The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1925-04-20


had no thought Of drawing a
dark thread to complicate the gay
pattern of her life.
Jonathan had come to a bitter
pass Night after night for weeks
he sat at the table. his head rest.
Ing heavily on his hands. He
shrugged impatiently when Jennie
told him he was tired-he must rest.
She made the desserts he liked,
patted his shoulder. He scarcely
noticed. Sometimes he got up alb
ruptly and left the table.
Jennie dabbed her wet cheeks.
Your father is getting old. Chickie.
He won't last"
"Mother-oh, don't say that He's
only, working too hard"
Jennie shook her head mournful.
n.y. mo. He's losing heart, Chickie.
You won't have your father always"
Chickies lips began to tremble.
oh, mother. why are you talking
like this? oh, it's TERRIBLE"
Jennie brushed the crumbs from
the table to her plate. She kept
nodding, immense tears yelling in
her eyes.
AS Chickie went through the hall
an hour later Jonathan pushed her
into her room, closed the door in a
hushed, guarded way. He put his
finger to his lips. He said distantly:
more"
Hes been away. Don't you re-
member"
"Oh. he's away" Jonathan's tone
dropped fiat, colorless. And he's
not likely to come back soon?"
"Why-why, Jonathan, what
makes you ask?'
He fiidgeted with his mustache,
numbering like a schoolboy. Moth
ing much. l wanted his advice. He
didn't think much OF my oil invest
ment.' His big hands were shak-
ing.
"Jonathan' You put more into it?
After all he told your"
lie drew himself up ruggedly.
Hush. Chickie! l don't want Jen-
ME to know"
He told her gauntly. His stock
had been assessed first for $50, then
for $125. He had paid these. Now
there was a third levy for $3.50 In
two days he must meet it or lose
the $1,S75 already invested. He ad-
mitted this was the amount Of his
speculation.
Jonathan said fumbling: Mr..
Munson might tell me what to do"
cent" replied Chickie.
NO" 1t rang out grim. fighting.
They'll not do me up! I'll not be
frozen out! Why, Chickie. they've
got the oil, and they want to get
us little fellows out. I'll stick"
Gradually he admitted that he
had mortgaged the cottage, he was
heavily in debt he didn't know
where to turn He had no idea
where the money must come from,
but pay he would
He stood at the bureau leaning
heavily on his great fists. He had
white, broken look that caught
her heart achingly She went over
and pulled his head down, laying her
soft cheek on his. Jonathan. listen,
darling, don't look so. Get me,
anyway"
His lips were cold. He said,
turning from her, You'll ask him,
then. Chickie? You'll see him to-
morrow"
HE next morning and at noon
Chickie walked down the
- block where Jake had his Of
fees. She loitered near the en-
trance Of the building. hoping to en-
counter him by chance. After lunch
she went up through the corri-
doris, passing his door again and
again. She kept thinking Of JAM
mas taunt, "A wise boy he is with
the ladies'" Now YOU'LL run after
him. Jake would think that, too.
She hurried back to work, hot
with uneasiness. But in the after
noon Jonathan's harried face, the
aged. desperate anxiety in his eyes.
was an aching burn in her thoughts
He asked her to do this. He asked
her to help him.
At a quarter Of five she went into
he dressing room, washed her face
nd hands. Her eyes were bright
With excitement; they cleaned with
little amber lights. Let Jake think