Evening star., 1938-01-30
Blind
~ A I'm" LAYTON. swapping off
~ the headlights, slid from
Wv behind the steering wheel to
the curb, and surveyed the

learn from the stucoo exterior of the typical
Southern California bungalow something of
the character of the man on whom she was
to CALL
While she realized that the well-kept lawn
indicated an efficient gardener, the flower
beds, she knew, spoke of won1an's care, a
woman who would be sensitive to beauty,
soft-spoken, and affectionate The kiddy-kar
on the front porch. the pair of roller skates
near the door, were indicative of obstreperous
youth.
The morgue of THE Planet" had given Win
the highlights of Judge Koomes' career. There
were two children, she knew, girl twenty,
and boy seven. The girl :. -.
Win saw a shadow materialize from the
lawn, to come threateningly toward her, an
ominous police dog, growing menacingly.
She knew enough of canine psychology to
believe that dog reflects the personality of
its master She boldly advanced toward the
stiff legged animal. her right hand outstretched
in gesture of friendship. her voice soothing.
I'm sorry, girl" she said, as the dog
marched bristlingly out into the shaft of
light. "You expect legitimate visitors to walk
up on the porch and ring the bell My stand
ing here, giving the place the once over,
arouses your suspicious, doesn't it,"
Win paused few feet from the dog. ex-
tended her hand. The dog advanced, smelled
of her finger tips, slowly wagged its tail. A
moment later. Win was scratching behind the
animals ears. The dogs tail waved back and
forth in digniied friendship She followed Win
Layton up the cement walk to the porch
where Wins gloved thumb jabbed against the
bell button Steps sounded from the interior,
the door opened, and Judge Koomes, survey
ing Win with cautious eyes, said. Good eve
ming"
I'm Winifred Layton from The Planet, !"
she told him.
will you come in, Miss Laytono" he in
vited.
She followed him through hallway, into
living room, where Judge Koomes intro
duoed his wife, woman in her late forties.
Win had quick impression of rather large
eyes, sensitive mouth, well for skin
and figure, hands slightly roughened by work.
And then Mrs. Koomes adjusted the light so
that her face was in the shadow, and Win felt
Judge Koomes' penetrating eyes riveting her
attention.
What" he asked. "can do for The
Planet?'"
Il cover the women's clubs, Win told him,
and paused for moment so that he might
appreciate the significance of her statement.
His grave nod gave her no clue as to whether
he knew what was coming.
This afternoon" she said, Mrs. Tenni-
son Beck told me her club wasn't going to
endorse your candidacy"
Win noticed that Mrs. Koomes stiffened,
but there was no change in the posture or
expression of her husband.
did she say why?" Judge Koomes asked.
Mrs. Beck claims that you have been seen
harts lieutenants"
For long moment there was silence in the
room, broken by the sound of scratching at
the door. Mrs. Koomes said quickly, "Ill let
her in" but it was Judge Koomes who got to
his feet, went to the front door and held it
open for the dog. Win felt that he welcomed
the interruption.
The dog walked into the room, with true
canine courtesy went to each of the occupants
for sniff and wag of the tail before settling
on what was evidently favorite rug in front
of the fireplace
Judge Koomes said, Il don't think care
to make any reply to Mrs. Beck's statement,