New Britain herald., 1924-06-27
How .falge and Harry Underwood Started On Their Brief Journey


 "Ill be on the job nigh, and day until you get back" Ed promised with emphasis, and there was ring ol slh- cerity in his voice which was Tn ltseit a tribute to Harry Underwood's adroil handling Of this acquaintance or Manlie's. The elder man had changed the younger from a rather sullen par usan of the girl to loyal lieutenant of his own in an incredibly snort lime and with little apparent effort.
 .T know that" MT. Underwood replied kindly, and saw that the words were like an accolade to the uncouth. ignorant youth whose ideal of nolished deb0nair manhood was patently embodied in the man be- side me.
 rave a little mental sigh-not the first I have charged to Harry Tndervood's account - at the won derful opportunities for distinction which he has missed.
 Harry Underwood is Uneasy
 His magnificent physique, his mem taIity. his resourcefulness, his eXecu- tive ability, and the fascination which he esn exert when he chooses, make him rare leader. That all Of these unusual talents should be degraded to the leadership Of bootiegging xang-I could make no other dednc- ion from the events of the past hour or two-saddened me, hut l told myself, sihingly, that l certainly was not responsible for Harry Jnder- woods moral or spiritual outlook nor could I hope to change him at this late stage Of his game with life
 Mir. Underwood turned his head to my car just behind us with Pete at the wheel, Mamie in the same seat, but sullenly huddled away rom him, and the suitcases with the furs securely fastened in the tonneau.
 "Ail right, Pete" he said to the man who was attentiyely listening to the hummng of the engine in my car. and throwing in the clutch Of his own roadster, he sent the car along the road toward New York at pace which I was afraid was impossible for my slower and less-eXpensive ma chine. But when hinted as much, Mir. rnderwood's reply was prompt and almost brusque.
 Don't worry, Pete will get every ounce she has out of her, and I'll attend to the repairs if she needs any at the end of ther un. If Pete wants me 10 slow down, hell sig nal. But I don't want to waste any time getting away from this vicinity That Joe--the one l floored-is a bad bombre, Nnd though the men are sort of sore at him. yet he has lot of influence with 'em too, and there's no knowing what deyiltry they might cook up. If I could stay there, now. before then have a chance to put their heads together, they wouldn't dare peep, and theyn he all right when I get back, bus In the meantime, I'll be just as glad when we get back into civilization.
 I tried to be brave.
 "Perhars," I faltered, T could get along, now. by myself with my own car. don't believe Mamie will give any more trouble, and then yon could go back. I-I don't want you to get into trouble on my account"
 He looked down at me with little laugh which meant to be sardonic, but succeeded only in being tender.
 Now that you've gone through your exercises" he quoted quizzi- cally, suppose you lean back and make yourself comfortable. Uncle Obadiah hain't goin' 10 desert you. gal, not while there's a breath Of life left in his old carcass. and there's quite a few-quite few"
 His ridiculous burlesque was ir- resis.ible--and laughed in spite of myself
 There, that's better" he said with . relieved note in his voice. Tuck that robe around you snugly-its s retting chilly--and give yourself up ts the landscape beauties Of his scrub-oak section"--the sardonlc lit- tie laugh was real this time-"as long as you can see them. And"- there was an imperative note now please stop worrying over every thing. including my getting into trouble over this. Don't yon know that I meter get into trouble, even if