Evening star., 1933-01-01
Jim Sanders Notion
By Landon Key
There Is Surprise in This New Year Story, and
1t Is One of The Star Magazines First-Run
Fiction Series.

it used to be. Miss wingate. what1l I get
first?"
The girl laughed. Perhaps it would be bet
ter II I knew something of your plans" she
suggested
There amt much plan to it, guess. The
thing is I've just bought house-up on the
heights-and now I've got to furnish tt"
Miss Wingate had little difficulty in con-
cealing her surprise. "Oh-on the heightsl"
she murmured.
Jim Sanders nodded. Yes You see Clara
that's Mrs Sunderland me have been mar
red 80 years, 80 years today" Jim Sanders
paused while Miss Wingate expressed her con-
gratulations. "And got the notion, her being
away and SO forth, that she ought to nave
something little nicer, So bought the new
house and George Aiken promised to have
everything ready: water turned on lights ON,
house warm and clean-this and that-ready
right of. And by tonight-that's when
Clara's train gets in-I want you to have the
furniture in, the whole thing hooked up ana
running Jim Sanders paused, shifted salts
fiedly, and then added: That's the idea, Miss
Wingate. Sort of Happy New Year to Clara"
Miss Wingates, eyes danced. Such an order.
and such an intriguing task! I'VE can do it,
Mr.. Sanders" she told him enthusiastically
Then I guess I'll start buying-oh, yesl-
woman out to the house to kind of superin-
tend? You know he continued hesitantly,
Il amt much on that
Don't worry an instant Miss Wingate
bade him. her eyes still shining. IN be there
myself-wouldn't miss 1t for worldsi"
Then whatn we begin on?" asked the
amazing Mr.. Sanders. settling himself more
comfortably
4 Ar. DAVID STEERS, president of the First
wi National Bank, had had hard morning.
Therefore he sat at his desk frowning. After
a time Mr. David Steers became aware that
his vision included some one. So, Mr.. Steers
not allowing his frown to relax, glanced up.
But the some one" was not abashed
Hello. Dave" said Jim Sanders.
"Oh-hello, Jim" Mr.. David Steers frown
instantly disappeared and he held the swing
door wide. Come in" he added cordially.
Wasn't piannin' murder, or anything, was
you Daye?" questioned Jim Sanders, eyes spark
ling mischievousy.
MFR. Steers laughed, and then suddenly sober
ed. Not quite that. Jim." he answered. but
IL people would only practice little care IN
stead of throwing their money away-wen, It
would be easier for bankers Mr.. Steers
reached into drawer and extracted box OF
cigars. Have cigar Jirn-whats your
mind?"
Jim Sanders accepted his third cigar that
morning, lit it, and chuckled good -humoredly.
That's exactly what's on my mind Dave:
I've been spending money-makin' II hard for
bankers"
MIR. Steers laughed. Unless you've been
trying to initiate a sailor ashore I guess we
stand it."
Jim Sanders eyes twinkled. "A sailor
ashore would be a piker compared to me TINS
morning"
Again Mr. Steers laughed, this time little
uncertainty. Jim Sanders wasn't acting quite
like himself. he thought. How much have
you spent, Jim?"
"oh, hardly know, Dave Jim Sanders was
bland Twelve or thirteen thousand may
be-.
He was interrupted by a long-draw whistle
Holy cats, mani This Is a spree"
"Spreel" exclaimed Jim Sanders. That's the
word! That's exactly tim spending
spree. First time in my life, too. And while
I'm on 1t thought I'd better drop In and fix
up that little nest egg for Dorothy. You see
Dave, all Clara and me want left is enough to
keep US. and the girl is about finished at the
conservatory, and"
Start at the beginning, Jim, pleased" ex-
claimed the startled Mr. Steers staring be-
whereby. Whereupon Jim Sanders did start
from the beginning
But there vas nothing of the suspicious
financier in the attitude of the listening Mr.
Steers. He knew Jim Sanders-they had been
boys together. He remembered when Jim had
started the mill, and the long years of toll
which had gone into its modest success. So it
was with friendly curiosity and quiet thrill
that ne heard the obviously happy man relate
the events of the morning. And when Jim
Sanders was leaving he shook his hand heartily,
maybe little enviously
III get that matter about Dorothy ready
for lawyer, Jim-and there'l be little delay