The L'Anse sentinel., 1923-11-30
Detecting the
Deceiver
By AGNES JOHNSON

deception ana nlB wires Subsequent
humiliation. -
For several weeks he had been in
the habit Of going OF by himself. no
one seemed to know where, and leav-
Ing his young wife at home with no
other explanation than that old blar-
ney abour having an important en-
gagement. There was an element OF
mystery about the whole affair for.
while II was difficult to believe that a
man scarcely four months married
could be up to the tricks Of veteran
husband, knew for certain that
somewhere and somehow he was
spending money freely with nothing
to show for II, and that Ethel was not
happy.
One hears q good deal about petting
parties, nowadays-ugly stories OF OBJ
scure origin were being whispered.
for gossipers usually act on the the
ory that from some things known a
few more may reasonably be assumed,
II you know what mean.
or course, no one said anything to
her directly; but every now and then
she was forced to listen to significant
imputations that made my blood boil.
But neither these nor Dams conduct
elected from Ethel so much as 'mur-
mur Of protest.
Then the mystery deepened when
the rumor that he had cut down her
allowance was gradually confirmed by
her shabby appearance. AS Dan was
always well groomed, could not help
commenting on this. but she, trusting
and good little wife that she was, ex-
cused his extravaganza by saying 1t
was necessary for him to dress well In
order TO maintain the prestige Of his
Office, etc.
One day I ran into her while doing
some shopping; she looked pale, and
little, tell-tale lines about her eyes
satisfied me that she'd been crying.
We chatted for a while, but / offered
no sympathy, knowing she would re-
sent It.
Shed lost her fondness for dancing
and theaters, she said. But she was
poor actress, for try as she would
she could not conceal her distress.
Then, in an unguarded moment she in
vited me out to see them, and to her
obvious dismay ] accepted.
That night I returned home deter
mined TO investigate, for was now
convinced that something was wrong.
con6ded In Harry-that's friend hus-
band, who Is somewhat older than !,
and who, as had expected he would,
just scoffed and said my fears were
unfounded.
Its the old, old story" said.
There's another woman somewhere,
and the vixen is running him."
But II was only an infatuation, Har-
ry insisted, that was bound to be
short-lived when pitted against the
patience and devotion of good
woman. C5
Better 10y on" said the stubborn
Harry in his customary drawl.
However, I was not to be dissuaded,
so the next day went out Of my way
to meet Dan, and demanded an ex-
PLANTATION, charging him with neglect
ing his wife and dissipating their in
ICOiUe. lHis UOiu btIOhc SSluSh hoihc,
for it made him visibly uncomfort-
able.
"WellY said Dan, his eyes narrow
ing and his jaw firmly set. A defy
or perhaps he was trying to draw
me out. But wasn't ready to trump
him yet, so I Unanswered from an
other quarter.
"You and Ethel don't go out to-
gether much of late," ventured eau
tiously.
mo. Fact1s-" he stammered.
Last night she seemed rather lone
ly and-and her clothes" The last
thrust made him vince.
"oh, Eth is all right" he said at
last "She's dear girl. But must
hustle along now. Sorry see you
some more" and the brute touched
his hat and edged away briskly.
came home all excited, and went
to my room. Some twenty minutes
later snatched the evening paper
from Harry's hands md stood before
him dressed In one Of his old suits.
"How do I look?" ! asked.
awful"
"rm going out to do some sleuthing
tonight, old DEAR" explained, "and
when / come back I'll have enough
evidence to convince you that Dan Is
cheating"
After supper saw Dan go out
again (neighbors, you know, and I
followed at some distance. The chase
led me to the suburbs, where he
stopped near vacant house. and i
could see his sleek figure marauding
about as II In search Of someone.
Presently saw well-dressed
young woman emerge from some mys-
lterious place ana Dan FASTENED
toward her. They greeted each other
I'm undertones and then both entered
the house.
Next moment tho glare Of electric
lights revealed them standing In the
center of the living room. Not ar
abandoned shack, as had supposed
but new dwelling. the interior Of
(which was well furnished and abound
ling in good taste. Crouched and walk
ling slowly, / followed up the porch
l~xoxs. ord otond hofuaon fuo wiudous