The Nome nugget., 1938-05-21
THE LAMP
 8
 By M. TERRELL Copyright.-WNU Service.
Copyright Service.
/R. HILBERT OAKLEY. bet. \ I ter known-both to the po- V lice and his pals-as Yegg.

on the beams of the fast Pacific Mail. It was long time since the Yegg had travelled the beam route and the first time he had ever been so far west but promise was a promise to Yegg. Perhaps had the Yegg been reared in other circum- stances he might not have followed the career for which his parents had so. carefully educated him. Per haps, too, good in the heart of a thief required no excuses.
 According to the queer twisted code of the underworld there were certain things which Yegg could not conceive any gentleman thief do- ing; one of them was to break a promise-to pal. Yegg had prom ised his dying bunkie, Eddie Leigh ton, alias the Kayo Kid, Lightnin' Eddie, etc., to take the Kids money and a message to his mother, out in Oregon Eddie had met his death in a thieves braWl, a row over the proceeds of the Thornton Beach ho- tel job. By quirk of fate the gun who did it was now serving ten years up river for another job.
 Hence the Vegas journey, sprawled upon the beams of the fastest western express, cursing horribly as he vainly strove to ease the pressure of the gridiron-like rods upon his back and sides, the package of casenotes securely fas tened in the lining of his coat, many times the amount that would have purchased him a comfortable pas sage in the sleeper above. It was dawn when the Vegas train arrived near his destination. Yegg got off at the water tanks.
 Pleasant Harbor rambles down by the tree-shaded lane and garden scented byway to Smoked-pearl beach. Masts etch Wavering pat terms on the sky, there is cheerful chugging of busy launches and a homely smell of clans and tar and seaweed. And near enough to the blue bay and far enough away to be sheltered from rough winds is the Home restaurant of the Widow Leighton, for whose famous clam choWder seafaring men will tack up windy coast fifty miles out of their way.
 The widow was on her front porch watering box of riotous petunias as the Yegg stopped at her white painted gate. She was little and gentle and as she turned her blue eyes upon the Yegg, he felt for moment that he must be looking at Eddie. But the Kid never had a chin like that, he reflected, so firm for all it's smallness, nor had he so straight a nose and unwavering glance. This was undoubtedly Ed dies mother, but she had much that Eddie had lacked.
 "Is-is this the Widow Leighton?' stammered the Yegg feeling sud denly horribly dirty and uncouth. The widow smiled, and if the Yegg had had a tail he would have wagged it like treasured lost dog.
 You come right in, Captain she invited "The chowder'S just getting done and there's a nice salmon trout broiling. l knew when saw that ship come in this morn ing that some hungry sailormen would be around pretty soon.' She hustled him into the cleanest room he had ever seen, sat him down be- fore a small table with a spotless cloth, set shining glass, plate and silver before him and still smiling and the Yegg speechless-she bus tied cheerily into her kitchen.
 While the sun shone in the pol ished windows, immaculate cur tains swayed and canary sang and a fat cat watched it laZily from his bed on a braided rag mat, the Yegg ate the famous chowder, broiled trout and puffy biscuits, drank fragrant coffee and wished he could stay right there forever.
 You shore got a nice place here," he commented after the meal.
 "Yes, Captain" Mrs. Leighton admitted with gentle pride. Your first visit? thought so. Yes, I've worked hard to make it nice. l want it for my son, when he comes home" She turned her kind blue gaze upon the old thief My son is an actor" she told him proudly. Hes on the road when he isn't playing Broadway-I haven't seen him for long time, nor heard from him." she sighed. But know they keep Eddie busy. He's awful smart, and a good boyl"
 So that's what she thought! That's what Eddie had meant. flashed through the Vegas mind. My Ed die," he heard Mrs. Leighton say, half aloud. He looked at her again,