The Ely miner., 1930-09-26

long arm of coincidence is
overworked."
His chum scowled. You take your
self too seriously. The world would
wag if we'd never heard of the thir-
ty-six dramatic situations and ii
wouldn't hurt to give the little lady
a hand"
Leland's classical face failed to
soften. He liked Pete and he had
been glad to have him take over a
share of the foldup apartment dur
ing the absence of his Aunt Minerva,
who had gone on lecture tour. Pete
was usually out evenings and his
frivolous views on life were reStful
after Minervas argumentative lee
lures. Tonight, however, Pete had lin
gered to coax the editor into recon
sidering a story by friend of his.
Not q chance, Pete" muttered Le-
land. ANY story concerning a lovely
lady locked outside somewhere in her
peach negligee sickens me-"
The learned Leland had one vice
a passion for gaudy pajamas. A new
conceit in the garments he loved set
his head whirling and he had never
yet discovered a tint or pattern suite
loud enough really to please him.
While speaking he had been ADJUST
ing the golden cords of his turquoise
satin pajamas about his coat. 'The
women send in such slush: y man
notices a girls face framed in train
window and the flame of love leaps
into his heart. Her lovely features are
indelibly engraved upon. his memory,
the sacred fire glows on and on and
then-ah, then-he miraculously finds
her, that little princess, that girl of
his Dreams Always her eyes are twin
pools of blue fire, invariably she has
hair that is not real hair, but only a
golden mist flung out adorably about
her oval or heart-shaped face. Never
once has lady writer presented for
my attention a heroine who was
named Lizzie, or one with square
face and snub nose.
81 know too much about marriage
to pay any attention to girls, but if
] intended to halter my head with do
nestle servitude I'd go about it sane
ly and ferret out her habits. Gold
mist hair and sapphire lacily lashed
eyes are barred. I'd select girl who
loved to coCk and one who could bare
ly write her name" Leland shrugged
and dropped into a deep chair.
"You know, Leland, there is coinci-
dence in real life"
There was no reply, but the pause
was filled by the voice of Ducky-Dear.
Aunt Minerals canary, who cheeped
Indignantly from the sun porch. A
cold wind, bearing rain, had blown up
and the porch was facing the shower.
''The janitor said the bird was sent
back here from the train; that your
aunt decided not to take it with her."
grinned Pete.
81 told her l wouldn't keep it."
groaned Leland. He was a master in
his office, but cipher in his home.
Better get the cage inside" ad-
vised PetS, as clap of thunder
sounded. The hot air of the living
room was sitting and Leland stood in
the doorway now, breathing in the
delightful coolness.
81 haven't my slippers, Pete. You
slip out and get the cage"
But Pete had gone down the hall
and the editor reluctantly stepped
out upon the cement floor. forgetting
that his white and well-formed feet
were bare.
Then the balcony door slammed
Instantly he sprang toward it, and he
heard, or fancied he did, the sound
of the night latch being shot into
place.
FuHously he banged on the door fol
Pete, well aware that that young per
son had an engagement at nine o'clock
Then he tried to mediate. The re
freshing coolness of the rain hat
failed to remain welcome and he nov
shivered. The wind was crisp, the
rain very wet. His neighbors on botf
sides were bachelor girls, very jazzy
They smoked and sang and kept theil
radios on all night when they chose
He blushed as he pictured their pagan
Q delight should they view his COLDER
tassels and white feet.
He tried t. break in the door, bu
the tiny loaded panes were sound!
constructed. The front of the apart
ment was the balcony. The sides wer,
too far back to be reached.
Five stories below the worl(
laughed. From the parked cars h,
could hear languorous murmurs. Th,
PETERS wero in their glass-walle,
love-cars while he. Leland Randolph