New Britain herald., 1930-09-20

IitHlolhS, HolicS, aId u De d pup i' I didn't tell yew what I thought honest. All kin say is: I'm hunch- in for yew and Casa Blancas ycre home when yew want it." He gulped hard. His, too" he added, with an effort that was comical
 So Uncle Jim had gone back to Casa Blanca, after an acrimonious debate with Aunt Espy-so acri- monious as to be funny-and sever a, ceremonious encounters with Jack, who saw the last of the ranch man with pardonable satisfaction.
 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 her heart to blame him, although she soon had reason to recall her un- cle's misgivings. For Jack, she discovered, could never say no on a party. It wasn't exa ctly a new dis covery, to be sure. She had been annoyed by his tendency to drink too much ever since she had known him, had argued with him on oc- casions and accepted repentant pledges to better conduct.
 But it took conjugal intimacy to make her realize the precise extent Of his drinking, and the realization wasn't conducive to happiness, not withstanding she tried to console herself with the reflection that it was hardly fair to judge him in the circumstances, when practically all their friends were rallying to make memorable their last days in San Antonio.
 Breakfasts, luncheons, teas, din- ners, dances, suppers followed one another in dizzying succession, and the scanty period before Jacks travel orders went into effect was gone before they knew it.
 With a sinking, sticky feeling, she awoke one morning to grasp the fact that it was their last day in the St. Anthony. Next morning they'd be on the train headed East. Then, New York-a hurried visit to Jacks family the transport-and she'd be war widow" What would come afterward she gave no heed to: with the gamblers trust in the future, she wasn't prepared to plan in advance. She'd take whatever came - when it came. Meantime, there was this too-popu lar husband to be nursed and cher ished-and she rolled over in bed to give him the kiss that he called rcveiile.
 "Oh. aaaaaah. Yaaa-aaaah. Time -g'up?" Business of yawning. gin Scotch. sweetheart.'
 You wouldn't catch my eye" Dagger retorted, sitting up in bed.
 Sure, my fault,' he confessed. We were having such jolly time, old girl. Weren't we, now? And this is our last day. Not much to do on the train. y know. And in New York we'll have to play the dutiful. fuss round with relatives, be awfully proper. Won't be much time, even for that.'
 Its been fun," she agreed slow ly, but - I'm not thinking of just New York"
 "No?"
 Dagger wiggled closer to him.
 Am I a good sport. Jack?'
 Best in the world" he answered promptly.
 Will you promise me some thing"
 "Anything!"
 "Then don't drink while you're overseas"
 The expression of his face was comical.
 Not drink! Why, all fliers drink. A man would have rotten time if he didn't'
 "You'll have a rottener time if you do," she persisted. I'm afraid about you. dear. You don't know when to stop-and some day you'll go up, and your mind won't work as fast as it ought to, and you'll crash"
 "I haven't yet.'
 Anything might have happened to you, if you'd been flying these last few days"
 Nonsense. I've flown often 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. I know it isn't easy to promise. But you aren't the sort to take half measures. You've got to drink regularly or quit. Please. please-'
 He was swept out of himself by