The Daily Alaska empire., 1931-10-06

] the CNOpS lnUO Ine OVtu.
 After an interval, during which Fourth indulged in a few cheer ful preliminary blasts upon the mouth organ, he once more shout ed Sam's name. Receiving TO an swer he strode out to the kitchen Martha" he began from the but lers pantry door, where is-' He stopped in surprise. "Saml Wha i on earth are you doing?"
 Hello, Fourth" Sam, with he back toward him, nodded. Tn getting dinner"
 50 I see, but I didn't realizl this was Martha's day out"
 Tt isn't" Sam shrugged, realiz- ing that the inevitable question. had begun. Tomorrow is Martha. day out
 Then
 "Yes. That's it. Martha's left"
 "No!" Fourth digested that sur prising bit of information in si ence for a moment. Then he saiC indignantly Didn't she give any notice at all?"
 Hardly any at all" replied Sam
 Fourths indignation grew. Ht paced up and down the kitchen floor and inquired heatedly wheth- 1T Sam could have expected any thing else from a little chit who had no breeding, brains, or sense of gratitude. He announced Una her leaving in this manner was nc more than he had expected anc that it was undoubtedly blessing in very little disguise.
 He said that some competent per son must be found immediately t. take her place. He finally set forth upon a discussion of the gravity O. the servant problem in the United States.
 X Sam did not listen. She realized tJfat she should tell Fourth every thing that had happened withou, NCldy- OllC hiiCW eiiett dily POobPOAiS- ment would only make things that much worse, but at the same time she knew that she could do noth- ing just then. She was terribly horribly tired.
 Fourth did not bother her dur ing dinner, or while they wert washing and drying the dishes aft erward. He was in a conversations mood, and in such a mood he re- quired little prompting. The smooth flow of his words was almost rest I'ful, like the sound Of rain on Q tin roof It was entirely meaning less to Sam, who merely relaxed while her subconscious mind en- abled her to nod or shake he. head at appropriate moments.
 Fourth noticed nothing out Of the ordinary. When the dishes were dried and had been put away, he remarked cheerfully that that was that, and retired with his news paper to the davenport. Sam watch ed him gravely. She squared hel shoulders and walked over to his side.
 Fourth said Sam gently, T have news for you.'
 "News," lie looked up In sur prise but without alarm. Well let's have it. l hope it's good.
 T doubt if you'll think that it. good. I'm afraid it will be rather { shock"
 Oh" Fourth put down his news paper and his pipe and looked a , her. Then he said briefly: Al right, let's have it. I'm ready"
 Sam said Nelson is married. Fourth merely continued to look the pupils of his eyes widening "Married?' He repeated heavily a last. 'Married?" Fourth was slow to understand l Sam, watching him as he sat ther, with his big hands on his knees , appreciated exactly how he felt | The blow had been too sudden t( ! be comprehended at once It nigh Il be an hour, two hours, or perhap a full day before the Knowledge ? was completely absorbed Nelson married? On what?" h. said.
 I Sam was patient with this irrele. Il vance. T don't know, but it doe! not matter, does it? The point i! that the thing is done" Who is the girl?" Fourth de. Il manded.
 That's the worst part" Sht avoided his eyes. That will be tht z hardest thing for you to bear" ' Tell me her name"
 Nelson married Martha" sait T Sam gently. He married Martin.
 Givens"
 Martha Givens?s l. Yes" said Sam. "Martha-th
 maid"
 Sam had expected that an out '' burst would follow her bald declar
 ation, but none was forthcoming
 There was merely a complete an,
 absolute silence in the living room
 Sam did not look at Fourth. Sh