The Topeka state journal., 1922-03-09
Helen Hunters
Husband
JACK MAKES AND KEEPS A.
nrHREAT
BY JANE PHELPS

JACh NAMES AND hEE1FS A
THREAT.
Chapter 40.
Jack had made no reply. How he
hated these little white lies and sub
terfuges. He was essentially honest
and straightforward himself. Too
honest in expressing his opinions,
Helen often told him. But it hurt
meanness-as he called her evasions
of truth. But 1t seemed natural to
her to evade, to pretend, to deceive,
if it suited her ends, yet often too,
when it was unnecessary.
Try and get back SO we can eat
home tonight" Jack said, as he kissed
Can't be done! Wen have to go
out.
Get your dinner where ever you
want to!''
There was flare of anger so un-
usual in his words Helen stared at him
incredulously. Then with a pout she
replied:
"suit yourse1fi"
Cant get along without quarrel
ing! What ails us?" Jack Inumbled
to himself as hurried to the subway.
'I'n have to get money some
where!" Helen said aloud as she dress
ed for the street. She had one or
two errands to do before 1t would be
time to go to the club.
After I gave him such a nice
breakfast, too" she soliloquized, "I
thought he'd be as good natured as
Punch. There's no pleasing him at
times. he gets so stubborn
Getting me in good humor after
last night so she could strike me for
money!" he mumbled as he strobe
along the street. "She is as irrespon-
sible as a baby. wonder if it would
be better to board? I hate this run
ming out after I get home" But the
very thought of a boarding house
made him feel nauseated. He want
ed a home-a home neat and attrac-
tive, like his mothers homet They,
his father and mother, hadn't much
money, yet their home was always
very pink for neatness, and the meals
appetizing.
'Tll keep a stiff upper lip and try
it a while longer" he finished, just as
he caught sight of Dunn leaving the
office.
Hello. Dunn! How's business?"
Isn't any! Haven't written a
policy for ten daysl I'm after big
one today, wish me luck!'
II dol But what's the matter with
everybody? I've worked like a horse
and haven't accomplished a thing.
Moneys tight! People have spent
too much since the war. Now it's
given out. Awfully hard to make
them think they want insurance under
the conditions. Ali I try to sell just
Even then can't do much.''
Alone. Jack thought of what Dunn
had said. Times were hard, money
was tight. He feared times would be
harder, money tighter. The thought
almost frightened him. How could he
get along il things grew worse?
AboIt noon he was called to the
telephones:
''This is Helen. Jack. Have you
landed anything this morning?"
NO; why?''
"Oh. nothing. I just thought you
might have, that's ALL
'It takes several days to get things
thru if I had, as you know. What's
the idea?'
"Nothingi goodbye, dear"
As Jack was busy he gave the mat
ter no further thought yee it had
seemed an odd thing for Helen to do.
She was pretty thoroiy posted as to
the modus operandi of insurance; at
thru of the policy and getting the
commissions.
When he was ready to go home,
Jack remembered his threat. He
would be latel He would call Helen.
It was then after six. If she were at
homo well and good, If not he would
do as he had saidI stay out late.
After ringing several minutes, or so
it seemed, central reported: mo
answer"
''She cares more for that old club
than she does for mel" Jack grumbled
as he strode along looking for a cheap
place to eat. "A little show of indie
pendence with her will do her good.
Up to now the shoe has been on the
other foot-she has been the inde-
pendent oneAI, the poor fool who
danced when she pulled the string"
Yet in spite of his soliloquy while
he was eating. Jacks thoughts
wandered, and he felt rather guilty be-
cause Helen would eat alone.
CTOmorrow-Jacks plan of punish