The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1924-04-16

III
IN THE TOIL-WORN PALM
WERE FOUR SUPERB DIA-
MONDS.
crossed the bridge. her arms laden
with packages. but instead of stop
ping at her own gate next door she
came toward them, her sallow. sharp
featured face wreathed in smiles.
Mis- Brennan bane not coomin'
home to supper" she announced. II
tank I put desc in kitchen? She say
dey bane for you, an Michael should
fix dem
"All these. IIse?" Mike took the
packages from her. and Sallie asked
wonderingly:
But where's Ma gone? sShe said
she wouldn't be long"
She say something bout ole Mis-
Cooper's' man. dat he bane took real
bad an she go over an help. OATS
beautiful ring. Sallie. l am so happy
for you. not only dat you are alive
bu- der YOU have your own mani"
"sallie. dearest. look What has
Ma been up to? She's sent US a regu-
lar FEAST
He had lighted the lamp in the
kitchen and put more Goals on the
fire and the old room looked very
cheerful and dear to the girls eyes
as she halted for a moment in the
doorway and then flew to his size.
"a jar of cream and fresh straw
berries. so early in the season, oh,
what's this from the Elite Restau
rant? Fried chicken. all done up in
separate paper" Sallie marveled.
Here's a head of lettuce. too. and
bottle of salad dressing, which she
swore she'd never let in her house!
I do believe she's done this to give
US a little party. but l wish she had
come back
Like two children at play they ar
ranged their little feast and sat long
over it, bIissfully unconscious OF the
fight of time, and it was only when
the clock on the shelf over the stove
struck ten that Salle sprang up in
alarm.
Mike. Where's Ma? She's never
out as. late as this except with me-
to the movies or a church festival''
I'll go over to the Cooper's and
get her" Mike picked up his hat
and turned swiftly to kiss Sallie.
Don't worry, dear"
"Hivins above, what a house you
twou kape, with the dishes not even
stacked up at this hour" The voice
of Ma BrenaAn herself sounded from
just behind them, and they whirled
about to find her standing in the
doorway with her gray hair hanging
in disheveled locks from a bonnet
very much atilt, and her face red
dened and windblown.
To their amazed questions she
would vouchsafe no reply until she
had made herself tidy, and then
while Sallie and Mike arranged the
supper they had saved for her she
settled herself in her favorite rocker,
with an odd twinkle in her eyes.
Who is it always givin' me the
laugh about readin' detective stories?"
she asked. as it you. Michael? I've
been wonderin' comm along why
there's been no trace found o thin
four big Delapierre diamonds that
made so much trouble. Maybe they
weren't on that poor creature, after
IL that Diamond Bess' 1 was so
TICK to identify as Salhe. may God
orgive me- What if they was in that
lack bag, and Miss Copeland found
him and hid them in a safe place TIL
he could send the police for thin o.
What nonsense, Ma There was
touch of impotence in Mikes
zone. Miss Copeland is still delirious
Lieutenant Trevor told me when I
phoned him this morning. but It is
only the effect of starvation and, the
awful fear she has been through. She
couldn't tell the police anything if
he wanted to, but you can be sure
those diamonds We're never in that
bagr
rs that SOP" Ma Brennan eyed
him guilelessly. Yet. if they was to
come to light a. good part O. that ten
housand reward offered would be paid
O. thim?''
of course, but you needn't change
he subject like this" Mike spoke
] with playful severity Where have
you been gadding?"
81 was not" Ma Brennan agreed
rlacidly while Sallie stared. I've
been havin' an Elegant time ridin'
round in an automobile all by my
elf with Mallorans' own son up in
front to drive me. though the old
man is a robber. as tould him to his
face"
Look here, Ma! You've got some
thing up your sleeve Mike inter
rupted with sudden change of man
ner. why were you asking me all
about Halloran's carp
why was the Copeland gurl ask
in Halloran all about it?" Ma Bren-
nan countered. ''Divil a bit would
she care was Il chariot on what as
long as It tovk her quick an far
unless she wanted to find lit again.