The Powder River County examiner and the Broadus independent. [volume] (Broadus, Mont.) 1919-1935, 1919-09-05

edC1IuCIals were gwen OUT. V0efe wal
much to be done.
II wish she would be definite" In.
nes' thoughts complained. She was
restless to make her own plans. II
had not yet occurred to her that Gerry
would stay In all summer. For she
never had SO martyrixed herself.
"Some one must be with Tom. Il may
spoil my trip. But Gerry never thinks
Of that" She believed it to be q
simple matter Of clothes. II always
took her weeks to get ready to 60 any
where.
But I won't wait any longer than
next week. II she does not 60 theW I
will. Absurd for Ms both to be here"
1t was already 6ercely hot.
Gerry. meanwhile, had been wonder
ing how she could suggest to her sis
ter-in.law that her trip be taken hrst.
Without arousing suspicious! Ter.
ribly loud In her ears sounded her
thoughts those days.
Her husband hung q letter on the
table one evening. "A letter to you
from-Casey."
She tried to make the fingers that
closed over the letter move casually.
She could feel them tremble. What
would she say II Tom asked to see IT.
1t was addressed to her in her hus-
bands care. Hardin had found 1t at
the ONCE In his mail. And she going
each day to the postofIice to prevent
it from falling into his handsl She
gave it q quick oifhand glance.
about the drive, Of course, Sup
per's getting cold. Look at that ONE
lette. Don't wait to wash up. It win
be like leather"
When she had finished her meal, she
read her letter with hne show Of In.
difference. HE sets . date for the
drive" She put the letter carelessly
into her pocket before her husband
could stretch out his hand. 1t would
never do for Jealous Tom to read that:
"Your letter was received two weeks
ago. Pardon me for appearing to have
forgotten your Kindness"
"The nerve" growled Tom again,
his mouth full Of Gerty's omelette.
ITO take you up on an invitation like
that. I call that pretty raw"
"You must remember We are such
old friends" urged his wife. He
knew I meant it seriously"
"Just the same, it's nerve" grum.
bled Hardin, helping himself to more
OF the omelette. now fiat ruin in the
center Of the Canton platter. His re-
sentiment had taken on an edge Of
hatred since the episode Of the dredge
machinery. ITO write to anyone in
my house! He knows what think Of
him; an ineffectual ass. that's what he
Is. Blundering around with his little
levees. and his fool work on the wa.
ter tower"
''The water tower7" demanded his
sister. whats he doing with that?"
"Oh. don't know" rejoined Tom
largely. his lips protruding. He had
been itching to ask some one what
Richard was up to. Twice, he had
seen him 60 up. with MacLean and
Estrada. Once, there large fare Of
light. But he wouldn't ask! Some of
his fool tnkering!
His sisters gaze rested on him with
concern. He had too little to do. She
that his title, consulting en-
gineer. was hooking one, that his |
chief. at least, did not consult him.
Was 1t true. what she had heard, that
he had made a fluke about the ma.
He was looking seedy. He |
had been letting his clothes 90, He
looked like man who has lost grip: |
who has been shelved.
She knew he was sleeping badly
Every morning now she found the
couch rumpled. Not much pretense Of
marital congeniality. Things were 20.
Ing badly, there
Everybody has accepted" Gerty
was saying. 'They have been waiting
For me to set the date"
And you cater to him, let him
bangle you all. l wonder why you do
t, unless it's to hurt me-"
"Hurt you, Tom." cried his wife, her
>s>>P OA"S SSSS "AuC VIII UlSlllHy.
How can you say such a thing? But
I 1t is given for him. how can l do
anything else than let him arrange
he day to suit himself? 1t would be
'unny for the guese Of honor not to
De present. wouldn't it,"
II don't see why you want to make
aim a guest Of honor" he retreated,
his position.
Gently. Gerty expressed her belief
hat she was doing the best thing for
her husband in getting up a public af.
'air for his successor. She did think
hat Tom would see that It showed
hey had no feeling.
II think 1t fine idea" agreed In.
les heartily. I'm sure Tom will. too
when he thinks about it." But she did
lot give him any chance to express
himself. "How are you going to man.
lge 1t. Gerty? You said 1t was going
O be progressiver'
I'VE shall draw for partners" said
Hrs. Hardin. "And change every half