Evening star., 1933-02-12
INSTALLMENT I.

NSTALLMENT l.
-HE twilight of Midsummer evening
was deeping as sedan, heavily loaded
with baggage, drew into Youngs
Service Station. The 16-year-old boy
at the wheel shut of the motor as
another boy Of about his own age
hurried up to the gasoline pump, dofing his
cap and uncovering head of curly brown hair.
Good evening"" greeted the boy at the pump
with friendly grin. How many, please?"
Keith Parker glanced at the gauge on the
dashboard. Better put In 10 gallons" he re-
piled. Then he leaned back in the seat,
stretched his arms over his head. yawned
prodigiously, and ended up by slapping the
shoulder Of the girl beside him.
Tired, Sis?" he inquired.
Ready to drop" replied Jean Parker. She
turned to look at her mother and father in the
rear seat. How about you folks? Aren't you
about ready to stop for the day?"
At that moment the curly-headed boy who
had filled the gas tank stepped up. Shall
I check your oil?" he inquired in his soft
Southern voice.
"No, thanks, 1 think it's all right" Keith re-
piled
Mr.. Parker leaned forward and paid the bill.
The boy ran into the service station to get
change, and glanced at their license plate as
he returned.
Thank you," he said, tipping his cap again.
"You-an have come a long way from home"
I'VE certainly have" replied Mr.. Parker.
by the way Is the Chiffon Springs Hotel the
best place to stay around here? It's about 20
miles ahead, isn't it?"
Nineteen miles," replied the boy. why yes
it's right good hotel, but they're usually
awfully crowded at this time of year. reckon
you can get in, though"
4 lRS. PARKER Joined in the conversation
M isn't there some place here where we
could stay tonight?" she inquired. I'm sick
Of these resort hotels"
WELL" said the boy, "the hotel here isn't
much to boast Of But there are two or three
hne places for tourists-private homes. There's
Mrs. Hardy's, back on the highway about q
mile. Then two blocks ahead is Shadyrest.
Mrs. Hawkins runs that. It's a nice place, but
she'll probably talk your head of. And then
my mother puts up tourists now and then.
We're down this next side street. It's very
quiet there, and the rooms are nice and clean.
don't want to seem to be trying to influence
you, but will say that Ma is the best cook in
this town, and you-al sureswould have q fine
breakfast"
Mr. Parker chuckled. He eyed the boy keen
ly. sizing him up judging the sort of home he
would probably come from.
How about some supper? Could she arrange
that?" he inquired
= The boy nodded. "She sure could" he said
enphatically. II can call her up and tell her.
She won't take people in unless recommend
them, but You folks look good to me-"
Mr. Parker laughed once more. "And I'm
willing to take a chance on you, and on your
mothers cooking" he replied. He turned TO
the others. How about 1t? Does that suit
you folks?"
There were murmurs Of assent. Jean, who
had been regarding the boys ood-looking face
with approval. much to the sly amusement OF
her brother, did more than murmur. She spoke
outright in favor of the plan.
A MOMENT later arrangements were COM
~ pleted. The boy, who told them his name
was Bob Young, gave them directions and they
soon pulled up before q spotlessly clean white