The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-07-09
REVELATIONS OF A WIFE
Madse Orders the Bars-What Hap
pened on the Road,
ADELE GARRISON

Madse Orders the Bars-What Hap
pened on the Road.
It's tive nainutes' walk IL one speeds
ones steps from our house to the post
office, which is the geographical, civic
and social center OF theancient village
OF Marvin. But If one walks slowly,
as did. enjoying to the utmost the
early summer day, the time consumed
stretches to 10, even to Is minutes.
I had another purpose In lettering by
the wayside than the mere enjoyment
of the out-of-doors. It my suspicious
concerning my neighbors were correct
then one OF them would appear some
where along the road.
But there was no disturbing pres
ence anywhere, although kept sharp
lookout. went to the postoffice, re-
ceiving only pile of the inevitable
advertising circulars for my pains,
and dropped in at the local hardware
store across the way TO arrange the
putting Of iron bars upon the windows
of my room.
"Mahy Rumcrs."
The old man In charge, Of whom I
had bought many small articles,
grinned broadly when I gave him the
order.
What's the matter with an you
folks up in that section?" he wheezed.
Root burglar scare, or are you afraid
the Germans viii get in when you
amt lockin'?"
'"why?" I asked. smiling, although
ordinarily the salesman's loquacious
familiarity would have annoyed me.
But his question had fathered star
tied query in my own mind, one to
which / wished an answer,
why" he echoed. "Jest because
yours is the second order I've had to-
day for iron bars on windows. That
there Jap what works for the folks
that's rented Mis- Durkee's house, he
was in here early this mornin' and or
dered bars for every window and door
in the house.
HE can sling English fast enough
when 1t comes to ordering things, but
when asked him what they was
afraid OF he shook his head the way
the Chink laundryman does when you
haven't brought your laundry ticket
along. pretended he didn't understand.
But you bet he did understand, all
right-just didn't want to answer the
pesky heatheni"
was glad to escape a direct an
swer under cover Of this tirada Hav-
ing secured the information I wanted,
decided to forestall any curiosity ne
might have concerning my own order.
There have been many rumors of
burglars lately, Mr.. Smith," said,
and I'm foolishly nervous, suppose,
because there is porch easily climbed
just beneath my window. hope you
can fix those bars today
The old man beamed at me in re-
ward for his gratified curiosity.
TIL just do that, Mis- Graham"
he said. Those other folks order is
ahead OF yours, but they'll just wait
till git yours done. Serve 'em right
for bein' 80 blasted top-lofty."
Thank you so much, Mr.. Smith,"
I returned, although I knew his de-
cision and my acceptance OF It were
faulty ethics. Good day"
In another moment / was on the
street again, my face turned toward
the open road"
walked briskly now, for the lure
of the open was upon me- I'd been
too busy for weeks to take the tramps
love so web. 1 was eager to get to
the woods. to find certain fallen oak
knew by the side OF brook, to sit
there and invite my sour after I'd
searched for the wild flowers whose
haunts remembered.
Pete battered along by my side. and
after I reached the open country, the
almost noiseless footsteps of the dog
were, bside my own, the only sounds
heard except Of course the sweet |
familiar noises of the woodland which |
stretched on either side of the road
Into the Woods.
The road was deserted, save Tor Pete
and me. AS far as could see in front
Of me not person or even an animal |