Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-10-17
THIRD INSTALLMENT.

~ ATHLEEN choked back the hot
denial of her fathers accusa-
ton that burned on her lips.
~ Dan Carroll would believe
what he wanted to believe
and he would believe nothing but good
of the Neilsens
| Cathleen'S father was a small con-
tractor and builder Joe Nielsen, Neil's
father, was big contractor and builder.
He was CARROTS boss" 1t was within
Joe Nelson's power to throw Jobs
Dan CAROLS way. Nelson owned the
district" so far as building was con-
cerned, and he was canny ruler. The
CAROLS prospered by reason Of his
favor. Ever since Cathleen could re-
the power of Joe Nielsen. Everything
the CAROLS owned was tagged with a
Nielsen label.
She saw now that her fathers choler
had come up in a network OF veins un-
der his skin.
Well" he trumpeted. what have
you to say for yourself?"
Cathleen's eyes narrowed. There Is
nothing can say" she said, when you
are like this
! Nothing. eh? Then I'll give you
something to say. What do you mean
by letting Neil Nielsen take too much
to drink? The lads gone on you. You
could handle him, if you made up your
mind to it,
! Il won't handle Neil, as you call it
or any other man"
mo. You'd rather see him get bull
let in that hot young head Of his.
That's what you'd rather do. I"
He doesn't seem to mind who else
gets hurt"
Because he sailed into those hood
lums of Miller's? l give him credit.
He's got spunk that boy. Miller's been
warned He's got to keep his hands off
this district. The boy knew that crowd
was over here for no good, stirring up
trouble for his father. NeilS got the
stuff in him.
IF you call it spunk to get into a
drunken brawl in the street-to en-
danger other peoples ives-Neils got
it." Cathleen's lips were in a straight
line tight at the corners.
None Of your back talk. my lady"
Dan Carroll said hoarsely. That
tongue of yours Is too sharp for
woman. And get this: expect to see
you marry Neil Nielsen. I know what's
good for my own flesh and blood. The
boys a little wild, know. Well, it's
your business to get him over it. You
need settling down and I've picked him
to do the settling for you
But, father. don't want to marry
not yet" Cathleen's hands came up as
If to push away the task her father
had set for her.
Never mind what you want" He
hit the desk with resounding thwack.
Il make the decisions in my house.
Neils father is a big man. The boys
got prospects. I won't have you sky
larking around with rapscaliions like
young Hall"
Kenneth Hall is not a rapscallion
He has a fine mind, and he'll make
something of it. too" Cathleen was
half pleading. half defiant.
Hes a pinhead. Not dime to his
name. Blundering around with books
and such nonsense. II I catch him in
my house again, I'll show him the door.
I won't have any good-for-nothings in
this family"
Downstairs, the front door closed
with a bang. There was the crash of
an overturned chair. Footsteps on the
stairs, stealthy. uncertain. Dan Car
roll. jr.. Cathleen's young brother; was
getting in from big" night. If her
father heard the steps on the stairs, he
gave no sign.
Get to bed now" he ordered. And
recollect that what said about Neil
Nielsen goes
Cathleen took her black satin cape
from the back of the chair and, with
head high, escaped Into the naIl At the
tcp of the stairs she saw Dan, jr., lean
ing against the wall He was blinking
his eyes like startled owl, and there
was a foolish grin on his handsome,
boyish face.
DAN" Cathleen whispered, and flew
to him with all the concern of mother
bird for its chick. Take my arm, quick.
Don't let father see you"
Dan transferred his weight to her
shoulder.
whats the rev, Kit?" he mumbled.
"Old man trimming you Gown?'
"Yes-no. Never mind now. I'll tell
you later. Faster, please, buddie. Watch
cut for the stairs. Oh, Danny boy, you
promised me you Wouldn't"
Now see here, Kit, IL your gonna
rag me-can't stan'-i:-got splittin'
headache"
The door of Dams room on the third
floor was open. Cathleen pushed him
inside and closed the door behind him.
He'd have to make out the best he
could If she went into help him, he
would talk and their father would herr
the voices and investigate. Then he'd
find some excuse fer venting his wrath
sFH