The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1922-01-19
The Road
Toward Home
By CLARISSA MACKIE



The great circular lunch counter
In the railroad station was a busy
spot at all times, but there were
breathing spells'-after the heavy
express trains from the East and
West had pulled out and the lunch
counter settled down to its routine
OF serving the scattered travellers,
and even townspeOple, who liked the
well-cOoked food and the swift serv-
ice.
One October day after Priscilla Fair
had been there two months. and was
counted the most rapid Of all the deft
mattresses, there came sudden, un-
expected rush of customers that filed
the stools TO the last one. please take
that one for me, Pris," begged fat An
ME Hardy, as she numbered past with
a plate OF clam chOwder in one hand
and Drumming cup Of coffee in the
other. She nodded toward the last
stool at the circular counter, the one
next TO the crOss-cOunter. Priscilla nod
ded and slipped around the shining
urns and faced the waiting customer.
She saw a pale-faced man with
then down at the menu in his hand.
When he lifted his glance to her again
his eyes were not logged nor kind nor
anything. Just cold and Indifferent
as becomes a stranger.
Priscilla was chilled. Most men
and many women looked at her delicate
prettiness with kind eyes. She had
warm, friendly smile, though acquaint-
ance never developed beyond passing
greetings of the day THAT girl is a
recluse!' Annie Hardy had burst out
one day-but while we are describing
Priscilla, the strange young man is
waiting hungrily for his order to be
taken.
WELL" prompted Priscilla at last.
"Oh," he started, looked at her and
rubbed his eyes. Bacon and eggs and
coffee" he said CURLY. When she was
gone, he read a railroad timetable.
He was still reading it when she re
turned with the food which she placed
before him.
you are reading 1t upside down."
she said softly.
Reading what?"
1.-The timetable"
"Oh-" CHANGING at 1t and thrust
Ing 1t into his pocket, thank you"
You're welcOme-gOing away again
sOOn?" she asked wistfully.
Tonight" briefly. sugar, please"
Priscilla pushed the sugar bowl to-
ward him and tore a check out Of the
bunch at her waist. Anything else7"
what have you gOt-that's gOOdT"
apple pie"
''Sure?"
Al made IT."
"An right-rm take a chance"
grudgingly.
Priscilla went away. The counters
were growing empty. She looked pale
and tired. Annie caught her arm.
You're all in, honey" said the kindly
soul 'Tn take care of your order
there and keep your tip"
Mono cried Priscilla fercely.
''T'll see to him."
Annie laughed shrewdly. Run
along, Pris; first time I've ever seen
you notice n man-he's just plain
farmer amt hep"
1t was a pale smile that Priscilla
threw over her shoulder as she bore
a large piece of fresh apple pie to
the stern young man at the counter.
She was glad that Murphy, the pro-
prietCr, had agreed to try one of her
apple pies and since then she had
earned extra money by making pies
for the counter Murphy's Lunch was
famous for its homemade apple pies.
After he had eaten the pie, Pris-
oil 10 hn
beside his plate. then she began to
remove the soiled dishes.
walt" he said, abruptly.
Priscilla waited, her eyes dark, ex-
pectant.
Have you been here longY' he
wanted to know.
1.-TWO months"
where did you learn to make apple
piesT'
MY aunt showed me how"
"Ohl Do you want TO know what
I'm doing hereT'
She nodded.
Looking for my wife. She went
away from me because I criticised
her cooking. SpunAy little thing. And
she went away just for thatW He
looked hard at her.
you must have said mean thing.
TO her" said Priscilla, the pink creep
ing into her cheeks.
Maybe I did. and maybe I was
sorry about IT. And after I'd put
in couple OF loads OF hay, perhap:
/ went to the house to tell her how
mean was and try to make up
and found she had gone. Only mar
RED three monthsl"
How are you going to find her9'
asked Priscilla. her white face eager
s'You don't even know where she went
That day when I got home ans