Imperial Valley press., 1922-06-09
OnWhnSs Wireless 4!
BY ARTHUR B REEVE
Spao NEA Service. Inc

4 Rae had that sometimes fatal gift af
flattery, way of leading a man on to
talk about himself and of appearing to
be exclusively interested in his tastes
and pastimes. Guy studied her as she
devoted her entire attention to him TO
the exclusion of her companions. Was
lshe attractive because she was so young;
or was it because she had had so much
experience in being young? From lis
life at the club they were soon far aficid
leaping lightly to the visit to the "Sea
Vamp,' then over westward like an
explorer, to the city, the shows, the ho-
! tells, the night life. Was she question
ing to see just how far the gaiety OF
this debonaire sophisticated club=man
took him? For his purposes Garrick
conveyed the impression that the only
limits known to him were the sky and
the horizon. Somehow, however, he had
, a feeling that this girl was learning
pretty much what she wanted to know;
though for the life of him he hadn'e
quite figured out yet what that was.
Far down the porch Vira caught sight
of Glenn and had no intention of play
ing the lay figure longer. Girls and
fellows were passing and with a nudge
at Ruth, Vira broke up the party and
the three continued down toward the
ball room, leaving Garrick to figure it
all out, especially Ruth, who, the mo-
ment they were gone, seemed to resume
leadership. ....f
! Dick Defoc was the quicter type of
man undoubtedly destined to make any
\ reasonably normal girl happy. A graci-
Gus, if reserved, manner seemed to an
nounce to the world his reserve strength
of character, if trouble brewed.
He quickened his pace as he saw
Ruth. His face lighted up with one Of
his charming smiles. Ruth was talking
| vivaciously to the girls when she sud
denly caught Dick S smile and answered
| it.
Ruth, he said as he drew her aside
with eager Difference, "may / have all
the waltzes this evening?'
She hcsitated, looked at him a bit
shyly, shrugged one beautiful shoulder
as if debating whether to say yes, then
smiled: Dick-you re. fast worker!s 1
| believe you bribed the musicians. /.
They re playing waltz this minute!
Wait -. till / put my wrap up. I'll
be with you in second
Dick watched her go, glowing all
| over. He was going to hold her close
to him, he was going to breathe the per-
fume of her golden hair, he was going
| to waltz, a dreamy and enticing waltz,
with the girl over whom he was fran
| tic.
Then he heard someone call Ruth. It
was Jack Curtis. Ruth . this IS
mine! When / want dance with
girl 1 just put my arm about her
| like this . and We're off!''
| Ruth laughed merrily, flashed back
a look at Dick. "And when L don't
want to dance with a freshie | do this
| and we re not off!'' Jack had
tangled himself with his own legs or
else it was an added pressure as i'll
Greek wrestling. He was on the floor
while the other fellows were laughing
and Ruth, smiling, hauled him up.
"Did | keep you waiting long Dick!
love this one' Dick tingled with
| joy as be waltzed off to the dreamy
| strains
1t was half over when Dick felt HIM
self pushed aside and heard Jack $
voice, migrating, May | cut in ON this
We all do that now'!' Dick swallowed:
I"I'll leave it to Ruth Ruth's only
answer was a gentle pressure of his
arm q negative nod in Jacks direction
!-alu Snc WAS urcdIhlHS again. lHcIc
was something so comfortable being
held closely by Dick.
There was one waltz when he could
not find Ruth. He hunted all over
She as not dancing; nor on the vcranda.
Nor did he see Jack Curtis, Rae, Viva
or Glenn.
"Firc!'
The orchestra hcsitatcd at the sharp
alarm of the club steward, then decided
it was not like thcatcr, that there was
no panic danger, ropped its fiddles and
: saxophoncs and snare drums and ran.
; A moment later the shrill siren whistle
5 on the village power house split the
ether. Dick joined in The josyling mob
:. in evening clothes.
. "Gucss we II make Il dc luxe bucket
: brgade!' painted Tony Blccckcr. cit IS
t the East wing!"
e Up the corner of the lodge back Of
: the club casino, where were the living
G rooms, licked II hungry red shaft of
u flame. Dick looked his dismay. On the
| third floor were Garrick IS rooms.
| (Cnnt ;nunI U,nnnrrnW