Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1919-05-02
THE COMMITTEE
49,
BY NELLIE GORDON.
Copyright. 1919. by the Mcclure Newspa-
per Syndicate.)

Now that the war was a thing of
the past, so to speak, Dorothy found
time hanging heavily on her hands.
No more Liberty loan boosting. and
the Red Cross activities had abatet
considerably in the town of Kentville
with the dawning of peace. Dorothy,
before the war. had been rather a
lady Of leisure, but the lure of doing
ones bit had gotten into her blood,
and she was restless with little to do.
Scanning her mail she found one
letter which brought look Of en-
thuSiasm I" her very attractive face,
replacing the bored, liStlcSS look
which had settled there lately
1t was from the American Red
Cross, asking that she serve on Il com
mittee to aid men returning from the
service. in finding positions suitable
to their various abilities and to help
them in general in readjusting them
selves to civilian life.
Dorothy literally threw herself into
the work with great eagerneSs. From
morning until night she gave of her
best efforts to the wonderful work.
One morning as she was leaving for
the "AfterCarc" headquarters, a call
or was announced. And in the living
room sh" found Il tall, brOnZed young
man clad in olive drab,
"Miss Gray?" he questioned.
Dorothy nodded.
Il understand that you are one of
III" 'At."r-tarc' committee. and as I
have just returned from camp I have
taken the liberty of calling to ask il
You could AID me in finding work.
:dl'p"Se ii is Il little irregular. as I do
not belnn" here. hut as intend to re-
main here for some time, at least. I
thought perhaps you might be willing
to help me-"
Dorothy considered for a moment
then, assuming her most businesslike
manner. said: at Is rather Irregular
l suppose. but then. the object of the
work Is to help all soldiers, and I
think perhaps the matter Of your not
belonging here will not matter"
After noting his qualifications. and
securing his address. she promised to
communicates with him as soon as DOS
Sible.
n week later found Robert Birney.
p0r0thy'S prOtege. settled in the Of
flee Of DorOthy's father. And, strange
Iy enough, 1t became necessary for
Dorothy to visit her father mt business
very much more often than in the
past. She had many pleasant chats
with the stranger, who puzzled her
greatly, ms his manner Of speech and
habits were very much at variance
with his apparent position in life.
Some months later came n day Of
much rejoicing in Dorothy's family.
Brother Bob arrived home after a
year of fighting ~over there" After
he had been home about week he
accompanied Dorothy one morning tC
the office.
And rs they entered the outer Of
flee strange thing occurred. Bob
cleared the little gate In jump and
landed almost on top of. the young
man who was studiously working at q
desk.
bob Birncy-hy all that's wonder
full" shouted Bob, wringing that
young mans hand. "But what in the
name Of common sense are YOU doing
here?
Birney, flushed and uncomfortable
and avoiding DOrothy's wondering
gaze, answered: ''lll see you this aft.
ern0on at 80 and explain every.
thing. I'm rather busy just now, as
l have some things to finish which are
quite important"
Promptly ut $ 80 Bob's roadster was
waiting ut the office, and the two
young men rode off together in the
twilight. After they had been riding
little while Blrney began his re
cital.
you see, after I got home l was
pretty well all in and dad sent INC
up here for rest before getting into
harness with him. After / had been
here few days saw your sister, and
then 1T was all of with me. just
had to meet her, and couldn't think
OF way. Then ! found out that she
was on this 'After-Care' committee
and the Idea came. So l went to her
posed as man who needed work
and she secured the position in your
fathers office for me. Oh it was a
caddish thing to do" he added bit
terly; "and I suppose you'll think Pm
pretty poor Sort
But Brother Bob was sinking with
suppressed laughter. "Pretty clever!
he choked. "NOw it's up to you tc
square yourself with Dot. She's wise
that something's in the air after this
afternoon. but / didn't say word to
her. wanted to hear your version
first"
Dorothy must have had Fremont
ton that she was going to have
caller, as she donned her very pref
tlest gown.