The Daily Alaska empire., 1932-09-01

conveniently died Sondra throw
 thunderbolt amongst us an
 says she is Mark Merriman's wife
 She looked at Cass searchingly
 T suppose it is the truth?"
 Cass fidgeted; he was not at a.
 subtle man, and he did nc
 know how to fence
 T suppose so," he said help
 lessly. T was bit surprised my
 self. must admit, but there yo,
 are-It's Sondra's own business an
 Merriman's a decent fellow"
 And he is so terribly ill.," Bea
 trice said with exaggerated sor row. They say it will be month before he is fit and well again if ever he is."
 Cass made an elaborate bushes Of lighting a cigarette.
 "Oh, hen get all right again, he said cheerfully. Hes your: and as strong as horse. People cont die so easily"
 They never die when they're expected to-" Beatrice answered
 He looked at her suspiciously What does that mean?" he asked bluntiy.
 She smiled and looked at her self in 6 little mirror she took from her handbag.
 Well, between you and me and the door-post, Sondra made a mis- take when she married him. Ot course I know you won't let it go any further or I shouldn't be tell ing you, but she was down at the shore in MT. Anderson's house there, only week or two before poor Mark came home"
 "Well?" Cass said bluntly. John often lends his house to friends; why shouldn't Sondra have itP"
 'No reason at all, of course only I don't suppose that he gen. erally stays there at the same time, does he? I looked in one cay for a cup of tea when" she laughed. They seemed so very happy-at least, we interrupted quite an emotional little scene. Poor darling Sondra was crying"
 Cass flushed and stared down at the floor. He wanted to get up and go but it seemed difficult, and he could think of no adequate excuse. Beatrice smiled with satis- faction as she noticed his embar- rassment. Don't think I'm blam- ing SOndra"-She said. T simply adore MT Anderson myself, and it is bad luck, isn't it?"
 What is?" Cass asked bluntly.
 That she should have made such a mistake. You see, I'm her best friend, and she does tell me lots of things she wouldn't tell anyone else! They'll be SO poor poor Mark hasn't a cent and un- less MT. Anderson does the sport ing thing and goes on giving Son. dra an allowance, I simply can't imagine what they'll do?"
 Look here" Cass said, rousing with an effort. T don't think we ought to talk about them like this-it's their own affair af- ter all! And I'm sure Anderson has never given any woman an allowance-not a woman who was not his wife, I mean" he floun- oered helplessly. "Sondra must have money of her own-can't dress and go about as she does on a year, you know"
 Beatrice laughed cruelty.
 My oear man, she hasn't a cent. Take it from me, Flora used to give her money when she was living with that dreadful Ben, but I know for fact that since she went away, supplies have been cut off. Of course, I'm full of for her, but all the same If Mark ever finds out what the true position is."
 Cass broke in sharply. T don't see how he can find out, unless he is told"
 Beatrice powdered her nose thoughtfully. Things always come put, don't you think?" she asked calmly. Especially things you want kept quiet. It's nasty lit- 'le way they have"
 Cass f!dgeted with his tie; he snew there was a lot of truth in what Beatrice had said, but to 1is way of thinking it was mo- ,ody's business, certainly not hers. 4 fine sort of best friend" she vas to Sondra, he thought grim y
 T went to see Merriman yes- erday," he said after a moment. 1 He's is hospital you know. | Don't look so bad, I thought-a | 'it thin and white, but the chaps | 'een ill Always liked Merriman | myself"
 II simply love him." Beatice |