The Washington times., 1937-12-28

wages over there. He'll get al
Doris waited tor him to con
tinue, but he started to fill hi!
pipe. Finally she asked nervous
ly: rs that all, dad? Aren't vol
glad2 Aren't you going to con
gratulate me?"
When he remained silent, she
went across the room. and perch
ing on the arm of his chair, went
on teasingly: Aren't you going
to tell me the things every pro
speCtive bride ought to knoW?'
The old man put his arm about
her.
Dad. you don't like Ernie. You
don't want me to marry him
You've never been friendly with
him. You're not very pleased
now. What's wrong with Ernie?'
Ernie Rehm," her father re-
Piled, lis a mean man"
Dad. I thought you were going
to tell me that Ernie forged
checks, or took dope"
MEAN MAN
Nope. Ernies honest far as I
know. And shrewd. But he's
mean, Doris"
Don't worry, dad, he's not
mean to me. Cheer up and get
ready to greet him with a smile,
for he's coming over soon. How
do you know he's mean?"
He overworks his m e n,
Doris"
Those men are lazy"
and he docks them for his
own mistakes"
You don't know Ernie's side!"
and I saw him shoot hunt
ing dog once that lost bird"
Hes nice to Jumper" She
stroked the head of the wire
haired terrier who ran to her on
hearing his name. Isn't he,
Jumper?"
"Mebbe," said the old man.
"Mebbe. Jumper amt lost no
birds for Ernie"
Next morning dad was doing
over his problem in the warm sun,
when suddenly a clamor rose in
the backyard.
He could distinguish Jumpers
short, angry yelps, sometimes
clear, sometimes muffled, and the
shouts of a familiar masculine
voice.
Dad got around the house in
time to disengage Jumpers teeth
from the right leg of Johnnie Hal
Ter, the grocer's BOY, before any
damage was done.
Thought you and Jumper was
friends, Johnnie" said dad, hold,
ing the excited terrier back.
How'd this happen?"
Il don't know, Mr.. Haney. I
stopped to pet him, and he
grabbed my leg and wouldn't let
60"
HIN, that's funny. Did he
scratch you?"
Johnnie pulled up his pants and
examined his ankle. Nope. Just
got the cloth"
GETS AN IDEA
Dad Harey watched Johnnie S
examination of the trousers, and
suddenly his eyes frightened. He
got up, holding Jumper, still
growing. under his arm.
Here's a quarter, son." he said,
'your leg amt hurt and your
pants amt tore. I think you and
Jumper'lI get along all right If
you change them pants"
And still holding Jumper under
his arm, dad went into the house
Whistling.
At SUPPER Doris wondered at his
cheerfulness.
Dad, you look ten years
younger, and happier than you
have in weeks. What's up? Get
ting used to Ernie?"
"Ernie's all right. I guess. I
met him just as he was comm out
of the mill at o'clock. Happened
to be going to the post office my
self
asked, him to come around
early tonight. I'll show him
around the place while you're
dressing. He might want to see
what his new homes going to be
like. Aim to live here, dontcha,
Doris?"
I've been worried about that,
Dad. Ernie and 1 have talked
about it. and he'd like to-"
Sure. Save him rent"
Dad! 1 thought you were 60
ing to be nice!"
worry?'
Il wasn't sure you and Ernie
would get along"
We'll get along dandy. Now
you go upstairs and put on your
things, and I'll wait for Ernie. u
when Ernie came in. Dad Haney
met him at the door and handed
him a cigar.
SHOWS HOUSE
Doris is upstairs, Ernie. Well
Just have a look at the place, SC
you'll know what we've got here
May as we'll feel at home, I guess.
Down in the cellar he explained
the whims peculiar to the furnace
They argued pleasantly over the
number of tons Of coal required
for the winter.
Upstairs they traded theories
on ventilation and refrigeration
Ernie expanded under dads I'm
accustomed friendlinesS.
Suppose we go out in back
Ernie, and look at the garage.
think it'll hold two cars. but vel
have a look