Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1930-01-03
Tomorrow: Rainj
It Came 3
By r. RAY BAKER

/
IN weather man. 20
But this story Is no discussion of
the merits .r demerits of weather men |
in general II deals with one par |
tlcular prognosticator, by name Hiram
Lake AS mas been said nobody had
faith In him; that Ii, nobody except |
Julia Collins and even she was be-
ginning to weaken.
Julia had lived all her life In Wes- |
ley, except for the time spent in board-
Ing school, and was ready to get mar.
rled-- when some suitable, marriages
able man should happen along. pi
There was Jacob Hanaford, whose
father owned a twine factory and had
tied up more than his share Of wealth
with his product. Jacob was "willin'
where Julia was concerned, but there
were things about him she didn't like
Hiram happened along. m
Wesley had just been designated
weather headquarters for that part OF
the state and the government sent
Hiram to preside at the prophesying.
Wesley folk were yery e9acting.
was ostraclzed, as was the dairyman
who put water in milk-that Is. more
than a reasonable amount. And the
townspeopIe could not make an excep-
ton In the case Of prophet who had
1t rain when he promised sunasine.
The Sunday Of the big picnic hike
dawned as fair as the most hopeful
could wish, and when the walking club
stopped for Julia every member was
In high spirits. Still, Julia insisted on
taking an umbrella until they laughed
her out of the idea. .
'Rainf" said Jacob. "Why, look at
that sky-clear as bell" 10.
"But," Julia faltered, 1.-THE paper
last night predicted rain for today"
The uproar produced by this remark
made her feel very sheepish. while
Jacobs exuberance prompted him to
witty remark to the effect that the
prediction of rain was positive as.
surance of continued sunshine. Julia
was downcast on her own account as
well as Hiram's. She Just couldH't
help having some faith in her weather
man. because--because--well, she did
care for him.
But she went without the umbrella.
Out on a country road the mixers
liked. carrying lunch baskets and
creating sharp appetites.
Lunch was eaten at the edge Of the
woods far from any habitation, with
the sun shining brightly. But while
the dishes were being gathered into
the baskets preparatory to returning
a black cloud unfurled from the west
The party looked askance at the sky
and worried frowns crept across thMlr
faces, although a smile mingled with
the troubled look on Julia's counte.
nance. @ at
"They will scott at my weather
man, will they" she said to herself
Suddenly, without further prelim
inarles, the black cloud split and tor.
rent descended.
Jacob Hanaford assumed leadership
and lead the way TO ledge under
which a miniature cave had been
formed. The opening served as
shelter, but not as an adequate one,
because water YVES beaten In on the
huddled group by fierce wind.
"Just cloudburst,'' said Jacob re-
assurlngly. '1tll be all over In
minute"
But the rain did not subside; In.
stead, It seemed TO gather strength,
and before long the gray darkness OF
twilight began to mingle with the
blackness of the storm.
For two hours, at least, the mn.
rooned plcnickers stood huddled In the
prison, before an automobile was OBJ
served working its way along the
muddy road, headed toward the town.
Julia suddenly waved her hand and
the machine came to stop In front
of the cave. A man stepped out.
"Helow he called.
"Hello, Hiramp Julia responded.
SLOW are the chances for free rider
He stopped at the mouth Of the
shelter.
"Fine--for you. But couldn't pos.
sibly take anybody else. You sec. my
coupe Is full of luggage. I've been on
business trip TO Creston. Come on
julia. I'll send TAXI out for the rest
of you"
She accompanied him to the car
and as she entered she laughed mali |
clOusly at the group In the cave. Soon
she and Hiram were vending their |
splashy way along the road.
Little was said for several minutes.
fhau IIiFarn annLa