The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-10-09
- OIg3l BY MEA SERVICE lNs

Norma moved across the store she was buying five and Decent supplies for Marks kitchen while Natalie Price and her friend might be trying on gowns that cost hun- dreds of dollars, fur coats worth fabulous sums.
 "Oh, what do I care!" Norma told herself a little too insistent- iy. She was remembering that only yesterday she had declared nothing was lacking from her hap piness. That was when Mark had praised the Thanksgiving dinner she had cooked.
 She said to the blond girl be- hind the counter. "I want a yard and half of that blue oil cloth. No. the plain piece"
 Mark Travers looked up as the newcomer leaned his elbows on the lunch, counter.
 "Why-Johnson! I'm b1ue- nosed baboon if 1t isn't the old boy himself! How're you, John- son?"
 The newcomer drew back and thrust out a hand in greeting. Glad to see you, Mark" he said heartily. "This is surprise! Didn't recognize you when I came in. I-I very well, thank you. Looking first-rate yourself!'
 Mark laughed. Sure, I'm o. K. Tell be. Johnson, how's the old place bobbing along? Miss me down there?"
 They were sitting at drug store lunch counter. A half-consumed sandwich lay on the plate before Mark. He raised heavy porcelain cup to his lips. The man beside him was middle-aged. He wore . gray hat and dark overcoat. Be- meath the rim of the hat the close clipped hair showed grayish tinge. Johnson had the manner of a quiet. efficient man who has spent most of his life executing other mems orders. He had done that. Johnson for 15 years had been a reliable cog in the smooth ly operating mechanism building up F. M. Travers' real estate hold ings and F. M. Travers' annual dividends. At 55 Johnson was in charge of the department to which Mark had so casually and briefly lent his services the few months he had been in his fathers employ And at 55 Johnson received a sal ary considerably less than that which had been paid to Mark.
 Traditional homage to all per sons and things associated with the name Travers colored George Johnsons' voice.
 "Oh, we're getting on about as 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 signifi- cantly almost beligerently = in front of Johnson. "Whassa order?' he demanded in a voice with a nasal quality.
 Johnson hesitated. "Let me see" He studied the menu chalked on the mirror-lined wall "A fried egg sandwich" he an nounced. And coffee. No cream please. And apple pie!" The order given, he turned agair to Mark. You know. I'm really glad to see you," he repeated "We've missed you. reader about your marriage. Of course 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 a short time. You were 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 a certain unpopularity rests about his one and only son."
 "Oh, I'm sorry! Ito tell the truth had heard a little something oi the sort. But it will clear away I'm sure. It will clear away ir just a little time."
 Marks eyes had suddenly 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!" he acclaimed "Got to be back at 1:15. See you again soon, Johnson. S'long!" Before his companion could frame a reply the outer dooi swung shut on Marks departing back. A girl in a red coat climbed On the seat the young man hac vacated. Johnson looked futilel, over one shoulder, readjusted hi. spectacles and attacked the wedge of pie.
 That night Mark spoke to Norma about meeting his former associ' ate. Funny old duck" he de scribed Johnson. "Good-hearted though" Mark was wondering rather vaguely just why he hae been so pleased to see the older man. It had also occurred to Mark as it had not previously, that il was strange for Johnson to luncf in a place so far removed from the real estate company's head quarters. Oh, well-he probably probably liked to get away from the place occasionally. that Mark, entering the drug store It was the third day afterwar6 lunch room. heard his name called He glanced about. There on the third chair from the end of tho row sat Johnson.
 "Hello!" Mark sang back cheer fully. Getting to be steady GUS toner, aren't your" He climbed or the nearest seat. q was hoping to find you here. GeorgA Johnson said earnestly "I've something to tell you Mark"
 "That's so?, Surprise in thu young mans voice. Well, lett have it."
 Its a message from your ia ther."
 .What's he got to say? Wh. doesn't he say it himself?'
 "He asked me-that is, cam because"
 Look here! Did my father real ly send you to tell me something? 7
 Johnson gulped as though hi task was uncomfortable. He nodde, affirmatively as he said. "He want to see you. Mark. He asked me t