Roanoke Rapids herald., 1923-10-26
THE HOODOO TABLE
BY LILLIAN M. ROYCE
10. 1919. by Mcclure newspaper syndicate }

%. 1923. by Mcclure Newspaper syndioate.)
HARLES HENRY, emerging from
~ the kitchen Of the Elite restau-
rant, nearly dropped his tray. The
Hendersons, the Ideal couple whom
he was always quoting to his fancee,
Estelle. as an example Of happy mar
ried life, were qualreling
His experiment had worked only too
well. He was convinced now that the
little table for two in the corner ex-
erted mysterious influence over the
patrons who occupied 1t. Ever since
Its installation, two days before the
married couples who sat there had ar
gued bitterly all through luncheon.
This extra table had been placed be-
fore q single window at the back, look
was to be used during the noon rush
and had been assigned to Charles
Henry In addition to his other duties.
The first day, Monday, Charles was
sadly puzzled. No matter how good
the food he brought, or how good
service he gave, every married couple
who occupied that little table went
through a certain routine. The wife
would glance out Of the window, say
something to her husband, and the war
would be on. She was not always the
victor, but In most cases she won out
and would exit with triumphant air,
followed by a scowling husband who
almost always neglected to leave tip.
Mr.. Henderson, coming in with his
business partner, enjoying his lunch
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 frightened look. It
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
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-
membersd 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 knoww 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
or. and missed the words that might
have explained everything. The man
had given Charles 4 liberal tip, and
the two had gone out, still on most
friendly terms.
Charles had decided that he would
60 through that back street after work
that might, but he was late, and
street, car Just paseinG be 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 tahle. Would the
spell work on q devoted couple like
the middle-aged Hsndersons, who
never quarreied and. indeed. never
argued, even about the orders, and
always seemed to appreciate both the
food and CharleS devoted ssrvice7
It most certainly would and hadI
Al Charles came through the swinging
door, he saw Mr.. Henderson. red-faced
and angry. arguing with his wife, who
nat, white but determined, looking
longingly out ths window. Neither
ate great deal and they sooA lsft.
For the first time b years no tip
lay beside Mr.. Hsadsrson's plate.
Something must Be done. The extra
table made more work, and with No
tips and the mysterious effect upon
hid patrons Charles was becoming