Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1926-10-06
Charley MINIS
Vacation
By MARGUERITE ALLAN
"a. 1925. Western Newspaper union.)

whose heart, metaphorically speak
ing, was ten times too large for his
body; one Of those little men handi-
capped by an insignificant and unat-
tractive appearance combined with a
shy reticent manner which made It
difficult for him to make friends.
BY dint of assiduous application to
work and much self-denial he had
saved during the past ten years some
thing over a thousand dollars, and of
late there had been forming in his
mind a most magnificent resolve. He
determined to withdraw this money
from the bank and spend 1t on one
glorious holiday-the sort >of holiday
he had always longed for-to spend
a month in New York.
Alone, such an adventure would lack
relish, and he was far too timid to
contemplate such a proceeding. The
only friend (and he hesitated to call
him such yeti that he could think of
was young actor, Fred Dunn. who
occupied the room next to his in the
boarding house and who was obviously
down on his luck. Although Fred was
a surly and rather embittered young
man, Charlie Mint had taken a liking
to him, and he thought that Fred Dunn
would be the ideal companion.
When Charlie MINIS boss offered
him a months holiday beginning the
following Monday, his heart beat fast
with anticipatory pleasure and excite
ment. He hurried to the bank during
the lunch hour and drew his savings.
That evening sitting alone in his 1T
tie room, he amused himself by count
ing over the money and formulating
his plans. He contemplated with de-
light the pleasure he was going to
share with another. Only the day be-
fore the young actor had remarked
that he'd "sell his shoes to get to NeY
York." Well. we'll. he wouldn't have
to do that ..- !.
There was a knock at the door and
Fred Dunn burst in.
Say, have you got a cigarette on
your he demanded and stood Open
mouthed. hfs loose lips twitching as
he caught sight Of the roll Of bills.
Sweet Mama! Has your rich uncle in
Australia died?" he exclaimed.
Charlie Mint flushed to the roots Of
his thin hair. 'This Is money have
saved up-for a purpose" he replied,
and slipped the roll under his pillow.
you fellows in business seem able
to salt away lot. With us artists It's
nothing but starvation and trouble"
"Oh, WE'LL" said Charlie Mint slowly,
rubbing his knees, perhaps things will
change, Ell? You never can tell"
"They've got to change" snapped the
actor, helping himself freely to- the
cigarettes on the table.
"Sit down, Fred, and talk awhile"
said Charlie Mint.
"No-not inclined" returned the
other. "I'm off to bed"
That night Charlie MINIS dreams
were troubled, for the excitement he
labored under gripped his subconscious
mind Once he woke with a start think
ing he heard noise in the room.
The second time he woke for real
and terrifying reason. His room was
full Of smoke, and when he flung open
the door black heavy clouds envel-
oped him, making him choke. His first
thought was for his friend In the next
room and shouting "Fire!' at the top
Of his lungs he dashed in He found
Fred Dunn, clad In his overcoat half
lying over q chair overcome BY the
fumes
With his arm about him Charlie Mint
struggled to the door, but the roaring
flames in the lower hail cut of their
escape and he half dragged half car
he'd his friend back into the room.
He heard voices shouting now and the
loud clang Of the fire engines. he
flung open the window.
Don't jump" yelled someone. And
little Charlie Mint kept his head. Az
ter what seemed an eternity, ladder
was hoisted and 1t was Fred Dunn who
was carried to safety first. They came
back for him and ne collapsed as he
reached the ground.
When he came to. he was lying on
the sofa in a strange room and Fred
Dunn was sitting in big chair be-
side him.
He'll be all right now" said q wom-
ans voice, and brandy was put to his
lips. HE was the last out of the
house. What dreadful expert
ence.
When his head cleared he looked at
Fred Dunn. You're all nght7" he
asked.
The other nodded you saved-my
life, Charlie" he said in low voice
couldn't leave you in that furnace"
said Charlie Mint almost grufay. and
then suddenly he remembered my
Godw he moaned. His money-his
entire fortune forgotten until this mo-
ment Gone gone!
Are you hurt, old manr asked Fred
Dunn, leaning forward.
"It's not that-my-my money, for
got it-lsft It under my pillow"