The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-01-03

and he and Madge enjoyed a number
of rides along the roads which were
familiar to them. The weather was
warm with bright sunshine, and The
tours were made more attractive by
the multi-colored autumn leaves that
hung from every tree.
But one afternoon they started on
a spin with conditions less favor
able. Lowering clouds hid the sun
and there was a cool, damp breeze.
They passed the tiny house on the
curve, and Ted observed;
The palace of the popcorn queen
looks deserted. See the blinds are
down. Have they moved away?"
Didn't 1 tell you in my letters?"
| inquired Madge. Mrs. Quentin died
several months ago. and Mr.. Quentin
4 lasted only a few weeks. 1t was
grief that took him, 1 believe. They
We're nice old people. too"
| They drove on in silence for a.
little while. Suddenly they noticed
that the clouds had become blacker
and denser, and thunder began to
rumble. Lightning flashed in the
dark sky and premature night came
on.
Lets go back" suggested Madge.
"A storm is coming"
She was right, for hardly had
| they progressed a mile on the re-
turn trip before the deluge descend
ed. 1t was a veritable cloudburst,
J
liberated the road and everything else
Water pelted the occupants of the car
for all of the top and side curtains.
as they swept round a curve the mo-
tor suddenly baked.
Wen have to find shelter" said
Ted. The spark plugs are wet or
something, and the top is beginning
! to leak. See, there is the deserted
palace of the popcorn queen. Make
a break for 1t while I push the car
out of the road
Madge scampered for the tinv
house, and Ted moved the roadster to
a place of safety. They were both
| drenched when he Joined her at the
door. A skeleton key proved useful
and they entered the little house. 1t
was empty and dreary, with furniture
gone and floors bare, but it was shell
ter. Ted found some paper and fuel
in the woodshed and kindled a blaze
in the fireplace. While they dried
themselves they watched from the
window and saw the roadster making
a brave stand against the furious ele-
ments..
/ While the darkness became more
intense the storm became more ter
i rifle. Ted dispelled the gloom by
means Of candles found in a cupboard.
Hours passed and there was no let up
in the rain.
Gosh. I'm hungry!'' exclaimed Ted.
and he began rummaging about the
house. With triumphant grin he
returned to the parlor, carrying q pa
per sack in one hand and a popcorn
pepper in the other.
Here's some real food" he an
nounced. There's nothing else in the
, way of nourishment in the house.
Wen see if it works.
Madge looked glum as Ted shook
the pepper over the fire. Presently
the popping began and the pepper
filled with white kernels. Ted smiled
gratefully.
Smells good. I can tell you. No
salt or butter, but guess we can get
along. oh, I forgot, Madge; you don't
eat this stuff. Well. that's no reason
for me to starve. is it?"
He began a ravenous inroad on the
corn while Madge turned away and
!, kept silence. Ted munched on while
the rain played a merry tune on the
roof. Madge could endure it no
longer
"Tedi" she cried desperately. "give
me some of that corn. I'm SO starved
L could eat my glovesi"
He extended the pepper, then drew
it back, hesitating.
Made, do you remember a promise
you once made-about eating popcorn
and marrying me?''
"Of course 1 remember" she smiled
Pass the corn and I'll make good"
Copyright, 1921, by the Mcclure
Newspaper Syndicate.)