Montana oil and mining journal. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1931-1953, 1937-08-28

into Delaware, with Mary leaning
heavily against the oVercoat.
Gosh" he said. ''Newcastlel Thirsty?
Want to stop a minute?"
Elastic minute :. 1t grew to great,
wet proportions.
Mary was crying when they climbed
once more into the car. Don't stop
get another-Oh Mac, hold mel"
He held her then. Hard and fast.
Too close.
aI'm crazy about you, Mac" She
was hySterical, but Mac did not notice.
Keep me with you love you"
"A1l right" he said loudly, and his
jaw contracted "All right-what the
he'll. You aren't afraid to say what
you mean, and"
Macs head was Keeling, his throat
on fire. He talked a great deal, driving
furiously the while. They came to Elk
ton, Md, village which has nothing
to distinguish 1t save q number of oddly
placed signs. Signs denying that mar
riages are made in heaven. On porch
rails, tackled upon trees, even on the
curbStone:
Minister. Marriages performed here.
You close your eyes; and grab.
The car choked as they stopped.
Come on Mac whispered. "This
looks like a good one"
On a creaky wooden porch Mary
chung to him. THE house is dark. What
are we :. :"
Gonna get married" Mac giggled,
and the words seemed to come from his
feet. 'Swhat you said, wasn't it,"
Mac. I want"
'Ssh-here's the preacher :"
He remembered laughing. It was SO
darned funny to see three men, all
exactly alike, open the door. All sort
of blurred. Three short, fat men who
need 8 shave and the sleep washed
from their eyes; three pudgy hands ex-
tended in greeting to perfect strangers.
But no. There was only one man.
And the stuffy odor Of stale air in
somebody's parlor and NANCY
Christmas tree, its glory gone. Christ
mas was over
The only recollection which remained
of last night-after the ministers
gas station at a crossroad, and sleet,
and radio blaring that tune from the
Frolics: Don't Make Monkey Out
of Me-"
A fine tune that; appropriate /
Mac hurried TO the garage. Geraldine
was there, all right.
Then the telephone rang, and he ran
ready the irate wife, demanding to /
know why he had left her. Mary.
The whole world stood still. Mac
tried to speak, but no words came.
is that you, Mac? This is"
II know" the boy said. How are
Deborah Curtis laughed. zine. But
what's the matter with, your
Nothing. Listen, Deb. where are
.T'm at home" Her voice sparkIed.
Who's dead, Bluebeard?"
Mac said, Nobody. It's worse than
that"
''If you've been kicked out Of school,"
did. Il know where you can get the
job. Truly, I've done a lot
Of thinking, Mac about US.
Hold on a minute" He could not
stand her going tender. II may as
wen ten you quick. I'm married funny
face"
he waited. Deb neither spoke nor
slammed up the receiver. They we're
both numb
At last Mac said, "Deb. are you stiIl
there1 Did you hear me2"
SO small her voice Yes I heard.
Well Congratulations.
he wanted 10 cry. Deb-not that way,
1ari1ngl Say you hate me. wish I'd
drop dead. But don't be casual this
lime.
1t was no small feat to organize
words. Thanks. It was sort Of sudden.
But want you TO remember-No. That
friends, you and /, Deb. hope youIl
et me come 70 sec you while you're
"Oh. yes" came the polite reply.
Mother and wiz look forward toll