Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1921-12-28
The Ouija's
Message
t@, 1870, Western Newspaper Union.l
By JACK LAWToN

III BY JACK LAWTON II
t@ 1920. Western Newspaper Union.)
"When see the way Lefty treats
Richard" Marta observed, sand watch
his doglike devotion, am mad all
over. Why does he submit to it, Aunt
Phyllis? Why doesn't he take his
stand like man? Last night at the
Hunters, Lefty fairly Haunted her
admirers before him, and there our
poor Dickie sat suffering In every line
Of his devoted face. Oh! I'd give the
little fiirt lesson. I'd pay her back in
her own coin. It's her sureness Of him
that makes Lefty so reckless. And ii
Dick would just look at the pretty
brunette who works in the Office be-
side him, why she'd be happy for
weeks; and 1t would give Lefty the
scare she deserves"
II want to see him happy, and 1t
gives me a warmer feeling for you,
dear, to know that his little cousin
does too,' said Aunt Phyllis. 80
there is a pretty brunette working
In Richards Office? And where did
you see herr"
"At luncheon at Weber's yesterday"
Marta replied. II was there with
Helen, and Helen said: There is
Dads new stenographer who takes
Richards dlctation. I'd hate to have
Is pretty girl around my fiancee If
] was Lefty: but Lefty won't worry,
she Ia too sure Of her own charms
i. .And just then Dickie himself. came
Into tho restaurant, and as absent
mindedly a. you please. his thoughts
With Lefty as usual, l suppose. Dickie
took chair opposite his sten0grapher
and did not recognize her until he had
given his order, then after dignified
nod, he began his meal. Dick is sc
terribly afraid Of hurting Letty's feel
ings that he ignores girls in general.
Well. Helen and were behind him,
and he never saw us, but the brunette
kept glancing at him appealingly. and
presently we could see her looking
around for something and when the
waitress brought her luncheon check
she got up and spoke to Dickie, and
he nodded and took the check over, as
she left the place. Evidently she had
forgotten her purse and was borrow
Ing the price. Helen wanted to wait
and Joke him about his dinner COM
panion, but hurried her on, knowing
how sensitive. he is. Obi" added Mar
ia, how did wish that Lefty might
happen In as they were eating"
Aunt Phyllis folded her knitting.
Marta" she said irrevelantly, twill
you stop on your way home and ask
Lefty to come over and visit me this
evening Tell her I want to keep my
boy at home, and that is the only way
he will be satisfied. And you might
ask Helen to drop in too, and bring
her OuiJa board. You, know, have
an engagement"
Lefty came late that evening. Aunt
Phyllis, pretty skeptical, took her
place opposite Helen, while Lefty
languidly Joined them. Richard did
not have to De coaxed to a seat by
her side.
Il hear Lefty said, s'weird spirit
whisperings; let us begin
There was a message for Aunt Phyl-
lis. vague and confusing, rebuke for
Helen concerning propensity for tickle
ness and one sinister word for Lefty;
the word was beware" Then rapidly
the Ouija demanded Richard" Silent
and lenient Richard waited.
Who" asked the Oulja abruptly, "is
the pretty brunette?''
Lefty laughed after the last intricate
word, but to her astonishment Rich
ards face flushed crimson.
wonder" he answered jauntily,
his manner was uneasy With a quick
glance in his direction Helen with
drew.
Il am going to get ont Of this" she
said, "the thing is uncanny."
/, Lefty studied her thoughtfully.
'Why uncanny?" she drawled.
WELL" Helen admitted, dad has d
pretty brunette stenographer In his
Office. and he says she takes DICKS
Continue the message" she said I'M
pulsively.
Tuesday" the Ouija spelled "the
girl Richard took to lunch"
Lefty faced her AFFECT lover. Did |
our she asked sharply. Richard
ut was an accident he excused.
You paid the 0uija accused.
did you pay for the luncheon" de-
handed Lefty. Richard was miser-
bile.
She had forgotten her purse. then
-oh, hang it all" he ended unexpect-
dly, what If did," The evening
'arty disbanded quietly.
~ think" said Helen from her far
orner, that ] will go home"
1--WE will go with you" Lefty prompt
= offered. Aunt Phyllis was peace
ully knitting when Richard returned
{ late hour. His face was radiant,
is voice had the ring of triumph, Let
v has consented to marry me soon
t once" he cried joyously.
1.-THE Ouija wishes you happiness"
Lunt Phyllis said demurely, then she
Used him.
Could Be overdone.
The husband and wife were enjoy