The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1929-12-25

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specs" who waited outside. Poor
devils! He knew how they felt.
He'd been one once He greeted
Dimples with enthusiasm. Put on
the uniform, with feeling of some
Importance.
After all, he was almost doing a
bit. Not just one of the crowd. The
chances were he'd show, although
I DimpleS had told him it was rare
for an extra to recognize himself
in the completed picture.
"Background-that's all we're
good for"
Several of those who had been in
the picture Saturday greeted Howell
as he strolled through the "stadi-
um." The sun was shining. The
air was fresh and clear.
He was part, even if only a
small one, of the most exciting pro-
fession in the world. Last night
with its unhappy secret should be
locked away in the recesses of his
brain. And not repeated!
That night Howell returned to his
room to find dish of Spanish rice
upon the felt-covered table. 1t was
not the first time Mrs. Benton had
sent him portions of food from her
kitchen.
Pieces of pie and cake often were
waiting his return. Howell de-
voured these donations greedily, but
he remembered "Lambie's" warning
| and felt uncomfortably that even
though she was wrong, he shouldn't
accept so much charity.
Having consumed the rice and
Sveral cups of coffee, he decided to
go TO the house and thank his land
lady. He stopped for a moment on
the vine-covered porch.
The window opening into the
room she used for an Office was
open and Sally's voice f1oated out.
Not wishing to meet her after their
lack of harmony the day before,
he waited for her to depart.
Heard her say calmly, Lets see.
was paid up to the first of May,
wasn't ~"
Eyes, you we're, Miss Sally"
"All right. Then here's the check
for next month"
Mrs. Benton sounded reluctant.
IT don't know as should be let
ting you do this"
why not?"
ut doesn't seem fair when you
work so hard for your money
ut was my own idea, you know.
wouldn't have suggested it If I
hadn't wanted to do it. Besides
it's little enough you're asking"
But feel so guilty letting you
pay for it when he thinks he's
getting it for nothing"
We'll, don't worry about that.
You can help out with food now
and then"
II have done that" Mrs. Benton
said, eagerly. Just tonight I sent
over a dish of Spanish rice"
Howell, halfway down the steps,
had stopped in his tracks. They
couldn't mean Oh, but they
did. Sally Osborne was paying
Mrs. Benton for his room.
Without thinking what he was
going to say, he dashed through the
hall and into the room.
Il was on the porch" he cried.
Il heard what you've been saying"
Sally's face turned as white as
chalk.
Nov, Howell, please don't be
Angry? What do you think I
amp"
Mrs. Benton closed the door he
had left open.
Il told Miss Sally there'd be the
dickens to pay If you found this
out"
"Oh. but Howell >"
How much have you paid her?'
he demanded.
Not much. She wasn't asking
much"
How muchs" he repeated furi-
ously.
Mrs. Benton told him. It was a
small enough sum, but it took every
dollar he had in the shabby wallet.
including the check he had cashed
for that days work. He drew it
out and forced it into Sally's trem-
bling hand.
Il wouldn't have believed you'd
do a thing like this to me, Sally.
Il only wanted TO help you get
back on your feet"
Help make a beggar of me, you
mean. No doubt you meant it