Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-08-18
This "z1e Vager':- Is One Of
Series, Each Story. Complete in Itself
NoqO appearing in The Stars Sunday
Magaziue. The Stories Here AzUarded
the O. Henry Prizes for the Past Year:
AuotherSelectedStmyWiU an Exrlu1oe
Feature Of Next Sundays Magazine.

an I'll can. and that after I've gone out and
fetched in the water that's in the can. And
If the water runs out before the soaps of. I've
got to hustle into my kimono and get some
more to fill up the darned can-and then Jump
under 1t like the house was on fire. SOS the
water won't give out again. That's comfort
for you! And me used to Broadway! tell
you-give me Broadway with the human toads
staring at you! Out here, there's nothing to
stare at you except half breed frogs. I'm not
strong for half-breedS. That's the reason 1
came over here when you called me-because
you fellows are white" She gave them an
other Of her wary looks; prepared for their
unpelief.
Whats your name, KIDD"
Miss Casey-to your replied the girl prompt
ly, and with emphasis on the title
What's your name to the chinos?" asked
the amused Angler
THE girls face turned dark and painful
red. She glanced helplessly at the man
whose manner toward her was marked by q
difference.
Kirwin smiled kindly in response to this
glance.
That's enough, Angler" he said with some
sternneSs in his voice. Miss Casey, my friend
is distinctly young and rather fiippant; take
him with grain of SALT
did you two fellows call me over here for?
know it wasn't just to have good time. You
can't fool Mary. I know the difference in men,
He's guying me, but he isn't tough"
Kirwin bowed, growing respect in his deep
set eyes.
Miss Casey, we owe you an apology. We
did an objectionable thing; we made a bet on
. you. 1t isn't what men should do about q
woman"
There was no longer trace of the ironic
in Kirwins Difference Something of old fash
Toned ceremony crept into his manner and soft
ened the girl. She smiled at him without
rancor.
Don't say word" she said kindly, with the
obvious intent Of putting him at his ease. "You
haven't hurt my feelings bit. 1 know when
to get mad; and I know when not TO- I don't
think either of you meant a thing. And it's
a comfort to be sitting here with two men from
home. Forget it,"
Angler withdrew his face from the tall glass.
He put his hand on the roughened hand of
the girl as it rested on the table beside her
soda water.
I'm sorry" he said. "And I want to ask
you something quite aside from the bet. We're
all Americans, as you said. Is there anything
that we could do for you?'
Mary Casey put her other hand on top Of
his and pressed it. For a moment there was q
mist over her blue eyes.
you're a nice boy Much obliged. But there
isn't anything. I'm taking care of myself and
I can pay my rent and pick up my meals one
way or another. And not from men, The
guarded look was again in evidence as she said
this. Then she laughed. You see how mean
I am, about suspecting men! But have to be
that way. There aren't too many you can
trust"
To the jerky strains of Manila's latest jazz
a tune already in America, a year old and
buried-she leaned across the rickety table
and looked from one to the other Of the men.
It was a direct, level look.
What was the bet?"
'Oh. say! Miss Casey!" began Angler I'M
comfortably. "See here: I've already said
was sorry I'd made it,
Her lips parted in a hard smile "Never
occurred to you, did 1t, that women could stay
straight easier il you men weren't so keen on
saying we were crooked? OF course I can guess
what the bet was! And can very nearly guess
which Of you it was who bet for me. And
on account Of one of you having taken a chance
on mel may tell you a thing or two before
the evening is over. I'd somehow like man
who had the nerve to take a chance like that
on my side-to win his bet!'
She looked out over the floor. stout and
perspiring mestizo, with the unmistakable Chi
nese look, was approaching.
Il must dance with this bum. He's one Of
the influential patrons and the management
would have fit and bounce me If TUNED him
down. I'll be back after he's walked mile on
my feet.
The two men watched her as she steered the
numbering mestizo through the crowd. Neither
of them spoke.
At the end Of the dance she returned to