Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1935-08-02

SuQQonly WlQe as Cnoy IldSneu upWdTu'
"What kind of hard luck, Uncl'
Jack?"
The M. F. H. coughed, looked ava!
and shifted little uneasily. "Oh
nothing" he muttered, ooh, nothing
at all-business matter"
But Helena Merwin's curiosity wa
not to be stayed. "Look, Uncle Jack
Tell me please" she pleaded. :"
really want to understand. Il
we'll, used to know Peter very well
once upon time"
Jack Douglas shrewd old eyes mar
rowed a little, then he sighed ant
launched forth into brief but accur
ate description Of Pete's financial
woes and of the bitter struggle fol
the Patuxent Dam contract. WheI
he concluded, Helena Merwin's large
blue eyes fixedly regarded the floor
and on her carmine lips was queer
tight little smile.
"But Uncle Jack, you say the blow
only fell today" she murmured. "It's
a wonder you heard so soon. "
"I'm on the state board of inspec-
tors" he explained uncomfortably
That's how 1 happened to know. We
were notified of the result. It's too
bad" he added. "Peter's company
has a far better reputation than the
winning crowds. Yes, it's a wicked
shame; poor Peter needs twenty thou
sand dollars as badly as man can.
I've heard he's been trying to borrow,
but since the market crash not soul
in Baltimore's got sou to spare.
only wish I could help him."
The M. F. HIS gaze searched the
face before him and paused, almost
significantly, on the priceless jeweled
gown Helena wore. Twenty thousand
dollars-how little it must mean to
the Merwin heiress!
cit certainly seems too bad," was
Helena's noncommittal reply, but her
shapely brows (slender twin arch Of
black nearly joined in a thoughtful
frown. ooh bother-w
A man in the green livery Of the
Medford had come up flushed and
eager. Cali right, Billy, if you insist.
Thank you, Uncle Jack" And she
whirled off, light and laughing.
A short, squarely built man in even
ing dress sauntered up to where Peter
stood moodily watching Cara dance
once more with Martin James.
He'll, Pete," he grinned, with slight
ly alcoholic affection. "Good to see you
the big dam builder? ?"
Little wrinkles of good humor ap-
peared at the corners of Peters gray
eyes. "Not guilty to the Indictment"
he grinned. "I'm sorry, but James got
the job away from me, Ned"
Ned Baldwin's face betrayed perfume
tory sympathy. "Too bad," he said.
what were you talking to the human
icicle about?" w.
Human icicle?"
eyes, Helena Marwin. That gal
makes a fish seem like cuddle-some
puppy. Never seen her look twice at
a man nor has anyone else-she's
polite but definite. I wonder if she's
got a scrap of warmth in her whole
pretty body?"
you're all wrong" replied Peter
tolerantly, his eyes busy on Cara.
"Helena's good stuff, I've known her
for years-and I've never noticed any
offishness about her."
Ned Baldwin frowned impatiently.
"Oh, I'll bet you'd say a good word
for the devil" he reproached. "Hell,
everyone knows Sister Helena's the
most refrigerated bit of good looking
statuary in Maryland! At least she
was before she deserted us years ago
how times flies!" Baldwin sighed a
trifle enviously as 3rd man came up
affable red faced and with also slight
ly hilarious manner.
Peter smiled and held out his hand.
Hello, Bill where did you catch the
bun?"
Found it," he said, "lyin' around
the locker room. Plenty of nice little
buns over there. What are you boys
jawing about?"
"The chill and beautous Helena Mer-
win," Ned Baldwin gravely informed
the newcomer. "Shockin' scandal! I
actually found her with Pete here"
"The devil you say!" The man call
ed Bill exploded into throaty chuck
les that shook his powerful blue coat
ed figure. "Call the sledge dogs!
Must have been a great sight seeing
two little icebergs, together"
ooh, lay off protested Peter
flushing, "Helen's no iceberg and
Bill wapped a derisiye warning fin.