The Daily Alaska empire., 1930-08-05

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 truth is that this aviation business is more important than anything in front of the country today
 His dull eyes frightened, as they usually did when he launched up his favorite topic. T tell you the times coming and soon, when it will be an everyday occurrence to fly the Atlantic, and people won't think any more of hopping to Chi cago and tSt Louis than they do now of driving or going by train. ThereT be money in flying stocks, and I'll be in a position to cash l in"
 He lounged to his feet, stretching <, his arms over his head, good hu- nor restored Don't talk to me, you twol The family made their big wad in railroads. Won't you be proud of me when Vaneering Air ways are launched and you'll be dodging spare parts from my buses in the sky?"
 Both women had to laugh. He was like small boy, who has been caught out, but managed to produce l a convincing excuse for his bad I habits
 And Dagger, II not his mother, had conceptions of the validity of his visions for the future. She went across the room to him, and dropped her hands on his shoulders.
 T love to hear you talk like that, Jack" she said And I do believe in aviation just as you do. I won't begrudge you a moment you spend on the Olny ship or in this airways matter. It's because I want you to have plenty of energy for such im- portant things that I ask you to cut down on your drinking" 1 He was touched. You're a sweet little thing. Not many girls would understand so we'll
 T presume you relegate your mother to that class complained Mrs Vaneering.
 He reached out and pltted her cheek.
 Now, mater, darling You're peach. I'll have a phonograph rec crd made, with a declaration of my undying love and appreciation, and turn it on whenever you start that line"
 But you will cut down the drink ing?" insisted Dagger.
 q sure will he promised easily. And after we find out of the Olny can fly, we'll take a trip. How'd you like to go abroad? You never had a real honeymoon.
 Honeymoon No, she'd never real ly had one, Dagger reflected-nor, in the sense she had anticipated, marriage.
 'Id love that, Jack she acknowl- edged soberly. Let's do it."
 After Christmas he agreed. If mother won't mind
 T daresay I shall be able to amuse myself" Mrs. Vaneering re- piled stiffly.
 In the last few moments the sog- gy, petulant expression Jack habit ually wore at home had faded from his face. He was again the hard bitten, jovial daredevil Dagger had | met on the St. Anthony roof. She was drawn to him as she hadn't been in months, drawn, not withstanding an inner voice of lscepticism whispered that he'd made similar promises before. But this voice she throttled resolutely. It was unfair to doubt in advance of performance.
 Would you like to have a party with me tonight?" she asked. Dine out, and go to the theatre?" She looked questioningly at Mrs lVaneering, who hesitated and then finally indicated endorsement. Jack kissed her, with gravity beyond his wont.
 That's a swell idea, honey. And don't you worry about me. Maybe do lift few glasses over the mark, but I'm the same old Jack, and one of these days, when this internal knee gets to where it won't throb in damp weather, you'll be surprised what a model husband I become"
 That day Dagger knew happiness. In the morning she went shopping, and lunched with an authoress whom she'd met at the Cosmopoli- tan Club: in the afternoon she at tended a reception, leaving early in time to greet Jack and have a talk before they went out to din- ner.
 She walked home up Fifth Ave nue in the glow of an Indian Sum Inner afternoon. The blood pulsed through her: her heart was glad: