The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1933-10-20

her once more.
Shouldn't I go to the police?"
she asked.
That might be very embarrass-
ing for your sister. Why don't you
try the employment agencies first
the easily accessible ones where
you'd be likely to go if you were
looking for work? That's the place
where you'll probably find her. Ill
give you a list Of addresses.
While she was writing, the Trav-
elers' Aid representative glanced at
Joans white, anxious face and said
kindly, you look very tired. my
dear. We could make you comfort
able in our rooms downtown until
you decide where you want 10 stay.
Thank you. You are very kind
but I think I'd better get settled
right away"
There's a very nice womans
hotel I can send you to. It's not
expensive and it's near the heart
of the city" The woman wrote
down the address and handed the
SIP Ol paper W OOoAls
A short while later Joan was es-
tablished in a decorous little room,
fastidiously neat. with ruffled cur
tains at the window to add a home
like touch. Bue she did not feel
at home. She was unutterably
lonely and discouraged and heart
sick
She went to the window and
looked out, but turned away with
a shudder. Pat was so young to
be alone in this great, bewilder-
ing place, spread like an enor-
nous, glittering net about her Pat
was alone here tonight, just as Joan
was. Poor little brave, unhappy
Pat!
Joan's head was throbbing. She
decided to go to bed. Tomorrow
she would begin her search for Pat,
the search which must succeed
soon! Joan got into bed, turning
her face against the pillow which
was soon wet with tears.
1.-TWO weeks of loneliness, of small
Il bills mounting to large ones.
Two weeks Of stifled fears and de-
termined courage. Joan became con-
scious of commissioning glances
when she entered the hotel lobby.
She passed through the lobby on
her way to the street, through it
again to go to her room. The process
seemed mechanical. 1t was so ex-
actly the same every day.
She had visited all the employ
ment agencies on the list given her
by the Travellers Aid representative
and many others, as well.
She had interviewed personnel
managers in department stores. She
had searched crowds on the streets
until her eyes ached, her heart leap
ing at the sight of every slender,
blond girl who for a moment looked
like Pat.
She had inserted a message in
the classified columns of a morn
ing and evening newspaper, begging
Pat to call her She had tried every
means she could think of to find
her sister, every means that had
been suggested to her, and she had
failed.
J0an's face was thin and worn
from strain, worry and WEAKNESS.
One day at noon she sat in a
small restaurant on Broadway, eat
ing a frugal meal of soup and
crackers and milk. Her thoughts
were running their troubled course.
Her funds were very low. Unless
she could find work she must return
home soon. Counting pennies and
practicing petty economies would
not help much longer.
L can't leave without Pat!"
Joan thought desperately. I'll
stand in the bread line first"
Two girls, attractive. lf-assured,
with the unmistakable stamp of
those who earn their own way in
the world. sat down at the table.
Their animated chatter flowed
about Joan. 1t was Saturday aft
ernoon and the girls were planning
to attend a movie.
Have you seen Norma Shearer
at the CapiUol?" one of them asked,
turning to Joan. She's SWELL"
Joan shook her head. 1--WE been
~ too busy to see any shows late
~" Then on impulse. she asked.
DO you know where I could get
a job?"
Both girls stared. you've got
to hustle to grab a job these
days" one of them volunteered.
You need a never take-no' look
in your eyes What can you do?"
L can sing" Joan answered,
wondering a little that she felt
no resentment at the others cas-
ual manner. She added. Il nave
coached students preparing for
college"