The Daily Alaska empire., 1930-06-24

dian brass ornaments.
 Look here, Aunt Ethelberta," he began. I'm dead keen to start preparations for that flight around the world. Remember, I told you about it some time ago?"
 T remember" Miss Tithering- 5on's mouth shut like trap. Tony coughed nervously. i "And-er-I-I'd be most awfully grateful if you would help me out -"
 Help you out? What can I do? I'm no mechanic. What are you driving at?p "It-Its about the expense" he began again, this time more diff fidently
 well, why on earth didn't you say so in the first place?q snapped Miss Titherington.
 Tony swallowed twice in an eff fort to get control of himself.
 T was only trying to be tactfuL you see..' ,.s 4
 Tut, tut. have no time for tact on this proposition. I've been thinking this matter over for some time, for I knew you'd be after me again soon. Here's your answer: the money for this crazy flight of yours will be deposited in your name at the bank on the day your engagement is definitely announced -and not before"
 Tony could only stare at her. He never had expected any such stipu- lation as this. Had his aunt gone completely out of her mind? What had his engagement to do with the flight, anyway?
 My engagement!" he said weak ly. But you know that I've never thought of getting engaged!'
 well, if you haven't thought of it. I've done it for you. say again, that from the day your engagement lis announced you can rely on me to back this absurd flight of yours That's settled. Do you under stand?"
 His cigaret was burning Tony's fingers, but he didn't notice it.
 My engagement to whom?' he asked.
 His aunt gave him a contemptu- ous look
 ITO this new girl, Mary Lou, of course. She's nice girl, sensible and unspoiled. You're lucky to get her. She'll make you capital wife. /" She raise da hand when Tony started to speak.
 'No, I won't hear word of pro- test. You've played around too long. It's high time you settled down to become a useful citizen. Unless you persuade Mary Lou to become engaged to you, therell be mo flight as far as I'm concerned. My mind is made up."
 With that she stalked impressive ly out of the room. Tony knew only too well of his aunt's stub bornness. 4 | He was moody and silent as he drove Mary Lou homeward. The day had started out well enough, but now he felt that he was in the devils own mess.
 Mary Lou had impressed Aunt Ethelberta. There was no doubt of that. And she had insisted that he become engaged to the. girl! Tony had brought Mary Lou down to prove to his aunt that he knew at least one nice girl, but he never had intended her to think he was serious. Hadn't he told her g dozen times he had no intention llof marrying? He had tried to argue with her but to n oavail.
 Its all nonsense" he had said lfinally. Mary Lou would laugh al i! the mere suggestion
 Ask her and sec" had been Miss Titherington's retort. My mind: made up, tell you" Tony knew from past experience l of his aunt's disposition. Once sht had an idea in her head, it wal worse than futile to oppose hel , wishes.
 What was he to do?
 On the one hand was his fixee determination never to marry an, girl. Long ago Tony had prom I ised himself never to become bur dened with any domestic responsi bilities. Ass
 On the other hand, unless Mar! Lou would consent to become en gagged to him, he must give up al hopes of his flight. If Aunt Ethel berta didn't finance the flight, hi most cherished dream would b shattered. That was unthinkable The flight meant more to him thai