The Meeker herald., 1919-06-07
THE COMMITTEE
sy NELLIE GORDON.
Copyright 1919. by the Mcclure Nswspa
Per eyndicats)

Now that the war was q thing OF
the past. no to speak. Dorothy found
time hanging heavily on her hands.
No more Liberty loan boosting. and
the Red Cross activities had abates.
considerably In the town of Kentville
with the dawning of peace. Dorothy.
before the war, had been rather
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 mall she found one
letter which brought look Of en-
thusiasm to her very attractive face
replacing the bored, listless look
which had settled there lately.
1t was from the American Red
Cross, asking that she serve on 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 gnve of her
best efforts to the wonderful work.
One morning. as she was leaving for
the "After-Care" headquarters, call
err was announced. And In the living
room she found tall. brOnzed young
man clad In olive drab.
"Miss Gray?" he questioned.
Dorothy nodded.
II understand that you are one OF
the 'Afier-Care' committee. and as !
l,,eS 4 hmx
taken the liberty Of calling to ask II
you could aid me In finding work. I
suppose 1t is n little irregular. as do
not belong here. but as intend to re.
main here for some time. at least. !
thought perhaps you might be willing
to help me-"
Dorothy considered for a moment,
then. assuming her most businesslike
manner. said: ut Ia rather irregular,
I suppose. but then. the object Of the
work Is to help all soldiers, and
think perhaps the matter OF your not
belonging here win not matter"
After noting his qualifications. and
securing his address, she promised to
communicate with him as soon rs Dos
sible.
A week later found Robert Birney,
Dorothy's protege. settled In the Of
hce Of Dorothy's father. And. strange
" enough, It became necessary for
Dorothy to visit her father at business
very much more often than in the
past. She had many pleasant chats
with the stranger. who pushed her
greatly. a. his manner Of speech and
habits were very much at variance
with his apparent position In life.
Some mouths later came a day Of
much rejoicing In Dorothy's family.
Brother Bob arrived home after .
year Of fighting "over there" After
he had been home about q week he
accompanied Dorothy one morning to
the ONCE.
And rs they entered the outer Of.
ace a strange thing occurred. Bob
cleared the little gate In q jump and
landed almost on top Of the young
man who was studiously working at
desk.
Bob Birney-by all that's wonder
full" shouted Bob. wrinEinG that
young mans hand. "But what In the
herer
BIrney. flushed and uncomfortable
and avoiding DOrothy's wondering
gaze. answered: "I'll see you this AFT.
ernOon at $50 and explain every.
thing. I'm rather busy Just now, a.
I have come things to finish which arc
quite Important"
Promptly at 8 80 Bob's roadster was
waiting ut the Office. and the two
young men rode on together in the
twilight. After they had been riding
a little while Blrney began his re
| citnl.
"You see, after I got home wat
pretty well all In and dad sent me
up here for rest before getting Into
harness with him. After had been
here few days saw your sister. and
then 1t was nil OF with me. I Just
had to meet her. and couldn't thinb
OF a way. Then found out that she
was on this .After-Care' committee,
and the idea came. 30 went to her.
posed as a man who needed work,
and she secured the position In your
fathers ONCE for me. Oil II was Q
cnddish thing to do" he added BIT.
terly; land I suppose you'll think Tn
pretty poor sort"
But Brother Bob was shaking with
suppressed laughter. Pretty clever !"
he ch0ked. "Now It's up to you to
square yourself with Dot. She's wise
that something's In the air after this
afternoon. but I didn't ray a word tc
her. wanted to hear your version
first"
Dorothy must have had q premoni
hon that she was going to have
caller a. she donned her very pret.
tiest gown.
When the mnld announced his or.
| riYal she flescandoxl IL, Ahz n.i-. $500.