The Knoxville independent. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1894-current, 1919-09-06
CAPTAINS COOK
BY MINNIE N. KINDS.
copyright, 1915. Mcclure Newspaper Syn
dicate.)

L n
The girl shook her head as she gazed
around the spotless Kitchen with its
electric range.
"Well, it's my own choice and I'm
safe and warm" Dean had first Sc
cured position as private secretary
at twenty dollars per week; after pay
ing ten dollars of this for board and
room, car fares and lunches made
such hole in the remainder Of her
salary that she decided to cook.
Maids were at premium and she
found place, at once, where she had
comfortable room. no washing to do
and ten dollars week clear. Her
mistress proved kindly and well salts
fed with her work.
Dean managed so that her former
friends thought she was living with a
relative. 81 did not tell them so, .
said Dean to herself. Il only said she
had offered me home, but the poor
dear has only enough for herself and
I'd rather cook" But today, the call OF
youth was strong Dean had read the
announcement of a dance to be given
by friend, and, 81 believed will go to
real party once more" she said sud
denly. Tomorrow is my day Off any
way" So Dean carefully planned.
She would go to quiet hotel and
dress there, telephone her friend that
she was open for an invitation.
| A lovely welcome greeted her, once
more her favor was eagerly sought.
Presently her hostess appeared with
Dean, dear, allow me to present Cap
tain Willis, an old friend, who has
just returned from overseas. This Is
his first dance for two years, so be
very nice to him.
For second everything wavered be-
fore Deans eyes: Heavens! her mis-,
| tress' son." Then she recovered her
poise. AS If he would recognize his
mothers cook in this garb-utterly abb
surd! Dean was delighted at the way
his smile flashed out at her nonsense
and went through the rest of the eve
ming in a delirium of delight.
The captain took her to the hotel In
his car, and only when he said huskily
81 never enjoyed an evening so much
in my life, Miss Dean, will you allow
me to call tomorrow" Then Dean
came down to earth with jar. What
had she been thinking Of? She would
have to leave note at the hotel, say.
ing, "CalIed away suddenly" and that
would be the end of this wonderful
"might have been" She turned with
brave smile to the young officer
| "Good night, and thanks for most de
lightful evening, captain she said.
/ The following afternoon a distracted
man was puzzling over his Cinderella's
note. 'I'll go to Becky" he said, but
Becky could only tell him that Dear
was supposed to be living with ar
aunt somewhere.
Meanwhile Dean was peeling pota
toes in the captains own home. rs i
possible that / am in love with mar
whom 1 have really seen but once?'
she asked herself scornfully. Thief
she would open her door and lister
to the sound of his voice, or his whistle
In the upper halls.
A few days later as she stood at he
table debating the merits of belmont
co.'s or soufie for dinner, she wa
seized by her elbows from behind ant
lifted lightly in the air while joll!
voice said, "Hullo, you little poke
Venus Where do you keep the ginge
ale? That COMPOUNDED bell won't RIM
and l have a thirst that must be as
suaged pronto."
"How dare your" ragged Dean, turn
ing on the man sharply, as he set he
down again. There was silence as sh
faced the captain. Then came recog
milton and her anger died.
Great grief!" he stammered, "wha
are you doing here, Miss Dean?"
Waves of beautiful pink flushe
Deans mischievous face, but she al
swered demurely, 'Peeling potatoes
sir"
Goodness l peeled potatoes my
self for two long weeks when ! enlist
ed" He groaned at the recollection
Then Joy overwhelmed him.
! 'If you only knew how I've hunte
, for you, little girl. That was mic
trick that you played on me. Couldn
| you see was wild over your"
[ please, sir, don't think the COO
! Is allowed followers" laughed Dear
, Cook? Nonsense! You mean I
tell me you are responsible for the d.
!, licious meals I've been stuffing mysel
: with? Mother says I've an appetit
like cormorant."
Then Dean explained the situation.
am afraid your mother won't look {
things from your viewpoint, SIR"
Mother is the best sport ever" sal
, the captain fervently.
/. isn't 1t strange your name is m
: mothers maiden manner" asked II
1 lover.
3 Eyes. Isn't 1t wonderful? i disco
. cred it only yesterday as / was rea'
= ing some old letters of my mother
] and l found I was actually named ft
\ yours, although she never saw m
J. They were college chums, and he
4 kept up a correspondence In the
3 early days. Mercy, my potatoesl" ,
;. burning smell filled the kitchen.
=