The Delta independent., 1920-07-23
NEW-FANGLED
BY GERTRUDE ARMSTRONG.

Oe no telephOne. Got something else
to spend my money for. Just cause
Sarah and Fred has got such new
tangled notions into their heads, sup
pose you got to have the same. We've
lived here all these years, and my
folks before me, and never had any
Of these fool ideas until your sister
started. Guess you'll be wanting an
automobile next"
We'll. never mind" replied his wife
meekly. II just thought 'twould be
kind Of handy In case Of sickness, nv-
ing a mile from our neighbors. and
get lonesome sometimes, and could
talk to Sarah.'
Her husband made no reply, but
went about the evening chores. Twas
SO unlike Marthy to ask him to waste
money on anything SO foolish. Handy.
indeed! There was old Molly. when
ever she wanted TO visit and to run
into town. who would take her In less
than an hour.
She so seldom asked for anything
or complained that his conscience both
cred him little, and the look of dis
appointment on her face he found
hAiu " kct Jul VI Ills tuOukntS.
Never mind. some time soon, when
he got his work along. they would 60
into town for q holiday. She had been
working pretty hard lately and prob
ably needed a change.
And thus, like most Of us, he soothed
his conscience with promises Of bet
ter doing In the future.
When he returned to the house Mar
thy was Just finishing her dishes.
II guess I'll 60 right to bed. john"
she said; II don't feel very smart to
night"
well, I would" he replied. looking
at her keenly. "And take something
hot for that cold. don't like the way
it's hanging on. Been this way now
for most a week" And he kissed her
and patted her kindly.
II was two hours later when he
opened their bedroom door. He tip
toed softly to the bed. where she lay.
open-eyed and apparently awake.
Looks like a Storm" said John. and
he crossed the room and carefully
closed the window, muttering as he
did SO. More new-fangled notions"
There was no response from the
bed. What was the matterf Twas
not at all like sweet-tempered Marthy
to hold a grudge He bent over her
and then started back. The staring
eyes and burning face did not look ia
miliar.
go and see II David Is covered.
John. It's chilly tonight" she gasped.
Davidl Their boy who had been
dead five years. Then 1t burst upon
he dor
Get a doctor. of course. II he could
only get word to Sarah, And his heart
sank as he thought of the precious
time he would waste driving all those
miles,
"Oh. Godl what would l give for
telephone!" burst from his agonized
lips.
He rushed out to the stable for old
Molly, backed her from her stall. and
harnessed. His hands seemed palsied.
II was ages before he got started.
Driving with all speed he came In sigh
of Sarah's. They were up: he could
see the CLEAN of lights through the
trees. Five minutes more, and with
bursting heart he rushed In and told
them his errand.
What was there for him in life, any
way, If she was unhappy?
She who had helped him save day
by day. never complaining, always
| cheerful-when she had asked for
part of what was really hers she had
hn Df
| money. when but for just such new
tangled notion" he would have lost the
best little partner man ever had.
Many weeks after n handsome little
runnbout drove into the yard, from
which alighted three men, carrying
wires and tools.
Here's your auto, Mr.. Cobb, The
| telephone men were coming out this
way so drove them over. If there
| Is anything wrong let us know. BE
| over again by night. So long"
"why. John. what does this meanT
| asked Marthy. when the men had start
| ed to work downstairs.
at means that the men have been
working for some time, and you're
| a-going to have that telephone. and II
you don't like this here machine you're
a-going to,have another one, and pick
II out yourself. They might be new
tangled notions but they're darned
good ones to have around house"
And Marthy smiled and thanked him
as only she knew how.
Samoan National Drink.
The national beverage OF the
Snmoan sIlnnflara In .kaYn obtained