Evening star., 1932-05-01

II\/OU folks are lucky you haven't dread
full old mortgage hanging over your
heads" drawled Lucille.
Yes that's the truth" said Ed. It wish
Lucille and I had your coupe. I'd give my
right eye for it to drive our trip. But in
stead, our cash is all tied up in that house of
ours. There isn't great deal OF mileage IN
shTubbery and white woodwork"
You say you're going on trip?" from
Miriam. Tell me, Lucille. I haven't heard
word about it."
oh We just heard about it ourselves yes
terday Eds father and mother are coming
through and taking US for a month through the
west to Denver. 1t will be terrible, suppose.
Eds father has a that is older than ours
Il suppose could go in our fivveT,
though. And we have to go clear to Denver,
because there is business to see to. II We only
had your Wmbly-"
"Goshl feel sorry for you two lucky
birds" frowned Joe. "All you've got to wish
for is a motor car, while we're wishing for
home"
"Say!" broke in Ed Il tell you what.
know how we both can solve our problems.
If you really want to please this Croesus
person you told us about, and help us out at
the same time, all we have to do is to trade our
house for your wimbly for month. What
do you say?"
You mean" and Joe blinking with
wonderment, that we could move into your
new home while Uncle George is here, and that
we could tell him it belongs to us?"
Surely, And meanwhile, we'll be gliding
along in your 81, 600 Wimbly Eight"
But man alive 1t would surely be flirting
with oblivion I don't mind telling few
harmless little lies, but I'm supposed to have
a smattering of character, you know"
Its a good offer, Joe. Take it or leave it."
Joe looked at Miriam Miriam looked at
1air tyyip
beckoning to them. "An right" said Joe. It's
a bargain. But not a word, If you ever want
to enjoy the pure Ohio air again.
Don't worry about me-" replied Ed III
not breathe word to anybody except to my
dad. He's a good sport, though"
Uncle George didn't look at all like
millionaire He wasn't tall or solemn or
impressive He didn't chew big black cigars.
Instead he was a short, broad, muscular man,
who bubbled with good health and vigor.
We'll, well, we'll" he beamed, as he stood
on the stoop of the newly acquired home
where Joe and Miriam greeted him so you
have bought house. like it. like 1t very
much
IT thought you'd like it," said Joe
And you two young folks are happier than
you've ever been, aren't you?"
YES" said Miriam and Joe nodded.
During their first dinner Uncle George
seemed almost boyshly happy. He praised
Miriams good food. He praised the house.
He praised Joe and Miriam for their industry.
Il suppose you spend all of your money fixing
up things, don't you?"
ZOE looked at Miriam. Her face was a
~ blank. He ventured forth alone. Yes,
we do spend quite a bit And there
several changes yet to be made, some shrub
berry along the drive, different lighting fixtures
and maybe a new color for the woodwork in
the living room"
Miriam got the cue and came to his aid.
And we want new bath on the third floor,
so can keep a maid sometime"
Hmm" said Uncle George. II should say
you ambitious You must tell me. after
dinner, Just how you are going to change
things"
Then, probably because it offered a seemingly
harmless topic for conversation, Joe and
Miriam foolishly went into minute detail about
what they intended to do to the beloved house
of Ed and Lucille Jones.
Looking about them at what Ed and Lucille
had wrought, the ideas they conceived were
utterly criminal Woodwork, lighting fixtures