The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-04-26
HOW MANY Jumps.
BY Pauline Barrett.
Copyright, 1921, by the Wheeler
Syndicate Incl

Copyright. 1921, by the Wheeler
Syndicate, Inc.)
Max Harding looked at the steep
hill ahead of him and then at his
heavy suitcase and swore softly un-
der his breath.
"Such beastly train service"
he muttered, for he had arrived at
Palham some three hours late
this being his first trip home from
college to see his mother since she
had given up the big house and
elected to live in a hotel until Max
had finished school. The scarcity
of help, she had written Max, had
driven her to this step.
well, there's no one to meet
me, that's certain decided the
young man. They probably gave
me up hours ago, so here's where
foot it. Gee! But it's cold" And
he bent his head as a gust of wind
nearly swept him off his feet.
He pressed on steadily, his hands
beginning to feel numb and his
suitcase seemingly weighted with
lead. Brown as an Indian from
weeks of outdoor practice with "the
team" with little sooty smudges as
a result of the long train trip and
now half blinded by the dirt and
dust that swirled around him, il
would have been hard to recognize
in this very bedraggled looking
young man the son of fashionable
Mrs. Harding, who lived in the no.
tel at the top of the hill.
Scuwling fiercely, he dragged his
heavy suitcase up the path that led
to the house, only to be met at the
veranda steps by a pompous-look.
ing turnkey who effectively barred
his further progress.
Cant come up this way. fellah,
said the pompous one. "All trades.
men and peddlers'-with signifi'
cant look at the heavy suitcase
must go round the back way
And he waved Max grandly away
what the" and then, as the
full significance of the servants re.
marks struck him. Harding burs'
into a hearty laugh.
"Tradesmen and peddlers-well
that's a good one-I certainly mus,
look fine. All right, your highness,
he said, "I'll go round to the bach
if you say So"
Maybe l can sneak in through
the kitchen and get washed up be
fore l greet my fastidious mother,
he thought to himself. IF she evel
saw me looking like this-hello
Whew-ew-ew," and he whistlet
softly, for a young and remarkably
pretty girl, all muffled up in a grea
woollly scarf, stood directly N from
OF the kitchen door hanging up dist
towels, thus once more effectually
checking his progress.
HIN! Probably the assistan
cook" thought he to himself. well
here goes.
Have you a moment to spare?'
he asked, removing his hat ant
speaking in his most engaging man
ner.
Il have not" replied the yount
woman promptly, scarcely glancinl
up from her work.
"Not much enthusiasm here" h,
decided. Then, MAY l show YOU
some of my wares% with an ex
pressive glance toward the suit
case.
You may not" answered the "as
sistant cook" as promptly as be
fore.
well, do you mind if sit down
on the steps . minute" he hazard
cd for his third venture, I'm rathel
out of breath"
II do not" again responded tn,
fair Lady Of the kitchen, taking hin
in with one all-apprzising glance.
So Max sat down on the loves
step and leaning his head bacl
against the house, closed his eyes
Poor fellow" thought the girl
her sympathies aroused at last, "h,
must be tired. I'm afraid I was to,
sharp With him.
She gnnced onco more at Tia. VI