Vashon Island news-record. [volume] (Vashon, Wash.) 1919-1954, 1922-06-02

by EDNA 8. KNAPP


cOurtship days as she rested before
dressing for the ceremony. First she
saw the familiar living.room consid-
erately vacated by the family. With
nervousness wrapping her like n
mantle. she had opened the front door
to Herbert, spruce and immaculate,
and wondered II his mother knew he
WINS out Then Mrs. Snwtelle Mont
gomery Mason had not thought the
HarlIs0ns worthy of notice.
She and Herbert had seated them
selves awkwardly on opposite sides
of the table and conversation had
tagged, though his chocolates had dis
appeared rapidly enough. They Ind
summoned courage enough to smile
at each other occasionally, and were
laughing over past high school purity
when an awful groar had been heard,
followed by blast that had sent Mary
to her feet trembling with fear.
Herbert had leaped to her side, his
arms about her slender waist. 81 will
protect you" he had said. 'Do not
be afraid. will take care of you"
Safe in this shelter, they two had
heard Great Uncle ELS cane go
"thud" and his quaverlng voice sum-
moning "C0lllne." Then mothers low
answer, with Il culver Of mirth in It.
"You siorcd and walked yourself up.
Uncle Ell, that was ALI"
Sitting their giggles, the young
couple had returned to their former
positions and talked merrIly until
mother came In and Herbert departed
Hadn't deaf Uncle Ell proved trial.
though his board and care kept moth
er out Of the factory and paid the
Interest on that hungry old mortgage
But Uncle Ell went to bed at eight
and mustn't be disturbed. All evening
callers were taboo, and besides Mrs
Sawtelle Montgomery Mason said Her.
bert mustn't come.
Mary was worried about the post
office money Mr.. Owen was away
over Sunday and Mary had to bring
the money home.
Hours later, when that awe-lnspir-
Ing combination Of snort, groan and
shrek had sounded through the dark
ened house, she had been the first one
down. She had heard the yell Of fear,
the climbing thud Of metal, the win
dow slammed down and retreat
ing footsteps on the porch.
To an accompaniment of Uncle ELS
grOans, she had switched on the light
to see an open drawer, money bag
dropped by the stove and curtain
awry.
Mother was dosing Uncle Ell and
brother was calling up DR.. Piggot
when Mary found the last recreant
coin rolled into the farthest corner.
Wasn't DR.. Piggot mad with Uncle,
though he had pulled him through in
safety. And next morning, how the
whole town rang with the bravery Of
Herbert Mason, who, coming home
from sitting up with sick chum, had,
single-handed, captured Jed Bangs,
wiz tiSu " StSdi VIC postoilSe
money!
Then on Uncle ELS ninety-thlrd
birthday, he had ordered her to get
some "Nawncy Purties" for the gar
den. Mary had been utterly bewlld-
cred, but Herbert knew None-so.pret-
ties were -grandmothers of our
present-day pansles. Herbert had
some, he would bring them. So he
had done, and Uncle Ell had showed
him the garden for two mortal hours.
Mice, quiet Teller, that; make you
good beau, Mary. Why don't We set
yer cap for hlm?" the old man had
asked afterward.
Not long after uncle had eluded
Mary and her mother again, and been
brought home one evening weary but
triumphant by smiling Herbert I'm
Gle had gone right to bed, but Her
bert had much to say.
"My mothers been helping him fig
ure his income tax" explained the
lad. Great goodness, Mary, he pays
laundering big one. He must own
pretty near all Heathfield, and folks
all thought he just had an annuity |!
You folks are down In his WILL | be-
lieve."
Mary remembered how incredulous
she had been at first.
Mothers keeping one paper for
him. didn't see it, of course. She
says she's thought again about my
coming here and, since you're so good
to the old gentleman, may come
as often as | like" went on Herbert.
Mary had beamed at him silently.
~ mean all you like" corrected
Herbert mindful of his manners
Then the family had slid out some
way and Mary and he had been alone.
The young couple had just learned
that that paper promised $4,000 to
Mary the day she married Herbert
Eldon Mason. Last night uncle had
showed them the paper and declared
1t the best Investment he had ever
made Uncle seemed to be taking on
new lease of life.
Hank, was that the clock striking?
Yes. she must arouse and begin to
IrpgG Harn Nyng nnf lnr coming IN