The Washington times., 1937-08-09


would contribute cold roast
turkey. and the quartet Of old:
sters would just have a time OF
it there in the cosy warmth OF
the Trimble house-on-wheelS.
You might wonder that they
didn't once in a while take ad-
vantage of Nils comfortable
home a few steps away, but they
never did. A trailer, somehow,
was more adventurous. 1t gave
Mil and Herman a sense OF
deviltry and also a sense OF corn
radeShlp that years OF IlVlnS
next door to one another never
had impaired.
One day Mr.. Trimble was called
away to a neighborlng city on
business. He had never been
separated from his wife and
didn't propose to begin at this
late date. But there was no
sense in packing up and driving
the trailer when they were not
ready yet to resume wandering.
So they decided to leave it be-
hind. Mr.. Trimble made a 5pe-
cial point of requesting Mil to
look after it and Mrs. Trlmble
did the same thing with Her
man.
Mil sat down to a lonesome
supper the first night the Trim
bles were away. Shed been ac-
customed more or less to taking
a snack with them at their out
door table. Now she was alone.
She didn't like it. The thought
of dining with Herman just
never suggested itself. She fried
a couple of eggs, made toast and
tea, and ate in solitary state.
1t was past dark by the time
she got around to the Trimb.e
trailer to tidy up and make sure.
everything was all right. To het
surprise a light was burning
within. She opened the dor and
there was Herman stretched out
in the comfortable lounging
chair with his feet on the card
table.
We'll, Her1n Bucher, you sol
a nerve, I must say" she said.
What are you talking about,
Mil Toothacre? I got a nerve!
Who asked you over here, may
I ask?"
Il don't hafta be ast. I'm
the owner of this here camp"
Now, Mil, hold your hosseS
Miz Trimble ast me to sort of
keep an eye on their stuff
and that's what I'm up to
doin'. I'm right glad to see
you. Had your supper?"
Yes, Herm. I've ct. That
seems right funny"
What seems right funny?"
SPECIAL PAINT
why, Mr.. Trimble made a
special point of aStin' me to
look after their things"
We'll, I reckon you can stand
me around if I can stand you,
Mil. These here trailerS are
right nice. wouldn't mind
owning one myself"
They're nice to see the
country in. I'm thinkin' some
of buyin' one in mebbe a year
or two"
"Thinkin' of selling out, are
you? Because if y are"
NO, I amt, and that's the
word with the bark on it."
We'll, I'll tell you what I'm
gonna do. Mil. Talkin' con-
tracts already. I'm gonna clear
10 acres of mine and nave a
trailer camp of my own. With
big gas station along with it.
Better look lively"
We'll, I might've knowed.
You'll spoil everything for both
of US. No more 500 games.
Why, Herm, do you realize
that it's only in the last couple
of months that you and I have
really got acquainted though
we've been next door neighbors
goin' on 20 years?"
"Sho, now, Mil, I was only
foolin' you. Just to see how
you'd take it. Nope, what I'm
gonna to do is go trailerin'
myself. Next summer. I'm
hittin for Wyoming and the
mountains. Allus wanted to
see Yellowstone Park. The
TrimbleS are gonna be ther.
too"
Mil Toothacre glanced through
the open window. A stray
breeze was frelghted with the
scent of orange blossoms. Lights
cleaned gai!y through the
orderly thoroughfares of the
little trailer city. She glanced
at Herm Bucher. He was big
ana strong and dependable like
herself He could crack jokes
too. She'd never dreamed he
had it in him TO keep her laugh
inP a whole. evening through.
The stories he could tell her of
his early life. He'd been around.
that man. Funny how you can
live next door neighborS with
a body and never know 'em.
''Miz Trimb,e is the happiest
woman ever knew" she sighed.
Il reckon her and I are about
OF an age"
Her and you. Mil? Why.
she's 20 years older'n you. You
got your life ahead O. you, Mil.
What YOU ought to do isis"
Well. out with it, Herm
BuCher What should I ought
to do?"
Get married, that's what,
Mil TO0tharre. And have some