Evening star., 1937-01-10


at all unlikely that he had been labelled un-
desirable by the American Government and
told to get out" roughly.
He left the Club at one O'Clock and for
the first time since he had bought his home
went to it with reluctant feet.
How are you, sir? This is simply fine"
A strong warm hand was outstretched and
behind it was Derek Bollington, well-dressed
and confident. Thinner, yes. but hard and
fit and with look, Immediately recognized,
of quiet self-respect. About his whole ap-
pearance, the way he stood, the tilt of his
chin, the contentment round his mouth, there
was an amazing change. There was nothing of
the Derek with the restless, mischievous eyes.
the practised exploiter of charm. He had
grown, as his father acknowledged with what
was joyful shock, into typical Bollington.
He might have been Commissioner enjoying
wel-earned leave.
my dear Derek."
My dear Father"
And as they stood with clasped hands they
were watched by Mrs. Bollington with 81
told-you-so' on her face. BY prayer and by
unshakable faith she had earned the right to
this.
But all three were extremely glad that
luncheon was announced.
The fatted calf was unneeded but bottle
of wine was right. Going with key to the
sideboard Bollington brought one out and
tipped some into his own glass before filling
his wife's. 1t was the wine ceremony even
il only with modest claret. And then there
was talk of the weather and with awe there
fore of those CHASTITY cold rains from which
they had only just emerged; of the crossing
and the ship. All this lightly and casually and
with the extraordinary ordinariness which
must follow pulsating scenes.
But the question of questions was held
back until the sweets.
Shall you return to America"
Derek said "You bet." 1t brought the old
winning smile.
Two or three months or so?"
mo such luck. A week."
"Derek! Only week."
I'm in the motor game. It's heading for
a boom. I've got to get in on the wave"
He spoke with all the keenness of high
executive. But saw the chance of a quick
trip and snapped it right away. I've worked
without down and felt the urge for a
rest and 50 OF course came across. l wanted
to see mother - and you. I've wanted to do
that badly since - well. nearly all the time,
but didn't write or drop down until was
properly fixed" His accent was far from Ok
ford and his language wholly Detroit.
Quick as he was to notice this, Bollingtons
ear was kind. He was far too relieved and
excited to be insular and carp. How long
have you been in that business? One can
hardly call it game"
And it isn't, bet your life! Native slang,
that's all. made it in 'thirty-fve - l mean
as regular thing. had had stab at it
here and there - New York, Boston, Chicago
and briefly in Baltimore - cars were always
my stunt - but the slump and unemploy-
ment made it very stiff grade. 1t wasn't till
l dropped the Derek, got grip of the
language and took to wearing jeans that
measured up to the rest. I'm Jock Bollington
now and have pockets on my hips. Hai-ya,
Baby" he added and waved an open hand.
His parents laughed - were deeply i'm
pressed. They were glowing with satisfaction
as they moved to the drawing ROOM Here,
over coffee. the two men smoked cheroots
The room was cold to Derek. He had been
= kl,.A hot