Smyrna times., 1927-08-10
Just Leave 1t to
Henry
By Fl. LOUIS RAYBOLD

capable fellows TO whom cor
respondence course in efficiency would
| be as superfuouS as salt on dried cod
| fish. He always did things a little
| better than anybody else.
Moreover, he was of a cheerful and
obliging disposition, so that if there
was particularly disagreeable job to
be done, no one hesitated to ask him
TO do it. Being best man at weddings
was his speciality. And his reputation
remained untarnished until that occa-
sion when his best friend, Arthur
Westcott, almost married his best girl,
Cynthia Gerrish.
Arthur was actually scheduled to
marry Esme Lang, pretty little flap
per but one season out. When plans
for the wedding were brought for
ward, Arthur Immediately wrote down
Henry for best man and felt load slip
from his shoulders when Henry ac-
cepted. 1t was particularly fitting
that Henry should be best man on this
occasion as the girl he was quite wild
about, Cynthia Gerrish was Esme's
closest friend and would consequently
occupy the post of maid-of-honOr.
Now Henry always made 1t point
to give up the entire day to a we'd
ding. There were always so many
little things that an extra man around
could find to do. And this time was
no exception. Particularly when Esme
took it into her head that she would
ike to run out into the country to
see a bed-ridden aunt and show her
the wedding dress before the rehearsal
at two o'clock. Would Henry be will
ing TO take her there?
Henry not only would but did, using
Esme's own roadster at her suggestion.
They arrived without difficulty. Esme
made her call, and Henry stepped on
the starter for the return trip. But
the starter produced no results. Esme
could not at first imagine what could
be the trouble until she recalled that
her battery was completely run down.
There had been enough juice to get
them there and that was all.
It took Henry the better part Of
an hour to locate a garage after
tramping various country roads they
had traversed since leaving the state
highway. Esme had felt sure there
were no telephones anywhere around
and had made Henry promise to send
someone back for her and then go on
himself to look after the rehearsal un-
til her own arrival.
you're so efficient, Henry" she
fiattered him, that you can explain
and get lot of the details over for
which my presence isn't necessary.
Like telling the ushers which seats
are reserved for the family. You know
the sort of things!"
Henry discovered in the garage a
young mechanic he had known for
years and he dispatched him for Esme.
refusing in his efficient way to give
him directions how to find her by
word of mouth, but carefully writing
them down on a bit of paper with a
diagram as well.
Two hours later a restless bridal
party minus the bride was gathered
In the church wondering whatever had
happened to Esme. Henry was most
nervous Of all as the others seemed
to think that he should not have come
home without Esme in spite Of her
orders.
AT last, hoping to distract their
thoughts, Henry suggested that they
60 through the ceremony letting Csn-
thia take Esme's place.
II feel sure she will come any mo-
ment," he said desperately, "and the
rest of US might as well be getting
letter perfect in our parts"
So the old minister. who had been
reading in his study, was summoned
and, being slightly deaf and q man
to whom all flapp@rs looked alike,
did not altogether get the gist of the
matter regarding the absent bride.
One by one the responses were given
to his reading of the service, and
Henry, for all the absurdity Of it, felt
jealous pang at Cynthia occupying
the position she was even in pretense.
Suddenly the minister paused. II
suppose it is all right if you're mar
ried this afternoon, provided / re
msrry you tonight? You see. here
are the witnesses and"
Cynthia clutched Arthur's arm,
lHtl SuAed WHulJ
ried? Have you married me TOTO
Arthur Westcott7"
AT this moment Esme burst in upon
them. Henry Jenkins" she began,
half laughing. half scolding, don't
ever be so darned efficient again! II
you'd simply told that man how to find
me! But you wrote it down and he
lost the paper and has been wander
ing all over creation trying to find
mer'
"And Henry Jenkins-this was your
idea My taking Esme's place and
now I am m-m-married to a man
don't"
"Wait moment, my dear" said the
minister, just waking up to the situa-
ton. "You aren't married in this
state until / pronounce you man and
wife. Which ! haven't done. I al