Evening star., 1936-08-23
August %. 1895

put back his head and suddenly let
out long cackle of mirth.
That" he said. lis more what I'd
expect from you. I understand" he
added. that you have broken all
records in the bathing suits. Tell me
just how you did it.
II turned on the heat" she said
briefly. He stared at her open
mouthed and laid down the cigar
which had been halfway to his lips.
That was smartr' he exclaimed.
''Darned smartr'
But Arizona seemed Indifferent to
his praise. for she was looking at Mr..
Spratt's desk on which rested the
evidence against her. and the cigarette
stub had caught her eye. On it the
initials 7. S. were plainly visible. So
Tony was the culprit! The darned
maverick, he d had no more sense than
to 60 get himself in wrong on his first
working day! All but burned up the
store because he didn't know a simple
rule like not smoking on duty. If the
old man noticed those initials he'd
probably throw his son out and they'd
both be back where they'd started.
"Yes sirg' Mr.. Spratt was saying.
that was very darned smart Of you.
Listen, Pardner. you are the kind Of
girl we need in this store. I hate to
let you 60 and wish you would clear
up this incident satisfactorily because,
otherwise. I don't see how I can keep
your! Arizona sighed heavily.
II hate to CO." she said. but I'm
practically on the trail right now. I did
smoke that cigarette, MIR. Spratt."
There was a short. uncomfortable
silence while the old man tapped the
edge of his desk. frowning thought
fully. Then a sudden commotion in
the next room was followed by the
dramatic entrance of Miss Crocher.
Her customary poise was gone and a
food of tears had played havoc with
her heavy makeup.
II made them let me inr' she
pouted. "Oh. MIR. Spratt - that ciga-
rette - never mind the monogram ON
it! Pay no attention because was
the one who lit it. I must have done
it in daze, and I wouldn't hurt him
for the -"
"Heyr said Arizona. getting to her
feet and shaking Miss Crocher by both
shoulders, you're loco! You've been
sick and you don't know what you're
saying. It's mighty nice of you. sister.
but I've already confessed, thanks
just the samer'
Mr.. Spratt looked from one girl
to the other in bewilderment, and then
producing huge pair of steel-rimmed
spectacles. examined the cigarette
stub through them. The vibrancy of
the whistle he let out was astonishing,
and his hand closed over the stub.
coucealing it.
"Ahemr' said he. Miss Crocher,
wait outside pleased I want to speak
to this young lady alone"
Miss Crocher, with one astonished
look, fed as she had come. and as soon
as the door had closed behind her the
old man leaned across his desk and
shot question at Arizona.
"You don't use ipstick. do your
he demanded.
why nor she retorted. Il have no
call tor
Neither does my son. Tonyr' said
Mr.. Spratt. Then he laid the cigarette
out on the desk before her, turning it
over slowly. On the lower side was
thick smudge Of red. Arizona stared
at it wordlessly.
1T was nice of you to do it." said
Mr.. Spratt softly. Mice. both timesl
Miss Crocher III leave to the psychi-
artist. but you 80"
Still Arizona did not speak and the
room became heavy with an eloquent
silence which was broken at last by
Mr.. Spratt.
"Ahemr' he said. Miss West, we