The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-09-19
QUILT Clips
bu Aida OH pDONKMAN Author Of MAD MARRIAGE
II DNOOrNVu7NN
0I93L BY NEA SERVlCE ms

usual" he answered Marks ques-
ton. Never very much change,
you know. Yes, indeed, we miss
you"
The big boy in the white coat
across the counter paused signif1-
cantly - almost belligerently - in
front Of Johnson. 'Whassa order?"
he demanded in voice with nasal
quality.
Johnson hesitated. Let me see
=" He studied the menu chalked
on the mirror-lined wall. "A fried
egg sandwich" he announced. "And
coffee. No cream, please. And apple
piel"
THE order given, he turned again
Il to Mark. ''You know, I'm really
glad to see you" he repeated.
We've missed you. I reader,
about your marriage. OF course I
wish you and Mrs. Travers every
happiness"
Thanks. Guess I haven't really
been missed around the Office,
though. Little enough I ever did
there"
But you'd been with us such
short time. You we're getting the
thing very well-doing splendid
ly-"
Mark was not interested. He in
terrupted. Tell me, how's dad
looking?"
"Oh, he's well. About as he al
ways is, I should say"
Glad to hear it. You probably
know certain unpopularity rests
about his one and only son.
"Oh, I'm sorry! To tel the truth
I had heard a little something of
the sort. But it will clear away,
I'm sure. 1t will clear away in just
little time"
Marks eyes suddenly had rested
on the clock across the room. He
was on his feet, reached in his
pocket and showed some coins
across the counter.
Got to beat It'll" he exclaimed.
Got to be back at lis. See you
again soon, Johnson, Slong!"
Before his companion could
frame a reply the outer door swung
shut on Marks departing back. A
girl in a red coat climbed on the
seat the young man had vacated.
Johnson looked futiiely over one
shoulder, readjusted his spectacles
and attacked the wedge of pie.
II
THAT night Mark spoke to
Il Norma about meeting his for
mer associate. Funny old duck, 4"
he described johnson. "Good-
hearted, though"
Mark was wondering rather
vaguely just why he bad been SO
pleased to see the older man. It had
also occurred to Mark, as it had not
previously, that it was strange for
johnson to lunch in a place so fan
removed from the real estate COM
pany's headquarters. Oh, well-he
probably liked to get away from the
place occasionally.
1t was the third day afterward
that Mark, entering the drug store
lunch room, heard his name called.
He glanced about. There on the
third chair from the end of the row
sat Johnson.
"Hello!" Mark sang back cheer
fully. Getting to be a steady Gus
toner, aren't you?" He climbed on
the nearest seat.
Il was hoping to find you here"
George Johnson said earnestly. "I've
something to tell you, Mark"
THAT SOP" Surprise in the, young
mans voice. well, let's have it"
tits a message from your father"
Whats he got to say? Why
doesn't he say it himself?"
He asked me-that is. I came be-
cause"
Look here! Did my father really
send you to tell me something's"
JOHNSON gulped as though his
~ task was uncomfortable. He
nodded afirmatively as he said,
He wants to see you, Mark. He
asked me to tell you that"
Wants to see me? You mean
he sent you to say that?"
''Her asked me to tell you he
wants to see you about an inpor-
tant matter. What that may be
wasn't informed.
r. D.