Smyrna times., 1923-11-28

followed by a scOWling husband who
almost always neglected to leave tip.
Mr.. Henderson, coming in with his
business partner, enjoying his lunch
con, and leaving a liberal tip, caused
the only bright spot in an otherwise
gloomy noon.
Tuesday a young couple who had
been there once or twice before spied
the little table and sat down. Charles
was interested to see what effect be-
ing placed at the little table would
have upon this pair of turtle doves,
and when he returned with their or
ders both were too busy arguing to
do justice to the meal. The young
husband appeared very much upset
and had rather a frightened look. 1t
was plain Mrs. Newlywed had won
the day. No tip.
This was getting serious. AS soon
as Charles found an opportunity after
the luncheon customers had gone, he
sat down at the table, which was the
only way one could look down into
the street; but the afternoon sun was
shining and only a row Of prOsaic
awnings met his searching gaze. What
ever it was, he thought, it only af
fected the married couples, for he re-
membered when a young man and
woman, clerks in a nearby Office and
obviously only friends, had sat there.
The girl had begun a lively conver-
sation. but happening to look out of
| the window. became so absorbed that
the young man had said jokingly: I'm
here, you know She had smiled at
that and resumed the conversation, but
her eyes would stray to the window.
The young man had looked out and
remarked: well, Of course cannot
hope to compete with "a" Here
Charles was called by another custom
er, and missed the words that might
have explained everything The man
had given Charles liberal. tip, and
the two had gone out, still on most
friendly terms.
Charles had decided that he would
go through that back street after work
that night, but he was late, and a
street car just passing, he swung
aboard. Time enough to investigate
later.
And this was Wednesday noon. Mr..
Henderson had come in with his wife
and Charles had deliberately led them
to the mysterious table. Would the
spell work on a devoted couple like
the middle-aged HendersOns. who
never quarreled and, indeed, never
argued even about the orders. and
always seemed to appreciate both the
food and Charles devoted service7
It most certainly would and had
As Charles came through the swinging
door, he saw Mr.. Henderson, red-faceC
and angry, arguing with his wife, whC
sat. white but determined, looking
lOngingly out the window. Neither
ate a great deal. and they soon left
For the first time in years no til
lay beside Mr.. Henderson's plate.
Something must be done The extrI
table made more work, sn6 with NJ
tips and the mysterious effect upoI
his patrons Charles was becoming
alarmed.
That night being his night of h
called on Estelle and +Sld her Of tht
hoodOo table and the spell It cast. H,
suggested that she come in the mex
day with her sister and perhaps sh'
could solve the mystery.
"If you succeed" he said rashly, ''Tl
make you a present of anything yOl
WISH"
Thursday the two girls csme earl.
and seated themselves at the littl
table. When Charles brought their OF
ders he said: Have you discovere
anything?"
J On the pretense of having the wiT
: dow opened Estelle rose from her chat
and Charles sat for moment In he
place. The awnings across the stree
were up now and, looking down wher
Estelle directed. Charles saw a wiz
dow filed with attractive hats. I
the center, below the name Madam
Elise" was a large placard:
BARGAINS IN IMPORTED
MILLINERY"
! And the present !" faltered Charlie
z but alas, he already knew too we
what the answer would be.
} "why, one Of madame's hats, {
: course" chirped Estelle, and the ho
: doc table had added another male vi
tim, this time single one, to Its III
Of Victims.