The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1919-09-06
CAPTAINS COOK
~ MINNIE n. HINps.
Copyright, 1918. Mcclure Newspaper Syn
dicateO

uicdlc.J
"A college graduate and n cook
The girl shook her head as she gazed
around the spotless Kitchen with its
electric range.
We'll, 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 a premium and she
found a Il-at once where she had
a comfortable room, no washing to do
and ten dollars week clear. Her
mistress proved kindly and well satis-
fed with her work
Dean managed so that her former
friends thought she was living with
relative. II did not tell them so"
said Dean TO herself II 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 believe l will go to
real party once more" she said sud
denly. Tomorrow Is my day Off any
way" SO Dean carefully planned.
She would 90 to a 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 a 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 alb
surd Dean was delighted at the way
his smile flashed out at her nonsense.
and went through the rest of the eve
ming in 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 a jar. What |
had she been thinking of? She would I
have TO leave a note at the hotel, say |
Ing, "Called away suddenly and that |
would he the end Of this wonderful |
"might have been she turned with /
a brave smile TO the young officer: I
"Good night, and thanks for most de-
lightful evening, captain" she said
The following afternoon a distracted |
man was puzzlirfg, sevefshis Cinderellas
note. I'm go TO Becky" he said, but /.
Becky could only tell him that Dean
was supposed TO be living with an
aunt somewhere.
Meanwhile Dean was peeling pota
toes in the captains own home. rs it
possible that l am in love with a man
whom | have really seen but once?"
'he asked herself scornfully. Then
she would open her door and listen
0 the sound Of his voice, or his whistle
II the upper halls.
A few days later as she stood at her
able debating the merits of Delmoni-
'o's or souffle for dinner, she was
elzed by her elbows from behind and
fted lightly in the air while n Jolly
dice said. "Hullo, you little pocket
enus Where do you keep the ginger
Ie? That confounded bell won't ring
nd ] have a thirst that must be as
jagged pronto"
How dare you?" ragged Dean, turn
ng on the man sharply. as he set her
own again. There was silence as she
lced the captain. Then came rccog-
ition aud her anger died
Great grief = he stammered what
re you doing here Miss Dean?'
Waves of beanlifhI pink flushed
Deans mischievous face, but She an
wered demurely "Peeling potatoes,
ir."
Goodness peeled potatoes my
elf for two long weeks when | enlist
d." He groaned at the recollection.
hen joy overwhelmed him.
IF YOU only knew how I've hunted
or you, little girl. That was a nice
'ick that you played on me. Couldn't
on see l was wild over youa'
please sir, | don't think the cook
allowed followers" laughed Dean.
Cook? Nonsense. You mean to
I'll me you are responsible for the de-
cious meals I've been stufiing myself
18th? Mother says I've an appetite
Ike cOrmorant."