The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-05-22
X sTREAK OF EXCITEMENT

A SThEAh UF EAGAIEINtENI ssT THOUGHT that things would be
 Adifferert after I got this telephone job" grumbled Connie Stowe, good naturedly, turning out the office lights, until only the shaded glow over the switchboard remained. But it's. the dullest existence imaginable"
 Isn't it. just?' affirmed her sister, Callie, from the bedroom beyond. When we were living down by the creek and I was waiting for sewing, why moving up here into the middle of town seemed a wonderful change. But, even with the postoffice on one corner, the bank on the next, drugs and sundries' on the other one and dry goods under us, it is dull as Peter's wife's pumpkin she'll"
 Newt Harvey asked me today if we weren't afraid to stay up here, with no one else sleeping in any of these buildings" scoffed Connie. T told him that bandit or two would relieve the days dead level1
 Mercy, yes.' laughed Callie. "Still, l suppose we shouldn't quarrel with our bread and butter"
 Fox Centre considered the Stowe sis ters fortunate. They had been living on a little patch of ground left them by l their father out on the edge of town, with CalbA eking out their living by sewing, When Connie secured the posi- tion of operator of the telephone ex. change which was small one, even for a town of 800 people, then they moved into living rooms in the rear of the office, where Callie opened Dress making Parlors." It was On the corner ot the principal square in town and the only two.stQry building on that side of the street, so there was plenty of light and air in the roomy apartment. l The lineman helped Connie at the switchboard during the day. but at night she and Oallie took care of ;t alone, as the calls were infreuuent. Tc- night was her turn at the hoard srd while Callie was talking in the room ,. hS. yond she had arranged inc con,fort.bS. cot, which was hidden in a lar1e cIosa+ during the day.
 Here it is 10 80" CaIIie was say- ingk and all Fox Centre is in he'd unless the Fruits are not back from the movies at Shirley and Dr. Barker is stili out with Grandma Salter and her lumbago. In Chicago or New York. suppose they are just beginning their evening If we were there we wouldn't tbe called Callie and Connie by eyerv- ' One-you'd be Miss Coustsncs Stors and I'd be Mime. Caroline Gowns 1, We'll, here's to nothing Goodniwht sis
 When Callie awoke it was very dark. Even the dull light above the switch board was gone. She felt rather than saw that Connie stood beside her. Robbers" whispered Connie. II heard q strange car drive up and stop, l over on Third street, so l turned out the switchboard light, and watched from the window. The starii1bt ia so dim couldn't be sure, but I think the two men went into the post office. two are at the bank, and I believe a fifth is working at the back door of the store below"
 Call up Harvey's and tell the marshal, whispered Callie.
 The drops on this old board buzz so you could hear them across the street on a still night like this. Tam going to close the windows and then I will call, unless the man gets in down stairs first. They surely know thaf this is the telephone office, but they don't expect night service in q little place like this. I'm scared, but the phone is our only chance and I don't want to faiIr-''
 Callie was on her feet, her teeth chattering with excitement. Method- ically she began to dress.
 T am going after the marshal, Ton come, too-you mustn't stay here.'
 Not much, Callie Stowe! I'm in charge of this property. You slide out the window, to the roof beside us, cfoss those three buildings, and then you "a r drop to the shed of the garage, and then it's only a little jump to the ground. I'll wait ten minutes to shut the windows and give you start, and then I'll begin plugging in as fast as I can. :. I'll try to get all around before they get me-" her voice caught little. but she went on braveIy. ''TelI the marshal that I'll call Gordon's, Baker, g,