New Britain herald., 1924-04-16
NOW GO ON WITH THE STORY

What did you say the name an
 rumher q that Halloran car was
 Michael?"
 "A Carrnagnac, %, and the numbo
 is "1-160 Z." He glanced up q
 her. Why are you so curious abou
 it:"
 Curious. is it?" Ma Brennan
 snorted indignantly. You two'll b'
 more curious about whatll you cal
 for supper fl I don't get up street tc
 market!"
 wen go to market for you. Ma
 Sallie offered. Honest, l ain't tired
 any more--.'
 TT is in your he'd ye should be fol
 a month to come after what they
 done to ye.' There was a suspicion
 of tears in Ma Brennan's voice and as
 if conscious Of it she pushed Sallic's head gently from her knee and rosr ponderously. adding with dignity: "Barrin' the lumbaso, I've done me own marketin' for forty year an I'm still able to. thanks be. Michael, don't you leet her stir off this stoop or lift her hand 10 a thing. I'll not be long"
 She waddled into the house for her bonnet and sallie smiled into Mikes eyes.
 "Ain't she splendid: Oh, Mike. you | have to be in trouble among strangers 10 learn what your own folks mean to you,"
 "I don't" Mike replied softly and as he raised 10 his lips the little hand on which since the previous evening small diamond had glesmed, "1've known, always, since you were just little girl."
 sallie leaned against him con- tentcdly.
 Were he scandal of the neighbor- bit do you? Why. Ma, what have you got on that cape for? It's warm as summer"
 "T'Ne chill. dcarie. Here comes Mrs Noland an Jim. I've not lime 10 talk 10 thim now, but you might ast thim would they stay for supper. rherell be plenty"
 Ma Brennan had rcappcarcG wrapped in yoluminous cape of an- clcnt vintage and now she took her way toward the railroad bridge, step ping only for d word with her old friends.
 Mrs. Nolan and her son could not accept the invitation for supper, il appeared, but their call was succeeded by several others and just as dusk was settling down Ilse Thorkinscn crossed the bridge. her arms laden with packages. but instead Of stopping at her own gate next door she came toward them, her sallov, sharp featured face wreathed in smiles.
 Nils Brennan bane not coomn' home 10 supper" she announced. "I tank I put desc in Kitchen? Sine say dey bane for you, an Michael should fix dem."
 "I,ll these, flse?' Mike took the packages from her, and Sallie asked Honderingly:
 But where's Ma gone? She said she wouldn't be long"
 She say something bout ole Mis- Cooper's man, dat he bane took real had an she go over an help. bats beautiful ring. Sallie. | am so happy VI sOhs tON Oilis htA sDu dit diBAN but dat you have your own man.
 "Sallie. dearest, look. What has Ma been up to? She's sent us a regular feastl''
 Hc lad lighted the lamp in the and put more coals on the fire and the old room looked very cheerful and dear 10 the girls eyes as she halted for a moment in the and then flew to his side.
 "A jar of cream and fresh straw berries, so carly in the season. Oh, i, what's this from the Elite Eestau- rant? Fried chicken. all done up in paper.'' Saliie marvelcd. Here's head Of lettuce. too. and bottle of salad dressing, which she | swore she'd never let in her house. ! do believe she's done this 10 give ls . ! little party. but wish she had . -ome back"
 Like two children at play they ar- -anged their little feast and sat long 1ver if. blissfully unconscious Of the light Of time. and it was only when he clock on the sheif over the stove truck ten that Sallie sprang up in ilarn.
 Mike. Where's Ma. She's never ut as late as this except with me. o the movies or a church festiyal:"
 "I1l 20 over to the Cooper's and ,et hor." Mike picked up his hat md turned swiftly 10 kiss sailie. Don't worry. dear."
 "Hiyins above. what 2 house you wo1l kspe. with the dishes not evcn lacked Up at this hour" The voice f Ma Brennan herself sounded from ust behind them. and they whirled bout to find her standing in the oorway with her gray hair hanging n disheveied locks from bonnet cry much atili. and her face req ened and windblown. To their amazed questions she rould vOuehsafe Eo reply until ske lad made herself tidy, and then while allie and Mike arranged the supper hey had saved for her she settled erself in her favofite rocker. with an dd twinkle in her eyes.
 Who is fl always gitin' me fhc sugh about ressin' detective storicsg" he asked. "Is it you Michael? I 've been uonderin' comin' along why hsre-s been no trace found n fhim