The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1924-09-27
Ma JOrkins and Her Radio
By AUSTIN FLEET

In one of Larry's worst periods,
when he was Disguised with living
in daily fear of the law. he per-
suaded his friend Skinner to come
on the tramp with him. That was
how the pair found themselves.
foot-sore and hungry, and longing
desperately for the white lights, in
scattered farming community.
Skinner waited while Larry
went forward to recOnnoiter a
lonely farmhouse. Larry returned
jubilant.
Skinner" he cried, there's only
an old dame living there alone. l
started to make her see II she
didn't hand out all she's got stuffed
in her stocking there'd be murder
done, and-she's adopted me-"
"What" yelled Skinner.
"It's true. She's dippy. Thinks
I'm her son Ned, what's been away
seven years, and I'm to live with
her and get her money when she
dies. I told her I'd bring friend.
so mebbe there'll be hand-out for
you. but mel know when I'm
we'll off. stay"
Cursing at Larry's luck. Skinner
accompanied him to the farmhouse.
The little old woman was waiting
for them at the door, all smiles.
| "Jack!" she cried. throwing her
arms round SINNERS neck. you've
come back, too. Ned and his twin !!
NV old eyes are gladdened by the
sight of you. You are Jack, aren't
your" she continued wistfully.
"Sure, ma" answered Skinner.
with q significant glance at his
friend.
"Poor boys, away so long. Often
enough you must have been hungry
and cold. and your old mother wait.
Ing and thinking Of you. Come In
to support"
| Such a meal had not been within
the friends experience for what
seemed an eternity. They ate till
they were stuffed.
excuse me, children; I've got
to hang up your photographs
again." said the old woman in the
middle Of the meal. Ever since
you've been gone they've hung In
my bedroom where ! could see
them first thing after waking. but
now back they 60 in the kitchen
where can see them when I'm
cooking for YOU"
"Sure. mar said Larry.
"Say. Larry, l don't like this"
whispered Skinner. How d'you
know she won't cut our throats
while we're asleep?"
Jaw. she's harmless" said
Larry. 1.-The fat Of the land for
us. Skinner, and II she don't croak
soon and leave US the farm mebbe
we'll hurry her up. The country
life for mine. Say. that hammer
ing sounds more like telegraph
instrument than a hammer to me ~
Jaw, fergit it." answered his
friend. Didn't see no telegraph
wires along this road, did you?"
still beaming. "Now, boys, I've
hung your photos SO nice in the
Kitchen" she said. "And l guess
you're tired, poor boys, and would
like to 60 to bed. Come upstairs
I've always kept your beds ready In
case you was to come home"
Upstairs was q large, inviting
feather bed. The two. after kiss.
ing their mother" deposited them.
selves luxuriously upon 1t, only
taking off their coats and boots
"Better'n the barns" grunted
Larry sleepily.
"1'll say 1t u.s." said Sklnne,
drowsily. "Say, guess she Is
harmless. Anyway. I got to Sleep
"Come out of thar!'
They started up. still half asleep
as q light flashed in their eyes. Be
fore them stood stalwart official
wearing a tin star. and covering
them with an antiquated but very
serviceable revolver. With him
was q deputy. Behind them stood
the old woman.
whats this mai" whimpered
Larry.
"Motherl" begged Skinner plead
ingly.
at the jail. Ma Jorkins," said thu
sheriff, az he gathered In the vic
Tins. "You shore was right. ma
when you said thar wuzn't no neet
to feel alarmed livin' on this lone
ly farm with that thar radio outfil
J yQn bought last spring."