The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1935-08-15
HELP FROM
JULIAN
g
By r. II. WILKINSON
G. Bell syndicate.-wNU Service.

trying to kiss Mia Crandon.
Julian had been Nita's hero.
At the time of the eye blackening
the pair had been aged twelve and
eight respectively.
Now they were twenty-six and TWEEN
ty-two, and the situation hadn't
changed great deal
That is to say. Nita still looked
upon Julian as a protector, con-
fidant, and an adviser.
A role which Julian filed willingly
and capably,
Today as Nita sat before her bed
room window and looked out across
the lawn of her fathers estate, across
the highway and along the drive that
led to the home of Julian's father
and the abiding place Of Julian him
self, her expression was one OF for
lorn distress.
At the moment she needed Julian's
help and counsel more than ever be-
fore. Yet she was reluctant to seek
him out.
1t was possible, she thought, that
Julian might not take kindly to this
most important of all requests.
1t was possible he'd laugh at her,
chide her, make light Of the situation.
That would hurt.
And to be hurt right now, especial
ly by Julian, would be torture.
Nita took the time to reflect back
to the day when Julian had blackened
the eye of the town bully in her de-
tense.
From this point forward her
thoughts followed her own and Jul
ian's career to the conclusion of gram
mar school, through high school,
through college, and the years that
followed after graduation.
And not once could she remember
time when Julian had failed to come
to her aid, either voluntarily or at her
request.
He had been noble, kind, thoughtful,
always considerate and concerned
with her problems as much as though
they had been his own.
No, she decided, he would not fail
her now.
Not Julian.
No matter what the nature of her
troubles might be.
a; And so Nita climbed down from the
window seat. arranged her hair, pow
dered her nose, caught up wrap and
went out.
She found Julian down on the shore
of the lake that bordered on the Mer-
RE place.
He was tinkering with motor of
an old power boat.
His hands were greasy and his face
was streaked.
He seemed to be on the point of
evaporation, yet at Nita's step he
looked up, and at sight Of her the ex-
asperated look departed and was re-
placed by a cheerful and welcoming
grin.
Hello" he said, sitting down on the
gunwale
Glad you dropped over Soon's as
1 get this old tub fixed I'll give you a
ride"
Nita did not return the grin.
She sat down on the wharf's edge,
letting her feet dangle, and stared
soberly out over the shimmering blue
of the lake.
Julian puckered his brow into a
frown, ceased idly drumming with
hammer handle on the gunwale, and
waited. He knew the signs.
Presently Nita said, without looking
up:
Julian, ever since we've been kids
I've come to you with my problems,
heaped my burdens on your shoulders.
And you've always been kind and help
full. Always sort of-looked after
me-"
Julian scratched his chin with a
grimy forefinger.
Sure, Nita, why not? You've al
ways been like a sister to me. Why
shouldn't / look after you?"
Nita gnawed at her lips and hesitat-
ed. Then:
Julian, I'm in trouble now, and
you've got to help me-"
Julian slid down on the wharf close
beside her.
"Of course, Mia"
Nita turned and looked at him
isQuarely.
Julian, I'm in lover
Julian's jaw sagged open.
Surprise, pain, incredulity came into
his eyes and were replaced by blank
astonishment.
"In love, Mia You! In love! Nita,
for heavens sake"
Nita suddenly looked away.
81 knew you wouldn't believe me;
knew you wouldn't take me seriously.
ooh, Julian, can't you understand that
its driving me insanew
Julian gulped and laid grimy hand
on her white frock.
"But Nita, do understand. OF
course. You took me by surprise. l.
well, it always seemed-that is-who
is he, Mia? Why don't you marry
him?"
Nita buried her face in her hands.
"That's just 1t. That's why I came
to you. He won't ask mel"
I won't ask you'll You mean he
doesn't love you! Why, the skunk,
i11l--just tell me his name! He can't
get away with thing like thatr
Don't be absurd, Julian. You can't
use violence in case such as this.
You can't force man to love a girl!