Evening star., 1936-08-08
G<rVRMc e
E&'@JQAN q
= ey JOSEPH MccoRD

Not caring to intrude upon the one
visible member of the household,
Deeds turned away to his own small
room and flung himself on the bed
to consider this newest aspect Of life
at Layland cottage.
He would have been more puzzled
over the days events had he seen
Joan leave the roadster at Waples
Beach, after q silent trip over the
highway that paralleled the shore.
As she made ready to alight, she
paused to remark In q listless tone:
II suppose there was a reason
something you wanted to say"
mo nothing in particular.
Gene smiled, as If an amusing thought
occurred to him. You know, did
ask your friend to come along. He
turned me down. but you might give
me q little credit"
I'D rather know" Joan looked at
him steadily.
MY dear suggested the ride
because I thought there might be
something you wished to say to me.
After all"
Joan stepped from the car. turned
away without replying.
y y
The reflections of Deeds McCune
were cut short in much the manner
he expected Shutting footsteps in
the hall were followed by a spirited
rapping on the door. He swung his
feet out on the floor and sat scowling.
Come in
The door was pushed open and DR..
John Elledge stood blinking on the
threshold. He was draped in a kimono
embroidered in gay colors and his
bare feet were thrust into straw
slippers.
My dear chap!" he exclaimed.
please accept my apologies for"
Quite all right" Deeds interrupted.
But it is not! I neglected to tell
Sloan you were calling on us :. my
fault. I expected to be at home, but
had just stepped down the hall"
Il understand" the younger man
assured him. His amusement at the
spectacle his guest presented over
came his first annoyance. sit down,
won't you?"
Thanks, no. I shall go back to
my room and make myself trifle
more presentable -. for the pleasure
of your company"
Perhaps we'd better postpone the
CALL" Deeds suggested. III be glad
to drop in another time when your
brother is expecting me- Perfectly
all right. Have a cigarette? I'm
sorry have nothing else to offer"
Il don't indulge in either.
Two of my few virtues But I will sit
down for few moments"
The doctor eased himself into the
rooms one easy chair with a sigh
and drew his silk robe over his fat
knees.
I'm incredibly sorry this hap
pened," he began, staring hard at his
host. But perhaps it is just as well
for you to discover that my brothers
affliction makes him -. a bit cratic
at times"
L unQeTStdnQ.
HE can be a very charming COM
panion when he's in the mood. His
friends learn to make allowances"
'Of course. I trust that his stay
is proving beneficial" Deeds added
politely.
Perhaps" DR.. John wagged his
bald head doubtfully. Some days,
he seems quite like his old self :.
others -. well. they're not encourag-
ing I do my best for him, but it's
trying"
He is lucky to have you with him."
Deeds suggested. Since the physician
seemed not averse to talking, the
younger man ventured to seek a little
information. Are you in active prac-
tice?" he asked.
Yes and no. Sloan was for a
number of years. General practi-
tioneer :. very successful, ! might
say. I have my degree and went
in with my brother more Of an
assistant than anything else. My
own hobby Is biogenetics spent
most Of my time puttering about in
my little laboratory. Working on
several theories of my own. Since
Sloan's breakdown have devoted
myself to him mainly. Very fortu-