New Britain herald., 1926-12-24

for it?" he inquired.
 Joe Wren spoke up. Say, that: a great pen. borrowed it myself yesterday to write a letter. This guys all right, brother" indicating Jim Elwell. "The pens o. K" '1'll take five dollars for it." Jim announced after some hesitation. "A bargain. Snap it up. brother advised Wren. Say, If l had five bucks I'd take 1t in minute an then go an peddle it for six"
 The rosy checked soldier hesitat- ed. I've only got five or six dol lars. I'll give you four for it."
 "Sold." cried Joe Wren. Jim &C., cepted the money and walked. off | A minute later he was followed by his partner in the deal. "Now," said Joe, we'll get our selves a supply of candy and ciga- rets. Gangway for coupla bud dies!"
 After Jim had divided the cash with Joe Wren and the latter had announced he was going to make it grow in game. they fell in for a formation.
 As he was turning in that night, Jim felt something hard thrust into his hand. He looked up and found Joe Wren. That worthy, with huge grin, was proffering the fountain pen.
 Jim nearly fell over. Where did you get it?"
 Where do you s'pose? Say, that apple knocker wasn't good enough for pen like that. took it out of his pocket. Take your pen back, brother, an some day when we're busted again we'll sell it all over again."
 Jim laughed, but shook his head. NO. I don't want it now, Joe. ] sold it. If you got it from the other guy, more power to you-and keep it."
 Wren was astonished. More, he appeared hurt.
 Whats the big idea? said I'd get it back for you.''
 And it took Jim the better part of half an hour to sell Joe Wren on the idea that this was not an honest transaction.
 And 80 Joe kept the pen. Later on, when he got broke again. he found him another partner and the two of them worked their little skin game until they left Camp Merritt. Joe confessed to Jim Elwell when they were on their way to France, that he had sold that pen for $75.
 And here's the pen"
 Despite Jim Elwell's different con- ception of things, the two remained fast friends. Nor did Joe Wren think his big buddy was one of these here sanctimonious reform ers"
 Back in Camdenville Prof and Mollie Elwell and the twins tried to keep gay, but every letter from him they opened with misgivings.
 But, Jim explained, "I'll probably be over in France before you know I've sailed. They don't give you any notice around here. They can't, I xuess. The submarines have got 'em worried and they're not trustin' any, body"
 Early one August morning, long before the sun had crept over the eastern horizon, Jim Elwell left Camp Merritt.
 An air of great secrecy prevailed, but none of the men were fooled. Their next stop, they knew, was Ho- boken, and then transport for France.
 Faces were gay and hearts beat high when they left camp. And. later on, when they had boarded the boat for the perilous journey across the Atlantic, they joked and laugh ed and spoke lightly of death.
 But underneath it all was sober mood. Would they ever return? Would they ever see the wives, mothers, sisters, brothers and sweet hearts they had left behind?
 Jim Elwell asked himself this question. Prof and Mollie and Rusty and Betty, his two "kid pals" One of whom was no longer q kid pal but The Girl--thoughts of whom filled his heart. Was she to be one of those who waited and waited in vain?
 And Jim Elwell, now on his way to France and-maybe-dea sud- denly decided he had been fool.