New Britain herald., 1921-11-21

assurance that 1t was sufe and that I meant to use 1t if necessary.
 "She did," I returned. Since her own illness, LiIlians been terribly lussy over health precautions" I swept an apoloEctic mental obeisance To Lillian for my tarradiddle, But [ haven't needed it so far, though I'll put 1t on if if gets chillier"
 See that you do," Dicky returned with the most approved conjugaI au- thority, If he meant to say anything else it was cut short by the appear anCe of Pa COsgroye and the physi- clan at the side of the car, Pa Cos grove gave us the briCfcst of intro ductions and then hurried into pro posal that I hoped would abash Bess Dean, although l had my doubts of it.
 "There's no use of you folks get ting mixed up in this mesa," he said, "especially as that smith may try to make trouble. So I'll just go down with the doc. and you folks go on home. The boys can come back on the running board of the docs car, if they don't take us down to the Kingston jail"
 DiCky to the Fore.
 His voice was ioVal, but there was an undercurrent of apprehension in it, and I know that he was by no means easy in his mind concerning the probable action of the man Smith
 You're a dear, Pa COsgroVe .'' Bess Dean cried with enthusiasm What did I tell you, Dicky- bird 2"
 50 many things that l cant re- member" he retorted. This is aW- fully decent of you, Cosgrove." he went on in a tone which for the life of me l could not interpret II might presage acceptance or indignant re- iection of the older mans offer, But this expedition is explained by a bet ter man than l. The lady at the wheel is the boss. Long experience has taught me not to open my mouth until she has spoken"
 I choked at the vision of Dicky perpetually meek and silent Bess Dean swirled quickly in her seat.
 "Of course, Madge, she began, q"
 "Of course we're going back with you Pa Cosgsove," I said decidedly. And we're wasting time discussing anything else. Will you ride with us or the doctor?"
 With the doc, l guess; so if any thing happens to his car l could help him out It's been acting up a bit, he says"
 Suppose we run right behind you" I wrong with his car we can pick him up and lose no time"
 That's the ticket :" Pa Cosgrove exclaimed. "Well be off in a jiffy.'
 The physician, a short, stocky man, with the air of efficiency and readi- ness to meet an emergency which only the successful man possesses, al- ready had gone to his car and we heard the noise of it's starting as Pa Cosgrove ran toward if. l turned my own ignition switch and swung in close behind Dr. Moss car as it started at breakneck speed down the road.
 well. I must say, Madge, this is d very queer proceeding" Bess Dean began auerulously. Why . Pa Cos grove didn't care"
 Let me give you a piece of advice, sweet child" Dicky said lazily. You might as well tackle that famous roCk-you knoW-'this rock shall fly as soon as T'--as to budge my missus when she gets that Puritan conscience of hers sot on an idea. Besides, did it ever strike you that if we beat 1t at this juncture, it would be distinct proof to Smithys alleged brain that we did have q hand in beaning that poor lad? No; I'm afraid there's nothing for us to do but to face the music. But don't be frightened, baby girl. Keep close to daddy. He'll take care of you.'
 His voice, though mischievous, was apparently full of genuine concern i and promised protection, and l would have given good deal to know what his real thoughts were.