Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1923-09-14
The Secret
ls Treasure
NNNN ~ = = : = = = - - :
BY MYRA CURTIS LANE



DOB had tramped off to his work
in his old clothes. He worked as
a plasterer and got good money, es-
pecially in these days. Effie watched
him go. She hated her brothers job,
his disorderly ways She almost hated
her old mother, as she watched her
sweeping the kitchen floor Presently
Mrs. James began carrying in the
dishes. She filed pan with hot
water and started washing them. i
Efie did not offer to help and she.
was consclence-strlcken a little. She
was unemployed just now, but she had
made no serious attempt to obtain en-
ployment since she had lost her Job
as a stenographer.
She did not know the story Of the
man who went all over the world to
find treasure, buried somewhere, and
ended by discovering 1t in his back
yard. Efie was looking for treasure.
II was love and beauty,
Beauty-an elegant home, elegant
people about her, fine clothes--not her
mother and Bob. And love. That she
had found. Harry Croft, the son Of
the banker, was to take her to the
races in his car that day, with
party. He had kissed her and told her
had made further advances, too, but
Etf1e did not severely blame him for
that She knew men would take ad-
vantage Of one If one allowed them.
Now she had shown him she respected
herself, he would respect her, ask her
to become his wife.
Her heart was singing as she went
down the street. She had told her
mother that she was going into town
to look for employment. She hoped
Harry would ask her to elope with
him, so that she need never go back
to the dull house, to her mother and
Bob, with their ignorant, uncultivated
ways The sun was very bright
Fife was very happy.
Standing on the corner she saw
Harry driving up in his car. He had
another man and girl with him. The
girl was beautifully dressed. Ehie's
heart mlsgave her for n few moments
as she looked down at her own simple
frock. Then she frightened up. After
all, what did clothes matter, If Harry
loved her?
He waved his hand, stopped the car,
and Effle got in.
Late that afternoon she was walk
ing back along the street toward her
home. The day had been hateful be-
yond conception. They had gone to
tile races, and Harry had drunk too
mueh-he had two or three bottles Of
intox1cants In the car. Then he had
firted outrageously with the other
girl. They had been absorbed in
each other
And she had spent a miserable time
with the friend He had drunk too
much, too, and tried to kiss her and
make an appointment to meet her in
town, which Fife had Indignantly re-
fused. She had angered him at last
Say, what do you suppose we
sportp he had demanded.
ut was Harry invited me-" Efie
had answered, trying TO keep back her
tears
He sneered "Harry's been mad
about Miss Raymond for weeks" he
answered 81 thought you knew he
brought you along for me-"
Suddenly vivid understanding had
come to Efie. She saw now the sltua-
ton. With cry she broke away
The men ran after her, made her get
back into the car. After that the
whole affair was like a hideous dream.
They had gone to roadhouse and
had more drinks, and the friend had
renewed his attentions
She went into the house II was
late; supper was finished and her
mother was carrying the dishes into
the kitchen.
"Hellow said Bob. Find Job,
Sls?"
mot yet" said Effie miserably.
Guess you're tired" said Bob. "Sit
down and rest a bit"
Eyes, you lay down right there"
said her mother. 81 guess you've had
a wearylng day, Effie."
Suddenly Effle realized where her
real treasure lay, that treasure Of love
that she had overlooked so long.
ooh, Pm not tired, Ma" she an
swered. "I'll come and help you with
the dishes"