The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-03-17
Euening Story
Saint Pats Day.
BY BARBARA KERR.

Patricia arrived in just the nick OF
time. But after it was all over she
reflected whimsically-Now maybe
that's why Irish questions are never
settled, somebody else always puts in
an oar.
And this was the way of her oar.
She was driving by the car barns.
when in a vacant spot she saw a most
unusual sight even for Chicago. A
gang of young toughs were brutally
annoying an old woman. without
thought of consequence to herself. she
stopped her car, sprangN out, grabbed
a boy who was tearing a green ribbon
from the old woman's coat by the coll
lar, shaking him till his teeth chat
tered.
go get sinto my car. qutck!" she
commanded her. Then she recognized
one of the gang as a son of her laun-
dress. For shame, Mickey Brianti
Don't you ever dare to call yourself
Irish again!"
They broke my glasses" said the
, frightened woman helplessly, land
can't get along without them"
Mickey to set himself right with the
Households patron saint-his mother
was for years a maid in Patricia's
family-seized his opportunity. Lem
me take 'er. Miss Patricia, III be
straight wiv er."
Patricia nodded Her eyes blazing
wrath, were holding the two bullies.
who evidently had staged the fight
between the Oran8emen ana the
wearers of the green.
Mickey carefully led the woman to
Patricia's car. then stole humbly back
to get his share of the lecture: II
could turn you all over to the Judge.
but I'll not if you will give me your
words to meet me in a week and tell
me some good thing you've done to
take the curse off this. Call your
selves Irish, and manhandle helpless
old woman. Mickey, what devil pos
sessed you?"
Patricia knew her audience. She
talked so they'd understand. Laying
her hand on his shoulder she turned
his freckled, penitent face toward her
while he explained that the gang was
gonna find out who was boss. the
Greens or the Orangemen. The old
lady saw Green getting the worst of
| 1t, she interfered and the Orangemen
notice she was a lydy, st. Pat-I mean
Miss Patricia"
She could have laughed at the re-
citai, but knew it would never do, SO
atone-pay up-means? In a week
you'll meet me at Mickey's house and
tell me how you've atoned for this.
It's disgrace you've put on the Irish.
You've shamed us-your women-all."
Then she left them. She knew Mickey.
She told his version to the woman
as they drove to her home. IT got the
portion of the peacemaker," laughed
Mrs. Byrne, but L didn't understand.
l wore the green ribbon as a compli-
ment to my neighbor; we're from VI
ster. 1 thought it was fight and
didn't want the under lad killed
Patricia patted her hand. 1.-The
young vi1lainsi 1t was fortunate that
was down there to see about help.
The mother of one of those gamins
was our maid for years.
That's why 1 was there. Some one
told me I might find help, but. my
cd NOT fiji Ia cn1IId
go along"
They drove up to her home and
Patricia was helping her up the steps.
when the door opened and young
he exclaimed, tenderly grasping her
shoulders. ARE you hurt?''
Just a bit shaken, Terry lad. I'll
go in and put me to rights and you
to do it properly. I'm that crippled
without my glasses. They called her
Saint Pat. and reckson she is"
Was there an accident?" he asked
solicitously.
NO. I just rescued her from a
brawl," replied Patricia, land not in
sanity manner. either"
You're still English, 1 take" bIurt-
ed Terry, a flush sweeping his face.
Take it or leave it," returned she
tartly. but you ought to know the
O'Connors were French and she
turned TO go.
please" ne commanded. that was
a piece of bad manners in me when
you've been so kind to my mother"
Never mind, 1 didn't know she was
your mother" Patricia assured him
mockingly.
Terry Byrne advanced masterfully
and took her arm, saying, You shall
not get away from me till I have ex-
planned why I did not dance at your
Red Cross ball. Shall we return to
my house or may. go with you?"
For the life of her Patricia could
not say neither" as her pride die
tated, for when she stole a glance at
the young Irish demi-god beside her,
with his wavy blue-black hair, his