Babbs. "Ser-
geant Phillips and have been good
| friends for long time. I met him
through my brother when he was al
camp" in answer to their questioning
| glanees. Being home ON furlough be-
cause of injuries sustained in action
he paid me a surprise visit. Ted, Bill
and Art having listened to my preach.
ing for a month or more, enlisted foI
| Uncle Sam and elected me as their
| godmother. Now have / qualified?'
| The girls cast envious glances to
| ward Babs and her young army. After
brief silence Vera said: 1--WE Ger
tainly take off our hats to you, Bar
bara. You have overqualified. We ad
nit you for full-fedged member"
| Barbara smiled upon her army
| which stood erect behind her and said
well, boys, / have come out victori
1 Gus, just like you boys are going to dc
some day" and turning to her club
| sisters she said: "We'H leave Genville
tomorrow. The boys for their different
| stations and l for farm where I an
/ engaged to work all summer"
1 AL -