The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-03
The Dummy" Makes Good in Other Ways

Nellie herself opened the door, her face flushed from her exertions in the kitchen. She took his hat and hung 1t on the rack and led him in to her father, who sat in a whee1-chair. dead from his thighs down.
 This is MT. Lynn, father. He's deaf; so don't try to talk. Just smile and ned. That's 1t. He seemed so all alone that I couldn't resist asking him up. Besides, Bill Jenkins thinks he's the incest young man he ever met"
 That's enough for me, Nellie" said her father. holding out white, shaky hand. The warmth of the hand which closed over his sent a kind glow over him. Everybody has some kind Cf a cross; and you're always the angel of mercy. Tommy come in yet?"
 T think that must be Tommy now, Tommy"
 ''All right. Sis. Nm! Supper ready? Lead me to it."
 The boy came in with rush, but paused abruptly.
 '4The Dummy" he gasped.
 T asked him in to supper Be careful how you talk. He reads tho lips"
 Well, you're a queer bird" Tom my stepped forward and awkwardly offered his hand. He pulled two ways: admiration for a great pitcher and tolerant contempt for the afflic- tion. How'll I talk to him?'
 You don't have to talk" said Nellie. wondering if Lynn had caught anything of this dialogue.
 D,,k +. Bro ken-down cats and dogs, and now deaf ball players. Well, that let's me out. But this guy can pitch ball. That game today was a sig Zler."
 Did you leave the officer,
 T was uptown on an errand and saw the last half"
 "TommyY
 ~Can the. reproach stuff. Let's get to the eats. I've got date"
 T don't know what we'll do if you lcse that job. It's the best chance you ever had of making something of yourself"
 "Sure.! And I'm not going to lose it. Tommy marched into the din- ing room.
 Lynn stepped behind the fathers chair. Shall wheel Mr. Miili- ken in?"
 She nodded and pointed to the left of the table. Lynn pushed the chair to the place designated, while Nellie ran out to the kitchen, to return with a huge tray.
 Let me handle that carving knife" urged Lynn. I'm ace high at carving"
 Say, Sis, you wouldn't think he was deaf, to hear him talk" Tommy unr,f lal r lad stepped around to the head of the table.
 Tt is already carved said Nellie then blushed. She was always for- getting when he talked.
 Beat me to it." laughed Lynn as he saw the cover removed. He pulled back Nellie's chair for her; and it struck the girl that 1t was the first time in months anyone had shown her an attention like that.
 Immediately Lynn began to talk. He recounted all the droll things that had happened at the game that day. He told stories of baseball life. of the hardships which underly the glory. Tn fact. he was "the life of the party" By the time supper was over there wasn't a wisp of embar- rassment anywhere.
 The girl clearly understood the high quality of this tact. She had been little worried after she had asked him; but she was glad in her heart now. The poor young man! How braveIy he faced itl
 "Well, I'm off," said Tommy. He offered his hand to Lynn, and rushed for the hall.
 But Nellie started after "Remem- Der your promiset'
 Sure! Anybody, tG hear you talk, would think I was lush. Sometimes I get tired"
 'It's only because love you. Tommy"
 "Aw. Sis-youre the best ever Pm measly pup. I won't touch anything tonight. Honestr "where shall I roll the chair?" asked Lynn when Nellie returned to the dining room.
 She crooked a finger, and he pushed the chair in her wake to the living room table. Nellie turned up the reading lamp and laid the evening papers on her fathers knees. Once more she beckoned to Lynn. The most difficult part of the evening was be- fore her She reached out her hand palm upward, and Lynn gave her the paid and pencil. Truth is, he wanted to kiss that brave. reliant little hand. The father helpless, the brother at that age when a strong hand was needed and never a whimper out of her.
 You're just splendid?' he said.
 "So are you" she wrote. 'Its won derful the way you overcome it. No one would dream you couldn't hear,