The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1938-09-17

~N~NN--N--N
Cured at Hardwood and Fourth.
The driver is wanted on a hit
run charge. No other identiflca-
ton yet. Attention ell cars while
we repeat"
Pat stood staring into the mir
ror, seeing her own eyes widen
at the memory Of the scene that
flashed before her again. A blue
coupe: thousands of them in the
city of course. No other identifl-
cation as yet. A little stab of fear
thrust at her heart, but she
pushed It away. Thousands Of
such cars. Too traffic-conscious.
That was all.
Voices from downstairs broke
the spell. She gave her nose q
final dab Of 3 powder. and went
down to the security Of the family,
Listen, handsome, Bill inter-
rupted his attack on a well-filled
plate to turn to her. about those
jobs Larry promised me and Joe
this summer. Well, well need a
car to get to work, and we found
swell bargain today: just
roadster, a 1880 model, that we
can get for practically nothing.
Artie Davis wants to get rid of
it. He's going to camp this sum-
mer as q counselor, and he'll let
us have 1t for just about nothing.
If we can make q little down pay
ment we can pay the rest when
we get working. We thought maybe
you'd help us out on the first pay
ment, and we'll pay you back pronto.
How's about it2"
Pat hesitated. They were big
boys now. Old enough to have
jobs, nearly through high school,
old enough to get drivers licenses,
and yet to her they seemed so
young.
She turned uncertainty to her
mother. TITS not just buying
car" she said slowly. There's
insurance. You'd simply have TO
have that, and sometimes I think
cars a terrible IVORY. So many
accidents happen -" her voice
trailed of as the boys over
whelmed her.
my gosh, Pat, we know how to
drive. Haven't we been driving
Arties car for two years? 1t isn't
as though we were beginners. You
got complex from that old traffic
court" Joe said impatiently. "1t's
q wonder you don't try to make
Larry stop selling cars"
Her mother looked at him re-
provingly. Pats thinking Of your
good, young man. Boys are apt
to be needless. You'll probably
speed, and get in accidents. It's
always happening. I don't know
what to say" she concluded
lamely.
well, It doesn't have TO be de-
cided tonight anyway" Pat said
finally, II just want you to real
lie. though, that there Is q re-
sponsibllity In owning a car"
The boys forgot the matter while
they concentrated on ice cream
made In the new electric refrigerator
and after the dishes had been done
Pat thought of her date that even
ing. They were TO 60 TO a dance at
the Country Club--a really smart
affair, Larry had explained. She
went upstairs to look at her dress
a late summers party gown that she
had freshened and frightened with
new touches here and there. After
all she hadn't known Larry last
summer. The dress would be new to
him, but whether or not IL would
be appropriate for dance at the
club was another worry.
Her fears disappeared when she
went to the phone to answer O
call from Larry,
"1'll be little late" his drawl-
ing voice came to her. Delayed
at the Office a bit, but we'll get
there In plenty Of time. Pick you
up around o:30"
She felt the exhilarating thrill
that always came when she heard
his voice. "Of course, darling.
was late getting home myself.
Don't hurry. Just take your time
and be careful"
She had meant to tell him that
he had narrowly avoided being
held UP by an accident that after
noon. II anything ever happened
to him she didn't know what life
would hold for her. She meant
to tell him later Just how fortu-
nate he had been TO be ahead Of
that crash.
The time slipped by magically
while she busied herself with a
shower, brushing her dark hair
into q soft. curling silken halo,
smoothing the lace frock around
her slim hips, dancing O few steps
In the new satin sandals.
And then II was time TO 60. Larry
arrived looking smart and blase IN
his tuxedo, his blond hair shining.
She knew he anticipated the party,