Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1921-03-14
CHAPTER elk.

CHAPTER elk.
I'm going to ask you TO act as cashier
again tonight" said our lieutenant when
I arrived at the canteen. You handle
the money so quickly and accurately,
Mrs. Harrison, that it might be good
idea for you to give bond and take the
cashiers place regularly"
"Oh, I'd much rather be a waitress
and do the cashiers work just in emer-
gencies," replied quickly.
Then, as 1 took my place IN the little
cage, 1t flashed through my mind that
some one else would have to 90 my bond
since I hadn't a possession in the world
with which to back a money pledge. And
as I sat making change l found myself a
little sullen and abused over things. The
lieutenant had just said that had q real
aptitude for handling money, but Jim
didn't regard me as important enough
to have any to handle. Surely, surely,
I must go into this matter with him.
As a matter Of fact, It was many days
before I found my opportunity to dis
cusS an allowance with Jim.
In the mea nume a number Of other
matters surged up to the surface OF life
and demanded immediate attention There
was no denying them, so my own prob
lens had to be side-tracked for the time
Finally the last boy was served, my
change counted and locked into the cash
box, and then Tom approached me with
his handsome gray head flung high. but
a look Of shy pleading in place OF the
usual devil-may- care expression in his
dark blue yes.
Il want to see you, Mrs. Jimmie. I
was hanging around outside waiting my
chance when Pat comes along and says
hos
home. So we Joined forces. I must see
you. You won't run away, viii your"
mo, I won't run away" replied, won
dering If his plea had anything TO do
with our encounter that afternoon. IN
be ready in a minute"
We've got to feed these Canteeners,
Pat. Shall It be the Cllnsarge! That's
nearest" said Tom with the chummiest
possible air when Carlotta and I Joined
them
Pat agreed. and Tom seized my elbow
and began plotting me down the street.
Did Jim send you for me?" 1 asked
breathlessly.
Yes, but don't let that offend you"
replied Tom enigmaticaHy. Then he
went on to explain, Il dropped into the
office, and found West on his way to
keep a date with some girls, aud Jim
oookeu 10 lahe DIG new customer out
for an equally big evening. I asked
where you came in. Jim said you were
playing patriot again and asked me to
run round here and explain that he and
this mining man Of his might end up
in a Turkish bath. and you needn't be
surprised if he didn't show up all night"
Il see." l returned I'm a voice that I
tried to keep from letting Tom know
how 1 felt about his being made Jim's
messenger, and about the messs ge.
Exemplary wife," exclaimed Tom.
'She doesn't even ask who hubby's new
customer is-but I'll tell It's that new
Western mining man, Lane Cosby-big,
outstanding chap about 5O.the fellow who
startled the coast seven or eight years
ago by marrying little Valerie Demmer-
ais, the old fruit kings daughter. No
one saw why a pretty kid with money
and position wanted to marry q man al
most as old as her father. But they've
got along fine so far"
$50 far?" l asked, interested in spite
Of myself in this very human bit OF gOs-
sip that seemed impinging on the edges
Of my life.
$50 far" repeated Tom. They've been
living In a little town out there and now
they're booked for the big city. The
Cosby woman IS beautiful, rich and
yOung-the kind the city eats alive.
Watch out for snags, say l."
well, I don't see where I come IN to
watch out for snaGs." l replied indiffer-
emily.