Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-08-09
Thu Mommnw A Mystery Story
oopyriEht. 1890, by Duneld and Company.

of the ranchman with pardonable sat
isfaction.
THANK God, that's over" he re-
marked IF mothers as difficult with
| you, we'll be quits"
And Dagger couldn't find it in he
heart to blame him, although she SooT
had reasons to recall her uncle's mis-.
givings. For Jack, she discovered
could never say no on a party. /
wasn't exactly new discovery, to b,
sure. She had been annoyed by hi!
tendency to drink too much ever sinci
she had known him, had argued with
him on occasions and accepted repent
ant pledges to better conduct.
But it took conjugal intimacy X
make her realize the precise extent o.
his drinking, and the realization wasn't
conducive to happiness, notwithstand'
ing she tried to console herself will
the reflection that it was hardly fan
to judge him in the circumstances
when practically all their friends WERE
rallying to make memorable then las
days in San Antonio.
Breakfasts, luncheons, teas. dinners
dances, suppers followed one another II
dizzying succession, and the Scanty Pc
Rod before. Jacks travel orders wen
into effect was gone before they knew 1t
With q sinking, sickly feeling, sh,
awoke one morning to grasp the fac
that it was their last day In the st
Anthony Next morning they'd be or
the train, headed East. Then, New
York; hurried visit to Jacks family
the transport-and she'd be "wai
widow" What would come afterwart
she gave no heed to; with the gambler
trust in the future, she wasn't prepared
to plan In advance. Shed take what.
ever came-when it came. Meantime
there was this too-popular husband Il
be nursed and scherished-and sh'
rolled over in bed to give him the kiss
that he called reveille.
-g'up?" Business of yawning. "Wha
head! Bad scheme-mix gin n
Scotch, sweetheart"
You wouldn't catch my eye." Dagger
retorted, sitting up in bed.
Sure, my fault" he confessed. 1--WE
were having such jolly time, old girl
Weren't We, now? And this Is our lasi
day. Not much to do on the train, y
know. And in New York We'll have t.
play the dutiful, fuss round with rela'
tives, be awfully proper. Won't be muct
time, even for that"
Its been fun" she agreed slowly
"but-I'm not thinking Of just New
York.
"No?"s
Dagger wiggled closer to him.
Am ! good sport, Jack?"
BEST in the world" he answered
promptly
win you promise me something's"
Anything
Then don't drink while you're over.
seas"
The expression Of his face was com.
Not drink Why, all flyers drink. A
man would have rotten time If hi
didn't"
you'll have a rottener time If you
do" she persisted. I'm afraid about
you, dear. You don't know when Il
stop-and some day you'll go up, anc
your mind won't work as fast as Il
ought to, and you'll crash"
Il haven't yet"
Anything might have happened te
you. if you'd been flying these last few
days"
sNonsense! I've flown otter
when"
She drew his head down to hers.
do you really love me? Really
Enough to please me?"
His lips on hers were the answer.
"Oh, Jack, DEAR" she begged. I'm
frightened. know it isn't easy-te
promise. But you aren't the sort tc
drink regularly or quit. Please
please"
He was swept out Of himself by the
trembling sincerity of her tone, hug
ging her until she gasped for breath
IT won't have you frightened, dar-
ling" he exclaimed. "If 1t means sc
much to you. I guess I'll have to get
along without drinking"
Dagger snuggled closer.
"Oh, Jack, am happy this morn
ing" she said. This makes every.
thing right"
Continued tomorrow.)