Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1931-02-06

g.
she e. artd. iii isn't as if I'd never
been sed. Tom did, and he would
be good enough for anybody If he
Wasn't 50 dull
Silie had saved five hundred dol
lars rar a purpose which she w0uidnt
tell, but after the birthday she decided
to spend ii in going on trip. She
had friend, Helen, and after much
deem discussion and consultation of
bank books. they thought they would
attempt trip to California in Miles
three weeks vacation. SO Mile went
to the central ticket office in search
of information. She came back en-
thusiastic and excited.
"Helen. there is the incest man up
there. He hunted up everything and
nut down the price and added it up,
and he says we can do it easily on
five hundred if we're careful. He has
sandy hair and gray eyes, and he took
such an interest in the trip-why,
really, it was wonderful asked his
name so we could get hold of him
again. and he said 'Halligan, just like
that. Well" she ended with a laugh.
you know always did love the
Irish"
Helen and Mile went to the office
together and asked all the questions
over again. Then they went home
and thought p more questions to ask
the next time.
Mile lived in a little town called
Stonebridge, and came into the city
to work by train. One morning she
nearly collapsed to see Halligan get
on at her station.
"Oh, Helen" mourned Millie, "the
things | told that man-the whole his
tory of my life and how much money
I've got and, oh, everything. Why, it
viii be ali over town."
They were on the way to see HALT
gan again and Helen was severe with
Mile. Now, don't mention Stone
bridge" she said. unless he speaks
of it first"
Mile, still suffering from shock, as
scented meekly, but when she saw MIN
she felt suddenly that she could not
live another moment without knowing
the truth
MIR HalIigan," she plunged in, do
you live in Stonebridge"
And Haligan the amiable ana po-
lite. answered CURLY: you know
do" and returned TO a discussion of
trains with Helen.
Poor Mile was limp and few
minutes later when Helen left them
to make a lengthy telephone call. she
tried to defend herself.
Il did not know you lived in Stone
bridge she said.
Il have lived there all my life, said
Hailiean quietly.
well, then. did you recognize US
when we came in?' demanded Mile.
1--WE known you by sight for
years, lie said.
oh. said Mile weakly.
Presently Halligan offered her
yard or two of ticket to sign and she
scrawled mildred Tilden." Halligan
looked at it. 81 thought it was Mary"
he remarked, and then turned a vivid
red.
"lyhy, what do you mean?s u gan
Miliie amazcdly
Poor Halligan. "Ahout yeal ago.
he said. getting still redder 81 stood
behind you when you signed your com.
mutation ticket NJ. Tilden' and
thought the NJ stood for Mary You
had on a blue hat with a pink rose
and d blue coat with a gray collar.
You got ink on your glove and said"
81 did not, interposed Mile hastily.
and then they both laughed and Mile
was pink, too.
"What | can't understand" she said,
SIS why ! never knew you in a little
town like Stonebridge7
Hallig;in lifted his head ana looked
at her. My mother used to wash for
your mother he said "I've been to
your back door with the basket many
a time"
Blue eyes stared straight into gray
eyes for long minute. and then both
pairs crinkled up with laughter
The girls went away-aflef several
more conferences with Halligln and
the trip was huge success.
1t was at San Francisco that Helen
suggested sending Halligan a postcard
just to prove their gratitude for his
efforts. 'Of course, he's probably for
gotten u.s. she said.
"0h, do you think so?" asked Mile,
and for several minutes she sat and
looked into space while Helen efficient
ly dashed off cards.
The three weeks passed and the trip
ended. Helen went out of town and
didn't see slillie for three months.
Wien she got back she heard rumOr
that Mile was going to be married.
She hunted Mile down to get the
truth.
Mile nodded "Yes, next month.
and we've got the sweetest little place
with iirepare Of course, all my
money went in the trip and so wen
have 70 get things, slowly"