Iron County news. [volume] (Hurley, Wis.) 1913-1950, 1921-12-17
FALSE GODS
BY MARION E. JONES
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/ tracts TWO glaneeS, one OF casual, the
other of serious interest. supreme in
the power Of swaying men and with a
glorious egotism, Beryl was in very
truth a modern siren.
Somewhere IN her lmpulslve younger
days she had. without much thought,
selected a husband from the eager
train of would-beS, and subsequent
life with him had satisfied her fond
est desires. Absorbed in the medical
profession, he allowed his adored wife
TO go about much as she pleased, and
only occasionally was reused TO re-
monsuance against the few scraps Of
time which She devoted to him.
Loving and trusting her implicitly,
he considered it unworthy of that love
TO feel jealous of the homage paid to
her by other men ami If a tiny heart
acne came sometimes when he saw
charming wives who devoted every
thought to their husbands, Beryl, at
least, was none the wiser
one night In June, night peryaded
with gentle, murmurous breeze and
faint rose fragrance as Beryl and her
husband were preparing TO leave the
cool comfort of their yerauda for the
warm interior Of the house they heard
the soft purring of "A motorcur coming
up the drive. All aglow at the prospect
of congenial company Berry, ran light
~ down the steps TO greet her guests.
She made Ga enhancing picture in
her flmy white gown and breeze-ruf-
fled hair, So Phil Armistead thought as
he sprang from the low, gray roadster
and helped his sister, Erlne, to
alight
what do you say 70 a spin, folksP
he querfed. a heartfelt pleasure In the
beauty Of the night ringing IN every
note of his voice. Too peachy a
night to stay home Get out that
classy racer Of yours, Jack, and show
us some cool speed"
Say, the idea does appeal pretty
strongly, ut that Phil. slip on coat,
Beryl, and I'll go wake up the garage
laughed Jack and strobe away.
In a moment or two the machines
were ready TO start, and Berry,, cheer
fully obedent to Phils eager look, set
tied herself suugly beside him. Jack,
with rather wlstful smile, helped
Erdlne into his racer, and with sud
den burst of speed shot far ahead OF
the other slower car.
Left behind, Bery and Phil found
ample pleasure In each others com
pany. and ten miles slipped by before
they realized that the other car was
entirely out of sight Then just ahead,
around c0ncealing bend In the road,
came a sickening, grinding crash, a
terrified scream, then deadly, horrible
silence.
Whlte-lipped and stern Phil drove
his car with trembling hands around
the bend to view a sight that brought
horror into his heart A lurge touring
car had skdded on a wet patch Of
road and smashed into Jacks car with
enough force to totally wreck it and
throw out both occupants. The tour
ing car had taken the brunt of the
blow on It's bumper, and the solitary
driver seemed unhurt rs he bent over
Jack and Erdne. Jacks head was
bleeding profusely from deep scalp
wound, and Erdine, badly shaken up
and bruised herself, had nevertheless
dragged herself into a sitting position
and was trying vainly to stauch the
flow Of blood from his head with her
thin dress.
Beryl had uttered no sound, but
straight as "a homing pigeon had hur-
ried to Jacks side Kneeling beside
him she attempted to take his head in
her lap but drew back startled at the
fierce look Erdlne flung at her.
Leave him to me. Berry,, she cried.
"If he is to die l want him to be IN my
arms where he belongs Oh, you can
look as Mortified as you please, but
your poor, shrlveled-up little heart
could never appreciate q love like
mine. lie is my man, and II has been
my torture for years 70 see the love
he laylshed on you that | would sell
my very Soul IbIs 'odit A0N' maui
him huppy. You never have, with
your cheap 0irtatlona and angling for
admiration"
jack stirred aud opened his eyes.
'Beryl." he murnureI, family Berry,,
/ want you"
Erdine gently laid bis bead on the
grass. stood Up and with 81 cry Of in
tense bitterness dropped faiuuns into
her brothers. arms
He carried her to his machine,
where sympathetic women from a
passing machine that had stopped OUT
Of curiosity set about the task Of -
viying her. Then he hurried back TO
Beryl who was trying amid the most
sending. binding tears She had ever
shed. to blnd up Jacks head with 8
strip from her gown
Tie stranger from the mckless tour
lug car. who had been a surprised lis
tener to the lHpassIoued little speech
Erdlne had given. came forward and
assisted Phi IN carrying Jack to the
car. Beryl stepped in and gathered
t. E--..t.,..slts Fst.,4 .Igaa fa her. Nrpa 90