Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1919-06-12

Laura entered the gate.
"Oh, Jacki You're home, then
I'm glad of that" was his mother
greeting. 1--WE had a splendid meet
ing. 1 read my report, and it wa
nearly ten before / finished"
Laura uttered low sound suspi
ciously like a groan.
1T was my report that made u
late" went on Mrs. Ladd com
placently. But they made me rea,
every word. What do you think o
that?"
ut was very good of them"
"You mean it was good of me,
rejoined his mother
"Oh, yes. That's what ! meant
of course" said Jack in an absen
tone as he stared at the door of No
%. Let's go in
He was in mortal terror lest hi
father should come out, and, il
homely language, throw all the ia
into the fire.
II suppose your father is home
| Jack" remarked his mother casually
She entered the dining-room ant
put her hat and cloak on the sofa
Jack did not answer, but she did moi
repeat the query. She took his sill
ence for an affirmative.
"My, how hungry it does make
one to read for two hours!" she re.
marked with yawn. I'll just have
sandwich in the kitchen. Do yor
want something, Jack?"
mo, mother, thank you.'
He was relieved that she was go.
ing into the kitchen. 1t might give
his father chance to sneak in with.
out being seen. From the dining.
room, which communicated with the
parlor by a wide, double doorway
she would have had a view of the
next-door porch if she had taken her
usual seat at the table.
Laura, will you have a sand,
wich?"
mo, thank you, ma. I'll &c
straight to bed"
Il guess III turn in, too," said
Jack.
very we'll. Don't make noise
as you pass our bedroom. Your
father may be asleep. guess he is
haven't heard anything of him
since I came in. That rehearsal
foolery must have made him very
tired.
although he doesn't often sit up
for me when l go to missionary
meeting. He said, one day, he was
afraid | might read my report to
him. Well, it would do him more
good than those sinful theatricals."
Mrs. -add ran on thus as she made
herself ham sandwich. Then she
sat down at the kitchen table to ca,
it in peace. There was a reminiscent,
smile on her face. Her report a,
the missionary meeting had been
much longer than any of the others.
I'm sure it was hard enough to
get up, she mumbled, with he,
mouth full of bread. IL had to wori
Iikc slave to get Laura 10 write it.
And she got SO cross because
couldn't read my notes! She nigh,
have guessed what meant if she'd
tried. All, a mother has many trials.
So has wife"
She heard the front door oper
steal,hily.
Good gracious! Somebody is
breaking in. Jack! Where are you?"
There was no reply. Mrs. Ladd
picked up The bread-kniie from the
table before her.
ITS nearly midnight, and here
am down here alone! This is what
comes of having burglars next door.
Jacks gone up to bed, and I'm afraid
to scream. Those strong-arm
wretches would kill me to make me
keep quiet! What shall do?"
She cried. Thomas" in a feeble
bleat. 1t brought no response. She
could hardly expect it would, for, she
had not spoken loud enough 10 be
heard outside OF the kitchen.
"Oh, this is awful. can hear foot
steps on the porch! And my husband
snoring upstairs while | am in dead.
ly peril But what can be expected
OF man who spends his time acting
on the stage when he ought TO be al
home with his loved ones?" she
added sentimentally.
Mrs. Ladd was not the woman tu
give away to idle timidity for long,
however. She weighed one hundred
and sixty pounds, and. in the laneu.
age OF the prize-ring, she Carried
wallop in either hand" Grasping the
brcadknife resoutely, she dashed on,
Of the kitchen into the hall.
Sure enough, the front door was
ajar. She could hear cautious foot
steps outside.
IN take them by surprised" she
She stole along the hall and sud.
denly threw the door wide open.
There was man astrile of the ra,l
that separated her porch from The
one next door.
Without hesitation Mrs. Ladd
0linu havSe1f 1.nAr tho ,,,an'c kaol