Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-06-01
A Disappointment for Sadie

MAY insisted upon putting Harriet
A'1 to bed, and the kind hearted Mamie
smuggled up some food to the girls on
tray. Harriet ate and was comforted
but after May had left her for the
night, she tossed restlessly from side to
side. trying to think what to do. Sadie
Howard would be In waiting for her
tomorrow. all the more furious and
determined. because Charlie had inter
fered tonight. Harriet remembered the
girls small. malicious eyes and knew
that nothing in the world would keen
her from telling the world what she
knew. The time was very short and
Harriet could hardly hope that any :
thing would happen before the blow
fell, anything that might give her a
clue as to the real thief.
When Sadie Howard had been left on
the sidewalk with the fast going taxi
disappearing in the distance, she had
been so furiously angry that at first
she was for going Immediately to the
police with her story. But as her
anger gradually cooled she realized that
by telling the police now she would be
robbed Of much of the glory. If the
police discovered Harriet they would
receive the credit and Sadie had already
built up newspaper story in which
she would be featured. Perhaps they
would use q picture of her. and her
eyes frightened at the thought To be
mentioned as the discoverer Of the un-
known woman who had disappeared so
mysteriously just after her husband had
been accused Of $4,000 theft might
mean all kinds of things for Sadie.
When she reached hoee that night
the whole family had finished dinner.
Sadie had great aspirations and the
sight of the hot untidy kitchen. SMELL
ing strongly of food and the tobacco
from her fathers pipe vaguely disgusted
her. No one had ever wanted to be
beautiful as Sadie had, and the beau
tiful things of life which she realized
could never be hers had soured her
mind against her fellow beings. Even
her family feared her sharp tongue
and bore her little love or even family
affection. Sam never could like a
homely woman, and between the sister
and brother there existed an enmity
that was unmistakable.
What you so late for. Sadie?" her
mother asked peevishly. Seems to me
you might try to get here on time. It's
hard enough TO cook the meals without
having to serve them at all hours"
where's SAM" Sadie asked
eagerly.
Dressing to go out" said Mrs
Howard. "A lot of good Sam is to this
family, never staying home a single
evening to be a comfort to his family"
Sam called Sadie, ignoring her
mothers complaint. Even though she
hated her brother at times, she realized
.,,Na~,Artt.y ID xrn,,ll haua faughf
tooth and nail for him IL he had been
in trouble Of any kind. Besides she
liked to annoy him with taunts about
Harriet Neil. 1t was her first taste of
power and she intended to pose in the
limelight as long as she could.
Sam appeared, adjusting his necktie,
as Mrs. Howard arranged Sadie's
warmed -over supper on the kitchen
table.
what do you want?" he asked in
a surly tone.
II saw Mrs. Neil again tonight,
that's why I'm late. waited for her.
She tried to sidestep me, but / figured
she'd be late and stuck around.
Think you're smart, don't your
he sneered.
You bet am, and you best keep
a civil tongue In your head or l won't
tell you what happened.
Sadie began on her stew, keeping an
eve on her brother as he lounged in the
doorway.
"Well?" he asked finally.
IT had her begging for mercy"
Sadie went on. Believe me she forgot
all about those high and mighty airs
she used to pull when she lived here
above all, when I happened to mention
the police"
TnmnrOX-FOrctng Her Hand.