Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1920-08-14
THE DAILY NOVELETTE,
The Latch Ken
BY JULIA A. ROBINSON

Jack Martin had been married but
one. month. He did not know a great
much in his young wife that puzzled
him. He was uneasy, constantly afraid
Of doing something to offend The idea
that she would some day take flight,
offended at something he had unwilling.
y done to displease her, and leave him.
things happening, and had always won.
dered how the husband could stand Il
What would he do II Mollie should take
a notion to run away? Would he dare
or would he let her take her own course,
unmolested by him? He tried his best
to please, but could not always be sure
that he succeeded. Women were so hard
to suit He imagined that Mollies smie
was not as bright as usual. her greet
ing not as loving. Did women change,
he wondered, after they were married7
He tried not to think about It but the
idea possessed him, and he watched her
narrowly.
And then It came. the thing he had
been dreadlng. The train from the city
was delayed one evening by an accident
1t was quite dark when Jack reached
the door of his cozy little home. Mollie
would be worried. He ran UP the steps
but the house was dark. There was no
little wife in the doorway to greet him
What could have happened? He fun.
bled nervously in his pocket for his
latchkey; then he remembered that he
had lost 1t week ago and had neg
ways been there to let him take her
key. 1t flashed upon him all at once
perhaps she was asleep. He knocked
loudly. Still no answer. He went around
to the back door. That was also locked,
afraid when alone. He could raise %
one. What was to be done? He might
perhaps climb to the piazza roof and
try the bedroom window, but he reflected
that Moilie always Kept that locked
so; then, too. he would no doubt bs
awkward. He found himself In the ur.
comfortable position OF being locked out
Of his. own house. Mollie might have
to sleep-if he could only wake her!
Perhaps she was sick. The thought
frightened him. He knocked again and
called her name frantically. He must
wake her-if she were there-if--
him. Mollle had left him! He paced the
narrow piazza, .perspiration starting
from his face. He could not stand It
She might be dead. Horrible Nightmares
assailed him, Had she really gone,
her? His kiss In the morning had been
as tender as ever. He hadn't refused 70
do her errands In town. He had ne
pink silk In his pocket now-if he could
| only give 1t to her His wearied nlnd
tried to think of something he had done
to anger her, but he could find nothing;
She had been more loving than usual
that morning. he remembered. with 9
| sigh. She must be dead or she would
| hear his pounding and open the door:
His knocks ought to wake the dead
| even.
Hello, Jack! What's up?" called 2
familiar voice. Lost your latch key'
Can't get in? Walt a jiffy. I've skels'
| ton. Here, try this"
He pulled a key from his pocket ana
ran up the steps to the door, which JACK
was still pounding furiously
With little effort the. door flew open
| and the two men entered. Jack trembling
with fear hardly daring to stir his
| friend struck light. :.
"You look like ghost, Jack" hs
| laughed. your wife locked you out, di'
she? Well, pay her back some day.
They entered the dining room whers
the table was spread with dainties 10.
| his late supper. and there lay a ho''
folded neatly, written in a fine name; hanN5n,,v
sorry A telegram tells me mothers sS, Ht'
ribly sick. I must stay with her tonisnt;
tried to get you on the phone, or oS'
| couldn't. You supper's all ready toL yvSu, w.
So sorry to be away. I'll be back IN !ss
morning. You'll find the key under 'A'
mat. Mollie." ,p
His friend laughed heartily. WY r.
didn't YOU think OF the matt" ne
chuckled. That's where they always
yes, and leave the note inside
growled Jack.
Next complete novelette,. "For il"
N ll-.I, 1nx