Evening star., 1932-06-26

1t all started night before last,
when I made my usual evening :all on Sadie
Siler Instead of Sadie. Papa Siler himself
met me at the door. Before be opened his
trap, 1 sensed that something was wrong.
Trouble was-he smiled. That indicated can-
ger The old mans face wasn't built for grin
ming. When it registered supposed good humor
the corners of his mouth twisted upward ano
his wrinkles deepened-but the eyes stayed
snaky When he smiled at client in the
Office, that meant "by-by bankron."
Hello, Jack. How are you?" he greeted
me, as affable-like as python saying howdy-
do to fat chicken. (Or is it the python that
fancies poultry? I'm a bit hazy on that)
Anyhow, I gave him smile for smile and
shot back: Fine, dad, and how's the old boy?
He simply grunted. Then, laying rather
heavy hand on my shoulder he led me into
the living room
sit down Jenks!'
1 sat. Then 1 eyed my adversary narrowly.
He looked less dangerous now His face had
relaxed into frown.
Jack my boy, you've been keeping COM
pany with my daughter for some time now.
haven't you?"
nodded assent.
Want to marry her, don't you?"
"Yep Tomorrow-or earlier, if possible!"
answered eagerly, sliding forward in my chair.
"On what?" snapped Sier glaring.
He had me there. On what, indeed? had
been cudgeling my brain for the past three
days trying to figure ION what and with
what" 1 might appease my landladys board
money hunger, and also satisfy my tailors
demand for cash or clothes. Yes, Sier had
me stumped. / couldn't do a thing except sort
of gulp-and slump back into the chair again.
jerks you're loafer! You've got ability.
but you don't use it. Before you marry my
daughter you've got to show that you're worth
something Sadie's in love with you, or thinks
she is. Lord knows why! 1 dont!"
IE paused for an instant, and gave me a
] very thorough and unflattering appraisal
with his steely eyes. Then resumed:
Young fellow, you've got to show your stuff.
Your bond sales have fallen off to whisper.
and as for stocks-we might as well not handle
any, so far you're concerned. What's the
matter with you these days. anyhow"
For a moment, didn't know what to say.
And when 1 can't think of an answer any
quicker than that must be pretty thoroughly
habbergasted There was an afwu1 and dra-
matte pause. It of those pauSes
where your heart beats like thunder-and the
silence seems to yell at you-and sweat beads
your carcass. Then, found my tongue
Depression Mr. Siler, It's the depreSsioni
How can +"
"Stopl" The old man held up his hands
and glared at me again. "Depression--my
grandmother" he snarled
/ did some more slumping.
young man, I'm going to give you just "a
hours to pull yourself out of it, Depression
Stokes is doing well; Lamborn is doing well;
the other boys are getting by. You're the
only one that's down in the run1ps HuInph!
Know Mrs. SYinegarten, don't you?"
I sat up real straight and sudden-hke.
horrible suspicion flashed through my mind.
Did I know Mrs. Swinegarten? Who, ip
oface didn't know her? She and her jeIyfish
husband had plenty of money. But, they lost
half their fortune in the 90 Grassland they
hadn't bought anything since. Stokes had
bod ham hna 7 HIN0rF7 bod
Siler himself. Every had failed But, the
old man just wouldn't give up. Selling Mrs.
Swinegarten had become an obsesson with
him. He had tried her at different times on
everything from giit-edge bonds to Contact
Mines, Incl glanced at Siler. He was smil-
ing again-gloating my perturbation.
My boy" he said, Mrs. Swinegarten is
your opportunity. She knocks but once-and
is knocked often! Ha. hal"
I felt if I would like to murder him.
The old man seemed to be enjoying himself
thoroughly. He took out his watch and studied
it. His face sobered.
Jack, it's just minutes to 9. Before 9
O'Clock tomorrow night you are to sell Mrs.
Swinegarten and bring me the proof, or-you'n
not show your face around this house again so
long you live! Do you understand me?"
I did He meant every word that he said,
but couldn't give up without some semblance
of battle. The thought came to me that
Sadie might be enlisted on my side. 1t would
be worth trying, anyhow.
Papa Siler seemed to read my mind. He
strode to the door between the living room
and dining room, and swung it open His
daughter was standing there, waiting.
Sadie, my darling!" 1 exclaimed. holding
out my arms to her But she didn't move.
Just stood there looking at me sorrewfully. I
felt as though many minutes passed before
any one moved or spoke Then Sadie said:
Jack, I've thought 1t all over and have de-
cided that papa is right. You're just neer-
unless you can show real manhood within the
next "a hours, we had better break our en-
gagement'
She paused momentarily, and smiled at me
rather sadlY-a wan little smile that made my