Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1928-01-16

or what have you-something con-
trolls and directs the workings OF
the great cosmic outfit and, incident
ally, our own punny lives. However
this directing force Is guided, what
it is and what controls il, really mat
tiers but little TO US. ] would under
stand it, Mister Thomas; probably
you wouldn't, and il is doubtful IL the
brainy, scientific expert could ex-
plain il clearly If he understood it.
All We know is-we're here, we stay
w lille. and then kapoUfi We're gone
-somewhere-maybe!"
Peter Justin blew out the match
flame.
"Just like that's Iife," he eluci-
dated smilingly, and looked around
with a hurried glance. Now YOU
see il, feel it, and then-skidoo!"
Nobody contradicted him. He did
mt expect IL. Mr.. Thomas merely
licked his paw with a long, red ton
que, and then smoothed his whis-
kers. But TO Peters observations he
only blinked an eye. offering no com-
ment whatsoever. Mr.. Thomas new
er talked. He was a mouser, not q
mouther.
Peter often talked to Mr.. Thomas
even philosophical TO him. He ex-
perienced what is referred TO in
these modern times as a kick" in
thus voicing his opinions. The GER
tainty that these would not be dis
puted lent him q confidence that was
mildly Intoxicating to Peters very
modest ego.
1t never occurred q him that
balmy afternoon in August that he
might have another auditor than Mr..
Thomas. IL was, in fact, the lat
ter's jerking moustache that an
nounced the guests presence. Peter
looked up and around and into the
smiling c~Ountenance OF his new
friend, Mister Stuart-Mister Jack
Stuart. of Kaintucky, subj" The
newcomer was standing in the door
way opening from the sitting room
onto the old-fashioned verandah of
the Justin home.
"Why, how'd do, Mister Stuart"
greeted Peter. q cordial welcome in
both his words and tone. Come
right in-glad & see you! How long
yuh been here?"
"Oh, | arrived just as you began
tellin' Mist Thomas of what life was
comprised" replied Jack Stuart, with
a broad smile lighting up his more
than good-looking face. AN don't
mind tellin' yuh, Mist Justin he
went on socially, that ! think you've
got II doped out bout right. We're
born, George Cohan say, an we live
a while an then-kapouf! You said
it,"
A week had shuffled itself into the
discard of past events since Jill and
Tony Justin had experienced their
startling adventure resulting in the
meeting and subsequent acquaint-
anceship with Jack Stuart. Tonys
injury from the black-jacking had
been slight, although an hour elapsed
before he recovered enough to talk.
Fortunately. a pair Of passing auto
lists had discovered him sitting un-
conscious in his car, had recognized
him and taken him home, towing his
roadster. Just as he was regaining
consciousness Jill came bursting into
the house towing her rescuer and
the innocent cause of all the excite
ment.
Since that night OF their dramatic
and romantic introduction, Jack
Stuart had been both a daily and q
nightly visitor at the Justin home
He had secured board with the
Widow Logan, a big-hearted matron
through whom he came to know
Father Ryan. From the very night
OF his arrival, forces constituting the
Justins, the priest and the widow
seemed TO have conspired 10 add
Jack Stuart 10 Elliston's population
"Oh, WELL" commented Peter jus
tin. in response to the young Ken
tuckian's announced agreement with
him regarding the shaky pillars II
life's upbuilding, hes a wise mariner
who sails always with an anchor
ready to windwarG. Then il a squawI
hits his craft, all he's got 20 do is tC
.lepgo da hank" With everything
trim and ship-shape. hes safe IN his
little life-boat. But II he lets hii
gear get rotten. then when a storm
breaks he's in danger. A mans
moral upkeep il much tn same as
life insurance. II may provide
against hidden reefs in the uncharted
hereafter. and it is a positive guar
antee Of maturing in this life If ht
keep the premiums Of decency anc
square living paid up" .
Il reckon you're right. subj, sale
Jack Stuart. a bit a%bsently. he was
wondering il il were not quite posi-
Bile that he might be overworking his
welcome in this home of "the most
wonderful girl in the world" Their
he recalled something Peter justin
had told him the day before.
"You said yest'day, Mist Justin
he went on after a moment, trying
to make his voice sound casual