The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-09-03

month his mother had mentioned money for any personal use
 "Flne idea" encouraged Bob. How much cash do you want?"
 Could you spare 1t If I asked for lot?"
 A Proud Moment
 Bob took out a pen. He smiled. He was proud of that moment.
 "Sky's the limit. You know I've told you I've got plenty-almost to throw away. Don't you know we're buying some pretty things for the city?"
 ask me what I'm going to do with it?"
 Did I ever ask you such a ques- tion in my life, Mumsey?"
 'No-but couldn't stand you to- now"
 There was something so strained and tense in her request that Eob's quick thought was that she might have invested in some foolish stock she had persuaded herself would make him solid for life"-according to a smooth-tongued agent. So. in order that her mind might be thor cughly at ease. Bob made the check for s10,0o0-and told her If shs needed any more she had only to ap- ply to the office for it.
 At first she was very insistent that she would need only the $2,oo0- vented him to tear up the check. But suddenly her attitude changed, and her fingers twitched as she reached for 1t.
 A Good Boy
 Maybe I'll need it" he peculated; then unexpectedly like a child. she drew Bob down and looked long and deeply into his faco.
 Are you going to be hood boy?' she queried sentimentally-aim huneriiy.
 Bob patted her head.
 You know I am, mother. But 1T you talk like that. won't Are you sure you're quite well enough for me to leave you?
 'Oh, you've got to go! You mustn't fail Besides, you see, I'm going to have such a good time."
 There was little catch In her throat. Then she began laughing with a sort of nervous hysteria. Att CT which. she insisted that Boh go and lie down that he might get a little rest before his train left. Thus bidding her good might and advising her where to wire him in Atlanta, Bob went to his room, though not without a feeling that he was sorry his mother had not confided in him.
 Then he upbraided himself. All persons were entitled to private mat ters. Very promptly he dismissed the feeling as unworthy. Had the matter been important enough. ne felt sure his mother would certainly have asked his aid.
 Elberton Cinches Proposition
 In Atlanta things went fast. Boost CTS for that city had had their h- ming with the prospective factory owners and had produced an impress sion hard to break down. But Bop was convinced that Birmingham meant the better opportunity and the figures he quoted were power.ui II, evidences. But 1t remained for Ei- berton. just at the last, to come In " with his suggestions and little ex- pressed wish that he himself woulo like to have them as Birmingham neiehbors-which Bob realized fur- nished the breaking straw. It was hard for most people to resist Elper- ton. All life, more or less. gravisates toward pleasant things and pleasant neonle. and Bob was fond of de- claring many years later, that hearty handclasp, with sincere warmth of feeling behind it, was the thing which drew more people to vour town than almost any practical argument-or even reason.
 The promise that the company would line up with the Magic oi.y cane at a small dinner party on the fifth day after Bob reached A.. lanta. It's advance men were to get tc Birmingham the roliowihs after Bob's return.
 It was very gay assemblage. Des- sert was just being placed when through the door came persplrlns messenger boy with telegram loi Fob. Landon tore 1t open cariessiy,
 His face went white. It dio nut concern usual business.
 aCome home at once. Your mothei r:ysteriously disappeared. I'm near ly frantic. Fear anything"
 The telegram was from the wid- ow. Mrs. Langtree. his mothers housekeeper.
 Bob tried to be calm as he arose. I'm sorry, gentlemen. but urgent matters compel me to take the next train home"
 Making his adieu, he quietly re- quested Elberton to come to his room as soon as he could reasonably get away.
 "Reminiscences
 What a fool he had been not to press his mother to confide in him! What was she doing? Where had she gone? Where was she? She was too weak to endure much exer- tion. He had expected a pleasant surprise of some sort. following her request for moneyi but not blow. And yet-yet. she had been so sad. The more Bob thought of it the more her attitude seemed one of terrible agony and desperation. Why had he let himself be eased into a comatose state of stupidity toward the sub ject? What could have been her mo- tive?
 Still, maybe 1t was not so bad as Mrs. Langtree feared. It could hap pen that before his arrival, she would return or be found. With two hours to wait, Bob began to pace the floor.
 (To Be Continued